ATMOSPHEHOLOGY, — SNOW. 425 



ed in the frigid zone, consists of a white porous 

 spherical concretion, of a light and snowy, texture. 



Snow is so very common in the arctic regions, 

 that it may be boldly stated, that in nine days out 

 of ten, during the months of April, May and June, 

 more or less snow falls. With southerly winds, near 

 the borders of the ice, or in situations where humid 

 air blowing from the sea, assimilates with a gelid 

 breeze from the ice, the heaviest falls of snow occur. 

 In this case, a depth of two or three inches is some- 

 times deposited in an hour. The thickest precipi- 

 tations also frequently precede sudden storms. 



The form of the particles of snow, presents an 

 endless variety. When the temperature of the air 

 is within a degree or two of the freezing point, and 

 much snow falls, it frequently consists of large irre- 

 gular flakes, such as are common in Britain ; some- 

 times it exhibits small granular, or large rough 

 white concretions ; at others, it consists of white spi- 

 culae, or flakes composed of coarse spiculse, or rude 

 stellated crystals, formed of visible grains. But in 

 severe frosts, though the sky appears perfectly clear, 

 lamellar flakes of snow, of the most regular and 

 beautiful forms, are always seen floating in the air, 

 and sparkling in the sun-beams; and the snow 

 which falls in general, is of the most elegant texture 

 and appearance. 



