24 VOYAGE OUTWARD. 



cumulus is collected ; whilst the latter becomes by agglomer- 

 ation the ciimulostratus. The cumulostratus, being charged 

 with the electric tluid, changes to nimbus, which sub- 

 sequently becomes cirrostratus again. Cirrostratus, when 

 elevated to a higher and drier atmosphere, is changed into 

 the form of cirrocumulus, in which the electric principle 

 seems to be less active than in the others. This beautiful 

 cloud is the ornament of summer and tranquil skies, and is 

 by the simple pen of Bloomfield described as having 



" the beauteous semblance of a flock at rest." 



When the electric fluid is called into action, this cloud, viz. 

 the cirrocumulus, if not previously dissolved in the sur- 

 rounding atmosphere, undergoes a rapid change. Shortly 

 after, the long, fine flaxen cirrus, exhibits its slender forms, 

 sometimes in a single silvery line ; sometimes like the 

 fabled tresses of Ariadne ; at other times, when crossed by 

 an ascending or descending current of electricity, it exhibits 

 an elegant representation of waves. Previous to a storm, 

 its changes are most rapid, and its form often evanescent. 

 At all times, it is considered the index of the electric fluid ; 

 and one accustomed to its direction can venture to predict, 

 with tolerable certainty, the approach and degree of force 

 of a wind, many hours, nay, often days, before the change 

 takes place. To seafaring people, a knowledge of the 

 forms and situation of this cloud is essential to security. 



