The above process is quite intelligible, but the _agent_ of this condensation is, perhaps, inexplicable. It is impossible to solve all the phenomena of the formation of clouds, by supposing the vapors condensed by a reduction of temperature, produced by the warmer volumes of clouds rising into the regions of colder ones. For we know the natural tendency of the warmer strata of air, from the neighborhood of the earth, is to rise, with its watery particles, to colder regions. Hence there would be a constant condensation, which would seem to require a constant deposition of rain, or mist; or, at least, a constant accumulation of clouds. Again: On this theory, the nights would be cloudy and rainy: as the vapors raised during the day would be condensed by the superior coldness of the night succeeding. Moreover, it is well known that great rains fall in very warm weather, and when a _rise_ of temperature is observed. These, and other considerations, have induced many persons to have recourse to _electricity_ to solve this difficult question, and various observations seem to countenance the idea that it may be the remote agent of the formation of clouds, by producing a sudden rarefaction of the air, which would, of course, produce a sudden reduction of temperature; the consequence of which would be a rapid condensation of the watery particles in combination with the air. This condensation would form clouds, and if sufficiently rapid and extensive, a fall of rain would ensue. This supposition is much strengthened by a fact of common observation, viz: _when clouds are impending over us, but no rain falling, a sudden shower comes down instantly upon a flash of lightning._ In this case it is so obvious that the lightning had an immediate agency, that none can doubt, who ever observed the phenomenon. The _electrified_ state of _clouds_, _fogs_, and _mists_, is considered strong proof in favor of this theory. Clouds are almost always highly charged with electricity, and sometimes so highly charged as to become _luminous_, and very destructive.