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we observed before, electricity finds considerable obstruction where the conductor is interrupted.

For an edifice of a moderate size, one conductor, in the manner already described, is perhaps sufficient; but in order to secure a large building from sustaining any damage by lightning, there should be two, three, or more conductors, in proportion to the extent of the building*.

In SHIPS a chain has often been used for this purpose, which, on account of its pliableness, has been found very convenient, and easy to be managed among the rigging of the vessel; but as the electricity finds a great obstruction in going through the several links, for which reason chains have been actually broken by the lightning, so their use has now been almost entirely laid aside; and, in their stead, copper wires a little thicker than a goose-quill have been substituted, and found to answer very well. One of these wires should be elevated two or three feet above the highest mast in the vessel; this should be continued down the mast, as far as the deck,

MI ROBERT PATERSON of Philadelphia, proposes as an improve. ment on conductors, first to insert, in the top of the rod, a piece of the best black-lead, about two inches long, and terminating in a fine point which projects a little above the end of its metallic socket; so that if the black-lead point should, by any accident, be broken off, that of the rod would be left sharp enough to answer the purpose of a metallic conductor. His second inter tion is, to facilitate the passage of the electric fluid from the lower part of the rod into the surrounding earth. In many cases, it is impracticable, from the interruption of rocks and other obstacles, to sink the rod so deeply as to reach moist earth, or any other substance that is a tolerably good conductor of electricity. To remedy this defect, Mr PATERSON proposes to make the lower part of the rod, either of tin or copper, which metals are far less liable to corrosion or rust, than iron, when lying under ground; or, which will answer the purpose still better, to coat that part of the conductor, of whatever metal it may consist, with a thick crust of black-lead previously formed into a paste, by being pulverized, mixed with melted sulphur, and applied to the rod, while hot. By this precaution, the lower part of the rod will, in his opinion, retain its conducting powers for ages, without any diminution.

In order to increase the surface of the subterraneous part of the con. ductor, he directs a hole, or pit, of sufficient extent, to be dug as deep as convenient; into which a quantity of charcoal should be put, surrounding the lower extremity of the rod. Thus, the surface of that part of the conductor, which is in contact with the earth, may be increased with little trouble or expense; a circumstance of the first importance to the security against those accidents-as charcoal is an excellent conductor of electricity, and will undergo little or no change of property, by lying in the earth for a long series of years.

WILLICE'S DOMESTIC ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

deck, where by hending, it should be adapted to the surface of such parts, over which it. may most conveniently be placed, and by continuing it down the side of the vessel, it should be always made to communicate with the water of the sea.

As lightning is observed to take the readiest and best con ductor, Dr FRANKLIN infers, that in a thunder storm, it would be safer for a person to have his clothes wet tlian dry.

MEANS TO BE USED FOR THE RECOVERY OF PERSONS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

THE moment a person is found in this state, no time should be lost in obtaining medical assistance, and mean time, cold water should be repeatedly thrown over the face and other parts of the body, drying at intervals. Clothes and bandages of every kind must be removed; the body placed in a reclining posture and the head raised, somewhat leaning to the right side: thus the subject is to be covered with warm blankets or cloths; while both the doors and windows are opened for admitting fresh air. Apply cold poul tices to the head; cloths dipped in vinegar to the pit of the stomach; and gentle friction, which should be resorted to, alternately, with the sprinkling of cold water, from the beginning of the process; at first with great caution, over the lower extremities, and gradually extending it upwards to the left side of the body.

In particular cases, it will be advisable to open a vein, or to electrify the patient, by directing the shocks through the breast, so that this fluid may pervade the heart.-Meanwhile, pure air may be blown into the lungs; and, if anxiety appea to prevail, blisters should be applied to the chest. As these had better be performed by a medical gentleman, every means should be used to procure his early attendance.

When signs of returning life become evident, the mode of treatment before pointed out, must be continued for some time, though with great moderation. The cloths applied to the pit of the stomach, should now be dipped in wine, or · warm vinegar; common poultices applied to the injured parts; and emollient clysters may be occasionally given. Lastly, when the patient is able to swallow, a mixture of wine and water, or balm-tea, may be safely administered.

