Mammals as Weather Prophets.
Dr. C. C. Abbott showed that the autumnal habits of certain animals that are popularly supposed to be indicative of the character of the coming winter could not be depended upon, although by the majority of people living in the country they were considered as sure indications of what the winter would prove to be. Dr. Abbott had kept a careful record, extending over twenty years, regarding the building of winter houses by musk-rats, the storing of nuts by squirrels, and other habits of these mammals, and had found that the habits referred to, or their omission in certain autumns, bore no relation to the character of the coming winter. (Trenton Nat. Hist. Soc., meeting February 13, 1883.)
PROVERBS RELATING TO BIRDS.
Birds of Passage.
When birds of passage arrive early in their southern passage, severe weather may be looked for soon.
When birds cease to sing, rain and thunder will probably occur.
If birds in general pick their feathers, wash themselves, and fly to their nests, expect rain.
A dry summer will follow when birds build their nests in exposed places.
Birds flying in groups during rain or wind indicate hail.
Birds and fowl oiling feathers indicate rain.