not to run under the trees in the park, which I thought would have sheltered me-I did not know why you said it was dangerous. MR. CHURCHILL. I was much pleased, Master Henry, with your ready obedience, and will now explain the cause of my desiring you to avoid the trees-it is because all trees very much attract lightning; and it is always better to keep in a field, or public road, if no house is near. EDWARD ANWYLL. Of what use can lightning be, I wonder. MR. MR. CHURCHILL. It is of more use than you can yet well understand; it consumes noxious vapours, promotes a circulation of air, it brings on rain, at a time when it is often most wanted, and.cools the heat of summer. MISS ONSLOW. I recollect to have heard my grandmamma often say, when it lightned, last summer, that I should not give way to childish fears, and that lightning did a great deal of good: I wanted to know why, but we were not allowed to ask questions in the parlour. Will you think me encroaching, i if I express a wish to know what causes the rainbow? MRS. BELField. Never be fearful, my dear Miss Onslow, of asking questions: the rainbow, with all its beautiful colours, is occasioned by the rays of the sun, shining upon the falling drops. MISS ONSLOW. I thank you kindly, Ma'am. Sister Elinor, please to tell Laura, why my little scissars look so nice and bright, as they are iron too, as well as the nails you told me were to-day? ELINOR. H ELINOR. Yes, my love, they are iron; but by a particular process, which you cannot now understand, they are finely wrought and polished: and, in the state the scissars are now in, it is called steel. LAURA. Thank'e, sister; iron is a metal-I forgot the rest you told me, except silver and gold. MRS. BELFIELD. Can Lady Charlotte tell you? LADY CHARLotte. I believe I can, Ma'am. There are six metals, gold, silver, copper, tin, lead, lead, and iron; these are all dug out of the earth. George. Coals are also dug out of the earth, and many other things. HENRY ANWYLL, What else? EDMUND. Quicksilver, chalk, brimstone, lime, salt, pipes, and what is usually called earthenware, marble, stone, crystals, diamonds, and magnets or load-stones, which are so peculiarly serviceable in navigation.-What an immense treasure! |