Chapter VII: Conclusion (3)

The number of days the last snow remains on the ground indicates the number of snow storms which will occur during the following winter.

=Heavy Snows.=

Heavy snows in winter favor the crops of the following summer.

=January Snow.=

If there is no snow before January, there will be the more snow in March and April.

=Leaves.=

When dry leaves rattle on the trees, expect snow.

=Light and Heavy Snow.=

A heavy fall of snow indicates a good year for crops, and a light fall the reverse. (Dr. John Menaul.)

=Mountain Snow.=

If much snow be spread on the mountains in winter, the season of planting will be made blue with verdure. (Indian.)

=March Snow.=

In March much snow
To plants and trees much woe. (German.)

=Mud.=

When snow falls in the mud it remains all winter.

=November.=

A heavy November snow will last until April. (New England.)

If the snow remains on the trees in November, they will bring out but few buds in the spring. (German.)

=Popping Wood.=

Burning wood in winter pops more before snow.

=Snow fertile.=

Snow is the poor man’s fertilizer, and good crops will follow a winter of heavy snowfall.

=Snow trees.=

If the first snow sticks to the trees, it foretells a bountiful harvest.

=Snowball.=

Cut a snowball in halves: if it is wet inside, the snow will pass off with rain; if it is dry inside, the snow will be melted by the sun.

=Snow-flakes.=

If the snow-flakes increase in size, a thaw will follow.

=Snow-moon.=

If a snow-storm begins when the moon is young, the rising of the moon will clear away the snow.

=Snow-health.=

The more snow the more healthy the season. (John Ayers, Santa Fé.)

=Snow year.=

A snow year, a rich year.

As many days as the snow remains on the trees, just so many days will it remain on the ground.

It takes three cloudy days to bring a heavy snow. (New England.)

=White Christmas.=

A white Christmas, a lean graveyard.

=Sleet.=

Much sleet in winter will be followed by a good fruit year.

PROVERBS RELATING TO THE SUN.

Aurora.

Aurora borealis denotes cold.

If Aurora with half-open eyes
And a pale sickly cheek salutes the skies,
How shall the vines with tender leaves defend
Her teeming clusters when the storms descend.
(Virgil.)

=Candlemas Day.=

So far as the sun shines in on Candlemas day (2d of February),
So far the snow will blow in before the first of May.

=Cloudy Sunset.=

The sun sets weeping in the lowly west,
Witnessing storms to come woe and unrest.
(Shakespeare.)

When the sun sets unhappily (with a hazy veiled face) then will the morning be angry with wind, storm, and sand. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Color.=

Since the colors and duration of twilight, especially at evening, depend upon the amount of condensed vapor which the atmosphere contains, these appearances should afford some indications of the weather which may be expected to succeed. The following are some of the rules which are relied upon by seamen: When after sunset the western sky is of a whitish-yellow, and this tint extends a great height, it is probable that it will rain during the night or next day. Gaudy or unusual hues with hard, definitely outlined clouds, foretell rain and probably wind. If the sun before setting appears diffuse and of a brilliant white, it foretells storm. If it sets in a sky slightly purple, the atmosphere near the zenith being of a bright blue, we may rely upon fine weather.

=Days.=

As the days begin to shorten
The heat begins to scorch them.

=Dark Clouds.=

If the sun sets in dark, heavy clouds, expect rain next day.

If at sunrise there are many dark clouds seen in the west and remain there, rain will fall on that day.

=Double Setting.=

Sun setting double indicates much rain. Red sun indicates fair weather. Orange sun usually foul weather. Mock suns in winter are usually followed by intense cold.

=Dull Color.=

When the sun appears a pale or dull color, expect rain.

=Drawing Water.=

Rays of the sun appearing in a cloud forebode rain. This phenomenon is, in fact, caused by the image of the sun being reflected in an intervening cloud, the reflected image radiating in the cloud. It is noticed by Aristotle.

When the sun draws water, rain follows soon.

Sun drawing water indicates rain. If the sun draws water in the morning, it will rain before night.

=Easter.=

If sun shines on Easter, it will shine on Whit Sunday.

=Fiery Red.=

In fiery red the sun doth rise,
Then wades through clouds to mount the skies.

=Friday.=

If the sun sets clear Friday evening, it will rain before Monday night.

=Golden Set.=

The weary sun hath made a golden set,
And by the bright track of his fiery car
Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow.
(Richard III.)

=Halo.=

When the sun is in his house (in a halo or circle) it will rain soon. (Zuñi Indians.)

A solar halo indicates bad weather.

A halo around the sun indicates the approach of a storm, within three days, from the side which is the more brilliant.

If there be a ring or halo around the sun in bad weather, expect fine weather soon.

A bright circle around the sun denotes a storm, and cooler weather.

=Haze.=

Haze and western sky purple indicate fair weather.

=Haziness.=

A blur or haziness about the sun indicates a storm.

=Hot Sun.=

If the sun burn more than usual, or there be a halo around the sun in fine weather, “wet.”

=Looming Twilight.=

Twilight looming indicates rain.

=Low and High Dawn.=

A low dawn indicates foul weather. A high dawn indicates wind.

=Murky Clouds.=

When the sun rises with dim, murky clouds, with black beams, clouds in the west, or appears red or green, expect rain.

=Pale Twilight.=

Pale, yellow twilight, extending high up, indicates threatening weather.

=Pale Set.=

If the sun sets pale, it will rain to-morrow.

=Pale Sunrise.=

If the sun rises pale, a pale red, or even dark blue, there will be rain during the day.

=Pale Sunset.=

A pale sunset, a golden sunset, or a green sunset, indicates rain.

=Red Clouds.=

If the clouds at sunrise be red, there will be rain the following day.

=Red.=

A red evening indicates fine weather; but if the red extends far upwards, especially in the morning, it indicates wind or rain.

