272 SCIENCE OF COMMON THINGS. 



Colors in different regions of the earth. Contrasts of colors. 



dued variety the flowers are less bright ; the prevail- 

 ing tint of the birds is brown ; and the dresses of the 

 inhabitants are sombre. 



IT'S 8 How is this corfespondence further exemplified in the Arctic and 

 Antarctic regions ? 



Here there is little color in natural objects ; the few 

 flowers are white or yellow / and the animals are almost 

 uniformly Hack or white. 



17*69 In what part of the ocean do we find the brightest shells and sea- 

 weeds ? 



Near the shore, in shallow water, where the influence 

 of light is greatest. 



17* 7*0 What fishes are distinguished for the brilliancy of their colors? 



Those that swim near the surface; whereas those 

 which live at greater depths are gray, brown, and black. 



17*7*1 What is the appearance of the sea-weeds and animals that live at 

 great depths of the ocean ? 



They are nearly colorless. 



17*7*3 Why is grass growing under a covering of a white or yellowish 

 white color f 



Because it is secluded from the light, whose presence 

 and action is necessary for the production of the material 

 which imparts to it its green color. 



17*7*3 Of the various rays composing solar light, which are the most 

 visible to the human eye ? 



The yellow. 



17*7*4 Which have the greatest heating effect f 



The faint red rays. 



17*7*5 Why does a dress composed of cloths of different colors, look well 

 much longer, although worn, than one of only a single color, the character of 

 the cloth in both instances being identical ? 



It is owing to the effect of contrast between the 

 colors. If a dress is composed of cloths of two colors, 

 as red and green, orange and blue, yellow and violet, 

 they will mutually heighten the effect of each, and make 

 each portion appear to the best advantage. 



17*7*0 Why will stains be less visible on a dress of different colors, than 

 on one composed of only a single color ? 



Because there exists in general a greater contrast 



