Chapter VI: Conclusion (2)

Stratus or fall cloud is a fog or mist, so called from being strewed along the ground, and from its consisting of particular kinds of clouds, which fall at night-time to the ground. A stratus in the morning, in autumn, often ushers in some of the finest days we enjoy.

=Sunday Sunset.=

If Sunday sunset is obscured, expect rain before Wednesday.

=Salt Lake Valley.=

A horizontal streak or band of clouds immediately in front of the mountains on the east side of Salt Lake valley is an indication of rain within one or two days. When black clouds cover the western horizon, rain will follow soon, and extend to the eastward over the valley. (Observer at Salt Lake.)

=Storm.=

If clouds look like they had been scratched by a hen,
Get ready to reef your topsails then.

If the clouds be of different heights, the sky being grayish or dirty blue, with hardly any wind stirring, the wind, however, changing from west to south, or sometimes to southeast, without perceptibly increasing in force, expect storm.

=South Clouds.=

If clouds appear suddenly in the south, expect rain.

=Sunrise.=

If clouds fly to the west at sunrise, expect fine weather.

If at sunrise many clouds are seen in the west, and disappear, expect fine weather for a short time.

=Strips of Clouds.=

If long strips of clouds drive at a slow rate high in the air, and gradually become larger, the sky having been previously clear, expect rain.

=Streamers.=

When streamers point upward, the clouds are falling and rain is at hand. When streamers point downward, the clouds are ascending and drought is at hand.

=Salmon Clouds.=

A long strip of clouds called a Salmon, or _Noah’s Ark_, stretching east and west, is a sign of stormy weather, but when it extends north and south, it is a sign of dry weather.

North and south the sign of drought,
East and west the sign of blast.

=Tints.=

Light, delicate, quiet tints or colors, with soft, undefined forms of clouds indicate and accompany fair weather; but unusual or gaudy hues, with hard definitely outlined clouds, foretell rain, and probably stormy weather.

=Thin Light Clouds.=

If there be a light-blue sky with thin, light, flying clouds, whilst the wind goes to the south, without much increase in force, or a dirty blue sky when no clouds are to be seen, expect storm.

=Tails or Feathers.=

If there be long points, tails, or feathers hanging from thunder or rain clouds, five or six or more degrees above the horizon, with little wind in summer, thunder may be expected, but storm will be of short duration.

=Two Currents.=

Two currents of clouds indicate approaching rain, and in summer thunder.

=Thunder.=

Against much rain the clouds grow rapidly larger, especially before thunder.

=Terraces of Clouds.=

When the clouds rise in terraces of white, soon will the country of the corn priests be pierced with the arrows of rain. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Variety.=

The different kinds of clouds indicate rain.

=West Clouds.=

When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say there cometh a shower, and so it is. (Luke xii, 54.)

Brassy-colored clouds in the west at sunset indicate wind.

=White Clouds.=

If on a fair day in winter a white bank of clouds arise in the south, expect snow.

If small white clouds are seen to collect together, their edges appearing rough, expect wind.

=Wind.=

If the wind blow between north and east or east, with clouds for some days, and if clouds be then seen driving from the south high up, rain will follow plentifully, sometimes forty-eight hours after; if after the rain the wind goes to the south or southwest, better weather will follow.

=Yellow Sky.=

A light yellow sky at sunset presages wind.

A pale yellow sky at sunset presages rain.

PROVERBS RELATING TO DEW.

Absence of Dew.

The absence of dew for three days indicates rain.

If nights three dewless there be,
’Twill rain, you’re sure to see.

=Easter.=

The number of dews before Easter will indicate the number of hoar frosts to occur after Easter, and the number of dews to occur in August.

=Heavy Dew.=

If there is a heavy dew and it soon dries, expect fine weather; if it remains long on the grass, expect rain in twenty-four hours.

Heavy dew indicates fair weather.

Clouds without dew indicate rain.

If there is a heavy dew it indicates fair weather; no dew indicates rain.

=Haying Season.=

In haying season, when there is no dew, it indicates rain.

Much dew after a fair day indicates another fair day. A calm and fair day followed by absence of dew indicates rain.

=Midnight.=

With dew before midnight,
The next day will sure be bright.

=Plentiful Dew.=

If the dew lies on the grass plentifully after a fair day, it indicates that the following day will be fair. If there is no dew and no wind after a fair day, rain will follow.

=Southerly Winds.=

A heavy dew in the middle latitudes is said to indicate southerly winds.

A heavy dew with a south to east wind, fair—with a northwest wind, rain. (New England.)

=Summer Dew.=

During summer a heavy dew is sometimes followed by a southerly wind in the afternoon.

=Wet Feet.=

If your feet you wet with the dew in the morning, you may keep them dry for the rest of the day.

PROVERBS RELATING TO FISH.

=General.=

When fish bite readily and swim near the surface, rain may be expected.

Fish become inactive just before thunder showers, silent, and won’t bite.

Fish bite the least
With wind in the east.

Fishes in general, both in salt and fresh waters, are observed to sport most and bite more eagerly against rain than at any other time.

=Black-fish.=

Black-fish in schools indicate an approaching gale.

=Blue-fish, pike, etc.=

Blue-fish, pike, and other fish jump with head towards the point where a storm is frowning.

The approach of blue-fish to the Middle Atlantic coast is a true indication of a shift of wind to the north within twenty-four or thirty-six hours. The observer furnishing the above states that he has not known this saying to have failed once in the past twenty-five years, and assigns as a reason that in autumn all fish go south, and the blue-fish, it appears, is able to anticipate this change and approaches the coast, where it may strike the feed-fish on their way south.

=Clam-Beds.=

Air-bubbles over the clam-beds indicate rain.

Porpoises in harbor indicate coming storm.

=Cat-fish.=

Fish swim up stream, and cat-fish jump out of water before rain.

If the skin on the belly of the cat-fish is unusually thick, it indicates a cold winter; if not, a mild winter will follow. (Negro.)