=Red Morn.=

“A red morn: that ever yet betokened
Wreck to the seamen, tempest to the field,
Sorrow to shepherds, woe unto the birds,
Gust and foul flaws to herdsmen and to herds.”
(Shakespeare: Venus and Adonis.)

=Red Sky.=

A very red sky in the east at sunset indicates stormy winds.

Red skies in the evening precede fine morrows.

In winter if the sun rises with a red sky, expect rain that day; in summer, expect showers and wind.

If the sun set with very red sky in the east, expect wind; in the southeast, expect rain.

=Sun Spots.=

Wet seasons occur in years when sun spots are frequent.

=Red Sun.=

A red sun has water in his eye.

=Scorching Sun.=

When the sun in the morning (to 9 a. m.) is breaking through the clouds and scorching, a thunder-storm follows in the afternoon.

When the sun is scorching (_i. e._, reflected from roofs and water surfaces), rain follows soon.

=Sea-green Sky.=

When the sky during rain is tinged with sea-green, the rain will increase; if with deep blue, the rain will be showery.

=Spotted Clouds.=

If the sun rises covered with a dark spotted cloud, expect rain on that day.

=Spring.=

If the sun appears dead, not bright and clear in the early spring, expect poor crops and very little rain. This sign usually comes in April. Dry winds may also be expected. (Apache Indians.)

=Sun-dogs.=

Sun-dogs indicate cold weather in winter or storm in summer.

A sun-dog at night is the sailor’s delight;
A sun-dog in the morning is the sailor’s warning.

=Sunrise.=

If de sun git up berry early and go to bed before he git up, it’s a sign it rains before soon. (Negro.)

If the sun rises clear, then shadowed by a cloud, and comes out again clear, it will rain before night.

=Sunshining Shower.=

Sunshining shower won’t last half an hour;
Sunshine and shower rain again to-morrow.

=Ten and Two.=

Between the hours of ten and two,
Will show you what the day will do.

=Yellow Streaks.=

Red or yellow streaks from west to east indicate rain in forty-eight hours.

=Yellow Sunset.=

A bright yellow sunset indicates wind; a pale yellow, wet; a neutral gray is a favorable sign in the morning, and unfavorable in the evening.

The sun reveals the secrets of the sky,
And who dares give the source of light the lie.
(Virgil.)

PROVERBS RELATING TO THUNDER AND LIGHTNING.

Birds.

If the birds be silent, expect thunder.

=Cattle.=

If cattle run around and collect together in the meadows, expect thunder.

=Christmas Thunder.=

Thunder during Christmas week indicates that there will be much snow during the winter. (Kansas.)

=Death—Plunder.=

Winter thunder is to old folks death; and to young folks plunder.

=Distant Thunder.=

The distant thunder speaks of coming rain.

=Early Thunder.=

Early thunder, early spring.

=Early and Late Thunder.=

Thunder and lightning early in winter or late in fall indicates warm weather.

=East Thunder.=

If the first thunder is in the east, aha! the bear has stretched his right arm and comes forth, and the winter is over. (Zuñi Indians.)

=East Wind.=

If an east wind blows against a dark, heavy sky from the northwest, the wind decreasing in force as the clouds approach, expect thunder and lightning.

=Evening Thunder.=

If there be thunder in the evening, there will be much rain and showery weather.

Thunder in the evening indicates much rain.

=Fall Thunder.=

Thunder in the fall indicates a mild, open winter.

=February Thunder.=

Thunder and lightning in February or March, poor sugar (maple) year.

=First Thunder.=

The thunder-storms of the season will come from the direction of the first thunder-storm.

First thunder in winter or spring indicates rain and very cold weather. (Dr. John Menual.)

With the first thunder the gods of rain open their petals. (Zuñi.)

=Forked Lightning.=

Forked lightning at night,
The next day clear and bright.

=Frogs and Snakes.=

The first thunder of the year awakes the frogs and snakes from their winter sleep.

=Heat.=

Lightning brings heat.

=July Thunder.=

Much thunder in July injures wheat and barley.

=Lightning without Thunder.=

If there be lightning without thunder after a clear day, there will be a continuance of fair weather.

=March Thunder.=

Thunder in March betokens a fruitful year. (German.)

=May Thunder.=

If there is much thunder in May, the months of September and August will be without it.

=Morning Thunder.=

Morning thunder is followed by a rain the same day.

When it thunders in the morning, it will rain before night.

=North Lightning.=

Lightning in the North will be followed by rain in twenty-four hours.

Lightning in the North in summer is a sign of heat.

=North—south.=

Lightning in the North indicates rain in twenty-four hours. Lightning in the South low on the horizon indicates dry weather. (Kansas.)

=North Star.=

Lightning under North Star will bring rain in three days.

=NW. Thunder.=

Thunder-storm from NW. is followed by fine, bracing weather; but thunder and lightning from NE. indicates sultry, unsettled weather. (Observer at Santa Fé).

=North Thunder.=

Thunder in the north indicates cold weather and rain from the west.

If the first thunder is in the north, aha! the bear has stretched his left leg in his winter bed.

=North Wind.=

With a north wind it seldom thunders.

=November Thunder.=

Thunder and lightning on the northern lakes in November is an indication that the lakes will remain open until the middle of December or until Christmas. (Said to be reliable).

=Red and Pale Lightning.=

When the flashes of lightning appear very pale, it argues the air to be full of waterish meteors; and if red and fiery, inclining to winds and tempests.

=September Thunder.=

Thunder-storms in September mean plenty of snow in February and March, and a large crop of grape wine. (German).

If it thunders much at the beginning of September, much grain will be raised the following year.

=Spring Lightning.=

Lightning in spring indicates a good fruit year.

=Spring Thunder.=

If there be showery weather, with sunshine and increase of heat in the spring, a thunder-storm may be expected every day, or at least every other day.

First thunder in the spring—if in the south it indicates a wet season, if in the north it indicates a dry season.

