WJiirlioinds excited by Fires. 63 



Upon the fire becoming general throughout the field, a whirlwind 

 had formed in the midst of the flames, and when I first saw the 

 phenomenon, its appearance was sublime and awful. The flames 

 were collected from every side into a large column, broad at the 

 bottom, but suddenly tapering to a much smaller size, and it 

 stood erect in the field to the probable height of 150 to 200 feet. 

 It was a pillar of living and most vivid flame, whirling round with 

 most astonishing velocity, while from its top proceeded a spire of 

 black smoke, to a height beyond the reach of the eye, and whirl- 

 ing with the same velocity with the column of flame. The noise 

 produced by this whirlwind, was louder than almost any thunder 

 I have ever heard ; and being much longer continued, was heard 

 at a greater distance than is commonly the case with thunder. 

 During the whole period of its continuance, the pillar of fire 

 moved slowly and majestically round the field ; but generally the 

 air was entirely free from both fire and smoke, except what was 

 collected in the column. The spire of smoke, above the pillar of 

 fire, not only whirled around with the most surprising rapidity, 

 but owing to its great height, waved gracefully in the air, which 

 added much to the beauty and splendor of the exhibition. The 

 force of the whirlwind was so great, that young trees of six or 

 eight inches in diameter, which had been cut and were lying on 

 the ground, were taken up by it, and carried to the height of for- 

 ty or fifty feet. 



The scene was to me perfectly novel ; and though it occurred 

 nearly fifty years ago, is still clear and distinct in my recollection, 

 and it was one of the most magnificent spectacles that I have 

 ever witnessed." 



" NeiD York, November %Sth, 1831." 



Mr. Dwight related, also, that the men who lighted up the field, 

 became so alarmed by this whirlwind of fire, as to rush for safety 

 to the neighboring river. 



During a visit to Amherst, in Massachusetts, in the month of 

 August, 1832, I obtained from Dr. Cowles, of that place, the fol- 

 lowing account of a similar case, which occurred in that vicinity, 

 under that gentleman's immediate observation. 



Statement of Doctor Cowles. 



" In the summer of 1824, I had prepared for burning the refuse 

 timber and brushwood, on seven acres of pine woodland, which 