=Cockles.=

Cockles and most shell fish are observed against a tempest to have gravel sticking hard unto their shells, as a providence of nature to stay or poise themselves, and to help to weigh them down, if raised from the bottom by surges.

=Cod-fish.=

The cod is said to take in ballast before a storm. It is said by Sergeant McGillivry, Signal Corps, U. S. A., that there is one instance of this saying well authenticated, as follows: A number of cod were taken twelve hours before a severe gale, and it was found that each had swallowed a number of small stones, some of the stones weighing three or four ounces.

=Crabs and Lobsters.=

The appearance of crabs and lobsters indicates that spring has come, and that there will be no more freezing weather. Lake Ontario black bass leave shoal water before a thunder-storm. This has been observed twenty-four hours before storm.

=Cuttles.=

Cuttles, with their many legs, swimming on the top of the water and striving to be above the waves, presage a storm.

=Cuttle-fish.=

Cuttle-fish swimming on the surface of water indicate the approach of storm.

=Dolphins.=

Dolphins, as well as porpoises, when they come about a ship, and sport and gambol on the surface of the water, betoken a storm; hence they are regarded as unlucky omens by sailors.

=Eels.=

If eels are very lively it is a sign of rain.

=Equinox.=

In equinoctial storms fish bite the best before the sun crosses the line.

=Fish—Flies.=

When fish jump up after flies expect rain.

=Frog-fish.=

Frog-fish crawling indicate rain.

=Lake Trout.=

In the northern lakes of the United States white-fish and lake trout leave reefs for deep water one month earlier in stormy falls than in mild, calm falls, with little winds. (Chippewa Indians.)

=Lobsters and Craw-fish.=

When lobsters or craw-fish heighten their holes about the surface of the ground, it is a sign of approaching rain.

=Moon.=

Fish bite the best when the moon is in the tail.

=Mullet.=

Mullet run south on the approach of cold northerly wind and rain.

=North Wind.=

Fishermen in anger froth
When the wind is in the north;
For fish bite the best
When the wind is in the west.

=Pike.=

When pike lie on the bed of a stream quietly, expect rain or wind.

=Porpoises.=

Porpoises, when they sport about ships and chase one another as if in play, and indeed their being numerous on the surface of the sea at any time, is rather a stormy sign. The same may be said of dolphins and grampus. That the cause of these motions is some electrical change in the air seems probable. Wilsford, in his Secrets of Nature, tells us “Porpoises or sea-hogs when observed to sport and chase one another about ships, expect then some stormy weather.”

Porpoises are said to swim in the direction from which the wind is coming.

Porpoises run into bays and around islands before a storm.

=Salmon and Trout.=

Salmon and trout plentiful in river (Columbia) show an abundance of rain in the surrounding country by which the river has risen.

=Sea-urchins.=

Sea-urchins thrusting themselves into the mud, or striving to cover their bodies with sand, foreshow a storm.

=Shad.=

Shad run south when the weather changes cold.

=Shark.=

Shark go to sea at the approach of a cold wave.

=Skate.=

Skate jump in the direction that the next wind will come from.

=South Wind.=

Wind in the south catch fish in the mouth.

=Trout.=

Trout bite voraciously before rain.

When trout refuse bait or fly,
There ever is a storm nigh.

=Trout and Salmon.=

When the trout or salmon-trout jump late in the fall, the Indians of Washington Territory predict an open winter and an open spring.

=Trout and Herring.=

Trout jump and herring schools more rapidly before rain.

=Whales and Porpoises.=

When porpoises and whales spout about ships at sea, storm may be expected.

=Winds.=

The appearance of a great number of fish on the west Gulf coast indicates bad weather and easterly winds.

PROVERBS RELATING TO FOG OR MIST.

August.

The number of August fogs indicate the number of winter mists.

In the Mississippi Valley, when fogs occur in August, expect fever and ague in the following fall.

A fog in August indicates a severe winter and plenty of snow.

Observe on what day in August the first heavy fog occurs, and you may expect a hard frost on the same day in October.

=April Fog.=

Fog in April foretells a failure of the wheat crop next year. (Alabama.)

If the first three days of April be foggy, there will be a flood in June. (English.)

=Continued Fog.=

If there be continued fog, expect frost.

=Dew.=

When the dew is seen shining on the leaves, the mist rolled down from the mountain last night. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Damp Fog.=

If there be a damp fog or mist, accompanied by wind, expect rain.

=Fog Clouds.=

When light fog clouds on evenings are observed to rise from the valleys and hang around the summits of mountains, rain follows.

=February Fog.=

A fog in February indicates a frost in the following May.

=Fog Frost.=

He that would have a bad day must go out in the fog after a frost.

=Frost.=

During frosty weather, the dissolution of mist, and the appearance of small detached cerro-cumulus clouds in the elevated regions of the atmosphere are said to foretell that the termination of frost is at hand.

=Fog and Rain.=

When the fog goes up the hill the rain comes down the mill.

=Fog after Frost.=

Fog after hard frosts and fog after mild weather indicate a change in weather.

=Falling Fog.=

When the fog falls fair weather follows; when it rises rain follows.

=Heavy Fog.=

Heavy fog in winter, when it hangs below trees, is followed by rain.

=Hunting and Fishing.=

When the fog goes up the mountains you may go hunting; when it comes down the mountain you may go fishing. In the former case it will be fair; in the latter it will rain.

=Light Fog.=

Light fog passing under sun from south to north in the morning indicates rain in twenty-four or forty-eight hours.

=March, May, and August.=

So many mists in March we see,
So many frosts in May shall be;
So many fogs in August we see,
So many snows that year will be.

=Mirage.=

A mirage is followed by a rain. (New England.)

=Mist—Sea.=

When the mist takes to the sea
Then good weather it will be.
(English.)

=Misty Mornings.=

Three foggy or misty mornings indicate rain. (Oregon.)

=Morning Fogs.=

When a morning fog turns into clouds of different layers, the clouds increasing in size, expect a rain.

=Mountain Mist.=

When mountains extend north and south, if fog or mist comes from the west, expect fair weather. If mist comes from the top of mountains, expect rain in summer, snow in winter. (Apache Indians.)

