Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-22
sTAITNTON, VIRGINIA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY %, 1852

single discharge will produce two holes in card
each punCture marked by single burr, one on
the upper and the other on the under sideiof the
card In some instances the results are such as to
suggest that q flash may be split up into several
| fiery filaments before it strikes an object. In
1777, weathercock Of timed copper was hurled
| by thunderbolt from the top OF church in
Cremona, and, upon inspection, was found to be
pierced with eighteen holes; in nine OF them the
burr was conspicuous on one side, and in nine it
was equally prominent on the other, while the
| slope of the burr was identical in all.
| Among the curiosities of lightning are what
is termed "fulgurites or tubes, which the light
ming constructs when it falls upon silicious
spot, by fusing the sand. They may be called
casts of thunderbolts. In some hillocks of sand
in Cumberland, England, these hollow tubes
have been found from one.hftieth to two inches
in diameter, tapering perhaps to q mere point
The entire extent of the tubes may be thirty
feet, but they usually separate into numerous
branches, and have the appearance OF the skele-
ton of an inverted tree. They are lined with
glass, as smooth and perfect as if it had been
made in glass house.
MINISTERIAL WooINe.-A good story is told
of Methodist preacher, and the story is true to
letter, who lived about forty years ago. he
was bachelor, and We could write his real
name but prefer to call him Smith. He eresisted
many persuasions to marry, which his friends
were constantly making, until he had reached q
tolerably advancing age, or at least to have new
| ideas of the comfort of being nursed with wo-
mans gentle care. Shortly after entering one Of
his circuits, maiden lady also ofripe years, was
strongly recommended to him, and his friends
again urged that he had better get married
representing that the lady nemed would probably
not refuse to accept him, Notwithstanding bis
reputed eccentricities.
'Do you think tho :" responded the dominic
for he very perceptibly lisped; "then III go and
thee her."
| He is man of his word His ring at the door.
| bell was answered by the serving maid
| 9TH NTH P within2" briskly but calmly
asked the lover.
Eyes sir. Will you walk in9"
''No thank you. Will you be kind enough
I to thay to NTH P that with to thpeak tc
her moment"
Miss P appeared, and repeated the invita-
ton to walk in.
"No, thank you; I'll thoon explain my bust.
ness. I'm the new Methodist preacher. I'm
unmarried. My friends think I'd better marry
They recommend you for my wife. Have you
any objectionss"
"Why, really, Mr.. s."
"There, no more now. Will call thith day
week for your reply Good day."
On that day week he reappeared at the door
of Miss P--'s residence. 1t was promptly
answered by the lady herself.
eWalk in, Mr.. Smith,"
"Cannot, ma'am. Have not time. Start on
my circuit round in half an hour. lth your an
ther ready, ms'ama"
80, do walk in, Mr. Smith,"
| "Can't, indeed, ma'am. Pleath aather me
yeth or no."
"Well, Mr.. Smith, it is q very serious matter.
I should not like to get ont Of the scay Of Pro0-
idence-"
Iperfsctly underthand you, NTH P. We
will be married thith day week. will call at
thith hour. Pleath be ready ma'am," /" saying
which he departed.
He called on that day week at that hour. She
was ready they were married, and lived happl-
lp oayarol