SCIENCE OF COMMON THINGS. 79 



Cause of sea breezes. North and south winds. 



406 Why does a sea breeze feel cool f 



Because the sun cannot make the surface of the sea 

 so hot as the land ; therefore the air which blows from 

 the sea is cooler than the air of the land. 



407 Why is there generally a fresh breeze from the sea during ihe 

 summer and autumn mornings f 



Because land is more heated by the sun than the sea 

 is ; and the land air becomes hotter than that over the 

 sea ; in consequence of which the cooler sea air glides 

 inland to restore the equilibrium. 



408 Why are ihe west winds in the Atlantic States generally dry? 



Because they come over large tracts of land, and 

 therefore absorb very little water ; and being* thirsty, 

 they readily imbibe moisture from the air and clouds, 

 and therefore bring dry weather. 



400 Why is the north wind generally coldf 



Because it comes from the polar regions, over moun- 

 tains of snow and seas of ice. 



500 Why are north winds generally dry ? 



Because they come from colder regions, and being 

 warmed by the heat of our climate, absorb moisture 

 from everything they touch ; in consequence of which 

 they are generally dry. 



501 Why are south winds generally warm f 



Because they come over countries warmer than our 

 own, where they are much heated. 



SOS Why are winds which blow over a vast body of water generally rainy f 



Because they come laden with vapor ; if, therefore, 

 they meet with the least chill, some of the vapor is 

 deposited as rain. 



SOS Why is there often an evening breeze during the summer months 9 



Because the earth radiates heat at sunset, and the 

 air is rapidly cooled down by contact; this conden- 

 sation causes a motion in the air, called the evening 

 breeze. 



SO4 Why do south winds often bring rain f 



Because, coming from the torrid zone, they are much 



