Because those organs (the _antennæ_), are those through which come insects _hear_ and others _feel_; and the projecting of these _antennæ_ from their bodies probably enables them to hear or feel more acutely while their wings are in motion, _without the interference of the vibrations of their wings_. [Verse: "My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honey-comb, which is sweet to thy taste."--PROVERBS XXIV.] 1101. _Why have bees stings?_ Because they gather and store up honey which would constantly attract other insects, and the bees would be robbed of their food but for the sting, _which is given to them for protection_. 1102. _Why have flies fine hairs growing at the extremities of their legs?_ Because they require to cleanse their bodies and wings, and to free them from particles of dust. And as they cannot turn their heads for this purpose, they have hairy feet, which serve as brushes, by which any part of their bodies can be reached and cleaned. CHAPTER LVI. 1103. _Why when the perfume of flowers is unusually perceptible may wet weather be anticipated?_ Because when the air is damp it _conveys the odours of flowers_ more effectively than it does when dry. 1104. _Why when swallows fly low may wet weather be expected?_ Because the insects which the swallows pursue in their flight are flying low, _to escape the moisture of the upper regions of the atmosphere_. 1105. _Why do ducks and geese go to the water, and dash it over their backs on the approach of rain?_ Because by wetting the outer coat of their feathers before the rain falls, by sudden dashes of water over the surface, they _prevent the drops of rain from penetrating to their bodies through the open and dry feathers_. 1106. _Why do horses and cattle stretch out their necks and snuff the air on the approach of rain?_ Because they smell the _fragrant perfume_ which is diffused in the air by its increasing moistness. [Verse: "I will remember the works of the Lord: Surely I will remember thy wonders of old."--PSALM LXXVII.] 1107. _Why may change of weather be anticipated when domestic animals are restless?_ Because their skins are exceedingly sensitive to atmospheric influences, and they are oppressed and irritated by _the changing condition of the atmosphere_. 1108. _Why may fine weather be expected when spiders are seen busily constructing their webs?_ Because those insects are highly sensitive to the state of the atmosphere, and when it is setting fine they build their webs, because they know instinctively _that flies will be abroad_. 1109. _Why is wet weather to be expected when spiders hide?_ Because it shows that they are aware that the state of the atmosphere does not _favour the flight of insects_. 1110. _Why if gnats fly in large numbers may fine weather be expected?_ Because it shows that they feel the state of the atmosphere to be favourable, which induces them all to _leave their places of shelter_.