Snow-flakes from the Lower Regions of the Air.
Note the gradual progression from solid to feathery forms, and especially that every elaboration maintains the six-pointed crystal type.
Courtesy of J. Wilson Bentley.
"Sure!" said several of the boys, and one added, "Mother often makes it."
"How does she make it?" queried the Forecaster.
"Melts up some sugar and water and, as when it begins to cool off, she hangs a string in the middle of the pot and the sugar settles on that."
"It settles in regular shapes, doesn't it?"
"Yes."
"Well, those are crystals. When water cools into ice, boys, it does the same thing. Haven't you sometimes seen, after a cold night, a lot of needles shooting out from the sides from a puddle?"
"Yes, sir, often."