[ 88 ] 
EXP. VI. 
The twine fhould have, through-out, a very fmall 
wire in it; and the ends of the wire, where the fe- 
veral lengths are united, ought to be tied down with 
a waxed thread to prevent their acting in the manner 
of points. I have tried the experiment twice, when 
the air was as dry as we ever have it, and fo clear 
that not a cloud could be feen ; and found the twine 
each time, in a fmall degree eledtrifed pofitively. 
The kite had three metalline points fixed to it 3 one 
on the top, and one on each fide. That the twine 
was eledtrifed, appeared by the feparating of two 
fmall cork balls fufpended on the twine by fine flaxen 
threads, juft above where the fllk was tied to it, and 
fheltered from the wind. That the twine was elec- 
trifed pofitively, was proved by applying to it the 
wire of a charged bottle; which caufed the balls to 
feparate further, without firft coming nearer together. 
This experiment fhewed, that the electricity in the air, 
at thofe times, was denfer above than below. But 
that cannot be always the cafe ; for you know we 
have frequently found the thunder clouds in the ne- 
gative hate, attracting electricity from the earth. 
Which hate it is probable they are always in when 
firfl; formed, and till they have received a fufficient 
fupply. How they come afterwards, towards the 
latter end of the guft, to be in the pofitive date, 
which is fometimes the cafe, is a fubjedt for further 
enquiry. 
After the above experiments with the wooden 
needle, I formed a crofs of two pieces of wood, of 
equal 