=South or Southeast Thunder.=

Thunder from the south or southeast indicates foul weather, from the north or northwest fair weather.

=Sheet Lightning.=

If there be sheet lightning with a clear sky on spring, summer, and autumn evenings, expect heavy rains.

=South Thunder.=

If the first thunder is in the south, aha! the bear has stretched his right leg in his winter bed. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Summer Lightning.=

Lightning in summer indicates good healthy weather.

=West Thunder.=

If the first thunder is in the west, aha! the bear has stretched his left arm in his winter bed. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Winter Thunder.=

A winter’s thunder
Is a summer’s wonder.

When thunder is heard in winter, it indicates cold weather. Thunder in the north indicates dry weather.

Thunder in winter means famine in summer.

Winter’s thunder
Bodes summer hunger.

PROVERBS RELATING TO TREES.

Ash and Oak.

Ash before oak,
There’ll be a smoke;
Oak before ash,
There’ll be a smash.
(Meaning heat and wind.)

=Dead Branches.=

Dead branches falling in calm weather indicate rain.

=Leaves.=

Early falling leaves indicate an early fall.

=Logs.=

An easy-splitting log indicates rain.

=Leaves.=

Leaves turned up so as to show the underside indicate rain.

=Maple.=

When the leaves of the sugar-maple tree are turned upside down, expect rain.

PROVERBS RELATING TO WIND.

Aches and Pains.

As old sinners have all points
O’ the compass in their joints,
Can by their pangs and aches find
All turns and changes of the wind.

=Blast.=

The sharper the blast,
The sooner ’tis past.

=Barometer.=

When the glass is low,
Look out for a blow;
When it rises high,
Let all your kites fly.

=Backing Wind.=

If the wind backs against the sun,
Trust it not, for back it will run.

=Brisk Wind.=

A brisk wind generally precedes rain.

=Changing Wind.=

It is a sign of continued fine weather when the wind changes during the day so as to follow the sun.

Winds changing from foul to fair during the night are not permanent.

=Candlemas Day.=

When the wind is on Candlemas day
There it will stick till the end of May.

=Clear Sunset.=

When the sun sets in a clear—
An easterly wind you need not fear.

=Chenook Wind.=

A Chenook wind is a warm wind which comes from the mouth of the Columbia river or Chenook Point. A Walla Walla wind is a cold wind which blows down the Columbia river. (Indian, North Pacific.)

=Drought and Blast.=

North and south the sign o’ drouth,
East and west the sign o’ blast.

=East Wind.=

In summer, if the wind changes to the east, expect cooler weather.

When the east wind toucheth it, it shall wither. (Ezekiel, chap. xvii, 10.)

And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind came up. (Genesis, xli, 6.)

The east wind brought the locust. (Exodus, x, 13.)

God prepared a vehement east wind. (Jonah, chap. iv, 8.)

The east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas. (Eziekel, chap. xvii, 26.)

An east wind brings no good to man or beast.

=Easter Sunday.=

As the wind blows on Easter Sunday from 8 a. m. to 12 m., the wind will be from that direction for the next forty days. (Chippewa Indians.)

=Equinox.=

The wind being north-northeast and east three days before the sun crosses the line, then southeast by way of east, then calm on the 23d, will bring enough and stormy winds from east and west all the winter.

=East and West Wind.=

When the wind is in the east,
The fish bite the least.
When the wind is in the west,
The fish bite the best.

=Fixed East Wind.=

If the wind becomes fixed in the east for the space of forty-eight hours, expect steady and continuous rain, with driving winds in the southwest during summer.

=Gale.=

A gale moderating at sunset will increase before midnight, but if it moderates after midnight, the weather will improve.

=Fog and Mist.=

Fog and mist raise higher seas than wind.

=Heat.=

If the wind be hushed with sudden heat, expect heavy rain.

=Indiana Winds.=

In Southern Indiana a southwest wind is said to bring rain in thirty-six hours.

Indian Proverbs Relating to Winds.

Wind from the north, cold and snow.

Wind from the western river of the northland, snow (northwest wind).

Wind from the world of waters, clouds (west wind).

Wind from the southern river of the world of waters, rain (southwest wind).

Wind from the land of the beautiful red, lovely odors and rain (south wind).

Wind from the wooded cañons, rain and moist clouds (southeast wind).

Wind from the land of day, it is the breath of health and brings the days of long life.

Winds from the lands of cold, the rain before which flees the harvest (northeast wind).

Winds from the lands of cold, the fruit of ice (northeast wind).

Wind from the right hand of the west is the breath of the god of sand clouds. (Zuñi Indians.)

=Increasing Winds.=

If the wind increases during a rain, fair weather may be expected soon.

=Milk Cream.=

Milk cream makes most freely with a north wind.

Northerly and Southerly Winds.

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. After it has been raining some time, a blue sky in the southeast indicates that there will be fair weather soon.

=North Wind.=

If there be within four, five, or six days two or three changes of wind from the north through without much rain and wind, and thence again through the west to the north with rain or wind, expect continued showery weather.

The north wind driveth away rain. (Proverbs, xxv, 23.)

=Northeast Rain.=

As a rule northeast rains indicate cold and damp soil, poor prospects for small seeds, melons, &c. (Apache Indians.)

=North, East, South, and West Winds.=

When the wind is in the north,
The skilful fisher goes not forth;
When the wind is in the east,
’Tis good for neither man nor beast;
When the wind is in the south,
It blows the flies in the fish’s mouth;
But when the wind is in the west,
There it is the very best.
(Isaak Walton.)

=Northeast Wind.=

If the wind changes to the northeast or north, expect cold weather.

If there be northeast or east winds in the spring, after a strong increase of heat, and small clouds appear in the different parts of the sky, or if the wind changes from east to south at the appearance of clouds preceded by heat, expect heavy rains.

