Springs and Streams.
When we dig into the earth, can we always find water?
Yes; we can always find water.
What reason may be given for believing this?
Because thousands of wells have been dug in different parts of the country, and water is obtained from them.
Are these wells all of the same depth?
No; they vary in depth from four or five feet to eighty or ninety feet.
What makes the water hard in some wells?
When the stream of water passes through iron ore, before reaching the well, it absorbs some of the iron, which makes it hard.
How else may it become hard?
By passing through other mineral substances, such as limestone and sulphur, it will become hard.
Why is the water in some wells much warmer than in others?
In wells where the water is warm, the streams flowing into them are near the surface of the earth, and are heated by the sun; but in the wells of cold water, the streams are much deeper in the earth.
When these streams flow out at the surface of the earth, what are they called?
They are called springs.
Where are springs found?
They are mostly found on hill-sides, or in valleys; but they are sometimes found on the top of the hills.
Why is the water in some springs warmer than in others?
In springs where the water is warm, the streams flowing into them are so near the surface of the earth as to be warmed by the sun, while in springs where the water is colder, the streams are much deeper in the earth.
What becomes of the water in the springs?
It runs away down the valleys, forming brooks and creeks.
When these brooks and creeks flow into other brooks and creeks, what do they form?
They form lakes and rivers.
Into what do the rivers flow?
The rivers flow into the ocean.
How are waves produced?
Waves are produced by the winds blowing against the surface of the water.
What does a light wind produce?
A light wind produces only ripples on the surface of the water.
What does a stronger wind produce?
A stronger wind produces waves in the water.
Why is the water of the ocean and the larger lakes seldom at rest?
Because the wind touching the water seldom ceases to blow.
To what depth does the wind disturb the water of the ocean?
Wind seldom disturbs the ocean to a greater depth than thirty feet below its surface.