1111. _Why if owls scream during foul weather, will it change to fine?_ Because the birds are pleasurably excited by a favourable _change in the atmosphere_. 1112. _Why is it said that the moping of the owl foretells death?_ Because owls scream when the weather is on the change; and when a patient is lingering on a death bed, the alteration in the state of the atmosphere frequently induces death, because the faint and expiring flame of life has not strength enough _to adapt itself to the change_. 1113. _Why may wet weather be expected when spiders break off their webs, and remove them?_ Because the insects, anticipating the approach of rain, remove their webs for preservation. [Verse: "There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate."--ISAIAH XXXIV.] 1114. _Why may we expect a continuance of fine weather when bees wander far from their hives?_ Because the bees feel instinctively that from the state of the atmosphere they may wander far in search of honey, without the danger of being overtaken by rain. 1115. _Why if people feel their corns ache, and their bones rheumatic, may rain be expected?_ Because the dampness of the atmosphere affects its pressure upon the body, and causes a temporary disturbance of the system. All general disturbances of the body, _manifest themselves in those parts which are in a morbid state_--as in a corn, a rheumatic bone, or a decayed tooth. 1116. _Why if various flowers close may rain be expected?_ Because plants are highly sensitive to atmospheric changes, and _close their petals to protect their stamens_. 1117. _Why when moles throw up their hills may rain be expected?_ Because the moles know instinctively, that on the approach of wet, worms move in the ground; the moles therefore become active, _and form their hills_. 1118. _Why is a magpie, when seen alone, said to foretell bad weather?_ Because magpies generally fly in company; but on the approach of wet or cold, one _remains in the nest to take care of the young_, while the other one wanders alone in search of food. 1119. _Why do sea-gulls appear numerous in fine weather_? Because the fishes swim near to the surface of the sea, and the birds _assemble over the sea to catch the fish, instead of sitting on rocks_, or wading on the shore. 1120. _Why do sea-gulls fly over the land, on the approach of stormy weather?_ Because in stormy weather they cannot catch fish; and the _earth-worms come up on the land_ when the rain falls. [Verse: "And I said, Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest."--PSALM LV.] 1121. _Why if birds cease to sing, may wet, and probably thunder, be expected._? Because birds are depressed by an unfavourable change in the atmosphere, and _lose those joyful spirits which give rise to their songs_. 1122. _Why if cattle run around in meadows, may thunder be expected?_