76 IGNORANCE OF EARLY AGES. 



upon the proper working of this machine depends 

 the well-being, of every plant and animal that in- 

 habits the Earth." 



An element whose operations are so manifold and 

 so important could not fail to engage the study of 

 philosophic men in all ages ; but so difficult has 

 been that study that little progress was made 

 until very recently, when men, acting in unison in 

 all parts of the world, have, by collating their ob- 

 servations, become acquainted with some of those 

 laws which govern the atmosphere, and direct its 

 courses and velocities. 



In early ages very little indeed was known about 

 the wind beyond the palpable facts of its existence, 

 its varied condition, and its tremendous power ; and 

 men's observations in regard to it did not extend 

 much beyond the noting of those peculiar and 

 obvious aspects of the sky which experience taught 

 them to regard as evidences of approaching storm. 

 But, although such aspects of the heavens were, and 

 always will be, pretty safe and correct indicators of 

 the weather, they are by no means infallible ; and 

 in some regions and under certain conditions they 

 are wanting altogether. 



When the sea captain observes a lowering aspect 

 of the sky, with, it may be, a dark line above the 

 distant edge of the sea, he knows however calm 

 and unruffled may be the ocean around him that 

 wind may be expected ; and, calling the crew, he 

 orders sail to be taken in, and preparation made 



