Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Snow

SNOW, a meteor, which is formed by the congelation, or freezing, of vapours in the atmosphere.

Snow differs in no other respect from rain, but that it is frozen in its descent to the earth, and falls in collective masses of transparent whiteness: these are known under the name of flakes.—It has been erroneously believed, that snow possesses more fertilizing properties than rain; but the real difference has, by Marggraf, been ascertained to be exceedingly small. It serves to defend corn, and all other vegetables, from the severity of winter-frosts; as it prevents the internal heat of the earth from being evolved through the surface of the land, and consequently ameliorates the soil. The plants, being thus sheltertd, shoot forth in the spring with renewed vigour; and, being cherished by the genial rays of the sun, vegetate with increased luxuriance.