[ 75 8 ] 
made, had any communication, by means of metal, 
with the earth. For, if it had, there is then more 
danger attending thefe experiments than I imagined. 
It is likewife laid in that paper, that from the elec- 
trical needle, which he obferved, there was no dan- 
ger. I am at a lofs to know what that electrical 
needle was, and fhould be glad to be informed. I 
know, that a magnetic needle placed on a fharp 
point upon the prime conductor, as foon as the con- 
ductor is fufficiently electrified, will move round 
with fo great rapidity, that in the dark the electri- 
city, thrown off from both poles of the needle, will 
appear like a circle ©f fire. 
Anpwers of Dr. Lining to the Queries fent to him . 
Query i. In what manner, and of what materials, 
was your kite, and the fixing, by which you flew it, 
made ? and to what height did it rife above the 
earth ? 
Anfwer . The kite, which I ufed, was made in the 
common way; only, in place of paper, I covered it 
with a filk, called alamode. The line was a common 
fmall hempen one of three brands. A filk line, 
except it had been kept continually wet, would not 
conduCt the electricity; and a wire, befides other 
inconveniencies, would have been too heavy. I had 
not any inflxument, whereby I could take the height 
of the kite ; but, I believe, it was at lead: 2 50 feet 
high. It was flown in the day-time. 
Query 2. You fay alfo, “ All the eleCtrical fluid, 
41 or lightning, was drawn from the cloud, and dif- 
44 charged in the air; and a greater degree of fere- 
44 nity fucceeded, and no more of the awful noife 
2 44 of 
