The Natural History of Selborne

Hirundines enjoy the warm season.  Late this evening a storm of thunder arose in the S., which, as usual, divided into two parts, one going to the S.W. & W. & the greater portion to the S.E. and E., & so round to the N.E.  From this latter division proceeded strong, & vivid lightening till late in the night.  At Headleigh there was a very heavy shower, & some hail at E. Tisted.  The lightening, & hail did much damage about the kingdom.  Farmer Spencer’s char-coal making in his orchard almost suffocated us: the poisonous smoke penetrated into our parlor, & bed-chambers, & was very offensive in the night.