Truth is always Easiest.—It is hard to personate and act a part long; for, where truth is not at the bottom, nature will always be endeavouring to return and will peep out and betray herself one time or other.
The Gifts of Fortune.—“I generally divide my favours,” says Fortune, “by giving a gift to one and the power to appreciate it to another.”
Natural Barometers.
From the earliest times observations have been made on the signs exhibited by members of the animal world indicative of changes in the weather.
Rain and storms have been predicted by asses frequently shaking and agitating their ears; by dogs rolling on the ground and scratching up the earth with their forefeet; by oxen lying on their right side; by animals crowding together; by moles throwing up more earth than usual; by bats sending forth their cries and flying into houses; by sea-fowl and other aquatic birds retiring to the shore; by ducks and geese flying backwards and forwards and frequently plunging into the water; by swallows flying low, etc.
Fine weather, on the other hand, has been foretold by the croaking of crows in the morning; by bats remaining longer than usual abroad and flying about in considerable numbers; by the screech of the owl; and by cranes flying very high in silence and ranged in order.
Courage.—There is nothing like courage even in ordinary things. Let us be willing to try at anything we wish to accomplish. It often happens that those who try at it do it.