138 THE EEA90N WHY. 



' To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old ; lo, he 

 dot; end out his voice, and that a mi^nty voice." PSALM ixvin. 



conductor, and would convey the electricity harmlessly to the 

 earth. 



G01. Why does electricity seize upon bell wires and iron 

 fastenings ? 



Because copper wires are the vety lest conductors of electricity ; 

 and iron articles are also good conductors. 



602. Supposing electricity to attack a bell, wire, where 

 would the point of danger exist ? 



At the extremities of the wire, where the conducting power of 

 the wire would cease, and the electricity would seek to find another 

 conductor. 



603. Are umbrellas, with steel frames, dangerous in an 

 electric storm ? 



They are dangerous in some degree, because they might convey 

 electricity to the hand, and then transfer it to the body. But, 

 generally speaking, when it rains, the rain itself, being a good 

 conductor, relieves the disturbance of electricity by conveying it to 

 the ground. 



604. Are iron bedsteads dangerous in electric storms ? 



No, they are safe, because the iron frame, completely surround- 

 ing the body, and having a great capacity for conduction, would 

 keep the electricity away from the body. 



605. Why is it safe to be in bed during an electric storm ? 

 Because feathers, hair, wool, cotton, &c., especially when dry, 



are good insulators or non-conductors. 



606. What is the safest situation to be in during an 

 electric storm ? 



In the centre of a room, isolate i t as far as possible from sur- 

 rounding objects ; sitting on a chair, and avoiding handling any of 

 the conducting substances. The windows and doors should be 

 closed, to prevent drafts of air. 



607. In the open air, what is the safest situation f 

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