=Northwest and East Winds.=

When the wind is in the northwest
The weather is at its best;
But if the rain comes out of the east
’Twill rain twenty-four hours at least.

=Northwest and Northeast Winds.=

Northwest wind brings a short storm;
A northeast wind brings a long storm.

=Northwest Winds.=

Northwest wind brings only rain showers.

If there be a change of wind from the northwest or west to the southwest or south, or else from the northeast or east to the southeast or south, expect wet weather.

If the northwest or north winds blow with rain or snow during three or four days in the winter and then the wind passes to the south through the west, expect continued rain.

In summer if the wind changes to the northwest, expect cooler weather.

If a northwest wind shifts to northeast, remaining there two or three days without rain, and then shifts to the south, and then back to the northeast, with very little rain, fair weather may be expected during the following month. (Observer at Cape Mendocino.)

=New Year’s Eve.=

If New Year’s Eve night wind blow from south,
It betokeneth warmth and drouth;
If west, much milk, and fish in sea;
If north, much cold and storm there’ll be;
If east, the trees will bear much fruit;
If north, flee it man and beast.

=November-December.=

As the wind is in the month of November, so will it be in the month of December.

=No Wind.=

No weather is ill
If the wind is still.

=Night Winds.=

Winds at night are always bright,
But winds in the morning, sailors take warning.

=Pigs.=

When pigs carry straws to their sty, a wind-storm may be expected.

=Rising Wind.=

First rise after very low
Indicates a strong blow.
Fast rise after a low
Precedes a stormy blow.

=Rain-Wind.=

Wind before a rain, set your topsails fair again.
Rain before the wind, keep your topsails snug as.

=South Wind.=

When ye see the south wind blow, ye say there will be heat; and it cometh to pass. (Saint Luke, xii, 55.)

A wind in the south
Is in the rain’s mouth.

The rain comes south
When the wind is in the south.
(Scotch.)

Brisk winds from the south for several days in Texas are generally followed by a “norther.”

If there be dry weather with a light south wind for five or six days, it having previously blown strongly from the same direction, expect fine weather. (Texas.)

The southern wind doth blow a trumpet to his purpose, and by his hollow whistling in the leaves foretells a tempest and a blustering day. (Shakespeare.)

=Southwest Wind.=

In fall and winter if the wind holds a day or more in the southwest, a severe storm is coming; in summer, same of northeast wind.

A southwest blow on ye
And blister ye all over.
(Shakespeare.)

Three southwesters, then one heavy rain.

The third day of southwest wind will be a gale, and wind will veer to northwest between 1 and 2 a. m. (in winter) with increasing force. (From fisherman on North Carolina coast.)

If the wind shifts around to the south and southwest, expect warm weather.

=Southeast Wind.=

If the wind blows from the southeast during September 20th and 21st, the weather from the middle of February to the middle of March will be warm.

=Shifting During Drought.=

In Texas and the southwest when the wind shifts during a drought, expect rain.

=September Winds.=

If the wind blows from the south on the 21st of September, it indicates a warm autumn.

=Sun.=

Winds that change against the sun
Are always sure to backward run.

=Storm.=

When a heavy cloud comes up in the southwest and seems to settle back again, look out for a storm.

Wind-storms usually subside about sunset, but if they do not the storm will probably continue during the following day.

Always a calm before a storm.

=Squalls.=

Squalls making up on the flood-tide will culminate about high water; those making on ebb-tide will culminate about low-water. (South Atlantic coast.)

=West Wind.=

Wind in the west, weather at the best.
Wind in the east, neither good for man or beast.

=West Wind.=

A west wind north about
Never hangs lang out.

(Scotch.)

=West, East, South, and North Wind.=

The west wind always brings wet weather,
The east wind cold and wet together,
The south wind surely brings us rain,
The north wind blows it back again.

(English.)

=Veering Wind.=

A veering wind indicates fair weather, a backing wind foul weather.

=Unsteady Winds.=

The whispering grove betrays the gathering elemental strife. Unsteadiness of the wind is an indication of changeable weather.

=Whirlwinds.=

When numerous whirlwinds are observed, the rotation being opposite to that of the sun, look for wind and rain.

=Weather.=

Every wind has its weather.

=White Clouds.=

Heavy, white, rolling clouds in front of a storm denote high wind.

PROVERBS RELATING TO YEARS AND SEASONS.

Almond Blooms.

Mark well the flowering almonds in the wood;
If odorous blooms the bearing branches load,
The glebe will answer to the sylvan reign,
Great heats will follow and large crops of grain;
But if a wood of leaves o’ershades the tree
Such and so barren will the harvest be.

(Virgil.)

=Autumn.=

A pleasant autumn and a mild winter will cause the leaves to fall next September.

A moist autumn, with a mild winter, is followed by a cold and dry spring, retarding vegetation. If the summer be rainy the following winter will be severe.

=Cherry Year.=

A cherry year
A merry year.

=Coat.=

Who doffs his coat on winter’s day
Will gladly put it on in May.

(Scotch.)

=Cold Spring.=

A cold spring kills the roses. (Arabia.)

=Equinox.=

As the wind and weather is at the time of the equinox, so will be the wind and weather generally during the following three months.

As clear off the line, or equinoctial storm, so will all storms clear for six months.

=Fair.=

One fair day in the winter does not make the birds merry.

=Fall.=

A wet fall indicates a cold and early winter.

=Famine.=

After a famine in the stall
Comes a famine in the hall.

=Frosty Nights.=

Frosty nights and hot summer days
Set the cornfields all in a blaze.

=Harvest.=

The harvest depends more on the year than on the field. (Denmark.)

=Haw Year.=

A haw year
A braw year.

(Ireland.)

A haw year
A snaw year.

(Scotland.)

=Indian Summer.=

If we don’t get our Indian summer in October or November we will get it in winter.

=Late Spring.=

A late spring is a great blessing.

