q 3 By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 53 
fe 
And there is another saying to the same effect :— 
“J in February there be no rain, 
Tis neither good for hay nor grain.” 

























- In March we have, in addition to the saying of world-wide renown 
that “a peck of dust is worth a king’s ransom,” the less-known 
proverb :— 
«A dry March never begs its bread.” 
Of the following month :— 
‘¢ An April flood 
Carries away the frog and his brood.” 
And for the excellence of drought, there is a saying reported by 
Aubrey as common all over the West of England “ that a dry yeare 
' never does cause a dearth ;”! a maxim which, I believe, would be 
endorsed by most practical and experienced farmers : though another 
saying that “ abundance depends upon having plenty of sour milk,” 
(meaning, caused by thunderstorms) would not, I apprehend, be so 
_ readily allowed. 
Amongst other traditional sayings about these first months in the 
year, which I have heard commonly quoted, is one which I have now 
for many years verified, and scarcely ever known incorrect ; and that 
is that “there is always one fine week in February,” a Wiltshire 
saying which I commend to the attention of all observers.” 
1 There is a proverb to this effect — 
«© Whoso hath but a mouth 
Will ne’er in England suffer drought.” 
’ And another :— : 
‘ «€ Drought never bred dearth in England.” 
Though that might be interpreted in an ironical sense, as when an English 
‘summer has been described by a foreigner in a sneering tone, as consisting of 
_ two hot days and a thunderstorm!” 
_ In France however the same sentiment occurs: 
“ Année de sécheresse 
A toujours fait richesse.” 
2 Though the fact however appears to be correct, fine weather in February 
“was not wont to be looked upon with favour, as the kindred proverbs in England 
and Germany testify :— 
re «© When gnats dance in February, the husbandman becomes a beggar.” 
«* Wenn in Februar tanzen die Miicken auf dem Mist, 
So versehliess dein Futter in die Kist.” 
