657. Why does water issue from the earth in springs?
Some springs are caused by natural syphons formed in the fissures of rocks, which, communicating with bodies of water, are continually filled by atmospheric pressure, and therefore convey streams of water to the point where they are set free.
"Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds."—Psalm lviii.
658. Why, if a wine glass is filled with water, and a card laid upon it, and the whole inverted, will the water remain in the glass?
Because the pressure of the atmosphere upon the surface of the card counteracts the weight of the water.
659. What has the card to do with the experiment?
It forms a base upon which the water may rest, while the glass is being inverted; and it prevents the air from acting upon the fluidity of the water, and forcing it out of the glass.