Page 22 Advertisements Column 3

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 48, 20 November 1926, Page 22

anglers. WHY LIGHTNING STRIKES TREES EXCELLENT CONDUCTORS WHEN WET. The writer of au article m the Dearborn Independent” (stated to have been compiled from data furnished by the United States- Forest Service) asserts that trees are the objects most eften struck bv lightning for the following reasons:--They are very numerous. As a part of the’ ground they extend upward and shorten the distance to a cloud. Their spreading branches in the air and spreading toots in the ground present an excellent form of conducting lectrical discharges to the earth. We read further "The likelihood, of a tree being struck by lightning is increased if it is taller than surrounding trees, isolated upon high ground, deeply rooted, and if it is the best conductor at the moment of The flash, that is. if temporary conditions such as being wet by rain transforms it for the moment from a poor conductor to a good one. A heavy driving rain, such as accompanies a thunderstorm, can so wet any tree that it will, for the time being, become an excellent conductor. Up to that time the tree might have been in itself a poor conductor. Thus, though the moisture content of wood, particularly within the outermost ’.aver of growth in a living tree, adds to the variability of induction even the most resinous of trees with lowest moisture content can under a heavy rain become a splendid conductor in a moment’s time. Because of this and the fact that the form of the most efficient lightning od. with its branches at both ends, resembles that of a tree it is evident that any kind of tree is likely to he struck by ’ightning.

I siw -jßljfe eiwt Also in 1/- cartons.