Clouds. 195 



CiRRO-CuMULUS. — Cirro-Cumulus is another modification 

 of the cirrus and is somewhat closely related to the last. It consists 

 of separate masses or balls of clouds. When these are close 

 together they form the mackerel clouds which overspread 

 the sky with the appearance of a mosaic. They are also seen in 

 isolated forms when they represent small storms in the upper air. 



There is the authority of both science and verse for the 

 adage that " a mackerel sky seldom leaves the meadows dry," 

 and also for the sailor's saying that " Mare's tails and mackerel 

 scales make lofty ships carry low sails." 



CuMULO Stratus. — The flattened or extended cumulus 

 clouds are called cuniulo- stratus. They are somewhat ex- 

 tensive clouds and are chiefly seen in fair windy weather. 

 In the latest terminology this class is divided into two sub-classes, 

 {a) Strato-cumulus embracing the extended bumulus; {b) Cumu- 

 lus which is bordered by cirro-stratus tops, and called cumulo- 

 nimbus. 



Nimbus. — Nimbus is the name given to any cloud from 

 which rain or snow is falling. It therefore represents a state of 

 the weather rather than a form or elevation of cloud and hence 

 it is not a truly scientific term. Accordingly, the term " ever- 

 cast " is often employed in its stead to denote a sky evenly 

 obscured by a cloud having ^:io definite form. . . . 



Did time permit, we could here study the phenomena of 

 storms. The nature of the cyclone and the tornado, the laws by 

 which they are governed and how these laws were discovered, as 

 well as the great value of scientific weather predictions, all of 

 which are most interesting topics of study. 



The beauty of the clouds, however, is more than sufficient 

 for our present consideration. 



Whether we look at the towering cumulus or the graceful 

 and wavy cirrus, we must acknowledge their beauty. Nor is 

 there less to admire in the mottled cirro-cumulus or the delicate 

 streaks of the cirro-stratus. 



