The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-05-11
LIGHTNING AND THUNDERSTORM.
Some Interesting Facts and Theories
from Rev. DR.. Harrison.


from Rev. DR.. Harrison.
EDITORS ATLANTA CONSTITUTION
Apropos of storms and electricity, will
you permit me to answer, through your
columns, number of inquiries? AS you
are, in some sort, responsible for the
questions propounded to me, feel sure
that you will allow me little space for
a general reply.
It is highly probable that this spring
and summer will be as remarkable for
thunderstorms and vivid displays of cleo
tricity, as last summer was for tornadoes
and cyclones. As all storm.movements
are cycloid, many persons will confound
local thunderstorm with a genuine
cyclone, and in some instances the imme-
dia:e results are not less disastrous. A
few precautions can be observed by all
persons, and write simply to call atten-
tion to these.
An imperfect lightning rod on build
ing is vastly worse than none. If the
ground connections are broken, or, which
often amounts to nearly the same thing,
if the connection with the earth is so
shallow, as to bear the base of the rod in
dry dust the electric point will attract
the fluid only to disperse it, if shorter,
more direct route to the moist earth can
be found. The base of the rod shouldlie
in all instances below the frost line, to
meet and preserve q moist connection
with the great reservoir. Some buildings
having apparently good lightning rods
have been struck by Lightning, the rea-
son, I think, will be found in the sugges-
ton just made.
The Insulation of the rod from the roof
and sides of the building is not necessary,
but I think it is advisable, for reasons
which presume need not give, as the
practice of insulation is general.
On the approach of black, sullen
cloud, especially when the atmosphere
has been sultry and oppressive to the
lungs, there will generally be noticed a
cool breeze, the forerunner of the gale
and the rain. At the first onset of this
cool breeze, open the windows and doors
of the house as wide as possible-all the
windows and doors if practicable-that
the electric fluid inside the house may be
mingled with that Of the atmosphere
without. Many persons are accustomed
to do the very opposite. They close win.
dows and doors, and consequently the
air-draft up the chimney sends spire of
electricity to draw the bolt from the
upper regions of the air. Hence, our
chimney fues are the usual scene of DAM
age by electricity. i q geitiiy- tan
As soon as the equilibrium of the at
mosphere within and without the house
is established, then close the windows
and the doors. IlBeware of keeping open
currentlway for the storm, in hall and
passage ways. - Il ei;4.,,s...ss:7fi III
People in the country should beware
of taking refuge in barns where large
quantities of hay 3and dry fodder are
stored. The lask,of ventilation in1 these
buildings render them. for reasons
above, more liable to be struck by light
ming than any others. 7g3r qFT
Trees which overhang streams of
water, such as rivulets and brooks, are
always dangerous in thunderstorms. It
is not always the highest tree which is
struck by lightning, but the one that is
in the most direct path to water. whether
the water is above or below the surface.
Subterranean water currents have caused
the destruction of rlany trees.
In cities, the frequent ventilation of
cellars in hot weather is advisable. A
magazine of fixed electricity is q dan
gerous possession at any period of the
year. Pure air in the bed chamber is
essential to health, and the electrical
eauipoise outside and inside of the build
ing will prevent, as far as human wisdom
can prevent, the destruction of life by
lightning. "s
A solitary tree in large field or plain
is dangerous shelter in q thunderstorm.
Better get thoroughly out than to cross
the path of the lightning. ai,'e.. s'''4
Ifa genuine cyclone approaches, or
sure storm, the best refuge is q cellar
underground. That may not always fur
nish protection, but nothing else will.
luAbove all, let US commit ourselves, at
all times into the hands of the gracious
Providence, whose ministers the storms
and the lightnings are. A storm may
ward off an epidemic; let us not muir
mur, if we cannot understand, the ways
of Himrwho inhabiteth eternity. ehHe
who often speaks in our day,ias in that
of Job, out of the whirlwind, has no other
purpose now than He had then, to re-
prove, to rebuke, but also to bless our
race. ~ 50 80 a's''.t