A. Because the rays pass through _more of the vapoury atmosphere_ which surrounds the earth; and this vapoury atmosphere acts like a _magnifying glass_. [Illustration: It is very manifest that the lines D C are shorter than the lines E C: if, therefore, A be the earth, and D G E the boundary of the atmosphere round the earth, then the rays M E C (at the _horizon_) will pass through _more of the atmosphere_, than the rays S D C, which are more elevated.] Q. _Why does the MOON appear LARGER at her RISING and SETTING, than when above our heads?_ A. Because the rays pass through _more of the vapoury atmosphere_ which surrounds the earth; and this vapoury atmosphere _magnifies_ the moon, just like a magnifying glass. Q. _Why do CATS RUB their EARS when it is likely to rain?_ A. Either because the _air is full of vapour_, and its humidity (piercing between the hair of the cat) _produces an itching sensation_; or more probably, because the air is _overcharged with electricity._ Q. _How can the ELECTRICITY of air produce a sensation of ITCHING?_ A. If the _air_ is overcharged with electricity, the _hair of the cat_ is overcharged also; and this makes her feel _as if she were covered with cobwebs_. Q. _Why does the CAT keep RUBBING herself?_ A. Her _hair will not lie smooth_, but has a perpetual tendency to become _turgid and ruffled_; so the cat keeps rubbing her coat and ears, to _smooth the hair down_, and brush away the feeling of cobwebs. Q. _Why do our HEADS and SKIN itch before rain?_ A. Probably because the _air is overcharged with electricity_; and, therefore, a sensation (like that of cobwebs) _irritates the skin_, and produces an itching. Q. _Why do we HEAR distant CLOCKS more distinctly when rain is near at hand?_ A. Because the _air is filled with vapour_, and water is a better conductor of sound than dry air. Q. _Why do we hear CHURCH-BELLS further, just previous to rain?_ A. Because the _air is filled with vapour_, and vapour is a better conductor of sound than dry air. Q. _Why do DOORS SWELL, when RAIN is at hand?_ A. Because the _air is filled with vapour_, which (penetrating into the pores of the wood) _forces the parts further apart_, and swells the door. Q. _Why do DOORS SHRINK in DRY weather?_ A. Because the _moisture is absorbed from the wood_; and, as the particles are _brought closer together_, the size of the door is _lessened_, (or in other words, the _wood shrinks_). Q. _Why is the AIR filled with offensive SMELLS previous to a coming RAIN?_ A. Because the volatile parts, (which rise from dunghills, sewers, &c.), being _laden with vapour_, are unable to rise so readily, as when they are rarefied by a bright sun. Q. _Why do FLOWERS smell SWEETER and STRONGER just previous to RAIN?_ A. Because the volatile parts (which constitute the _perfume_ of flowers) are _laden with vapour_; and (being unable to rise) are confined to the lower regions of the air.