Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 53.djvu/94

coming larger and more complex by the addition of branches at the angles. The triangular forms, such as Figs. 7 and 9, are less common than the others figured, and occur usually in the greater storms. Fig. 17 shows a very unique composite crystal, which, beginning in the higher clouds as a simple hexagon, seen in the center, received the peculiar additions which are well shown in the figure. Fig. 11 is exceedingly unusual. It appears to be a composite crystal formed from two, each of which has been in some way broken apart, and the portions shown were so brought in contact as to unite and form a single crystal of very nearly the original form of each of its parts.

The above are some of the more important of the many interesting results which have come from our study of snow crystals. They are given not merely as of value in themselves, but also in the hope that others may be stimulated to undertake similar investigations, and that thus our knowledge of these charming objects may be greatly increased. After what has already been said, it should not be necessary to add that any one who engages in the study of snow crystals will speedily find his task both absorbing and delightful. There is no surer road to fairyland than that which leads to the observation of snow forms. To such a student the winter storm is no longer a gloomy phenomenon to be dreaded. Even a blizzard becomes a source of keenest enjoyment and satisfaction, as it brings to him, from the dark, surging ocean of clouds, forms that thrill his eager soul with pleasure.

 

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Prof. William Trelease relates, in his address on Botanical Opportunity, that when engaged with Prof. Gray in collecting and republishing the botanical writings of Dr. Engelmann, they were both surprised to see how voluminous these works were. A few years later, when Prof. Trelease had to arrange in form for preservation Dr. Engelmann's manuscript notes, he was far more surprised at the extent of them than he had been on collecting his printed works, for when mounted and bound they formed sixty large volumes. "In addition to their intrinsic value, these are of more than usual interest as showing the methodical manner in which Dr. Engelmann worked. On his table seems to have been always a bundle of plants awaiting study. As each specimen was examined its salient features were noted and sketched on the back of an ever-ready prescription blank. When interrupted, he laid his unfinished sketch away with the specimen, to resume his observation and complete his study on the first opportunity, without any doubt as to what had been seen in the first instance. And so from individual to variety, from variety to species, from species to genus, and from genus to family, his observations were preserved in memoranda that facilitated the resumption of interrupted work at any time and after any lapse of time." Thus the off moments in the work of a busy physician were made to contribute to botanical knowledge, and a seemingly small opportunity for investigation was converted into a great one.