Some man hadde levyr to mete a frogge on the way than a knight ... for than they say and ’leve that they shal have golde.--Dives and Pauper (first precepte, xlvi. 1493).
When frogs croak more than usual, it is a sign of bad weather.
Guinea-pig. A guinea-pig has no ears.
Haddock. The black spot on each side of a haddock, near the gills, is the impression of St. Peter’s finger and thumb, when he took the tribute money from the fish’s mouth.
The haddock has spots on either side, which are the marks of St. Peter’s fingers when he catched that fish for the tribute.--Metellus, Dialogues, etc., 57 (1693).
Hair. If a dog bites you, any evil consequences may be prevented by applying three of the dog’s hairs to the wound.
Take the hair, it is well written,
Of the dog by which you’re bitten;
Work off one wine by his brother,
And one labor by another.