sing into roundish masses, in which the extent of the cirrus is
no longer to be seen. This change takes place either throughout the
whole mass at once, or progressively from one extremity to the other. In
either case the same effect is produced on a number of neighbouring cirri
at the same time, and in the same order. It appears, in some instances,
to be hastened by the approach of other clouds.

[Picture: The Cirro-Cumulus, or sonder-cloud]

The cirro-cumulus forms a very beautiful sky, exhibiting sometimes
numerous distinct beds of small connected clouds floating at different
heights. It is frequent in summer, and accompanies warm, dry weather.
On a fine summer's evening the small masses which compose this cloud, are
often well defined, and lying quite _asunder_, or separate from one
another; and on this account the term _sonder-cloud_ has been applied to
this modification. The whole sky is sometimes covered with these small
masses. They are occasionally, and more sparingly, seen in the intervals
of showers, and in winter.

Bloomfield, in the following beautiful lines, has noticed the appearance
of the sonder-cloud:--

"For yet above these wafted clouds are seen
(In a remoter sky still more serene)
Others, detach'd in ranges through the air,
Spotless as snow, and countless as they're fair;
Scatter'd immensely wide from east to west,
The beauteous semblance of a flock at rest:
These, to the raptur'd mind, aloud proclaim
The mighty Shepherd's everlasting name."

This cloud may either evaporate or disappear, or it may pass to the
cirrus, or sink lower and become a cirro-stratus. In stormy weather,
before thunder, a cirro-cumulus often appears, composed of very dense and
compact round bodies, in very close arrangement. When accompanied by the
cumulo-stratus, it is a sure indication of a coming storm.

THE CIRRO-STRATUS, OR WANE-CLOUD.

This cloud appears to be formed from the fibres of the cirrus sinking
into a horizontal position, at the same time that they approach each
other sideways. This cloud is to be distinguished by its flatness and
great horizontal extension, in proportion to its height; a character
which it always retains, under all its various forms. As this cloud is
generally changing its figure, and slowly sinking, it has been called the
_wane-cloud_. A collection of these clouds, when seen in the distance,
frequently give the idea of sho