107 



condemning the hen. If it is conclusively proved that she is a per- 

 sistent egg-eater, I fear there is no way of curing the habit, and I 

 would advise her being killed, unless a very valuable, bird, when a 

 trick-nest might be tried (i.e.) a contrivance by which the egg rolls 

 out of sight directly it is laid." 



630.-THE WEATHER. 



During the past " dry season" frequent heavy showers, have fallen, 

 contrary to the average of seasons. 



The rainfall at St. Clair, Experiment Station for the dry season 

 1904. February to May has been as follows ; the difference between it 

 and the average fall in 42 years being shown. 



RAINFALL. 



Dry Season 1904- 

 February... .... 2 "56 inches. 



March ... .„ 4 24 „ 



April ... .... 2-50 ,, 



May ..... .„ 2-76 ,, 



Total.... —12 -06 



Dry Season average — 42 years. 

 February.... ... 1*60 inches. 



March ... ... 1-87 ,, 



April ... ... 2-11 ,, 



May — .... 3'81 f, 



Total... ... 9-39 



The dry season of 1904 is therefore 3*67 inches in excess of 

 average. This fact is not unusual, as many previous years of the pre- 

 vious 42 have exceeded 12 inches for the same months. 



The deep rooted idea that change of the moon causes change in 

 the weather, is believed in by many, but is not our purpose here to 

 discuss its truth or not ; but it may be mentioned that there is one 

 fact which deserves the attention of those who rely upon popular 

 theories, and this is, that they do not invariably hold good in different 

 places. 



For instance, in England, a rhyme runs : — 

 " When the moon lies on her back, 

 Then the South-west wind will crack, 

 When she rises up and nods 

 Brisk North easters dry the sods." 



In Trinidad the moon may be " on her back" but no South-west 

 wind result, as we seldom get such a wind, but the very opposite is 

 generally the case, and North-easters frequently prevail when " the 

 moon is on her back." 



We find in the old Kentish rhyme : — 

 " Cherry year, Merry year, 

 Plum year, Dumb year." 

 This may be distinctly classed with the Trinidad " Balata year- 

 wet year," &c, &c. 



The sound of the Cicada or Cigale is taken locally as a sign of 

 rain, but the entomologist will show that it is a sign that rain has 

 already fallen, or the Cicada could not have been released from his 

 chrysalis, moisture allowing this to take place. 



