THE EEASON WHY. 270 



" My son, eat thou honey, because it is good ; and the honey-comb, which is 

 sweet to thy taste." PEOVEEBS xxiv. 



more acutely while their wings are in motion, without the inter- 

 ference of the vibrations of their wings. 



1101. Why have bees stings ? 



Because they gather and store up honey which would constantly 

 attract other insects, and the bees would be robbed of their food 

 but for the sting, which is given to them for protection. 



1102. Why have flies fine hairs growing at the extremities 

 of their legs? 



Because they require to cleanse their bodies and wings, and to 

 free them from particles of dust. And as they cannot turn their 

 heads for this purpose, they have hairy feet, which serve as brushes, 

 by which any part of their bodies can be reached and cleaned. 



CHAPTER LVI. 



1103. Why when the perfume of flowers is unusually 

 perceptible may wet weather be anticipated ? 



Because when the air is damp it conveys the odours of flowers 

 mora effectively than it does when dry. 



1104. Why when swallows fly low may wet weather be 

 expected ? 



Because the insects which the swallows pursue in their flight are 

 flying low, to escape the moisture of the upper regions of the 



1105. Why do ducks and geese go to the water , and dash it 

 over their backs on the approach of rain ? 



Because by wetting the outer coat of their feathers before the 

 rain falls, by sudden dashes of water over the surface, they prevent 

 the drops of rain from penetrating to their bodies through the open 

 and dry feathers. 



1106. Why do horses and cattle stretch out their necks 

 and snuff the air on the approach of rain? 



Because they smell the fragrant perfume which is diffused in the 

 air by its increasing moistness. 



