Water holds a similar proportion in the bodies of all animals, and of vegetables. It is evident, therefore, that it occupies a more important place in the scale of creation than is generally accorded to it by the unobservant mind. We are indebted to it for those atmospheric changes which constitute the peculiar feature of our varying climate. Rising in invisible vapours, it builds palaces of glory in the skies, and often presents to the view of man the imagery of heaven. Persons who have ascended above the altitude of the clouds, have described the scene upon looking down towards them as the most celestial that the mind can conceive. Fields of fleecy radiance, majestically rolling like a sea of gold, occupied the whole range of vision, and seemed to embellish an eternity of space. Those golden clouds that at one time are decked in the richest splendour, and occupy the upper chambers of the Court of Nature, become grave councillors when the earth grows thirsty, and the plant droops with languor. They roll their heavy brows together, as in consultation upon some grave necessity: down come the refreshing showers, the mighty tongue of thunder rocks the air, the earth is drenched, and becomes fresh with the salubrity of her toilette; obnoxious substances, with their offensive exhalations, are swept away: living things rejoice, and beautiful flowers throw their incense in thanksgiving into the air; the broad blue heavens for a time look down and smile upon the blessed work; and then the clouds again gather in a golden train, and one by one fill the high arches of the atmosphere, until the earth once more grows thirsty, and the flower supplicates for drink. [Verse: "How mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation."--DANIEL IV.]