Omens Common in Virginia.
Three white frosts in succession, a sure sign of rain.
When the crescent is on her back it never rains.
When there is a small circle around the moon, rain is not far off; a large circle, no rain.
When the wild-ducks fly overhead it is a sure sign of cold weather.
Show your money to the new moon, and it will surely increase.
Spill salt, lend it out, or give away parsely plants, is very bad luck.
Break a looking-glass and you will have seven years of bad luck.
If you fall up the stairs you will not be married that year.
Never move on Saturday: "A Saturday's flit is a short sit."
A strange black cat coming to you will bring luck.
When the smoke descends, it is sure to rain.
Never hang a horseshoe this way, (upside down U), as your luck will run out. It should be put up the other way—U.
The best one I know is an old Scotch saying:
"Luck is with the Lord; belief, with the people."
John R. Moreland, R.T.F.
Norfolk.
Cracking Walnuts.
Select a hard table or flat-iron, placing the nuts near by. If you look at the nut carefully, you will find a slightly raised ridge running around the nut. Place the nut on its side, holding it firmly. Strike upon the ridge with a heavy hammer with short even blows until cracked. Fresh nuts are the best for both cracking and eating.
H. H. W.
Detroit.