Chap. 82.] PROGNOSTICS DEEITED FROM CLOUPS. 121 



of Cancer, there are two ^piall stars to be seen, known as the 

 Aselli,^' the small space that lies between them being occupied 

 by a cloudy appearance, which is known as the Manger ;^ when 

 this cloud is not visible in a clear sky, it is a presage of a 

 violent storm. If a fog conceals from our view the one of these 

 stars which lies to the north-east, there will be high winds from 

 the south ; but if it is the star which lies to the south that is so 

 obscured, then the wind will be from the north-east. The 

 rainbow, when double, indicates the approach^'' of rain; but 

 if seen after rain, it gives promise, though by no means a cer- 

 tain one, of fine weather. Circular clouds around some of the 

 stars are indicative of rain. 



CHAP. 81. PROGNOSTICS DERIVED PROM THUNDER. 



When, in summer, there is more thunder than lightning, 

 wind may be expected from that quarter ; but if, on the other 

 hand, there is not so much thunder as lightning, there will be 

 a fall of rain. When it lightens in a clear sky, there will bo 

 rain, and if there is thunder as well, stormy weather ; but if 

 it lightens from all four quarters of the heavens, there will 

 be a dreadful tempest. AVhen it lightens from the north-east 

 only, it portends rain on the following day ; but when from 

 the north, wind may be expected from that quarter. When it 

 lightens on a clear night from the south, the west, or the 

 north-west, there will be wind and rain from those quarters. 

 Thunder^ in the morning is indicative of wind, and at midday 

 of rain. 



CHAP. 82. PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM CLOUDS. 



When clouds are seen moving in a clear sky, wind may be 

 expected in the quarter from w^hich they proceed ; but if they 

 accumulate in one spot, as they approach the sun they will 

 disperse. If the clouds are dispersed by a north-east wind, it 

 is a presage of high winds, but if by a wind from the south, of 

 rain. If at sunset the clouds cover the heavens on either side 

 of the sun, they are indicative of tempest; if they are black 

 and lowering in the east, they threaten rain in the night, but 

 if in the west, on the following day. If the clouds spread in 



85 Or « Little Asses." ^ Praesepia. 



I ^ This, as Fee remarks, is consistent with experience. 

 , ^8 This, Fee remarks, appears to be consistent with general experience. 



