30 CLOUDS — RAIN. 



often called fleecy ; when the sky is covered with clouds of that 

 kind it is said to be mottled. 



The cirro-stratus is composed of small bands, formed of closer 

 filaments than those of the cirrus, for the rays of the sun often 

 find it difficult to penetrate them. These clouds form horizontal 

 beds, which, at the zenith, seem composed of a great number of 

 loose clouds, while at the horizon a long and very narrow band 

 is seen. 



The cumulo-stratus is a mass of heaped up and dense cumuli. 

 At the horizon they often assume a dark or bluish tint, and pass 

 into the condition of nimbi, or rain clouds. 



The nimbus is distinguished by its uniform gray tint, its fringe 

 and indistinct edges ; the clouds composing it are so blended 

 that it is impossible to distinguish them. 



But besides these principal forms, there are several interme- 

 diate, to which it is difficult to assign a name. They must be 

 referred to the form which they most resemble. 



They may be entered in the journal by means of the following 

 abbreviations : — 



If several of these forms are visible, the most frequent should 

 be underlined, and the others should follow the order of their 

 frequency. The distribution of the clouds in the sky should be 

 noted, whether they are dispersed or accumulated in a special 

 region of the heavens, in the horizon, at the zenith, &c 



RAIN. 



It is necessary' to note as accurately as possible the hour at 

 which the rain begins and ends ; if it is a continued rain, or at 

 intervals and in showers; if it is general or only partial, pre- 

 ceded, followed, or accompanied by fogs ; the size of the drops 

 and the force of the rain should be also noted. For these differ- 

 ent cases, the following designations may be adopted : — 



