284 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FARM 



across the current so as to feel the pelting of the pebbles 

 that are earned by the rill; or, by listening to the pounding 

 of the rocks in their descent of the larger gullies. Part of 

 what the stream carries is floating stuff — stems and leaves, 

 that will fall and decay, and seeds that will spring up in new 

 situations. The washing of different kinds and conditions 

 of soil may be seen. Indeed, it is only out in the rain that 

 erosion by the rills, and the building of miniature deltas 

 and flood-plains, may be seen at their height. 



When the rain has ceased, the rate of drying of the surface 

 of different kinds and conditions of soil may be observed. 

 One should compare newly plowed and fallow land, bare 

 fields, meadows and woods. Certain moisture-loving animals 

 will be seen abroad abundantly when the shower is ended — 

 snails, slugs, pill-bugs, worms, frogs, etc. Indeed, the wood 

 thrush is likely to be heard singing again almost as soon as 

 the downpour is ended; for, as Alexander Wilson observed 

 of it, "The darker the day, the sweeter is its song." 



The record of this study may properly consist of notes on 

 things heard and seen, that are connected in any way with 

 the coming of the rain. 



