82 
NATURE FOR ITS OWN SAKE 
The light- 
ness of 
clouds. 
Cloud 
Sancies. 
always shifting, changing—being added to or 
subtracted from by varying conditions. It 
may describe the species, and yet is hardly to 
be called the characteristic feature. That 
which strikes us as peculiar and determinate 
abont any and every cloud is its drifting, 
swaying lightness. The glide down a vast in- 
cline of air that marks a white swan settling 
to water is usually considered the most poctic 
of all motions; yet it is somewhat gross and 
heavy compared with the grace of a moving 
cloud. <A cloud drifts with the wind, not be- 
fore it ; it lies 72 the air, not beyond it; it has 
no visible support and yet appears supported. 
Apparently defying the law of gravitation, it 
seems to have no relation to the earth, but like 
a phantom ship sails the celestial blue, wholly 
unconcerned as to destination, wholly careless 
as to dangers. All of them, singly or in flocks, 
are mere vapors —such things as dreams are 
made of—the wonder-world of childish fancy, 
yet how beautiful they are ! 
‘* Forming and breaking in the sky, 
I fancy all shapes are there; 
Temple, mountain, monument, spire, 
Ships rigged out with sails of fire 
And blown by the evening air.” 