=October Fog.=

For every fog in October there will be a snow during the winter; for each heavy fog a heavy snow, and for each light fog a light snow.

=Rising Fog.=

A rising fog indicates fair weather. If the fog settles down, expect stormy weather.

=Seaward and Landward.=

Fog from seaward, fair weather; fog from landward, rain. (New England.)

=Summer Fog.=

A summer fog is a good indication of fair weather.

=Southerly Wind.=

In summer, when fog comes with a southerly wind it indicates warm weather; when it comes with a northerly wind it is a sign of heavy rain.

=Weather.=

When the mist is on the hill,
Then good weather it doth spoil.

=Winter Fog.=

A winter’s fog will freeze a dog.

PROVERBS RELATING TO FROST.

Bearded—Frost.

Bearded frost is a forerunner of snow.

=Birds of Passage.=

If birds of passage arrive early from the north, expect frost.

=Corn Frost.=

With the coming of frost grows the corn old. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Dark-moon Frost.=

Frost occurring in the dark of the moon kills fruit, buds, and blossoms; but frost in the light of the moon will not.

=Early Frosts.=

Early frosts are generally followed by a long and hard winter. Light or white frosts are always followed by wet weather, either the same day or three days after.

=Easter Frost.=

Past the Easter frost and fruit is safe.

=Fences, Trees.=

In winter if the fences and trees are covered with white frost, expect a thaw.

=Frosty Trees.=

If the trees are frosty and the sun takes it away before noon, sign of rain.

=First Katydid.=

The first frost of the season occurs six weeks after we hear the first katydid.

=Frosts.=

Heavy white frost indicates warmer weather.

Black frost indicates dry cold weather.

Bearded frost indicates colder weather and snow.

=Frost, Rain.=

Hoar frost indicates rain.

=Foul Weather.=

Frosts end in foul weather.

=First Frost.=

If the first frost occurs late, the following winter will be mild, but weather variable. If first frost occurs early, it indicates a severe winter.

=Gray Sky.=

If there be a dark, gray sky, with a south wind, expect frost.

=Heavy Frosts.=

Heavy frosts are generally followed by fine, clear weather.

=Hoar Frost.=

If there be an abundance of hoar frost, expect rain.

=Ice.=

If the ice crack much, expect frost to continue.

=June Frosts.=

There will be as many frosts in June as there are fogs in February.

=Moonlight.=

Moonlight nights have the hardest frosts.

=Mist.=

When the mist is on the hill,
Then good weather it doth spoil;
When the mist takes to the sea,
Then good weather it will be.
(England.)

=Rain, Frosts.=

Heavy frosts bring heavy rains; no frosts, no rain. (California.)

=Six Months.=

Six months from last frost to next frost. (South.)

=Spider Webs.=

Spider webs floating at autumn sunset,
Bring a night frost, this you may bet.

=Three Frosts=

Three frosts in succession are a sign of rain.

Three white frosts and then a storm.

=White Frost.=

A very heavy white frost in winter is followed by a thaw.

White frost on three successive nights indicates a thaw or rain.

=Water Snakes.=

When small water snakes leave the sand in low damp lands, frosts may be expected in three days. (Apache Indians.)

=Wind, Northwest.=

Frost will probably occur when the temperature is 40° and the wind northwest.

A high wind prevents frost.

PROVERBS RELATING TO INSECTS.

Ants.

If ants their walls do frequent build,
Rain will from the clouds be spilled.

When ants are situated in low ground, their migration may be taken as an indication of approaching heavy rains.

Expect stormy weather when ants travel in lines, and fair weather when they scatter.

If in the beginning of July the ants are enlarging and building up their piles, an early and cold winter is at hand.

An open ant-hole indicates clear weather; a closed one an approaching storm.

=Ants, Crickets, Gnats, etc.=

Ants are very busy; gnats bite; crickets are lively; spiders come out of their nests, and flies gather in houses just before rain.

=Butterflies.=

The early appearance of butterflies is said to indicate fine weather.

When the white butterfly flies from the southwest, expect rain.

When the butterfly comes, comes also the summer. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Bees.=

When bees remain in their hives or fly but a short distance, expect rain.

Bees early at work will not perform a full day’s work.

Bees will not swarm before a near storm.

Bees returning hastily and in large numbers are said to indicate approaching rain, although the weather may be clear.

When bees to distance wing their flight
Days are warm and skies are bright;
But when their flight ends near their home
Stormy weather is sure to come.

A bee was never caught in a shower.

If bees remain in the hive or fly but a short distance from it, expect rain.

=Black Insects.=

When little black insects appear on the snow, expect a thaw.

=Cockroaches.=

When cockroaches fly it is a sign of approaching rain.

=Crickets.=

If the cricket sing louder than usual, expect rain.

=Chrysalides.=

When the chrysalides are found suspended from the under side of rails, limbs, &c., as if to protect them from rain, expect much rain. If they are found on slender branches, fair weather will last some time. (Western Pennsylvania.)

=Fleas.=

When fleas do very many grow,
Then ’twill surely rain or snow.

When eager bites the thirsty flea,
Clouds and rain you sure shall see.

=Flies.=

A fly on your nose you slap and it goes,
If it comes back again it will bring a good rain.

When flies congregate in swarms, rain follows soon.

When flies bite greedily, expect rain.

=Fall-bugs.=

Fall-bugs begin to chirp six weeks before a frost in the fall.

=Fire-flies.=

Fire flies in great numbers indicate fair weather.

=Garden Spiders.=

If the garden spiders break and destroy their webs and creep away, expect continued rain.

=Glow-worms.=

Before rain:

Glow-worms numerous, clear, and bright,
Illuminate the dewy hills at night.

When the glow-worm glows, dry hot weather follows.

=Gossamer.=

Gossamer (the fine web of a certain species of spider) is said when abundant in the air to afford a sign of a fine autumn.

