When the air is moist and at a low temperature, a rising barometer may foretell wind and rain from the north.
When there is a northerly wind, and the barometer falls rapidly, there is likely to be a storm with snow in winter, and heavy rain or hail in summer.
When the air is dry and the temperature seasonable, a steady barometer indicates a continuance of fine weather.
A rapidly falling barometer may foretell stormy weather.
When the wind is westerly, a rapid fall may precede a storm coming from the north.
When the wind is southerly, a rise in the barometer may precede fine weather.
When there is much moisture in the air and considerable heat, a falling barometer may indicate that a wind and rain storm is coming from the south.
When the air is dry and cold in winter a falling barometer may indicate snow. When the weather is calm and warm, a falling barometer may be taken to mean rain or squally weather.
Freemasonry.—Its origin is unknown, but it is very ancient. It has been traced to the Knights Templars, to the Crusaders, and others. It is said that the workmen upon Solomon's Temple were Masons and that Masonry was the original trade union or protective association for workmen, each workman by signs being able to prove that he had reached a certain stage of proficiency; but this has not been substantiated. Some authorities state that Masonry was introduced into England in 674 A. D. The first record of the establishment of a Grand Lodge was at York in 926. Freemasonry was introduced into France in 1725, and into America in 1730. Freemasons are found throughout the entire world, there being more than a million of them in the United States and Canada. Other fraternal or mystic orders, known as Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Red Men, etc., are in purpose similar to Masons, and most of them were founded upon Masonry, Masonry ante-dating all of them.