uds, in that climate, are
not, without qualification, safe guides for us.

So "the ditches smell," particularly in the evening before a rain, when
the immediate surface-atmosphere is charged with negative electricity, and
the _condensing moisture_ prevents the diffusion of the odors. For the
same reason the candle will not relight, and there is crackling in the
ashes or lamp. Thus, again, Virgil:

"Maidens that nightly toil the tangled fleece
Divine the coming tempest; in the lamp
_Crackles_ the oil, the gathering wick grows dim."

Virgil did not live in our cold climate, and knew nothing of the crackling
in the fire, or in the ashes or coals which remain after the wood is
consumed. The lamp exhibits it on a smaller scale, and perhaps he had
noticed it when in company with the maidens. But it is sometimes
noticeable even in the lamp or candle with us. A small particle of
moisture will produce it, in a marked degree, at any time.

In winter, when the air is highly positive and cold, the candle can be
blown out, and by another puff of the breath relighted, with ease. But
when the electricity before a storm becomes negative, and partial
condensation takes place, this can not be done. This partial condensation
before storms and showers shows itself upon vessels containing cold-water,
in summer. It seems to be the received opinion, that the condensation is
evidence of a greater _quantity_ of moisture in the atmosphere. But this,
too, is a mistake, and hence the little reliance to be placed on
hygrometers.

This partial condensation is sometimes visible. When the sun shines
clearly, at the east or west, through a _small opening_ in the clouds, the
condensing vapor is shown by the streaks of sunlight, just as the fine
particles of dust are seen in a dark room, when a few rays of sunlight are
admitted through a small aperture. This phenomenon is often observed, and
it is said of it--"It's a going to rain; _the sun is drawing water_."

Virgil alludes to this as seen in the east in the morning, thus:

"But when beneath the dawn _red-fingered rays_
Through the dense band of clouds _diverging_ break,

* * * * *

Ill does the leaf defend the mellowing grape;
Leaps on the noisy roof the plenteous hail,
Fearfully crackling."

It is well ascertained that storm-clouds of great intensity have polarity
in the different portions, and that in the less intense magneto-electrical
cli