Work to be done in the Cottager's Garden in September. TRANSPLANT Lettuce, Celery, and Endive. Plant Strawberries and Box Edgings. Transplant Evergreens, Dig vacant Borders, &c.

Poetry.

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A Father's Advice to his Son.

M'My dearest innocent attend,

Y youth's first hope, my manhood's treasure,

Nor fear rebuke, or sour displeasure:

A father's loveliest name is Friend.

Some truths from long experience flowing,
Worth more than royal grants, receive;
For truths are wealths of heaven's bestowing,
Which king's have seldom power to give.
Since, from an ancient race descended,
You boast an unattainted blood,.
By yours be their fair fame attended,
And claim by birthright-to be good.
In love for every fellow creature,
Superior rise above the crowd;
What most ennobles human nature,
Was ne'er the portion of the proud.

Be thine the generous heart that borrows
From others' joy a friendly glow,
And for each hapless neighbour's sorrows
Throbs with a sympathetic woe.

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This is the temper most endearing;

Though wide proud Pomp her banner spreads,
An heav'nlier power Good-nature bearing,
Each heart in willing thraldom leads.

Taste not from fame's uncertain fountain
The peace-destroying streams that flow,
Nor from ainbition's dangerous mountain
Look down upon the world below.

The

1

The princely pine on hill's exalted,
Whose lofty branches cleave the sky,
By winds, long brav'd, at last assaulted,
Is headlong whirl'd in dust to lie ;
While the mild rose, more safely growing
Low in its unaspiring vale,
Amid retirements shelter blowing,
Exchanges sweets with every gale.
Wish not for beauty's darling features,
Moulded by nature's partial power;
For fairest forms 'mong human creatures
Shine but the pageants of an hour.
I saw the pride of all the meadow,
At noon a gay Narcissus blow
Upon a river's bank, whose shadow
Bloom'd in the silver waves below;
By noontide's heat, its youth was wasted
The waters, as they pass'd complained:
At eve, its glories all were blasted,
And not one former tint remained.
Nor let vain wit's deceitful glory
Lead you from wisdom's path astray;
What genius lives renown'd in story,
To happiness who found the way?
In vonder mead behold that vapour,
Whose vivid beams illusive play:
Far off it seems a friendly taper,

To guide the traveller on his way;

But should some hapless wretch, pursuing,
Tread where the treach'rous meteors glow,
He'd find, too late, his rashness rueing,
That fatal quick-sands lurk below.

In life such bubbles not admiring,
Gilt with false light, and fill'd with air,
Do you, from pageant crowds retiring,
To peace in virtue's cot repair.

There seek the never-wasted treasure
Which mutual love and friendship give,
Domestic comfort, spotless pleasure,
And blest and blessing you will live,

If heav'n with children crown your dwelling,

As mine its bounty does with you,

In fondness fatherly excelling,

Th' example you have felt pursue.

THE PRUDENT DECISION;

OR

HOW TO CHOOSE A WIFE BY CHEESE.

THERE liv'd in York, an age ago,

A man whose name was PIMLICO:
He lov'd three sisters passing well;
But which the best he could not tell.
These sisters three, so very fair,
Shew'd Pimlico their tend'rest care:
For each was elegantly bred,

And all were much inclin'd to wed;
And all made Pimlico their choice,
And prais'd him with their sweetest voice.
Young Pim, the gallant and the gay,
Like ass divided 'tween the hay,
At last resolv'd to gain his ease,
And chuse his wife by eating cheese.
He wrote his card, he seal'd it

up,

And said with them that night he'd sup;
And begg'd that there might only be
Good Cheshire cheese, and but them three;
He was resolv'd to crown his life,
And by these means to fix his wife.
The girls were pleas'd at his conceit;
Each dress'd herself divinely neat ;
With faces full of peace and plenty,
Blooming with roses under twenty:
For surely Nancy, Betty, Sally,
Were sweet as lilies of the valley.
But singly, surely buxom Bet -
Was like new-hay and minionet;
But each surpass'd a poet's fancy,
For that, of truth, was said of Nancy:
And as for Sall, she was a Donna,
As fair as those of old Crotona,
Who to Apelles lent their faces,
To make up madam Helen's graces.
To those, the gay, divided Pim
Came elegantly smart and trim:

When

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