Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-07-26
MONTPELIER, VERMONT, THURSDAY,

nlng Is more frequent as the clouds aggregate.
The conductors and imperfect conductor
through which lightning directs its course whcl
1t strikes building, are generally the M tall
appendaees OF the walls and partitions; tn
most secure situation is therefore in the middl
oil the room, especially when standing on hail
matsresss, or even thick hearth-rug and if ,
bed be drawn into the middle Of the room Il
will afford perhaps the safest of all situations
The part OF every building least likely to re-
eeived injury is the middle story, as the light
ming does not always pass from the clouds tc
the earth, but occasionally from the earth to the
clouds, phenomenon called the g returning
stroke" hence it is useless to take refuge in
the lowest story or in cellar.
Many instances are recorded in which the
basement story has been the only part of build
ing that has sustained severe injury, the light
ming being weakened as it ascended.
Whatever situation be chosen, any approach
to the fireplace is most dangerous for the
heated air, or even the SCOT in the chimney, are
conductors sufficiently good to determine the
course of the Lightning fash, especially as they
are in immediate connection with the excellent
condu citing iron-work Of the CRATE, fender, and
fire irons the same caution is necessary with
respect to gilt furniture, bell.wires, and mode
rately extensive metallic surfaces Of every de.
scripton.
1t is likewise exceedingly dangerous to ap-
proach window for the purpose of closing its
shutters, if they have large iron bars or bolts
for fastcnings an instance is known of shock
having been suddenly experienced by a female
endeavoring to bar window during n severe
discharge Of lightning; the effect lasted con-
siderable time, but fortunately did not prove fl-
tai. In u carriage, the rrecaution of keeping
at some inches distance from its sides or back is
also advisable.
These pant ltculars have been enumerated from
desire to supply what useful information the
present state Of our knowledge may afford, and
to diminish that anxiety and fear by which the
minds of many are oppressed during the occur
renee of these magnificent but awful phenom-
ena.
The operation of mysterious agents has al
ways considerable effect on the human mind !;
and by raising a host of unreal terrors, may
suspend the action of its best energies but
when wea are enabled to ascertain something re-
garding the nature and influence of the powers
which surround us, we are prepared to meet
their effects with feelings equally remote from
vain confidence and useless fear; and are thus
enabled to avoid their dangers effectually and
without agitation.
Where persons have been killed by lightning,
it has generally come upon them 90 suddenly as
to leave no time for precantion; though itmust
also be admitted that some have suffered from
foolishly ridiculing the idea Of danger, and
wantonly exposing themselves to the storm,
walking out to admire its grandeur, or insisting
upon opening the windows to look out and OBJ
serve it. or standing under a tree for shelter.
A severe Thunderstorm is alwaysa an awful and
dangerous phenomenon and while, on the one
hand, it is the extreme of folly to neglect COM
mon precaution or to ridieule those that are
alarmed,-it is, on the other, equally weak to
give way to unfoundcd apprehension.