RAIN WATER. 345 



A. Because it has not come in contact 

 with earths and minerals. 



Q. Why is it MORE EASY to WASH with SOFT 

 water than with HARD ? 



A. Because it unites freely with the 

 soap, dissolving it instead of decomposing 

 it, as hard water does. 



Q. Why do WOOD ASHES make HARD water 

 SOFT? 



A. 1st Because the carbonic acid 

 of the n'ood ashes combines with the 

 sulphate of lime in the hard water, and 

 converts it into chalk : and 



2ndly The sulphuric acid of the water 

 combines with the potash of the wood 

 ashes, and prevents it from neutralizing 

 the oily matter of the soap. 



Q Wliy has BAIN water such an UNPLEASANT 

 SMELL, when it is collected in a rain icater tub or 

 tank ? 



A. Because it is impregnated with 

 decomposed organic matter, washed from 

 roofs, trees, or the casks in which it is 

 collected. 



Q. Wliy does WATER MELT SUGAR? 



A. Because very minute particles of 



