SNOW-WAVES AND SNOW-RIPPLES 147 



unable to do so, and I hope that some one resident 

 in the neighbourhood will see if the explanation 

 of their origin as due to setting produced by- 

 carbonate of lime will stand the test of a detailed 

 examination in the field, i 



The Eddy Form of Snow-waves and Snowdrifts.^ 



On the lee of quickset hedges, of post and 

 rails, and of hurdle-fences snow accumulates in 

 drifts or banks. I examined many of these drifts 

 near Montreal in December, near Winnipeg in 

 January and February, and again in Montreal in 

 February and March. In the early part of the 

 winter at Montreal they had the form which is most 

 familiar in such accumulations, the profile being 

 somewhat similar to that of a water-wave about 

 to break, a moderately steep weather slope, with 

 a diminishing gradient near the summit, succeeded 



^ See Geographical Journal, April, 1908, " On the Observation 

 of Desert Sand-dunes," by Vaughan Cornish. 



2 " In the range of inorganic nature I doubt if any object 

 can be found more perfectly beautiful than a fresh, deep snow- 

 drift, seen under warm light. Its curves are of inconceivable 

 perfection and changefulness ; its surface and transparency aHke 

 exquisite ; the light and shade of inexhaustible variety and 

 inimitable finish ; the shadows sharp, pale, and of heavenly 

 colour ; the reflected light intense and multitudinous, and 

 mingled with the sweet occurrences of transmitted light " 

 (Ruskin, " Frondes Agrestes "). 



