Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-02-06

Il
terial unfit for other professions and cali
ings, is also unfit for the making OF farm
ers. We wish to retain in its ranks. and
also TO win from other professions, the
best talent. the best material, and the
best endeavors of all.
PROF. FERNALD's LECTURE.
Prot. Fernald of The State Agricultural
College. Orono, gave Il very interesting
lecture upon Protection from Light"
ming" Lightning may be classed under
four distinct heads. viz. zig-zag light
.iug, chain lightning, aud heat lightning
The position of the observer has much
to do with its appearances. Heat light
ming is display OF electric light, the po-
sition and effects being SO distant that
the observer hears no report. Ball
lightning defies all the known means OF
mems device for protection. Examples
of terrific devastations were cited. show
inc its terrible destructive powers.
Zig gag lightning is the most common
form the electric fluid oil the clouds pre-
sents 10 our view. Its zig-zag course Is
due, or is supposed To be caused, by the
condensation of the atmosphere before it.
which tends to throw il from direct line
OF movement The sound OF thunder
cannot be heard really 80 far rs reports OF
artillery The prolonged sound OF thun-
der may be accounted Tor from The fact
that the sound comes from several points
al different distances from the nearer.
Lightning generally strikes the most
elevated points 1t seeks metallic bodies
- better conductors. Sometimes light
ming strikes points that are not the most
elevated; this arises from some cause
not readily apparent, concealed from
casua, observation but apparent to close
investigation Lightning does more
damage at its point of departure, than at
the point of approach. Lightning fuses
and sometimes breaks quite large rods
Of metal Lightning fuses and viuities
earthly substances such rs sands, gravel,
clay, &c Lightning frequently perier-
stcs bodies in several places. and often
in different directions 1t is not easy to
determine, in many instances, whether
the stroke is downward or upward In
stances are on record that make 1t appear
that the stroke is from both directions.
The damage by lightning is very large
each year, both in amount OF property
destroyed. and lives lost Ships are pc
culiarly liable TO be struck. Powder
magazines have been frequently struck
by lightning.
What are the projections from light
ing They are mostly OF a negative
character. Chimueys coated with sooI
are good conductors. consequently pc,
sitions near the fireplace or stove are un'
favorable The best place is near the
center of room if there is no lamp or
other depending conductor. Metals worn
about the person are conducive to its At
traction. The most sensible and practi.
cal method of protection was that devised
Jy Franklin.
Metals being good conductors are the
most available tor use in forming contin-
nous conductors of lightning; the'rod
may De composed of iron or copper, the
former being preferable on account OF
its cheapness. IL should be at least three
ioutths OF an inch in diameter. and
should be coated with paint containing
lampblack-perfecl connections to be
maintained throughout, either by weld
ing or screWing together. Abrupt angles
should be avoided The end Of the rod
in the earth should be placed deep
enough % always be in contact with sur
plus moisture. Rods may. where il is
practicable, be terminated in wells. Char
coal placed about the ends Of the rods
ia the earth will help retain the moisture.
Rods should project several feet above
each chimney, ami ON those sides from
which showers usually present them
selves
Great neglect is manifest in the condi-
ton of many rods upon buildings at
present They should be continuous,
fastened to the building with non-con
Quoting lastenings, and the lower end
placed III permanent moisture; also the
r'ds should be not less than three-tourths
of an inch in diameter, 1t is not essen
tial To have the rods twisted or spiral,
neither i it particular objection.
Lightning follows the grain OF tree
because between the grains there is a