One of the simplest of barometers is a spider’s web. When there
is a prospect of rain or wind the spider shortens the filaments
from which its web is suspended and leaves things in this state
as long as the weather is variable. If the insect elongates its
thread it is a sign of fine calm weather, the duration of which
may be judged of by the length to which the threads are let out.
If the spider remains inactive it is a sign of rain; but if,
on the contrary, it keeps at work during the rain the latter
will not last long, and will be followed by fine weather. Other
observations have taught that the spider makes changes in its
web every twenty-four hours, and that if such changes are made
in the evening, just before sunset, the night will be clear and
beautiful.--_La Nature._
(1580)
=Indifference=--See BALLOT, A DUTY.
=Indifference to Strangers=--See CONFIDENCE.