=Gnats.=

Gnats flying in a vortex in the beams of the sun, fair weather will follow; when they frisk about more wildly increasing heat is indicated; when they seek the shade and bite more frequently, the signs are of coming rain.

Gnats in October are a sign of long, fair weather.

Many gnats in spring indicate that the autumn will be warm.

If gnats fly in large numbers, the weather will be fine.

If gnats, flies, &c., bite sharper than usual, expect rain.

When gnats dance in February the husbandman becomes a beggar.

If gnats fly in compact bodies in the beams of the setting sun, expect fine weather.

If many gnats are seen in the spring, expect a warm autumn.

When gnats dance in March it brings death to sheep. (Dutch.)

=Hornets.=

Hornets build nests high before warm summers.

When hornets build their nests near the ground, expect a cold and early winter.

=House Flies.=

House flies coming into the house in great numbers indicate rain.

=Harvest Flies.=

When harvest flies sing, warm weather will follow.

=Insects.=

The early appearance of insects indicate an early spring and good crops. (Apache Indians.)

Insects flying in numbers just at evening show change of weather to rain.

=Katydids.=

Katydids cry three months before frosts. (South.)

=Locusts.=

When locusts are heard, dry weather will follow, and frost will occur in six weeks.

=Spider Webs.=

When spiders’ webs in air do fly
The spell will soon be very dry.

Spider webs scattered thickly over a field covered with dew glistening in the morning sun indicate rain.

When spiders work at their webs in the morning expect a fair day.

Spiders strengthening their webs indicate rain.

Long single, separate spider webs on grass is a sign of frost next night. (Irish.)

Spiders in motion indicate rain.

If spiders break off and remove their webs, the weather will be wet.

If spiders make new webs and ants build new hills, the weather will be clear.

If the spider works during rain, it is an indication that the weather will soon be clear.

When the spider cleans its web fair weather is indicated.

If spider webs fly in the autumn with a south wind, expect east winds and fine weather.

Spiders generally change their webs once every twenty-four hours. If they make the change between 6 and 7 p. m., expect a fair night. If they change their web in the morning, a fine day may be expected. If they work during rain, expect fine weather soon, and the more active and busy the spider the finer will be the weather.

Spiders, when they are seen crawling on the walls more than usual indicate that rain will probably ensue. This prognostic seldom fails. This has been observed for many years, particularly in winter, but more or less at all times of the year.

If spiders in spinning their webs make the terminating filaments long, we may in proportion to their lengths expect rain.

When you see the ground covered with spider webs which are wet with dew, and there is no dew on the ground, it is a sign of rain before night, for the spiders are putting up umbrellas; but others say when the spiders put out their sunshades it will be a hot day.

=Scorpions.=

When scorpions crawl expect dry weather.

=Tarantulas.=

When tarantulas crawl by day, rain will surely come. (California.)

=Wasps.=

Wasps building nests in exposed places indicate a dry season.

Wasps in great numbers and busy indicate fair and warm weather.

=Wood-lice.=

If wood-lice run about in great numbers, expect rain.

=Worms, Snails, etc.=

Worms come forth more abundantly before rain, as do snails, slugs, and almost all our limaceous reptiles.

=Yellow Jackets.=

Yellow jackets building nests on top of ground indicates an approaching dry season.

PROVERBS RELATING TO THE MOON.

April Full Moon.

Full moon in April brings frost.

=A Saturday’s Moon.=

If it comes once in seven years, comes all too soon.

=Bean.=

Go plant the bean when the moon is light,
And you will find that this is right;
Plant the potatoes when the moon is dark,
And to this line you always hark;
But if you vary from this rule,
You will find you are a fool;
If you always follow this rule to the end
You will always have money to spend.

=Beans.=

Plant garden beans when the sign is in the scales they will hang full.

=Cloudy Morning.=

In the old of the moon a cloudy morning bodes a fair afternoon.

=Cool Weather.=

When the moon runs high expect cool or cold weather.

New moon far in north in summer, cool weather; in winter, cold.

=Change.=

If the moon changes (full or new) in fair or warm part of the day, it indicates a warm moon, and if it changes in the cool part of the day, it indicates that the weather will be cool during the moon.

If the moon is rainy throughout, it will be clear at the change, and perhaps the rain will return a few days after.

If there be a change of weather at the time of the quarters (under the same conditions as above), the new condition will probably last some time.

=Drought—Flood.=

The further the moon is to the south the greater the drought; the further west the greater the flood, and the further northwest the greater the cold.

=Dry Weather.=

When the horns of the moon are sharp it indicates dry weather.

New moon far in the south indicates dry weather for a month.

=Dry Moon.=

A dry moon is far north and soon seen.

=Day Moon.=

When the moon is visible in the day-time, the days are relatively cool.

=East Wind.=

If the moon changes with the wind in the east, the weather during that moon will be foul.

=Fifth Day of Moon.=

The fifth day of the new moon indicates the general character of the weather until the full of the moon.

=Full Moon.=

In Western Kansas it is said that when the moon is near full it never storms.

The full moon eats clouds. (Nautical.)

=Fair Moon.=

If the moon be fair throughout and rain at the close, the fair weather will probably return on the fourth or fifth day.

=Fair Weather.=

Phases of the moon occurring in the evening, expect fair weather.

=Five Changes.=

Five changes of the moon in one month denotes cool weather in summer and cold in winter.

=Flood.=

Two full moons in a calendar month bring on a flood.

=Fine Weather.=

If the full moon rises clear, expect fine weather.

=Gale Moon.=

If the moon is seen between the scud and broken clouds during a gale, it is expected to scuff away the bad weather.

=Halo.=

The larger the halo about the moon the nearer the rain clouds and the sooner the rain may be expected.

A lunar halo indicates rain, and the number of stars inclosed, the number of days of rain.

The moon with a circle brings water in her beak.

=Horns of Moon.=

When Luna first her scattered fear recalls,
If with blunt horns she holds the dusky air,
Seamen and swain predict abundant showers.
(Virgil.)

=Moon-shield.=

If the moon show a silver shield,
Be not afraid to reap your field;
But if she rises halved round,
Soon will tread on deluged ground.

