284 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FARM 
across the current so as to feel the pelting of the pebbles 
that are carried 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 lik ly to be heard singing again almost as soon as 
the downpour is ended; for, as Alexander ee observe d 
of it, ““The darker the aan 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. 
