408 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 
this is frequently the result. A large cloud obtains great additions to its volume 
in this manner—the small ones in its vicinity being gradually incorporated with 
it. Ihave observed this phenomenon more especially in the cumulus, and its 
derivative, the cumulo-stratus. It is obvious that this mutual attraction would 
in some cases accelerate and in others retard the motion of clouds; yet, in no 
case would the effect be visibly perceptible. The velocity of clouds may often 
be very closely determined by noting the rate of speed with which their shadows 
move. The lower clouds which appear to move so very rapidly, frequently have a 
slower rate of speed than those apparently motionless ones far above them. This, 
of course, is due to the fact that the latter are from ten to twenty times more distant. 
Though the clouds are classified and the different forms named, it is never- 
theless true, that at certain seasons of the year, the typical forms are rarely seen 
in our latitude. It is a fact worth noticing that the rainstorms of winter, in the 
northern parts of the United States are ot local showers, but nearly all are great 
storms several hundred miles in extent, originating in a warmer latitude where 
the cumuli are the common day clouds in winter asin summer. ‘The cumuli are 
germs of rain-clouds, hence, where the former do not exist, the latter will not 
originate, 
It is not varying temperature alone that causes clouds to assume other than 
typical forms. As has been observed, there are frequent transformations, as the cu- 
mulus to the stratus, or the cirro-stratus to cirrus, therefore there is an infinite 
varietyof transitional forms, which are classed among those with which they 
bear theclosest resemblance. 
The study of clouds is of much importance. If in this brief article enough 
has been said to stimulate some thoughtful mind to examine into it still further 
and bring to light some more of the truths of science, the chief object of the 
writer will be accomplished. 
To persons of esthetic natures the study of the clouds is particularly delight- 
ful. Poets in all ages have adorned their verse with similes in which ‘‘the 
clouds” have constituted one element of the comparison. The same idea of 
cloud-beauty has often been used by the orator on the rostrum, and the divine in 
the sacred desk, when they wished to adorn their speech with a jewel of meta- 
phor. 
A better knowledge of the science of meteorology is developing among the 
people of our country; and this is due in part to the efficient management of our 
Signal Service Bureau, and in part to the publication of numerous well-written 
articles on the subject by observers in different sections of our country. It is to 
be regretted that so many statements (in reference to atmospheric phenomena) 
found in popular text books, should be so far from the truth as they are. That 
such errors should exist, is to be expected, since daylight has but just dawned in 
the science of meteorology. But it is encouraging to know that the misty theo- 
ries founded on ignorance and conjecture are rapidly giving place to those estab- 
lished by a careful study of the effects produced by the operation of natural laws. 
Morrison, Ill., Oct. 16, 1880. 
