Better it is to rise betimes
And make hay while the sun shines,
Than to believe in tales and lies
Which idle monks and friars devise.
(Robins’s Almanac.)
Hog-thistle.
If the hog-thistle closes for the night, expect fair weather; if it remains open, expect rain.
Jonquils.
Jonquils, of which there are several sorts, blow in the open ground in March and April. The great jonquil and the odorous jonquil blow about the middle of March, the lesser or proper jonquil somewhat later. When they blow well and early they forebode a fine season.
Leaves.