42 CONVERSATIONS ON THE 



together, floating about in the air, we call it a 

 cloud : and wlien the clouds come near enough 

 to the earth, they become water again, and 

 come down in rain." 



" But what good can the trees do, Uncle 

 Philip r 



" Do not be in a hurry, boys ; I was just 

 going to tell you. The leaves have the power 

 of attracting or drawing the vapour as it is 

 sailing about over the tops of the trees : there 

 is always more rain in those parts of the coun- 

 try where there are mountains, and plenty of 

 trees, than in places where trees are scarce ; 

 and so you see that if the trees are obliged 

 to the rain for making them grow, they are 

 useful also in causing the very rain that is 

 so useful to them." 



" Well, Uncle Philip, that seems very curi- 

 ous, and I should like to know more about 

 clouds and rain." 



"You are too young yet to understand 

 much about it ; and besides, it is always the 

 best way to do one thing at a time ; so we 

 will go on with our walnuts, boys, if you 

 please, for the present ; and in good time here 

 we are close by a fine clump of your favouritfe 

 butternuts." 



