The
hollow lane towards Alton was so torn and disordered as not to be
passable till mended, rocks being removed that weighed 200
weight. Those that saw the effect which the great hail had on ponds
and pools say that the dashing of the water made an extraordinary
appearance, the froth and spray standing up in the air three feet
above the surface. The rushing and roaring of the hail, as it
approached, was truly tremendous.
Though the clouds at South Lambeth, near London, were at that
juncture thin and light, and no storm was in sight, nor within
hearing, yet the air was strongly electric; for the bells of an electric
machine at that place rang repeatedly, and fierce sparks were
discharged.
When I first took the present work in hand I proposed to have
added an Annus Historico-naturalis, or the Natural History of the
Twelve Months of the Year; which would have comprised many
incidents and occurrences that have not fallen in my way to be
mentioned in my series of letters; -- but, as Mr. Aikin of
Warrington has lately published somewhat of this sort, and as the
length of my correspondence has sufficiently put your patience to
the test, I shall here take a respectful leave of you and natural
history together; and am,
With all due deference and regard,
Your most obliged,
And most humble servant,
GIL.
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