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On Nov. 14th, 1878, a circular was issued to the principal lightning-rod manufacturers in this country, inviting their replies to various questions that were submitted to them, and also any remarks that they might wish to lay before the Conference.

Replies have been received from—

Messrs. Wilkins & Weatherby, of London.

Messrs. Gray & Son, of London.

Messrs. F. Russell & Co., of London.

Messrs. Johnson, Clapham, & Morris, of Manchester.

Messrs. Freeman & Collier, of Manchester.

Messrs. Pennycook & Co., of Glasgow.

Messrs. Davis & Son, of Derby.

Messrs. Massingham, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.

All well-known firms, who have written fully and freely, and whose experience is very extensive.

It is impossible to read these replies without feeling the absolute need of such a Conference as that which has been formed, to collect facts, to digest opinions, and to endeavour to formulate some guiding principles for uniformity in practice—for here we have the most diverse modes of execution detailed, the most opposite views expressed, and the most varied experience narrated. In fact, some ideas enunciated are quite opposed to the teachings of science. Where practice is so opposite, error must abound: and, therefore, there must be great need for an effort to reduce the system of constructing lightning conductors in this country to some uniform basis. On no one single point, except in the use of copper and the necessity for reaching damp earth, do any two manufacturers agree in adopting similar measures.

I will take each question submitted seriatim.