Virginia 



the efficacy of electrical rods, than this: before the 

 discovery of them, these gusts were frequently pro- 

 ductive of melancholy consequences; but now it is 

 rare to hear of such instances. It is observable that 

 no house was ever struck, where they were fixed: 

 and although it has frequently happened that the 

 rods themselves have been melted, or broken to 

 pieces, and the houses scorched or discoloured along 

 the sides of them, which manifested that they had 

 received the stroke, but that the quantity of light- 

 ning was too great to be carried off by the conductor, 

 yet never has any misfortune happened; such a 

 direction having been given to the lightning as to 

 prevent any danger or ill consequence. These cir- 

 cumstances, one would imagine, should induce every 

 person to get over those prejudices which many have 

 entertained; and to consider the neglect, rather 

 than the use, of them as criminal, since they seem 

 to be means put into our hands by Providence for 

 our safety and protection. 



The soil of Virginia is in general good. There 

 are barrens where the lands produce nothing but 

 pine trees; but taking the whole tract together, it is 

 certainly fertile. The low grounds upon the rivers 

 and creeks are exceedingly rich, being loam inter- 

 mingled with sand: and the higher you go up into 



Honourable John Blair, President of the Council of Virginia, who 

 mentioned it as a well-known fact: but it appears so improbable 

 and unphilosophical, that I do not pledge myself for the truth of it. 



[37] 



