160 On the Causes uf the Tornado, or Water Spout. 



tance from that of New Brunswick. He conceives that the phe- 

 nomena all concurred to demonstrate an " inward motion from all 

 directions towards the center of the tornado, and an upward motion 

 in the middle." These statements of Mr. Espy are confirmed by 

 Prof. Bache. 



One fact of some importance has not been mentioned by Mr. Espy, 

 which was observed by persons who were upon the ground, during 

 or soon after the catastrophe. I allude to the partial withering of the 

 foliage of those small trees or shrubs which, from their suppleness, 

 were like the reed in the fable, neither uprooted nor overthrown. 

 This unpleasant effect was perceptible when 1 visited the scene. 

 Each leaf was only partially withered. As it would be inconceiva- 

 ble that mechanical laceration could have thus extended itself equa- 

 bly among the foliage, a surmise may be warranted that the change 

 was effected by the electricity associated with the tornado. 



Concluding Remarks, by the Author of the Article. 



I ought, perhaps, sooner to have acknowledged that I am aware 

 that it has often been suggested that water spouts might be caused by 

 electricity ; but the conjecture has not, so far as my information goes, 

 been heretofore supported by any satisfactory explanation as to the 

 mode in which such a tremendous power could arise from that source. 

 That I am warranted in this impression, will, I trust, appear evident 

 from the circumstance that two of the most distinguished among the 

 late writers in the department of science to which the subject belongs, 

 seem to admit, or to demonstrate, their inability to afford any expla- 

 nation. 1 allude to Pouillet and Despretz. 



In his treatise on meteorology, Pouillet introduces two narratives 

 respecting tornadoes, which were analogous in every essential point 

 to that of New Brunswick. Especially the existence of an hiatus is 

 proved by the allegation that the walls of prostrated houses were 

 thrown down outwards. A laborer was first urged forwards, in the 

 next place lifted, and lastly overthrown. 



The learned and ingenious author concludes with these remarks. 

 " Comment cette puissance, quelquefois si prodigieuse, peut-elle pren- 

 dre naissance au milieu des airs? C'est une question, il faut de dire, 

 a laquelle la science ne peut faire aucune reponse precise. De toules 

 les conjectures vagues et hasardees, que I'on peut faire sur I'origine 

 de ce meteore, la moins invraisemblable est peut-etre celle que le 

 regarde comme un tourbillon d'une excessive intensite. Mais une 



