CHAP. 8. VARIETIES OP WEATHER. 235 



Occasional changes of this kind in the order 

 of the clouds, unattended by Rain, took place 

 during the long drought, which continued from 

 Midsummer nearly to Michaelmas, in the year 

 1800. 



In days with the regular order of clouds 

 alluded to, I have found the action of De 

 Luc's Electric Column regular. Such days 

 often alternate with others in which different 

 modifications appear; and very often after, 

 cumulostratus, accompanied by cirrus, &c. has 

 prevailed for many days: nimbification and 

 Rain take place ; after which, only regular 

 cumuli are observed again ; as if nimbification 

 was a process which restored the tranquillity of 

 the Atmospheric Electricity. 



In spring and autumn we have frequently a 

 continuance of cloudless days, ushered in by 

 more or less of a stratus ; but this very clear 

 kind of weather seldom takes place about the 

 solstices. The Wind is usually Easterly, 

 varying more or less to North or South, and 

 often strong : the air dry ; the mercury of the 

 barometer usually above the mean altitude ; 

 and the range of the thermometer, that is, the 

 distance between the maximum of the day, and 

 the minimum of the night, is considerable. The 



