Psalms 147:16

He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.

Ver. 16. He giveth snow like wool] For whiteness, lightness, plenty, softness, warmth; for snow, though it be very cold, yet by keeping in the vapours and exhalations of the earth, it causeth an inward warmth to it, and so maketh it very fruitful, say philosophers, Vellera nivis (Virg. Georg.). In which respects the Rabbis say that one day of snow doth more good than five of rain.

He scattereth the hoar frost like ashes] When blown about by the wind. It heateth also and drieth (as ashes) the cold and moist earth, nippeth the buds of trees, &c. Unde pruina dicitur a perurenda, saith Sextus Pompeius, Cinis monet ignem subesse quem foveat.