Larva of Cicada. "It is easy to foretell what sort of summer it would be by the position in which the larva of Cicada (Aphrophora) spumaria was found to lie in the froth (cuckoo-spit) in which it is enveloped. If the insect lay with its head upwards, it infallibly denoted a dry summer: if downwards, a wet one." PROGNOSTICS FROM TREES, PLANTS, ETC. Bramble. Lorsque la ronce traverse le chemin (ie., when its luxuriant growth has been caused by rains), cela annonce la misère.-Lot et Garonne. When the bramble blossoms early in June, an early harvest is expected. Broom. "The broom," says Wilsford, p. 144, "having plenty of blossoms, is a sign of a fruitful year of Lorsque le genêt fleurit bien, Il en est de même au sarrasin.-Vosges. Chickweed. Chickweed expands its leaves boldly and fully when fine weather is to follow; but if it should shut up, then the traveller is to put on his great coat. R Le mouron est le baromêtre du pauvre.—Moselle. Clover. Clover contracts its leaves at the approach of a storm. "Trefoile or Clavergrasse against stormy and tempestuous weather will seem rough, and the leaves of it stare and rise up, as if it were afraid of an assault."-Wilsford, p. 136. Coltsfoot. Coles, in his Introduction to the Knowledge of Plants, p. 38, says, "If the down flyeth off colt's foot, dandelyon, and thistles, when there is no winde, it is a signe of rain." Convolvulus. The convolvulus folds up its petals at the approach of rain. Dandelion. When the down of the dandelion contracts, it is a sign of rain. Fern. When the fern is as high as a ladle, "It is observed," says Ray, "by good housewives, that milk is thicker in the autumn than in the summer, notwithstanding the grass must be more hearty, the juice of it being better concocted by 66 I conceive the heat of the sun in summer-time. the reason to be, because the cattle drink water abundantly by reason of their heat in summer, which doth much dilute their milk." Fir-Cones. Pine-apples hanging up in the house where they freely may enjoy the air, will close themselves against wet and cold weather, and open against hot and dry times."-Wilsford. Hawthorn. If many hawthorn - blossoms are seen, expect a severe winter. Quand le buisson blanc entre en fleurs, Marigold. If the marigold do not open its petals by seven in the morning, it will rain or thunder that day. It also closes before a storm. So also in France they say the same of this plant, which they call "le souci pluvial." Mushroom. Quand en été on voit des champignons sur le fumier c'est signe de pluie.-Cher. Oak. If the oak bear many acorns it foreshows a long and hard winter. Viel Eicheln lassen strengen Winter erwarten. Oak and Ash. If the oak's before the ash, Then you may expect a soak. Onion. Onion's skin Very thin, Mild winter's coming in: Onion's skin thick and rough, Coming winter cold and rough. So the French say, Quand les oignons ont trois pelures, Osier. Si l'osier fleurit Le raisin mûrit.-Rhône. Pear. Sitzen die Birnen fest am Stiel, Pear and Apple. Quand la poire passe la pomme, Garde ton vin, bonhomme : Quand la pomme passe la poire, Pimpernel. When this flower closes in the day-time, it is a sign of rain; on which account it is called the countryman's weather-glass. Roses. "When Roses flourish in Autumn, it is an evill signe of an insuing plague the year following, or some pestiferous disease: for much heat in this season corrupteth the blood."-Wilsford, p. 144. But the Germans say, Späte Rosen im Garten deuten auf schönen Herbst und gelinden Winter. Sea-weed. A piece of kelp or sea-weed hung up will become damp previous to rain. Sensitive Plants. Sensitive plants contract their leaves at the approach of rain. Siberian Sow-Thistle. If the flowers keep open all night the weather will be wet next day. Teazle. "Tezils, or Fuller's Thistle, being gathered and hanged up in the house, where the air may come freely to it, upon the alteration of cold and windy weather will grow smoother, and against rain will close up his prickles."-Wilsford, p. 136, 137. Walnuts, etc. "Great store of walnuts and almonds presage a plentiful year of corn, especially filberds."Wilsford, p. 144. So Virgil, Georg. I. 187-192, Contemplator item, quum se nux plurima silvis |