officers to see these laws executed with rigour, _two of which
officers were bishops_. A.H.K.--T.

* * * * *



NOTES OF A READER


THE ATMOSPHERE.--CLIMATOLOGY.


_(FROM PART XIV. OF KNOWLEDGE FOR THE PEOPLE; OR, THE PLAIN WHY AND
BECAUSE.)_

_Why may the atmosphere be termed a fourth kingdom of Nature?_

Because it extends its influence in an equal degree over the three
kingdoms, the animal, the vegetable, and the mineral, operates upon
each after a distinct manner, and appears rather to be independent,
and allied to all of them, than to be rightly included within any one.

_Why is a knowledge of the atmosphere important to the naturalist?_

Because it serves to throw much light on the history and functions
both of the animal and vegetable creation; for it is through this
great medium that heat, light, electricity, oxygen, and the great
springs of vital phenomena, are conveyed to all classes of organized
matter. It is by means of this wonderful agent, that we gain the