416 SPRINGS. 



affords one of the many proofs of Design, which arise out 

 of the investigation of its actual condition, and of its rela- 

 tions to the organized beings which are placed upon it. 



Nearly three-fourths of the Earth being covered with Sea. 

 whilst the remaining dry land is in need of continual sup- 

 plies of water, for the sustenance of the animal and vegeta- 

 ble kingdoms, the processes by which these supplies are ren- 

 dered available for such important purposes, form no incon- 

 siderable part of the beautiful and connected mechanisms of 

 the terraqueous Globe. 



The great Instrument of communication between the sur- 

 face of the Sea, and that of the Land, is the Atmosphere, by 

 means of which a perpetual supply of fresh-water is derived 

 from an Ocean of salt water, through the simple process of 

 evaporation. 



By this process, water is incessantly ascending in the state 

 of Vapour, and again descending in the form of Dew and 

 and Rain. 



Of the water thus supplied to the surface of the land, a 

 small portion only returns to the Sea directly in seasons of 

 flood through the channels of Rivers;* 



A second portion is re-absorbed into the Atmosphere by 

 Evaporation ; 



A third portion enters into the composition of Animal and 

 Vegetable bodies ; 



A fourth portion descends into the strata, and is accumu- 

 lated ia their interstices into subterraneous sheets and reser- 

 voirs of water, from which it is discharged gradually at the 

 surface in the form of perennial Springs, that form the ordi- 

 nary supply of Rivers. 



As soon as Springs issue from the Earth, their waters com- 

 mence their return towards the Sea ; rills unite into stream- 



* It is stated by M. Arago, that one-third only of the water which fulls in 

 rain, within the basin of the Seine, flows by that river into the sea: the re- 

 maining two-thirds either return into the atmosphere by evaporation, or go 

 to the support of vegetable and animal life, or find their way into the sea by 

 subterraneous passages. Annuaire, pour I'An 1835. 