=Moon-ring.=

Last night the moon had a golden ring,
But to-night no moon I see.

=Moon, Wind clouds, etc.=

When first the moon appears if then she shrouds
Her silver crescent, tipped with sable clouds,
Conclude she bodes a tempest on the main,
And brews for fields impetuous floods of rain.
Or if her face with fiery flushings glow,
Expect the rattling wind aloft to blow;
But four nights old (for that is the best sign),
With sharpened horns, if glorious then she shine,
Next day not only that, but all the moon,
Till her revolving race be wholly run,
Are void of tempests both by land and sea.

=Moon Halo.=

A large ring around the moon and low clouds indicate rain in twenty-four hours; a small ring and high clouds rain in several days.

=Moon, Points of.=

If the new moon appears with the points of the crescent turned up, the month will be dry. If the points are turned down, it will be wet.

NOTE.—About one-third of the sailors believe in the direct opposite of the above. The belief is explained as follows: 1st. If the crescent will hold water, the month will be dry; if not, it will be wet. 2d. If the Indian hunter could hang his powder-horn on the crescent, he did so and staid at home, because he knew that the woods would be too dry to still hunt. If he could not hang his powder-horn upon the crescent he put it on his shoulder and went hunting, because he knew that the woods would be wet and that he could stalk game noiselessly.

=Mist.=

If there be a general mist before sunrise near the full of the moon, the weather will be fine for some days.

=New Moon.=

New moon on its back indicates wind; standing on its point indicates rain in summer and snow in winter. (Dr. John Menual.)

=North Wind.=

A new moon with a north wind will hold until the full.

=North and South Moon.=

If the new moon is far north, it will be cold for two weeks, but if far south, it will be warm.

=October Moon.=

Full moon in October without frost, no frost till full moon in November.

=Old Moon.=

In the old of the moon
A cloudy morning means a fair afternoon.

The old moon seen in the new moon’s arms is a sign of fair weather.

If the new moon, first quarter, full moon, last quarter occur between

Summer: 12 and 2 a. m. Fair.
2 and 4 a. m. Cold and showers.
4 and 6 a. m. Rain.
6 and 8 a. m. Wind and rain.
8 and 10 a. m. Changeable.
10 and 12 p. m. Frequent showers.
12 and 2 p. m. Very rainy.
2 and 4 p. m. Changeable.
4 and 6 p. m. Fair.
6 and 8 p. m. Fair, if wind northwest.
8 and 10 p. m. Rainy, if wind south or southwest.
10 and 12 a. m. Fair.
Winter: 12 and 2 a. m. Frost, unless wind southwest.
2 and 4 a. m. Snow and stormy.
4 and 6 a. m. Rain.
6 and 8 a. m. Stormy.
8 and 10 a. m. Cold rain, if wind west.
10 and 12 p. m. Cold and high wind.
12 and 2 p. m. Snow and rain.
2 and 4 p. m. Fair and mild.
4 and 6 p. m. Fair.
6 and 8 p. m. Fair and frosty, if wind northeast
or north.
8 and 10 p. m. Rain or snow, if wind south or
southwest.
10 and 12 a. m. Fair and frosty.

=Points of Moon.=

If the points of a new moon are up, then, as a rule, no rain will fall that quarter of the moon; a dull pale moon, dry, with halo, indicates poor crops. In the planting season no grain must be planted when halo is around the moon. (Apache Indians.)

=Pale rise.=

If the full moon rise pale, expect rain.

=Rheumatic diseases.=

Therefore the moon, the governor of the floods,
Pale in her anger, washes all the air
That rheumatic diseases do abound.
(Shakespeare.)

=Red, Dim, or Pale Moon.=

A dim or pale moon indicates rain, a red moon indicates wind.

The moon, her face if red be,
Of water speaks she.
(Zuñi Indians.)

If the full moon rises red, expect wind.

When the moon rises red and appears large, with clouds, expect rain in twelve hours.

=Rain.=

When the moon is darkest near the horizon, expect rain.

When phases of the moon occur in the morning, expect rain.

If the moon turns on its back in the third quarter it is a sign of rain.

The moon, if in house be, cloud it will, rain soon will come. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Ruddy.=

If on her cheeks you see the maiden’s blush,
The ruddy moon foreshows the winds will rush.

=South Moon.=

A south moon indicates bad weather.

=Snow.=

As many days old as the moon is at the first snow there will be as many snows before crop-planting time.

Snow coming two or three days after new moon will remain on the ground some time, but that falling just after full moon will soon go off.

There will be as many snow storms during the winter as the moon is days old at the first snow-storm.

=Stars in Halo.=

Moon in a circle indicates storm, and number of stars in circle the number of days before storm.

=Sixth Day of Moon.=

If the weather on the sixth day is the same as that of the fourth day of the moon the same weather will continue during the whole moon. Said to be correct nine times out of twelve. (Spanish.)

=Storm.=

The rising or the setting of the sun or moon, especially the moon, will be followed by a decrease of a storm which is then prevailing.

=Saturday Moon.=

A Saturday moon, if it comes once in seven years, it comes too soon. A Friday’s moon, come when it will, comes too soon.

=Saturday Change.=

One Saturday change in the moon is enough, as it is always followed by a severe storm.

=Stormy, Wet Weather.=

If there be a change from continued stormy or wet to clear and dry weather at the time of a new or full moon, and so remains until the second day of the new or full moon, it will probably remain fine till the following quarter; and if it changes not then, or only for a short time, it usually lasts until the following new or full moon; and if it does not change then, or only for a very short time, it will probably remain fine and dry for four or five weeks.

=Threatening Clouds.=

Threatening clouds, without rain, in old moon indicate drought.

=Thursday.=

Thursday before the moon changes rules the moon.

=Way to Wane.=

The three days of the change of the moon from the way to the wane we get no rain.

=Warm Weather.=

When the moon runs low, expect warm weather.

=Warm and Cold Weather.=

If the moon changes in the morning, it indicates warm weather; if in the evening, cold weather.

