ime in
the autumn, after they had all passed down for the season, when the
indications of an approaching storm were clearly visible at nightfall,
have I waited for them to return, on the eastern margin of a bend in the
cove, on the eastern side of a creek, to shoot them, though invisible, by
shooting across the head of the wake, which they made upon the water in
alighting, and from which the few remaining rays of twilight that came
from the western sky were reflected.

"But I am far from being singular in this. That page is more extensively
read than is generally supposed. Many plain, unassuming men--farmers,
shipmasters, and others within the circle of my acquaintance--know more,
practically, of the weather than the most learned closet-theorist, or the
most indefatigable recorder of its changes. Every one, by studying the
page of nature above him, as he would the page of any other science, and
testing, by observation, the numerous theories invented to account for the
varied phenomena, may learn much, very much, that will be useful and
interesting to him, and which he can never learn from books, or
instruments, or theories alone."

"Well," said my friend, "I am too far advanced in life, as are many
others, to commence such observations, and you must publish."

I demurred, and he insisted.

"It is difficult to spare the time; and I can not neglect my profession,"
I urged.

"Where there is a will there is a way," he replied.

"It is difficult to make one's self understood without many
illustrations."

"Very well, they are easily obtained."

"But they cost money, and it is said 'science will not pay its way' like
fiction and humbug."

"That," said he, "is a libel--such science will. Every one is interested
in the weather--all talk about it--and thousands would carefully observe
it, if they could be correctly guided in their observations."

"I may get into unpleasant controversy."

"Suppose you do; you can yield your position if wrong, and maintain it if
right, and _magna est veritas_."

"But I may be mistaken in some of the views to which it will be necessary
to advert, if I attempt to systematize the subject."

"Be it so--your mistakes may lead others to the discovery of the truth.
Besides, the weather is _common property_, and every one has a right to
theorize about it, or to talk about it, as they please--even to call a
stormy day a pleasant one, or make any other mistaken remark concerning
it; and ever