FOUL WEATHER. 151 



A. Probably because the air is over- 

 charged with electricity ; and, therefore, 

 a sensation (like that of cobwebs) irri- 

 tates the skin, and produces an itching. 



Q. Wliy do we HEAR distant CLOCKS more 

 distinctly when rain is near at hand ? 



A. Because the air is filled with 

 vapour, and water is a better conductor 

 of sound than dry air. 



Q. Why do we hear CHURCH-BELLS further, 

 just previous to rain ? 



A. Because the air is filled with 

 vapour, and vapour is a better conductor 

 of sound than dry air. 



Q. Why do DOORS SWELL, when RAIN is at 

 hand ? 



A. Because the air is filled with 

 vapour, which (penetrating into the pores 

 of the wood) forces the parts further 

 apart, and swells the door. 



Q. Why do DOORS SHRINK in DRY weather? 



A. Because the moisture is absorbed 

 from the wood; and, as the particles are 

 brought closer together, the size of the 

 door is lessened, (or in other words, the 

 wood shrinks}. 



