280 THE EEASON WHY. 



'I will remember the works of the Lord: Surely I will remember thy wonders 

 of old." PSALM LXXVII. 



1107. Why may change of weather be anticipated when 

 domestic animals are restless ? 



Because their skins are exceedingly sensitive to atmospheric 

 influences, and they are oppressed and irritated by the changing 

 condition of the atmosphere. 



1108. Why may fine weather be expected when spiders 

 are seen busily constructing their webs ? 



Because those insects are highly sensitive to the state of the 

 atmosphere, and when it is setting fine they build their webs, 

 because they know instinctively thatjlies will be abroad. 



1109. Why is wet weather to be expected when spiders 

 hide ? 



Because it shows that they are aware that the state of the 

 atmosphere does not favour the flight of insects. 



1110. Why if gnats fly in large numbers may fine weather 

 be expected ? 



Because it shows that they feel the state of the atmosphere to be 

 favourable, which induces them all to leave their places of shelter 



1111. Why if owls scream during foul weather, will it 

 change toflne ? 



Because the birds are pleasurably excited by a favourable change 

 in the atmosphere. 



1112. Why is it said that the moping of the owl foretels 

 death ? 



Because owls scream when the weather is on the change ; and 

 when a patient is lingering on a death bed, the alteration in the 

 state of the atmosphere frequently induces death, because the 

 faint and expiring flame of life has not strength enough to adapt 

 itself to the change. 



1113. Why may wet weather be expected when spiders 

 break off their webs, and remove them? 



Because the insects, anticipating the approach of rain, remove 

 their webg for preservation. 