A late spring never deceives.

=Long Harvest.=

A long harvest, a little corn.

=Leap Year.=

In leap year the weather always changes on Friday.

=Late Spring.=

A late spring is bad for cattle, and an early spring for corn.

=Nut—Corn.=

A good nut year, a good corn year.

=Oak Tree—Barley.=

When the oak puts on his goslin grey
’Tis time to sow barley, night or day.

=Old Year.=

If the old year goes out like a lion the new year will come in like a lamb.

=Pear—Dear.=

A pear year
A dear year.

=Plum.=

In the year when plums flourish all else fails. (Devon.)

A plum year
A dumb year.

(Kent.)

=Rainy Winter.=

After a rainy winter follows a fruitful spring.

=Seasons.=

Extreme seasons occur from the 6th to the 10th year of each decade (especially in alternate decades).

A severe autumn denotes a windy summer;
A windy winter a rainy spring;
A rainy spring a severe summer;
A severe summer a windy autumn;
So that the air in balance is
Seldom debtor unto itself.

(Lord Bacon.)

=Short Harvest.=

Short harvests make short earnings. (Yorkshire.)

=Sloe Tree.=

When the sloe tree is as white as a sheet
Sow your barley, whether it be dry or wet.

=Snow.=

A snow year a rich year.

=Sow Beans.=

Sow beans in the mud,
And they’ll grow like a wood.

=Sow.=

Sow thin, shear thin.

=Spring Rain.=

In spring a tub of rain makes a spoonful of mud;
In autumn a spoonful of rain makes a tub of mud.

Spring is both father and mother to us, and he who does not sow will not reap. (Gallicia.)

If the spring is cold and wet, the autumn will be hot and dry.

Fog in January makes a wet spring.

If it storms on February 2d, then the spring is not very far; but when bright and clear, then the spring will be late.

If it snows on February 2d, only as much as to be seen on a black ox, then summer will come soon.

When in February it is mild,
Brings the spring the frost by night.

If it does not rain on St. Michael’s (29th of September) and Gallus (October 16th), the farmer will promise a dry spring.

Christmas in mud, Easter in snow.

If at Christmas ice hangs on the willow, clover may be cut at Easter.

=Spring and Autumn Rain.=

Spring rain damps; Autumn rain soaks. (Russia.)

=Summer.=

As much fog as plagues you in March, so many thunder-storms after one hundred days.

As much fog in March, so much rain in summer.

If it rains on June 27th, it will rain seven weeks.

As the weather on July 10th, so it will be for seven weeks.

When the sun enters “Leo” the greatest heat will then arise.

As the dog days commence so they end.

Midsummer rain
Spoils wine, stock, and grain.

Happy are the fields that receive summer rain.

Summer comes with a bound; winter comes yawning. (Finland.)

Summer in winter and summer’s flood
Never boded an Englishman good.

=The Year.=

Do not abuse the year till it has passed. (Spain.)

=Thunder.=

Thunder in spring
Cold will bring.

=Wet Spring.=

A wet spring—a dry harvest.

=Winter.=

In winter expect not fair weather from one night’s ice.

An early winter is surely winter.

Winter’s back breaks about the middle of February.

He that drops a coat on a winter day
Will gladly put it on in May.

Winter will not come till the swamps are full. (South.)

When the days get longer, comes the winter.

If cold at St. Peter’s day (February 22d), it will last longer.

The night of St. Peter’s shows what weather we will have for the next forty days.

St. Matthew breaks the ice; if he finds none he’ll make some.

After Matthew’s no fox will run over the ice.

If on St. Michael’s day the winds blow from the north and east, a cold winter may be expected.

Light rain on St. Michael’s day is followed by a mild winter.

After a warm autumn a long winter.

When beech acorns thrive well and oak trees hang full, a hard winter will follow with much snow.

Much fog in autumn, much snow in winter.

If October brings much frost and wind, then are January and February mild.

Clear autumn, windy winter.

As many days from the first snow to the next new moon, so many times will it thaw during winter.

When birds and badgers are fat in October, a cold winter is expected.

If on All Saints’ day the beech acorn is dry we will stick behind the stove in winter, but if it is wet and not light the winter will not be dry, but wet.

If it is at Martin (November 11th) fair, dry, and cold, the cold in winter will not last long.

If the geese at Martin’s day stand on ice, they will walk in mud on Christmas.

If the leaves of the trees and grape-vines do not fall before Martin’s day, a cold winter may be expected.

As November 21st, so the winter.

When in November the water rises, it will show itself the whole winter.

When the winter is not early it will not be late.

December changeable and mild,
The whole winter will remain a child.

Lengthened winter and tardy spring are both good for hay and grain, but bad for corn and garden.

Winter thunder and summer’s flood
Never boded any good.

Winter finds what summer lays up.

=Winter Thunder.=

Poor man’s death, rich man’s hunger.

=Winter Fire.=

In winter a fire is better than a Muscat rose. (Persia.)

=Year.=

Wet and dry years come in triads.

A dry year never starves itself.

PROVERBS RELATING TO MONTHS, WEEKS, AND DAYS.

Month.

The month that comes in good will go out bad.

January.

If grass grows in January, it will grow badly the whole year.

In January if the sun appear,
March and April pay full dear.

(English.)

A January thaw is a sign for a July freshet.

If the grass grows green in January, it will grow the worse for it all the year.

In the Shepherd’s Almanac for 1676, among the observations on the month of January we find the following: “Some say that if on the 12th of January the sun shines it foreshows much wind. Others predict by Saint Paul’s day, saying if the sun shine it betokens a good year; if it rain or snow, indifferent; if misty it predicts great dearth; if it thunder, great winds and death of people that year.”

A favorable January brings us a good year.

Fair on Saint Paul’s conversion day (25th) is favorable to all fruits.

In January much rain and little snow is bad for mountains, valleys, and trees.

