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.