WINTER EARTH STUDY. 483 



just like fog, and as they go farther down they pass out of 

 the fog, and see the clouds above them. 



A verse from Lowell may help to impress the humble 

 relationships of the clouds, the high destiny of the water 

 dust: 



" For countless services I'm fit, 



Of use, of pleasure, and of gain, 

 But lightly from all bonds I flit, 



Nor lose my mirth, nor feel a strain ; 

 From mill or wash-tub I escape, 

 And take in heaven my proper shape." 



Uses. Dwell on their esthetic use, to beautify the world. 

 The clouds are also blankets, or like an umbrella or parasol 

 to people on the earth. They catch and hold many of the 

 hot sunbeams in summer, thus making it cooler for us. 

 At other times they keep the earth from getting cold too 

 quickly, much as our clothes keep us warm when the air 

 is cold. The third great use of clouds, to produce, by the 

 condensation of their water dust, rain and snow, can be 

 touched on here, and brought out again in the later 

 work. 



Literature. Some of the following may serve as an in- 

 troduction to the out-of-door observation of clouds. Read 

 to the children, or recited by the little folks as they are 

 together watching the sky, they may give direction to their 

 thoughts. Portions of Shelley's " The Cloud " will mean 

 much, even to little folks, after they have observed and 

 enjoyed the clouds. 



CLOUDLETS. 



" Little white cloudlets up in the sky, 

 Say, are you snowy ships sailing on high ? 

 Or are you downy sheep running to find 

 Shelter away from the rude blowing wind ? " 



