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In hot sultry weather, especially after a slight fall of 

 the mercury, small clouds sometimes suddenly form on 

 a clear blue sky, and as suddenly vanish ; this is a sure 

 sign of electricity. If the clouds are without any pro- 

 gressive motion and increase rapidly, a storm will in all 

 probability be in the vicinity; but if they move hur- 

 riedly towards any particular quarter of the heavens, the 

 storm will be in the direction whither the clouds are 

 seen to hasten : these signs of thunder are seen, though 

 the storm may be 150 miles distant. 



Much has been accomplished towards gaining a know- 

 ledge of the forms and modifications of the clouds by the 

 classification of Luke Howard. Still, in certain states 

 of the atmosphere, when the clouds mix confusedly and 

 change their forms abruptly, it is difficult for the inex- 

 perienced to class them ; the prevailing modification of 

 the day, in connexion with the movement of the baro- 

 meter, is however sufficient to establish the character of 

 the weather. 



The splendid crimson contrasting with the delicate 

 azure of a fine autumnal sunset, and the golden flood en- 

 croaching upon the deep blue of a summer's sunrise, 

 are chiefly referable to the lofty Cirrus and Cirro-Cu- 

 mulus clouds. Perhaps no climate in the temperate 

 zone can boast, during the fine period of the year, of 

 clouds of so many beautiful and so varied forms as 

 Great Britain. They are the production of Great Na- 

 ture's hand, and are anticipated with equal delight by 

 the painter, the meteorologist and the contemplative 

 mind. 



