THE LAW OF STORMS. 11 



sky. This is not unfrequently of such intensity as to 

 tinge all the surrounding objects with a deep crimson ; 

 and when this is seen there can be no question that the 

 violent portion of the cyclone is not far from the vessel. 

 When this red light is seen at night, the impression on 

 the seaman's mind is that day has broken before its 

 time. 



4. A peculiar coloring of the clouds, more espe- 

 cially of an olive green. This is generally the pre- 

 cursor of a most violent and terrific hurricane. 



5. A thick, hazy appearance in that quarter of the 

 horizon in which the cyclone is raging. 



6. A remarkable and peculiar appearance of the 

 heavenly bodies. When shining through a haze they are 

 said to shine with a pale, sickly light, and are not un- 

 frequently surrounded by rings of light, or halos. Some 

 observers describe the stars " as looking big, with burs 

 about them" ; others speak of their " dancing,'' and 

 generally they have been noticed as being remarkably 

 bright and twinkling. 



7. The sun, on some occasions, has exhibited a blue 

 appearance, and white objects have been seen of a de- 

 cided light blue color. The sun has also been observed 

 of a pale and somewhat similar appearance to that of 

 the full moon. 



8. A dense, heavy bank of cloud in the direction 

 of the hurricane. 



9. A peculiar appalling appearance in this bank, 

 more particularly as if it were a solid wall, drawing 

 down upon and closing around the ship. 



10. A darting forward of portions of this bank, as if 

 torn into rags and shreds by some violent force, and driv- 

 en before, not borne, by the wind. When this indication 



