Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-08-18
ICoreeStFr:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1924.


BIGELow's FLoRULA BosToNIENsIs. The
second edition of this work. which has been
for some time anxiousIy looked for, is now
published, and, from cursory examination,
we believe it must answer every reasonable
expectation entertained Of it. 1t contains de-
scnptions OF about twice as many plants as
the first edition, among which are several new
species, and, although we find that some of
The Heterogeneous plants of this vicinity are
yet omitted, we believe it contains a greater
proportion of them than any other work. In
his descriptions, DR.. Bigelow is peculiarly
happy, combining at once conciseness with
great cleaness and precision. His former
edition has done much to promote taste for
the study of Botany, and we doubt not that
the present one will increase it, as the pleas
ure attending the pursuit of any science, is
enhanced by the clearness and perfection OF
the works which treat OF it.
| The Botanical student will, we think. find
| this the best Manual to be obtained for the
New England States.--One great improve
ment in this edition is the addition of a con-
siderably copious glossary of Botanical terms.
We hope DR.. Biselow will meet with all the
encouragement, in the sale of his work, to
which its merits 80 justly entitle him.
| -
I LIGHTNING. The damage done by light
ming within fortnight past, in different parts
of the country, we think exceeds that OF any
other period of the same duration within our
| recollection. Among the instances, of which
we have heard, are the following. In Ash
| burnham barn belonging TO Asa Woods was
consumed with its contents, being about IS
| tons Of hay. In Lancaster, on the 9th inst.
| the house of Simeon Bowman was struck and
| the lightning passed through the house in sew
eral directions, shivering boards and timbeTs
in its progress till it reached the cellar. Sew
eral persons were slightly injured and one, a
neighbour, who happened TO be in the house
at the time, received shock from which she
did not recover until some hours afterwards.
On the 10Th inst. house in Grafton was
struck and four or five children were made in
sensible for some time. Further particulars
have not been received. On the 18th inst.
the barn of Col. Peter Kendall, in Sterling,
was entirely consumed by lightning. In addi-
ton to the hay which it contained we under
stand there was in tia large quantity Of grain.
Loss estimated at one thousand dollars.
Before leaving this subject we would call
the attention ofour readers to two things, sim
pie, cheap, and effcacious, the one preser-
vative and the other relief, viz. lightning
rods, and insurance. No instance has come
within our knowledge, of injury sustained by
lightning where a building was furnished with
a properly constructed conductor. The most
usual fault in the construction, is not carrying
them far enough into the ground They should
be carried at least six or eight feet from the
surface, and as lar from the cellar wall in a
horizontal direction, with the point turned
downwards Sharp angles in the rods should
be avoided, as there is danger of the fluid d.
vidng when it comes to sudden turn and
part of it entering the building.
The advantages of insurance are too palpa.
BILE 10 need illustration. For sum compare
lively triaing: the risk ofloss isguarded against.
and, in case OF destruction by fire, the sufferer
is at once placed in situation to rebuild
without depending On the charity of his fellow
citizens.
An adjourned term of the Supreme Judicial
Court is now in session in this town. held BY
Judge Wilde.
New YoRK.' The Legislature of New
York have adjourned after a session of five
days, without transacting the business fol
which they were convened by the Governor
In the House vote was passed by majority
Of about thirty, ''othat it is expedient at the
present time TO provide for the choice of Flee.
tors of President and Vice President by the
People" The Senate, however, refused to
consider the resolution, or to do any act OF
legislation, on the plea that they were uncon.
additionally convened. The House finding
it unavailing to Protract the session concurred
with the Senate IN their resolution to adjourn.
Thus it remains stilEdoubtful who will receive
the electoral votes of that State, both partie;
claiming the ascendancy. 1.-THE votes which
have been taken may be considered fair ties.
of the relative strength of parties, there will
be an anti-Crawlord majority Of about twenty
i'll joint ballot of the two Houses.
vt The Presidency. Two meetings arc
notified to be holden in this town, on the Cd
OF next month, in relation to the presidential