[ 2 54 ] 
clouds, feems an aflertion built upon a very unftable 
foundation, whofe whole fuperftruCture may well 
enough be termed an air-built caftle, the bafelefs fa- 
bric of a vifion. 
Add to this, that Mr. Eeles, in page 140. tells us, 
that himfelf has pafled thro’ clouds refting on the 
fides of mountains. Ought not thofe clouds to have 
immediately difcharged their electricity, and fallen ? 
And common experience may remind us, that any 
cold bodies will condenfe vapour, whatever be their 
eleCtric properties. So mirrors, or the glafs of win- 
dows, in damp rooms, are moil frequently found 
covered with dew j which, of all other bodies, ought 
mod to be exempted from collecting vapours fup- 
ported by electricity, as they are the leaft capable to 
attraCt or draw off that sether. 
From all which, well examined, I am perfuaded, 
gentlemen, you will be induced to conclude, that 
tho’ clouds may fometimes poffefs an accumulation 
of electricity, yet that this is only an accidental cir- 
cumftance, and not a conftant one ; and thence can 
have no poflible influence either in the elevation or 
fupport of them. I am, 
Gentlemen, 
Your very humble Servant, 
Litchfield, -r> r T ~v 
March 23. 1757. fcraimus Darwin* 
XXXI. 
