About Cape Wrath and along that part of the coast when the Orkney Islands are distinctly seen, a storm or a continuation of bad weather is prognosticated.
When from Ardersier and the adjoining parish on the southeast side of the Moray Firth the distant Ross-shire hills are distinctly seen in the morning rain is expected that day.
To the people in Eaglesham, in Renfrewshire, when the Kilpatrick hills appear near a change to wet is looked for; but when they appear remote, dry weather will continue.
If the old moon embraces the new moon, stormy weather is foreboded.
Great confidence is placed in this old prognostic:
I saw the new moon late yestreen
Wi’ the old moon in her arm,
And if we gang to sea, master,
I fear we’ll come to harm.
The reason of “visibility” is uncertain; the old idea that it is due to excess of vapor is certainly erroneous. The dry and wet bulb hygrometer always indicates a considerable amount of dryness when it is remarked, and Mr. Cruickshank has shown by long observation at Aberdeen that visibility is greatest at the driest season of the year.