“But, after all,” said Aunt Fanny, “I think our arrangement of the weather is best, if it does sometimes interfere with our plans. We generally have all the rain we want, and it is given to us a little at a time, as we need it. This is better for us and for vegetation than to have all our rain fall in two months of the year, and then to have three or four times as much as we really need.”
“Then why doesn’t God make it rain so every where, if that way is best?” inquired Ronald.
“For wise and good reasons, no doubt,” replied Aunt Fanny. “What is best for the temperate zones may not be best for the tropics. People who go from this latitude to tropical countries find the rainy season very unhealthy, but it is different with those who were born there.”
“I suppose one object of these heavy rains between the tropics is to supply the great rivers of South America and Africa,” said Marcus. “We all know how Egypt is fertilized by the overflowing of the Nile; but the Nile would not overflow were it not for these immense rains in the country where it rises. So with the great rivers of South America, which overflow in the rainy season, and form inland seas, that serve as reservoirs in the dry months.”
“And it is so with all the rivers in the world—they are nothing but drains to carry away the surplus rain-water,” said Mrs. Page.
“Well,” said Marcus, glancing at the figures before him, “we have ascertained that nearly six million tons of water have fallen in our town to-day. Otis, can you explain how this immense body of water was raised into the air?”
“I can explain it,” said Kate, seeing that her brother hesitated.
“Let Otis try first,” replied Marcus.
“Was it drawn up from the ocean by the sun?” inquired Otis.
“Yes, that is the correct explanation,” continued Marcus. “Now, Kate, can you tell us any more about it?”