Saint Paul fair with sunshine,
Brings fertility to rye and wine.

Have rivers much water in January, then the autumn will forsake them. But are they small in January, then brings the autumn surely much wine.

Is January wet, remains empty the barrel.

If Saint Vincent’s (22d) has sunshine,
One hopes much rye and wine.
If Saint Paul’s (25th) is bright and clear,
One does hope a good year.

If on Saint Paul’s it rains and snows, the grain will be costly.

Much rain in January, no blessing to the fruit.

Fruit that grows in January will generally be costly or dear.

January warm, the Lord have mercy.

January wet no wine you get.

Fog in January brings a wet spring.

Hoar frost and no snow is hurtful to fields, trees, and grain. If grain grows in January there will be a year of great need.

Dry January, plenty of wine. January 1st.—Morning red, foul weather, and great need. January 2d.—As the weather is this day so will it be in September.

If the grass grows green in January, it will grow the worse for it all the year.

January fill dyke,
February black and white.

A summerish January indicates a winterish spring.

Always expect a thaw in January.

A January spring is worth nothing.

A wet January, a wet spring.

=February.=

Double faced February.

Violent north winds in February herald a fertile year.

February 2d bright and clear
Gives a good flax year.

On Romanus (28th) bright and clear
Indicates a good year.

If the ground-hog is sunning himself on the 2d he will return for four weeks to his winter quarters again. St. Dorothea (the 6th) gives the most snow. When the cat in February lies in the sun, she will again creep behind the stove in March. When the north wind does not blow in February, it will surely come in March.

If February gives much snow
A fine summer it doth foreshow.

There is always one fine week in February.

Of all the months of the year, curse a fair February.

Heavy north winds in February forebode a fruitful year. (German.)

If on the 2d of February the goose finds it wet, then the sheep will have grass on March 25th.

When drops hang on the fence on the 2d of February, icicles will hang there on the 25th of March.

For every thunder with rain in February there will be a cold spell in May.

February rain is only good to fill ditches. (French.)

The nights of the 20th and 28th are called in Sweden “steel nights,” on account of their cutting severity.

February makes a bridge and March breaks it.

February doth cut and shear,
February fill dike.
Be it black or be it white;
But if it be white
It’s the better to like.

=March.=

Winds in March and rains in April promise great blessings in May. As much dew as shown in March so much fog rises in August.

In beginning or in end
March its gifts will send.

As it rains in March, so it rains in June.

Is’t on Joseph’s day (19th) clear,
So follows a fertile year;
Is’t on Mary’s (25th) bright and clear,
Fertile is said to be the year.

A damp, rotten March gives pain to farmers.

A dry March, wet April, and cool May
Fill barn, cellar, and bring much hay.
Rain in March, poor harvest.

Dust in March brings grass and foliage.

If it does not freeze on the 10th, a fertile year may be expected.

Snow in March is bad for fruit and grape-vine.

March will search, April will try;
May will tell you whether you live or die.

March wet and windy,
Makes the barn full and findy.

March damp and warm,
Will do the farmer much harm.

March dust and March wind bleaches like a summer’s sun. (Scotch.)

A peck of March dust and showers in May,
Make corn green and fields gray.

When March is like April, April will be like March.

If March comes in with adder’s head,
It goes out with peacock tail.

A dusty March, a snowy February, a moist April, and a dry May, presage a good year. (French.)

A bushel of March dust is worth a king’s ransom.

A windy March and a rainy April make a beautiful May.

A dry March never brings its bread.

March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion.

So many frosts in March, so many in May.

March wind and May sun
Make clothes white and maidens dun.

A March wisher
Is not a good fisher.

A windy March and a rainy April make a fine May.

March grass never did good.

March in January, January in March, I fear.

=April.=

Is’t in April fair and mild,
The nill may be so much more wild.

Thunder-storm in April is the end of hoar frost. After a wet April follows a dry June. Whatever March does not want April brings along.

April and May are the keys of the year.

A cold April the barn will fill.

A dry April not the farmer’s will; rain in April is what he wills.

Snow in April is manure; snow in March devours.

April cold and wet fills barn and barrel.

At St. Gorgen (24th) the meadow turns into hay.

April snow breeds grass.

Moist April clear June.

Wet May, dry July. (German.)

When on St. George (24th) rye has grown so high as to hide a crow therein, a good harvest may be expected.

When April makes much noise
We will have plenty of rye and hay;
When April blows its horn
Then it stands good with hay, rye, and corn.

A cold and moist April fills the cellar and fattens the cow.

When April blows his horn
’Tis good for both hay and corn.

April showers
Bring May flowers.

April borrows three days from March, and they are ill.

=May.=

A dry May is followed by a wet June. A normal wet and cool May brings a wet June. An abnormal warm May brings a wet June.

Dry May brings nothing.

Many thunder-storms in May,
And the farmer sings hey! hey!

Rain in the beginning of May is said to be injurious to wine.

Cool and evening dew in May
Brings wine and much hay.

Hoar frost on the 1st of May indicates a good harvest.

The later the black thorn in bloom after May 1, the better the rye and hay harvest.

If May will be a gardener, he will not fill the granaries.

Look at your corn in May,
And you’ll come sorrowing away;
Look at it again in June,
And you’ll come singing another tune.

A windy May makes a fair year. (Portuguese proverb.)

Water in May is bread all the year. (Spanish proverb.)

A hot May makes a fat churchyard.

A cold May enriches no one.

A May flood
Never did good.

A cold and windy May will fill the barn.

A dry May and a leaking June
Make the farmer whistle a merry tune.

May damp and cool fills the barns and wine-vats.

Mist in May and heat in June
Makes the harvest right soon.
(Scotch.)

Cast not a clout
Till May be out.

Be it early or be it late,
May will bring the corn quake.

A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay;
But a swarm in July ain’t worth a fly.

