XXXIX. The Cloud World 



Clouds are our index of the weather; from them we receive 

 rain, snow, hail, fog; with them, we associate thunder and 

 lightning, the calm radiance of the morning, the gorgeous 

 splendor of the sunset sky. We are all familiar with the 

 clouds in a general way; it is well to know somewhat in detail 

 their origin, composition, height above the earth, swiftness of 

 motion, and final destination. All clouds are not water vapor, 

 some are of snow or ice particles; some trail over the earth, 

 others sail at dizzy heights; some move sluggishly, others at 

 speeds that make the express train seem a snail. A classifica- 

 tion of the clouds, as used by the Government Weather Bureau, 

 is given on another page; from the United States Weather 

 Bureau at Washington may be obtained a beautiful colored 

 chart of the kinds of clouds, with a descriptive pamphlet. 



An excellent practice that may be carried on with all kinds 

 of field work is that of observing the clouds, noting the kinds, 

 direction of motion, relative altitude, and to make provisional 

 forecasts. These may be checked later with actual develop- 

 ments. It is habit of mind, unconsciously developed by 

 farmers and similar out-of-door folks, that makes many coun- 

 trymen wise in weather-lore. 



Our daily occupations and activities cause us to spend too 

 large a portion of our lives looking down at things; we incline 

 to be stoop-shouldered and saggy; it is good hygiene, good art, 

 and good philosophy, to look from time to time at the free, 

 inimitable and tranquil beauties of the sky. 



"7. 



