Why did the author most likely use the phrase the thermometer stood at sixty in the first paragraph of the text?

What is the meaning of each underlined word in these excerpts from "a modest proposal" by jonathan swift? i think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation. some persons of a desponding spirit are in great concern about that vast number of poor people, who are aged, diseased, or maimed; and i have been desired to employ my thoughts what course may be taken, to ease the nation of so grievous an incumbrance. the word prodigious means . the word desponding means .

Read sentence 13 from the draft. some plants retain a great deal of their foliage through much of the spring and summer, but the leaves do not retain their green color for long. which detail would be best to add after sentence 13 to develop the topic? a. since the green color of the leaves that are bright and abundant during the warmer months will disappear by the time it is fall, it is important that the leaves are trimmed and kept freshly cut so that they will last for as long as possible. b. while the temperature outside may dictate when the fall colors of leaves appear, it is only one of many environmental factors that play a part in the changing of colors from green leaves to fall-colored leaves during the cooler months. c. if people want to enjoy the green color of leaves longer, trees should be planted where the environment is warmer and the days longer because chlorophyll in the leaves can only be manufactured and replaced with sunlight and warmth. d. the green chlorophyll normally masks the fall-colored pigments during the warmer months, but as sunlight becomes less abundant and trees become frozen, the fall colors of leaves become more visible as chlorophyll disappears.

Which word best describes the meaning of the word putrescent? a. earthy b. floral c. rotten d. strong