If it rains on Philip’s and Jacob’s day (1st), a fertile year may be expected to follow.

Cold May brings many things.

A cold May and wind
Makes full barns and a findy.
(Scotch.)

=June.=

Rain on St. John’s day (24th), and we may expect a wet harvest.

Previous to St. John’s day we dare not praise barley.

If it rains on St. Peter’s day (29th) the bakers will have to carry double flour and single water; if dry, they will carry single flour and double water.

Peter and Paul will rotten the roots of the rye.

O! St. Vitus (15th), O do not rain, so that we may not want barley.

A cold and wet June spoils mostly the whole year.

June, damp and warm, does not make the farmer poor.

Rain on St. Barnabas day is a good harvest in grapes.

Rain on St. John’s (24th) will damage the nuts.

If north wind blows in June, rye will be splendid at harvest time.

When it is the hottest in June, it will be the coldest in the next February at corresponding days.

If St. Vitus day (15th of June) be rainy weather,
It will rain for thirty days together.
(Robin’s Almanac, 1697.)

Calm weather in June
Sets corn in tune.

A dripping June
Brings all things in tune.

If on the 8th of June it rain,
It foretells wet harvests, men hath sain.

=July.=

If it rains on the 2d (St. Mary’s), then it will rain the next four weeks.

As July, so the next January.

July, God send thee calm and fair,
That happy harvests we may see;
With quiet time and healthsome air,
And man to God may thankful be.

What July and August left undone in cooking, September will have undone in roasting. (German.)

If it rains on July 10th, it will rain for seven weeks.

Dog days bright and clear
Indicate a good year;
But when accompanied by rain,
We hope for better times in vain.

Whatever July and August do not boil, September cannot fry.

Clear on St. Jacob’s day (20th) promises plenty fruit.

If three days previous to St. Jacob’s are clear, then the rye will be good.

If the 1st of July be rainy weather,
’Twill rain more or less for three weeks together.

=August.=

Thunder-storms after Bartholomew’s day are mostly violent.

When the dew is heavy in August the weather generally remains fair. When in beginning of August thunder-storms are passing, they will generally last to end of month.

As August, so the next February.

As Bartholomew day, so the whole autumn.

If the first week in August is unusually warm,
The winter will be white and long.

When the months of July, August, and September are unusually hot, January will be the coldest month.

On St. Mary’s day (15th) sunshine
Brings much and good wine.

When in August the sun shines warm, moon and stars are bright; it is good for grapes, because they then ripen well.

Matthew’s day (24th) bright and clear,
Brings good wine in next year.

A wet August never brings dearth. (Italian.)

When it rains in August it rains honey and wine.

If the 24th of August be fair or clear,
Then hope for a prosperous autumn that year.

Dry August, arid, warm,
Doth harvest no harm.

=September.=

As September, so the coming March.

September rain is much liked by the farmer.

Is the autumn warm, bright, and clear,
We may expect a fertile year.

When a cold spell occurs in September and passes without a frost, a frost will not occur until the same time in October.

Fair on the first of September, fair the entire month.

As the deer goes into the heat, so he will again step out.

As the weather on the 8th, so it will be for the next four weeks.

A wet September; next summer drouth, no crops and famine. (California.)

If Michael brings many acorns, Christmas will cover the fields with snow.

September rain is good for crops and vines.

Thunder in September indicates a good crop of grain and fruit for next year.

If the storms in September clear off warm, all the storms of the following winter will be warm.

=October.=

Much rain in October, much wind in December.

If October brings heavy frosts and winds, then will January and February be mild.

When it freezes and snows in October, January will bring mild weather; but if it is thundering and heat-lightning, the winter will resemble April in temper.

Warm October, cold February.

As the weather in October, so will it be in the next March.

If the first snow falls on moist, soft earth, it indicates a small harvest; but if upon hard, frozen soil, a good harvest.

A good October and a good blast,
So blow the hog-acorn and the mast.

=November.=

As at Catharine (25th) foul or fair, so will be the next February.

As November, so the following March.

Thunder in November indicates a fertile year to come.

Flowers in bloom late in autumn indicate a bad winter.

November, take flail;
Let ships no more sail.

If there be ice in November that will bear a duck,
There will be nothing thereafter but sleet and muck.

=December.=

If it rains on Sunday before mass it will rain the whole week.

If Christmas finds a bridge, he’ll break it; if he finds none, he’ll make one.

As Ash Wednesday, so the fasting time.

A warm Christmas, a cold Easter.

A green Christmas, a white Easter.

If windy on Xmas day, trees will bring much fruit.

If the wind blows much on Stephen’s day (26th), the grape will be bad in next year.

If it snows on Xmas night, we expect a good hop crop next year.

Christmas wet gives empty granary and barrel.

At Christmas meadows green, at Easter covered with frost.

Wet causes more damage than frost before, than after Christmas.

December cold, with snow, brings rye everywhere.

=Days.=

The first three days of any season rule the weather of that season.

The general character of the weather during the last twenty days of March, June, September, and December will rule the following season.

A bad day has a good night.

As the days lengthen,
So the cold strengthens.

The three days of September (20th, 21st, and 22d) rule the weather for October, November, and December.

The first three days of January rule the coming three months.

The last twelve days of January rule the weather of the whole year.

When there are three days cold, expect three days colder.

The twelve days commencing December 25th and ending January 5th are said to be the keys of the weather of the year.

=Wednesday.=

Wednesday clearing, clear till Sunday.

When the sun sets clear on Wednesday, expect clear weather the rest of the week.

=Thursday.=

The first Thursday in March, the first Thursday in June, the first Thursday in September, and the first Thursday in December are the governing days for each season. Whatever point of the compass the wind is on these days, that will be the prevailing direction of the wind for that season.

If it storms on the first Thursday, or any subsequent, of a month, count the remaining days of the month, add to this the number of days remaining of the moon, and they will give the number of storms for that season. (Wm. R. Ryan.)

