Dr. Beeton, in a letter to Dr. Mitchill of New York, dated 19th of July,
1824, states, that the beech tree (that is, the broad leaved or American
variety of _Fagus sylvatiea_,) is never known to be assailed by
atmospheric electricity. So notorious, he says, is this fact, that in
Tenessee, it is considered almost an impossibility to be struck by
lightning, if protection be sought under the branches of a beech tree.
Whenever the sky puts on a threatening aspect, and the thunder begins to
roll, the Indians leave their pursuit, and betake themselves to the
shelter of the nearest beech tree, till the storm pass over; observation
having taught these sagacious children of nature, that, while other
trees are often shivered to splinters, the electric fluid is not
attracted by the beech. Should farther observation establish the fact of
the non-conducting quality of the American beech, great advantage may
evidently be derived from planting hedge rows of such trees around the
extensive barn yards in which cattle are kept, and also in disposing
groups and single trees in ornamental plantations in the neighbourhood
of the dwelling houses of the owners.--_New Monthly Magazine._