THE SEASON WLIT. 281 



" There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under 



her shadow : there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her 



mate." ISAIAH xxxiv. 



1114. Why may we expect a continuance of fine weather 

 when lees wander far from their hives ? 



Because the bees feel instinctively that from the state of the 

 atmosphere they may wander far in search of honey, without th* 

 danger of being overtaken by rain. 



1115. Why if people feel their corns ache, and their bones 

 rheumatic, may rain be expected ? 



Because the dampness of the atmosphere affects its pressure upon 

 the body, and causes a temporary disturbance of the system. All 

 general disturbances of the body, manifest themselves in those 

 parts which are in a morbid state as in a corn, a rheumatic bone, 

 or a decayed tooth. 



1116. Why if various flowers close may rain be expected ? 

 Because plants are highly sensitive to atmospheric changes, and 



close their petals to protect their stamens. 



1117. Why when moles throw up their hills may rain be 

 expected ? 



Because the moles know instinctively, that on the approach of 

 wet, worms move in the ground; the moles therefore become 

 active, and form their hills. 



1118. Why is a magpie, when seen alone, said to fortell 

 bad weather ? 



Because magpies generally fly in company ; but on the approach 

 of wet or cold, one remains in the nest to take care of the young, 

 while the other one wanders alone in search of food. 



1119. Why do sea-gulls appear numerous in fine weather ? 

 Because the fishes swim near to the surface of the sea, and the 



birds assemble over the sea to catch the fish, instead of sitting on 

 rocks, or wading on the shore. 



1120. Why do sea-gulls fly over the land, on the approach 

 ^of stormy weather? 



Because in stormy weather they cannot catch fish ; and the 

 earth-worms come up on tht land when the rain falls. 