A change in the moon which occurs between sunrise and sunset will be followed by warm weather; when the change occurs between sunset and sunrise, it will be followed by cold weather.

PROVERBS RELATING TO PLANTS.

Ash Leaves.

When the ash leaves come out before the oak, expect a wet season.

=African Marigold.=

If this plant does not open its petals by 7 o’clock in the morning, it will rain or thunder that day. It also closes before a storm.

=Aspen Leaf.=

Trembling of the aspen leaf in calm weather indicates an approaching storm.

=Berries.=

When the bushes are full of berries, a hard winter is on the way.

When berries are plentiful in the hedge, on the May-bush, and blackthorn, a hard winter may be expected.

Berries in the hedges often forebode a hard winter, and severe weather frequently occurs in seasons when they are particularly plentiful on the May-bush and blackthorn. This rule is not, however, without its exception. But, at all events, peculiarities of the seasons have a wonderful influence on the quantities of berries, particularly those of holly. The peculiarities of the seasons and their influence on plants constitute a very curious subject of research; it comprehends the whole doctrine of special blights, whereby only certain tribes of plants are affected. Epidemics and epizoötics come under the same class, and are referable to specific conditions of the atmosphere.

=Beech-nuts.=

When beech-nuts are plenty, expect a mild winter.

=Beans.=

Be it weal or be it woe,
Beans must blow ere May doth go.

=Convolvulus.=

The convolvulus folds up its petals at the approach of rain.

=Cherries.=

As long as the cherries bloom in April it is said that the grape-vine will be in bloom.

=Chickweed.=

The flowers of the chickweed contract before rain.

The chickweed, at 9 o’clock in the morning, if the weather is clear, straightens its flowers, spreads its leaves, and keeps awake until noon. If, however, there is rain in prospect, the plant droops and its flowers do not open.

=Corn-husk.=

A double husk on corn indicates a severe winter.

Ears of corn are covered with thicker and stronger husks in cold winters.

If corn is hard to husk, expect a hard winter. (Apache Indians).

=Cockle-burs.=

When cockle-burs mature brown it indicates frost.

=Clover Leaves.=

Clover leaves turned up so as to show light underside indicate approaching rain.

Clovers contract at the close of a storm.

=Cottonwood—Quaking Asp.=

Cottonwood and quaking asp trees turn up their leaves before rain.

=Corn-fodder.=

Corn-fodder dry and crisp indicates fair weather; but damp and limp, rain—very sensitive to hygrometric changes.

=Dandelions.=

The dandelions close their blossoms before a storm; the sensitive plant its leaves. The leaves of the May trees bear up so that the under side may be seen before a storm.

=Dandelion and Daisy.=

The flowers of the dandelion and daisy close before rain.

=Dogwood Blossoms.=

When the blooms of the dogwood tree are full, expect a cold winter. When blooms of same are light, expect a warm winter.

Frost will not occur after the dogwood blossoms.

=Dead Nettles.=

Dead nettles blow early and all the year; the red or purple kind are scarce all winter. They afford a sign of a mild season when they come in winter in abundance.

=Early Blossoms.=

Early blossoms indicate a bad fruit year.

=Flowers.=

When the perfume of flowers is unusually perceptible, rain may be expected.

=Fox-fire.=

Fox-fire seen at night indicates cold.

=Frost—Cockle.=

Frost has never been known to catch the cockle or blackberry in bloom.

=Fennel.=

When fennel blooms, frost follows.

=Fall Apples.=

If the fall apples are one-sided, with thick, rough skins, a severe winter may be expected.

=Grasses.=

Grasses of all kinds are loaded with seeds before a severe winter.

=Goat’s-beard.=

When goat’s-beard closes its petals at midday, expect rain.

=Hay.=

Better it is to rise betimes
And make hay while the sun shines,
Than to believe in tales and lies
Which idle monks and friars devise.
(Robins’s Almanac.)

=Hog-thistle.=

If the hog-thistle closes for the night, expect fair weather; if it remains open, expect rain.

=Jonquils.=

Jonquils, of which there are several sorts, blow in the open ground in March and April. The great jonquil and the odorous jonquil blow about the middle of March, the lesser or proper jonquil somewhat later. When they blow well and early they forebode a fine season.

=Leaves.=

If in the fall of the leaves in October many of them wither and hang on the boughs, it betokens a frosty winter and much snow.

If the leaves are slow to fall, expect a cold winter.

If the falling leaves remain under the trees and are not blown away by the wind, expect a fruitful year to follow.

When leaves of trees are thick, expect a cold winter.

=Late Blossoms.=

Late blossoms indicate a good fruit year.

=Marigold.=

The marigold opens between 6 and 7 in the morning and generally keeps awake until 4 in the afternoon. In such cases the weather will be steady. If, on the other hand, it does not open by 7 o’clock in the morning, you may expect rain that day.

=Milk-weed.=

Milk-weed closing at night indicates rain.

=Mountain Moss.=

When the mountain moss is soft and limpid, expect rain.

When mountain moss is dry and brittle, expect clear weather.

=March Flowers.=

“March flowers make no summer bowers,” because if the spring is very mild, vegetation becomes too far advanced and is liable to injury from frost.

=Mushrooms.=

When mushrooms spring up during the night, expect rain.

Mushrooms and toad-stools are numerous before rain.

=Nuts.=

Nuts with a thick covering denote a hard winter.

=Onion-skins.=

Onion-skins very thin,
Mild winter coming in;
Onion-skins thick and tough,
Coming winter cold and rough.

=Pitcher-plant.=

The pitcher-plant opens its mouth before rain.

=Pimpernel.=

When this plant is seen in the morning with its little red flowers widely extended, we may generally expect a fine day; on the contrary, when the petals are closed, rain will soon follow. This plant has been styled the poor man’s weather-glass.

=Red Sandwort.=

When the corona of red sandwort contracts, expect rain.

=Sensitive Brier.=

The sensitive brier closes up its leaves on the approach of rain.