=Friday.=

If the sun sets clear on Friday, it will blow before Sunday night.

If on Friday it rain,
’Twill on Sunday again;
If Friday be clear,
Have a Sunday no fear.

Rain on Good Friday forebodes a fruitful year.

Friday is the best or worst day of the week.

If the sun sets clear on Friday, generally expect rain before Monday.

A wet Good Friday and a wet Easter day,
Makes plenty of grass but very little hay.

As the Friday, so the Sunday.

=Saturday.=

There is never a Saturday without some sunshine.

=Sunday.=

If it rains on Sunday before mass it will rain all the week.

When it storms on the first Sunday of the month it will storm every Sunday.

First Sunday in month rain, it will rain every Sunday of the month.

Sunday clearing, clear till Wednesday.

The last Sunday of the month indicates the weather of the next month.

If sunset on Sunday is cloudy, it will rain before Wednesday.

=Christmas.=

A light Christmas, a heavy sheaf.

If the sun shines through the apple tree on Christmas day, there will be an abundant crop the following year.

If on Christmas night the wine ferments heavily in the barrels, a good wine year is to follow. (German.)

The shepherd would rather see his wife enter the stable on Christmas day than the sun. (German.)

If ice will bear a man before Christmas, it will not bear a mouse afterward. (English proverb.)

If Christmas day on Thursday be,
A windy winter you shall see.
Windy weather in each week,
And hard tempests strong and thick.
The summer shall be good and dry,
Corn and beast shall multiply.

(Copied from old MS.)

A green Christmas makes a full graveyard.

A green Christmas indicates a white Easter.

=Candlemas Day.=

If Candlemas day be fair and clear,
There’ll be two winters in that one year.

On Candlemas day the bear, badger, or woodchuck comes out to see his shadow at noon; if he does not see it he remains out; but if he does see it he goes back to his hole for six weeks, and cold weather continues six weeks longer.

Have on Candlemas day
One-half your straw and one-half your hay.

Candlemas day if it be fair
The half of the winter’s to come and mair.
Candlemas day, if it be foul,
The half of winter’s past at yule.

On Candlemas day
Throw the candle and stick away.
When Candlemas is come and gone
The coal lies on a red-hot stove.

Just half your wood and half your hay
Should be remaining on Candlemas day.

If Candlemas day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight;
But if Candlemas day be clouds and rain,
Winter is gone and will not come again.

On Candlemas day just so far as the sun shines in, just so far will the snow blow in.

I would rather see my wife on a bier
Than to see Candlemas clear.

=Corpus Christi.=

Corpus Christi day clear
Gives a good year.

If rain on Corpus Christi day, the rye granary will be light.

=Dog Day.=

Rain on first dog day, it will rain for forty days after.

=Easter.=

Rain on Easter gives slim fodder.

If fair weather from Easter to Whitsuntide, the butter will be cheap.

Easter in snow, Christmas in mud;
Christmas in snow, Easter in mud.

=Good Friday.=

Good Friday rain brings a fertile year.

=Hollantide.=

If ducks do slide at Hollantide,
At Christmas day they’ll swim;
If ducks do swim at Hollantide,
At Christmas day they’ll slide.

=Lent.=

Dry Lent, fertile year.

=Martinmas.=

If the wind is in the southwest at Martinmas, it keeps there until Candlemas. (French.)

=Pentecost.=

Rain at Pentecost forebodes evil.

=Paster Sunday.=

If it rains on Paster Sunday, it will rain every Sunday until Pentecost.

=Palm Sunday.=

If the weather is not clear on Palm Sunday, it means a bad year.

=Shrovetide Day.=

When the sun is shining on Shrovetide day, it is meant well for rye and peas.

=Saint Andrew’s Day.=

On Saint Andrew’s night a glass of water should be placed on the table. If the water has run over in the morning, a good year is to follow; if it does not, expect a poor year for crops. (German.)

=Saint Bartholomew.=

If it rains on Saint Bartholomew’s day (August 24th) it will rain forty days after.

Saint Bartholomew brings cold and dew. (Italian.)

=Saint John’s Day.=

Before Saint John’s day (24th of June) no early crops are worth praising. (German.)

Before Saint John’s day we pray for rain; after that we get it anyhow.

=Saint Lawrence Day.=

If on Saint Lawrence day (August 10th) the weather be fine, a good autumn and good wine may be hoped for. (German.)

=Saint Margaret’s Day.=

Rain on Saint Margaret’s day (22d of July) will destroy all kinds of nuts. (German.)

=Saint Matthew’s Day.=

If it freezes on Saint Matthew’s day, it will freeze for a month together.

Matthew’s day (February 25th) breaks the ice; if he finds none, then he’ll have some.

=Saint Martin’s Day.=

Saint Martin’s day (11th of November) if the wind is in the southwest at Martinmas, it keeps there till after Candlemas. (Scotch.)

=Saint Paul’s Day.=

If Saint Paul’s day is fair and clear,
It does betide a happy year.

If Saint Paul’s be fair and clear,
It promises a happy year;
But if it chances to snow or rain,
There will be dear all sorts of grain;
Or if the wind does blow aloft,
Great stirs will vex the world full oft;
And if dark clouds do muff the sky,
The fowl and cattle oft will die.

If Saint Paul’s day (25th January) be fair and clear,
It does betide a happy year;
But if it chance to snow or rain,
There will be dear all kinds of grain.
If clouds or mist do dark the sky,
Great store of birds and beasts shall die;
And if the winds do fly aloft,
Then war shall vex the kingdom oft.

(Old English.)

Upon Saint Paul’s day
Put oats and barley in the clay.

=Saint Patrick’s Day.=

Saint Patrick’s day the warm side of a stone turns up, and the broad-back goose begins to lay.

=Saint Stephen’s Day.=