The most complete and enduring method is that indicated in figs. 8 and 9; this is the plan adopted in England for all the best work. By this arrangement, the friction being very much diminished, the weathercock revolves with great ease and freedom; the possibility of its getting out of order is reduced to a minimum; and the continuity of the lightning conductor remains unimpaired. [Illustration: Fig. 8.] [Illustration: Fig. 9.] It is accomplished in this way:--A circular plate, through the centre of which the point passes, is permanently fixed some distance down the point. On this circular basement rest three glass balls, rolling on three axes radiating from the centre, i.e. the point, and fixed in their outward extremities to a ring which surrounds the balls (see fig. 9). On these balls is placed another circular plate, on which is fixed the weathercock. The weathercock and circular plate, with a hole through the centre, is simply put on to the point of the conductor, and allowed to rest loosely of its own weight on the balls of glass. CHAPTER XII. LIGHTNING PROTECTION IN FRANCE AND AMERICA. In this chapter it is proposed to give a brief _résumé_ of the different systems of constructing, erecting, and repairing lightning conductors in France and America. The laws of electricity being the same all the world over, the methods employed in these countries are necessarily similar in their essential principles; nevertheless they vary somewhat in detail, both from each other and from the work of the best firms in England. Until a very few years ago the lightning conductors throughout France, although many in number, were in a very neglected state. Badly constructed in many cases, their original faults had grown worse from want of attention. The connection of the terminal rod with the conductor was generally made by means of a strap or iron collar, which, after a short time, rusted to such an extent that the continuity was practically reduced to nothing, and the conductor, so far from being a protection to the building, was a positive danger to it. Latterly, however, a reaction has taken place, and a more careful method of connecting the various joints of the conductor has been contrived, or rather, revived, and a better system of periodical inspection and testing is carried out. [Illustration: Fig. 10.] [Illustration: Fig. 11.]