The Electric Kite

Make a small cross of two light strips of cedar, the arms so long as

to reach to the four corners of a large thin silk handkerchief, when

extended; tie the corners of the handkerchief to the extremities of

the cross; and you have the body of the kite, which being properly

accommodated with a tail, loop, and string, will rise in the air like

those made of paper; but this being silk, it is more adapted to bear

the wet an wind of a thunder gust, without tearing. To the top of the

upright stick of the cross is to be fixed a very sharp-pointed wire,

rising a foot or more above the wood. To the end of the twine is to be

tied a silk ribbon, and where the silk and twine join, a key may be

fastened. This kite is to be raised when a thunder-storm appears to be

coming on; and the person who holds the string must stand within a

door or window, or under some cover, so that the silk ribbon may not

be wet; and care must be taken that the twine do not touch the frame

of the door or window. As soon as any of the thunder clouds come over

the kite, the pointed wire will draw the electric fire from them, and

the kite, with all the twine, will be electrified, while the loose

filaments of the twine will stand out every way, and be attracted by

an approaching finger. When the rain has wetted the kite and twine, so

that it can conduct the electric fire freely, you will find it stream

out plentifully from the key, on the approach of your knuckle. At this

key an electric phial may be charged; and from electric fire thus

obtained, spirits may be kindled, and all the other electric

experiments performed which are usually done by the help of a rubbed

glass or tube; and thereby the identity of the electric matter with

that of lightning completely demonstrated.