Barisal Guns and Similar Sounds

Abstract

WITH reference to the letters on this subject which have recently appeared in your pages, and more especially to the communication of my friend Rev. W. S. Smith, relative to Lough Neagh, the following extract from my notes may be of interest: “August 27, 1886.—While standing with Mr. S. A. Stewart in a recently-mown meadow, near Portmore Lough, on the eastern side of Lough Neagh, our attention was attracted by a rumbling noise. The day was very fine and warm, and dead calm, not a leaf stirring, and a few very light clouds were in the sky. The noise was like a short distant peal of thunder, but sounded faint rather than distant. While we watched, a whirlwind suddenly appeared in the direction whence the sounds had come ‘the north], and at a distance of about a hundred yards from us. A quantity of loose hay was instantly whirled upward to a height of about 100 feet, and, after floating about in circles, slowly settled down. A haycock at the spot was much disturbed, and presented the appearance of having endured a gale of wind. The time between the rumbling sound (which closely resembled the distant report of a cannon) and the appearance of the whirlwind was about half a minute, and the whirlwind lasted somewhat over a minute.”