1380. The cumulus has the densest structure, is formed in the lower atmosphere, and moves along with the current next the earth. A small irregular spot first appears, and is, as it were, the nucleus on which the cumuli increase. The lower surface continues irregularly plane, while the upper rises into conical or hemispherical heaps, which may afterwards continue long nearly of the same bulk, or rapidly rise into mountains. They will begin, in fair weather, to form some hours after sunrise, arrive at their maximum in the hottest part of the afternoon, then begin to diminish, and totally disperse about sunset. Previously to rain, the cumulus increases rapidly, appears lower in the atmosphere, and with its surface full of loose fleeces or protuberances. The formation of large cumuli, to leeward, in a strong wind, indicates the approach of a calm, with rain. When they do not disappear or subside about sunset, but continue to rise, thunder is to be expected in the night.
