THE BEA.SON- WHY. 101 



" Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters maj 

 cover thee ?" JOB xxxvm. 



warmth to cold will precipitate the moisture of the air, without 

 the formation of visible clouds 



418. Why are drops of rain sometimes large and at other 

 times small ? 



Because the drops, in falling, meet and unite, and also gather 

 moisture in their descent. The greater the height from which a 

 rain drop has descended, the larger it is, provided that its whole 

 course lay through a rainy atmosphere. 



The size of the drops is also influenced by the amount of 

 moisture in the atmosphere, the degree of cold, and the rapidity 

 of the change of temperature, by which the drops are produced. 



419. In what seasons of the year are rains most prevalent T 

 Throughout Central Europe rains are most prevalent in 



summer, but in Southern Europe the preponderance is on the side 

 of winter rains. 



420. In what months of the year does it rain most 

 frequently in this country ? 



It rains more frequently from September to March, than 

 from March to September ; but the heaviest rains occur from 

 March to September. 



421. Why are there more rainy days from September to 

 March ? 



Because the temperature of the air is more frequently lowered to 

 that degree which precipitates its vapours. 



Months in the order of their comparative wetness , 1. October. 2. February. 

 3. July. 4. September. 5. January. 6. December. 



Months in the order of their comparative dryness : 1. March. 2. January. 

 8. May. 4 August. 5. April. 6. Xovember. 



422. In what part of the world does the greatest quantity 

 of rain fall ? 



The greatest quantity of rain falls near the equator, and thi 

 amount decreases towards the poles. 