=Sycamore.=

Sycamore tree peeling off white in the fall, indicates a cold winter.

=Sunflower.=

Sunflower raising its head indicates rain.

=Scotch Pimpernel.=

When the corona, the Scotch pimpernel, contracts, expect rain.

=Speedwell.=

When the corona of the speedwell, and stitchwort contracts, expect rain.

=Sea-weed.=

Sea-weed becomes damp and expands before wet weather.

=Sea Grape.=

In the West Indies and along the coast of Florida there grows a small fruit-bearing tree called the sea grape, which when its fruit is abundant and ripens early it is said by the Seminole Indians and natives of the Bahama Islands to be a sign that there will be a hurricane before the end of the season. The usual time of ripening of this fruit is during September, and the hurricane season extends from the first of August till the end of October.

=Silver Maple.=

The silver maple shows the lining of its leaf before a storm.

=Sea-weed.=

A piece of kelp or sea-weed hung up will become damp previous to rain.

Tulips and dandelions close just before rain.

=Trefoil.=

If the trefoil contracts its leaves, expect heavy rains.

=Tree Limbs.=

When tree limbs break off during calm expect rain.

=Tree Moss.=

North side of trees covered with moss indicates cold weather.

=Trees.=

Trees grow dark before a storm.

=Tree Leaves.=

When the leaves of trees curl, with the wind from the south, it indicates rain.

=Wild Indigo.=

Just before rain or heavy dew the wild indigo closes or folds its leaves.

=Wheat.=

For wheat a peck of dust in
March is worth a king’s ransom;
Or wet and soddy, the land
Must go to oats and corn.

PROVERBS RELATING TO RAIN.

Clearness.

Unusual clearness in the atmosphere, objects being seen very distinctly, indicates rain.

=Evening and Morning.=

Evening red and morning gray
Are sure signs of a fine day.

Evening gray and morning red,
Put on your hat or you’ll wet your head.

=Electricity.=

Increasing atmospheric electricity oxidizes ammonia in the air and forms nitric acid, which affects milk, thus accounting for souring of milk by thunder.

=Hours of Commencing.=

If rain commences before daylight, it will hold up before 8 a. m.; if it begins about noon, it will continue through the afternoon; if it commences after 9 p. m., it will rain the next day; if it clears off in the night, it will rain the next day; if the wind is from the northwest or southwest, the storm will be short; if from the northeast, it will be a hard one; if from the northwest, a cold one, and from the southwest a warm one.

If rain ceases after 12 m., it will rain next day.

If rain ceases before 12 m., it will be clear next day.

=Morning Rain.=

If rain commences before day, it will stop before 8 a. m.; if it begins about noon, it will continue through the afternoon; if not till 5 p. m., it will rain through the night; if it clears off in the night, it will rain the next day.

If it rains before seven,
It will clear before eleven.

If rain begins at early morning light,
’Twill end ere day at noon is bright.

=North Rain.=

With the north rain leaves the harvest.

=Northeast Rain.=

With the rain of the northeast comes the ice fruit (hail). (Zuñi Indians.)

Rain from the northeast (in Germany region of dry winds) continues three days.

=Notice.=

Rain long foretold, long last;
Short notice, soon past.

=October and November.=

Plenty of rain in October and November on the North Pacific coast indicates a mild winter; little rain in these months will be followed by a severe winter.

=Scalp-Locks.=

When the locks of the Navajoes turn damp in the scalp-house, surely it will rain.

=South Thunder.=

Rain with south or southwest thunder, squalls occur late each successive day.

=South Rain.=

Rain from the south prevents the drought, but rain from the west is always best.

South winds bring rain. (California.)

The south rain brings with it the beautiful odors of the land of everlasting summer and brightens the leaves of growing things. (Zuñi Indians.)

Rain which sets in with a south wind on the north Pacific coast will probably last.

=September Rain.=

Rain in September is good for the farmer, but poison to the vine growers. (German.)

=Seven and Eleven.=

If it rains before seven,
It will cease before eleven.

=Sunrise.=

If it rains before sunrise, expect a fair afternoon.

=Sunshiny Rain.=

If it rains when the sun shines, it will rain the next day.

=Swallows and Crickets.=

Rain is indicated when—

Low o’er the grass the swallows wing,
And crickets, too, how sharp they sing.

=September.=

Heavy September rains bring drought.

=Squalls.=

When rain-squalls break to the westward, it is a sign of foul weather.

When they break to leeward, it is a sign of fair weather. (Northeast coast.)

=Tide.=

Rain is likely to commence on the turn of the tide.

In threatening, it is more apt to rain at the turn of the tide, especially at high water.

=Toad-stools.=

If toad-stools spring up in the night in dry weather, they indicate rain.

=West Rain.=

When rain comes from the west it will not continue long.

The west rain comes from the world of waters to moisten the home of the She Wi. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Wind and Rain.=

Marry the rain to the wind and you have a calm.

=Wind.=

With the rain before the wind your topsail halyards you must mind.

PROVERBS RELATING TO RAINBOWS.

Clear.

The rainbow has but a bad character: she ever commands the rain to cease.

=Color.=

If the green be large and bright in the rainbow, it is a sign of rain. If red be the strongest color, there will be rain and wind together. After a long drought the rainbow is a sign of rain. After much wet weather it indicates fair weather. If it breaks up all at once, there will follow severe and settled weather. If the bow be in the morning, rain will follow; if at noon, slight and heavy rain; if at night, fair weather. The appearance of two or three rainbows indicates fair weather for the present, but settled and heavy rains in a few days.

=Evening Rainbow.=

If there is a rainbow at eve,
It will rain and leave.

=East and West Rainbow.=

Rainbow in the east indicates that the following day will be clear. A rainbow in the west is usually followed by more rain the same day.

Rainbow in the Sierras (_i. e._, in the east) in evening indicates no more rain. (California.)

=Fair Weather.=

The boding shepherd heaves a sigh,
For see, a rainbow spans the sky.

=High Rainbow.=

When rainbow does not touch water, clear weather will follow.

