[208] “Memoirs of the Life of Benj. Starkey, late of London, but now
an inmate of the Freemen’s Hospital, in Newcastle. Written by himself.
With a portrait of the Author and a Fac-simile of his hand writing.
Printed and sold by William Hall, Great Market, Newcastle.” 1818.
12mo. pp. 14.
~July 10.~
_The Seven Brothers_, Martyrs, and _St. Felicitas_, their Mother. 2nd
Cent. _Sts. Rufina_ and _Secunda_, V. A. D. 257.
_Spider Barometers._
If the weather is likely to become rainy, windy, or in other respects
disagreeable, spiders fix the terminating filaments, on which the whole
web is suspended, unusually short. If the terminating filaments are made
uncommonly long, the weather will be serene, and continue so, at least
for ten or twelve days. If spiders be totally indolent, rain generally
succeeds; though their activity during rain is certain proof that it
will be only of short duration, and followed by fair and constant
weather. Spiders usually make some alterations in their webs every
twenty-four hours; if these changes take place between the hours of six
and seven in the evening, they indicate a clear and pleasant night.
* * * * *