PREFACE. vii 



about their causes, which man is organized to 

 feel, have contributed probably in a great mea- 

 sure to interest people in this science. 



Meteorology considered as a subject of amuse- 

 ment seems to have some advantages over many 

 other pursuits ; inasmuch as it may be studied 

 and will afford interest in places unfavourable 

 to the cultivation of other sciences. The bo- 

 tanist, who delights in the diversification of 

 nature exhibited in the endless variety of the 

 forms and colours of flowers ; or the naturalist, 

 who finds amusement in contemplating the ha- 

 bits of animals, and the adaptation of the struc- 

 ture of each to its mode of life, cannot indulge 

 their inclination except in habitable countries, 

 or where vegetation and life abound. But on 

 the barren mountain's rugged vortex, in the 

 uniform gloom of the desert, or on the trackless 

 surface of the ocean, we may view the interest- 

 ing electrical operations which are going on 

 above, manifested in the formation and changes 

 of the clouds, which bear water in huge masses 

 from place to place, or throw it down in torrents 

 on the earth and waters ; occasionally creating 

 whirlwinds and water spouts ; or producing the 

 brilliant phaenomena of meteors and of light- 

 ning; and constantly ornamenting the sky with 