=Indications by Colors.=

The predominance of dark red in the iris shows tempestuous weather; green, rain; and if blue, that the air is clearing.

=Low Rainbow.=

A rainbow that comes near a camp-fire, or low down on the mountain side, is a bad sign for crops. If seen at a great distance, it indicates fair weather.

=Morning and Evening Rainbow.=

Rainbow in morning, shepherds take warning;
Rainbow at night, shepherds’ delight.

A morning rainbow indicates rain; an evening rainbow, fair weather.

A rainbow in the morn, put your hook in the corn;
A rainbow at eve, put your head in the sheave.

=Night and Morning Rainbow.=

Rainbow at night, sailors’ delight;
Rainbow in morning, sailors’ warning.

=Spring Rainbow.=

A rainbow in spring indicates fair weather for next twenty-four to forty-two hours.

=Sudden Disappearance.=

If a rainbow disappears suddenly, it indicates fair weather.

=West and East Shower.=

Rainbow in morning shows that shower is west of us, and that we will probably get it. Rainbow in the evening shows that shower is east of us and is passing off.

PROVERBS RELATING TO REPTILES.

Frogs.

Frogs singing in the evening indicate fair weather for next day.

Frogs croak more noisily, and come abroad in the evening in large numbers, before rain.

When frogs croak three times, it indicates that winter has broken.

As long as frogs are heard before Saint Marc’s day, that long will they keep quiet afterward.

Croaking frogs in spring will be three times frozen in.

When frogs warble, they herald rain. (Zuñi Indians.)

Frogs must be frozen up three times in spring after they begin to croak.

The louder the frogs, the more’s the rain.

The color of a frog changing from yellow to reddish indicates rain.

Tree-frogs piping during rain indicates continued rain.

Tree-frogs crawl up to the branches of trees before a change of weather.

=Yellow Frogs.=

Abundance of yellow frogs are accounted a good sign in a hayfield, probably as indicating fine weather.

=Glow-worms.=

Glow-worms numerous and bright, indicate rain.

=Worms.=

If, after some days of dry weather, fresh earth is seen which has been thrown up by worms, expect dry weather.

When worms creep out of the ground in great numbers, expect wet weather.

=Snails.=

Snails moving on bushes or grass, are signs of rain.

When black snails cross your path,
Black clouds much moisture hath.

=Leech.=

A leech placed in a jar of water will remain at the bottom until rain is approaching, when it will rise to the surface, and if thunder is to follow will frequently crawl out of the water.

Leeches kept in glass jars move about more frequently just before rain.

=Lizards.=

When lizards chirrup, it is a sure indication of rain.

=Snakes.=

Hanging a dead snake on a tree will bring rain in a few hours. (Negro.)

NOTE.—Snakes are out before rain, and are, therefore, more easily killed.

In Oregon the approach of snakes indicates that a spell of fine weather will follow.

When snakes are hunting food rain may be expected; after a rain they cannot be found.

Hang up a snake skin and it will bring rain.

Snakes and snake-trails may be seen near houses, roads, &c., before rain.

Snakes expose themselves on the approach of rain.

PROVERBS RELATING TO STARS OR METEORS.

Comets.

Comets bring cold weather.

After an unusual fall of meteors, dry weather is expected. All comets evidence the approach of some calamity, such as drought, famine, war, floods, &c. (Apache Indians.)

Comets are said to improve the grape crop, and wine produced in years when comets appear is called comet wine. (French.)

=Falling Stars.=

If there be many falling stars during a clear evening in summer, expect thunder.

If there are no falling stars on a bright summer night, expect fine weather.

=Fair Weather.=

When the stars set still the times are to be pleasant. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Flickering.=

When the stars flicker in a dark background, rain or snow follows soon.

=Huddling Stars.=

When the stars begin to huddle,
The earth will soon become a puddle.

=Many Stars.=

When the sky is very full of stars, expect rain.

Many stars in winter indicate frost.

In summer, when many stars twinkle, clear weather is indicated.

=Milky Way.=

The edge of the Milky Way, which is the brightest, indicates the direction from which the approaching storm will come.

=North Star.=

When the stars above 45° in altitude or the North Star flickers strangely, or appears closer than usual, expect rain.

=Numerous Stars.=

When stars appear to be numerous, very large, and dull, and do not twinkle, expect rain.

=Snow.=

Many meteors presage much snow next winter.

=Shooting Stars.=

If meteors shoot toward the north, expect a north wind next day.

Many shooting stars on summer nights indicate hot weather.

=Tempest.=

When a star tows the moon and another chases her astern, tempestuous weather will follow. The phenomenon is probably styled a big star chasing the moon. (Nautical.)

=Twinkling.=

Excessive twinkling of stars indicates very heavy dews, rain, and snow.

When the stars twinkle very brightly, expect stormy weather in the near future.

The Maltese say, “The stars twinkle; we cry ‘wind.’”

=Wind and Rain.=

If the stars appear large and clear, expect rain or wind.

=Thaw.=

If shooting stars fall in the south in winter, there will be a thaw.

PROVERBS RELATING TO SNOW.

Animation.

Snow is generally preceded by a general animation of man and beast which continues until after the snowfall ends.

=Corn.=

Corn is as comfortable under snow as an old man is under his fur cloak. (Russian.)

=Christmas.=

If it snows during Christmas night, the crops will do well.

So far as the sun shines on Christmas day,
So far will the snow blow in May. (German.)

=Dry or Wet Snow.=

When the snow falls dry it means to lie,
But flakes light and soft bring rain oft.

=Ditch Snow.=

When now in the ditch the snow doth lie,
’Tis waiting for more by and by.

=Dry or Wet Snow.=

If the snow that falls during the winter is dry and is blown about by the wind, a dry summer will follow; very damp snow indicates rain in the spring. (Apache Indians.)

=First Snow.=

There will be as many snow storms during the season as there are days remaining in the month after the time of the first snow.

When the first snow remains on the ground some time, in places not exposed to the sun, expect a hard winter.

=Last Snow.=