To the indications respecting rain by the flight of the swallow,
mentioned under April 23, should be added, that when the swallow is
observed to fly high, the weather will probably be fair. There are also
some other indications in a set of old rules which may be consulted;
viz.
_Prognostics of the Weather._
To be able to ascertain the future changes of the weather, is of
infinite use to the farmer and gardener.
Animals are evidently sooner sensible of the ensuing change of the
atmosphere than we are, and from their divers appearance, and apparent
sensations, we may in many instances determine what changes are likely
to take place.
The following maybe set down as general rules, and upon minute
observation we shall find them correct.
When the raven is observed early in the morning at a great height in the
air, soaring round and round, and uttering a hoarse croaking sound, we
may be sure the day will be fine, and may conclude the weather is about
to clear and become fair.
The loud and clamorous quackling of ducks, geese, and other water-fowl,
is a sign of rain.
Before rain swine appear very uneasy, and rub in the dust, as do cocks
and hens.
Before storms kine and also sheep assemble at one corner of the field,
and are observed to turn all their heads toward the quarter from whence
the wind doth not blow.
The appearance of sea gulls, petrels, or other sea fowl in the inlands,
indicates stormy weather.
In fine weather the bat is observed to continue flying about very late
of an evening.
In autumn before rain some flies bite, and others become very
troublesome, and gnats are more apt to sting.
When flocks of wild geese are observed flying in a westward or southern
direction in autumn, it indicates a hard winter.
The floating of gossamer, and its alighting on the rigging of ships,
foretels fine weather.
The clamorous croaking of frogs indicates rainy weather.
The appearance of beetles flying about of an evening in summer,
indicates that the next day will be fair.
Before rain dogs are apt to grow very sleepy and dull, and to lay all
day before the fire.
Before rain moles throw up the earth more than usual.
The appearance of rare foreign birds in this country, such as rollers,
hoopoos, &c. indicates hard weather.
When spiders are seen crawling on the walls more than usual, rain will
probably ensue.
The much barking of dogs in the night frequently indicates a change in
the weather.
When the trees and hedges are very full of berries, it indicates a hard
winter.
The abundance of woodseare and honeydew on herbs indicates fair weather,
as does floating gossamer.
It is said in Wiltshire, that the dunpickles or moor buzzards alight in
great numbers on the downs before rain.
Before storms the missel thrush is observed to sing particularly loud,
and to continue so till the commencement of the rain; from which
circumstance it is in some places called the storm cock.
It is a sign of rain when pigeons return slowly to the dovehouses.
When bees do not go out as usual, but keep in or about their hives, rain
may be expected.
Before wind, swine run squeaking about as though they were mad; which
has given rise to the notion that pigs can see the wind.
Before rain the pintados called comebacks squall more than usual; as do
peacocks.
The early appearance of woodcocks, snipes, swinepipes, fieldfares, &c.
are prognostications of severe winters.
When the dew lies plenteously upon the grass in the evening, the next
day will probably be fine; when there is little or no dew, probably wet.
Dr. Forster observes, on the authority of Virgil, “that the blowing
about of feathers, or any light substances on the water, is also a sign
of rain.”