How many Coats does a Yak have?
The yak lives very high up in the Himalayas, where it is very cold. It snows there. Even in
summer, the water there is icy cold. And in winter, of course, there is only snow and ice. In
summer, the yak wears one coat. This coat is made of long, rough hair. It covers the whole
body and half the tail. The second coat grows underneath the first, only in winter.
It is a thick coat of short, soft hair. It keeps the yak very warm. As the harsh winter slowly
fades, the yak's thick winter coat starts to shed. The yak stands in the sun, and the old coat
gradually falls off, leaving a lighter summer coat behind. The yak enjoys this change, as it can
now move more freely and is more comfortable in the warmer weather.
How long do they live?
Scientists have watched a number of animals and insects to find out how long they live. They
found out that some houseflies lived for as long as seventy three days! The animal that lives
the longest is the tortoise. Some kinds of tortoises have lived for a hundred and fifty-two years!
Most animals die because they fall ill. Some are killed by other animals or by man. Few die of
old age.
So, it is not easy to find out how long animals live. Scientists believe that animals in the sea
generally live for a longer time than those on land. The water carries their weight and so they
are not tired out as quickly as land animals. Many animals, such as snakes and lizards, keep
growing until they die. So, if they are looked after well, such animals should live forever!
I can see!
Jacob, the beggar, who could not see, sat by the roadside. He heard the people walking by, and
listened to the sound of the small coins which they dropped in his plate. Suddenly, he heard
many men coming. They stopped near him. He then overheard one man asking why he was
blind and if he was a sinner. Another kind man responded that the beggar had not sinned and
that God could restore his sight.
A hand went over his eyes very gently. Someone was putting something on them. The kind
man then told him that he had put something on his eyes and instructed him to wash them in
the pool. The first man advised him to follow Jesus's instructions. Jacob walked towards the
pool. He washed his eyes in the water. Slowly, he opened his eyes. He could see everything!
