CLOUD-OUTLINES. 
247 
cloud : the latter ought perhaps to be regarded as a variety of 
the “ dropping ” cumulus. The most curious characteristic of 
the cloud we are now considering is its manner of hanging down 
endwise towards the earth (fig. 3). It appears at times to 
have a hollow space within ; for a kind of outward shell may be 
seen to form in the first instance, gradually developing from a 
vapoury strip or band, and rapidly assuming a semi-cylindrical 
shape (almost that of a holster), and acquiring at last a full 
rotundity of outline. I have observed several masses formed in 
this way, parallel to each other, and all in different stages of 
development. 
One day last autumn I saw several masses of this cloud (off 
Eamsgate), November 8. On the two following days there was 
a gale ; the first being also very wet. 
Among the accidental varieties of 66 dropping ” cumulus, two 
curious forms may be noted : viz. that of a double cone and of a 
dumb-bell (fig. 3 6). The last-mentioned may be closely allied 
to the u anvil ” cloud, but is looser in texture and generally more 
rapid in motion and change of form. 
It has been remarked by some observers that the character- 
istics of the rarer clouds are very local , but it must be borne in 
mind that the same result will be observed where the conditions 
are the same. The varieties which we have just been con- 
sidering have been seen by me in various parts of England, 
and I have taken notes for many years, chiefly in the neigh- 
bourhood of Liverpool and of Ipswich. 
There seems to be a difference in the average altitude of 
clouds on the west and east coasts of England, those of the latter 
having the greater elevation. The estuaries of the Mersey and 
of the Dee present a very interesting field of observation ; the 
varieties of cloud being numerous, the changes of form rapid, 
and the gradations of colouring and of light and shade rich and 
deep. To account for these phenomena we have: 1. The irre- 
gularity of the coast-line, with two considerable rivers lying 
close together; 2. The hills of North Wales; 3. The inter- 
mingling of currents, and the evaporation from the Gulf Stream. 
The part of East Kent — viz. that between Sandwich and Dover 
— in which I have lately made observations, presents finer effects 
in the rich glow of the upper sky, especially before sunrise and 
after sunset ; a clear yet soft and rich golden light, into the 
depths of which the eye seems to penetrate, at times intensely 
beautiful. This glow was seen on several occasions in November 
last, 1877. The purity and depth of the ruby-tinted cirro-stratus 
at sunset is also very noticeable. The fine effects of cloud about 
Liverpool were, I believe, well known to Turner, who spent 
many a day making studies in the district. The excess of 
