Curious Effects of Lightning on a Tree

Abstract

DURING the recent thunderstorms a large elm-tree was struck by lightning in a private park at Dulwich, but the only visible effects were linear interrupted grooves about ¾ inch deep, extending down one side of the tree to the ground, where two or three depressions some 3 inches deep were found. The bark is scooped out as clearly as if done with a gouge, and the intervals are from 1 to 2 feet in length, while the grooves themselves are from 1 to 3 feet in length. The grooves are now filled with mildew, which, I take it, indicates the death of the adjacent bark. I have often seen trees which have been struck by lightning, but none in which the effects have at all resembled those I have described.