A. Because a tall pointed object, (like a tree or spire,) will frequently _discharge_ a lightning-cloud; and then the electric fluid _will pass down it_, in its way to the earth. Q. _How can a TREE or SPIRE DISCHARGE a lightning-cloud?_ A. A lightning-cloud (floating over a _plain_) may be _too far off_ to be discharged by it; but as a tree, or spire, would _shorten_ the distance between the cloud and its conductor, it might no longer be too far off a conductor to be discharged. Q. _Is not air a CONDUCTOR of lightning?_ A. No; dry air is _not_ a conductor of lightning; and therefore, the flash _rends it in twain_, to get to some conductor. Q. _Why would it be dangerous to stand near a tree or spire, while lightning is passing down it?_ A. Because the electric fluid (called lightning) always rushes down the _outside_ of the tree or spire; and if any one were standing near, might pass through _him_, and kill or maim him. Q. _Does lightning go through the inside or outside of a tree?_ A. It rolls down the _outside_ of a _tree_; but passes through the _inside_ of a _man_. Q. _Why does lightning pass down the OUTSIDE of a tree?_ A. Lightning always makes choice of the best conductors; and the _outside_ of a tree is a better conductor than the inside. Q. _Why does lightning pass through the INSIDE of a man?_ A. As the _fluids_ of the human body make a better conductor than the _skin_, therefore lightning passes _through_ a man, and not down the skin. Q. _Why is it DANGEROUS to be near a deep RIVER, or any other running water, during a thunder-storm?_ A. Because running water is a good conductor; and lightning always takes in its course the _best conductors_. Q. _Why is it dangerous for a man to be near water, in a thunder-storm?_ A. Because the _height of a man_ may be sufficient to discharge a cloud: and (if there were no _taller_ object nigh) the lightning might make the _man_ its conductor to the water. Q. _Why is it DANGEROUS to RING CHURCH-BELLS during a thunder-storm?_ A. For two reasons: 1st--Because the steeple may _discharge_ the lightning-cloud, in consequence of its mere _height_. 2ndly--The swinging of the bells causes _a current of air_, which collects electric fluid. Q. _Why is it unsafe to RUN or DRIVE FAST during a thunder-storm?_ A. The rapid motion of running causes a _current of air_, which collects electric fluid, and is often fatal. Q. _What PARTS of a DWELLING are most DANGEROUS during a thunder-storm?_ A. The fire-place, (especially if the fire be _lighted_); the attics and cellar. It is also dangerous to sit close by the walls; to ring the bell; or to bar the shutters, during a thunder-storm. Q. _Why is it DANGEROUS to sit BEFORE a FIRE, during a thunder-storm?_ A. Because the heated air and soot are conductors of lightning; especially when connected with such excellent conductors as the stove, fender, and fire-irons. Q. _Why are the ATTICS and CELLAR DANGEROUS, during a thunder-storm?_