Chap. 8.] Regions of the Atmofpherc. 415 



feldom more than a mile in height, and they do not 

 often attain that degree of elevation. From the fum- 

 mit of a high mountain, therefore, the profpeft is in- 

 expreflibly grand. The clouds roll beneath the fpec- 

 tator's feet like the vaft waves of a troubled ocean; 

 and the forked lightnings play between thofe immenfe 

 mafies in various directions ; while the great body of 

 air in the vallies beneath (clear and tranfparent as it 

 appears to thofe who inhale it, but in reality charged 

 with vapours) appears like the water of a ftagnant 

 lake, involving mod of the objects in total darknefs, 

 and partially revealing others, which feem as if intend- 

 ed to adorn the margin of the flood, and ferve to en- 

 liven and diverfify the fcene. 



