Any time you want to animate a large number of objects like leaves blowing across a yard or sparks flowing from

a bonfire or drops of water gushing from a hose you will probably use some called a "Particle System".

In 3D Max, Particle Systems are easy to set up. The main problem, as is usual is wading through all the stuff

you don't need to use!

Below is simple example of a particle system, cubes flowing from a pipe and a cool "Lava Lamp".