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the connection of tlie electrical fluid with the earth. 

 Many were disposed to ridicule him, and when he asked 

 various ones to help him with the experiment they de- 

 clined, through fear of the consequences; but he finally 

 secured the assistance of a boy, who accompanied him 

 out in a severe thunder storm, and helped with the ex- 

 periment. The apparatus consisted of a jar, a door key 

 and a large silken kite which was raised, and attached 

 to a silk thread. The kite, owing to its contact with 

 the lightning became charged with electricity, and aft- 

 er a time when Franklin touched his finger to the key 

 a spark was seen accompanied by a sharp crack. 

 Doubtless it alarmed the lad, but being employed, he 

 most likely stood his ground untill the suspicious busi- 

 ness was over. Franklin retired, satisfied that he was 

 successful. 



The mysteries of nature are wonderful, curious, un- 

 searchable; and although much has been discovered and 

 apparently solved, yet there remains a vast amount 

 hidden from man's wisdom. 



We are indebted to the wasp for the first rudiments 

 of paper making, which has been improved upon until 

 the present mode of making it has been adopted. The 

 wasp's actions when preparing the material for her 

 nest are worthy of notice. 



We will now leave the things which have been in- 

 vented and builded by man, and make a short visit to 

 those already formed by nature. One of the most strik- 

 ing in the United States, or the world, is the Natural 

 Bridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia, which from 



