423. In what part of the world do the heaviest rains occur?
The heaviest rains occur in the tropics, during the hot season. The drops of rain in the tropical regions are so large, and the force with which they descend so great, that their splash upon the skin causes a smarting sensation.
424. In what parts of the world do the least rains occur?
There are some parts of the earth which are rainless, such as Egypt, the desert of Sahara, the table lands of Persia and Montgolia, the rocky flat of Arabia Petræ, &c.
425. How many rainy days are there in a year?
The frequency of rainy days is greatest in countries near the sea, and their number decreases the further we journey from the sea-border towards the inland. In England it rains on an average 152 to 155 days in the year.
426. In what part of England does the greatest amount of rain fall?
In the town of Keswick, in Cumberland, where 63 inches of rain fall in a year; Kendal, in Westmoreland, 58 inches; Liverpool, 34 inches; Dublin, 25 inches; Lincoln, 24 inches; London, 21 inches.
427. Why do the heaviest rains occur at the tropics?
Because the hot air absorbs a large amount of vapour, and rises into the higher regions of the atmosphere, where the vapours are suddenly condensed into heavy rains, by cold currents from the poles.