nd have a considerable advance
condensation (frequently with obvious lateral internal action), extending
eastwardly from the line of smooth cloud from which the rain is falling,
or rather where the falling rain obscures the inequalities of the cloud.
_The gust is never felt until the advancing condensation has passed over
us_, when it takes the place of the gentle easterly breeze which
previously set toward the shower. _The gust ceases as soon as the cloud
has passed._ It is obviously the result of the inducing and attracting
influence of the cloud upon the atmosphere near the surface of the earth
as it passes over it. Let the reader watch attentively this advance
condensation, from its eastern edge to the line of smooth cloud and
falling rain, and he will understand at a glance this internal action of
gust-clouds. The whole phenomena are simple and intelligible. A cloud
approaching from a westerly point, dark and irregular from its eastern
edge to the line of falling rain, where it appears smooth and of a light
color; wind from the east blowing gently toward it, till the condensation
is over us; then the gust following the cloud; then the rain, and in a few
minutes the cloud, and wind, and rain have passed on to the east, and
"sunshine" returns.

The tornado, as it is termed when it occurs upon land, "spout," if on the
water, is sometimes of a different character, and as it undoubtedly had
great influence in inducing the gyrating theory of Mr. Redfield, and the
aspiratory theory of Mr. Espy, and has been cited by both in support of
their respective theories, it deserves a more particular notice. There are
several marked peculiarities attending it which determine its character.

1st. It occurs during a _peculiarly sultry and electric_ state of the
trade and surface atmosphere, and at a time when thunder showers are
prevailing in and around the locality, and at every period of the year
when such a state of the atmosphere exists. One recently occurred in
Brandon, Ohio, in midwinter.

2d. There is always a cloud above, but very near the earth, between which
and the earth the tornado forms and rages. It is usually described as a
black cloud, ranging about 1000 feet or less above the earth, often with
a whitish shaped cone projecting from it, and forming a connection with
the earth; at intervals rising and breaking the connection, and again
descending and renewing it with devastating energy. Its width at the
surface varies