CLERKS OF THE WEATHER. 107 
Now, having given our Leeches an important designation, we 
must endeavour to show that they deserve it; and this we must 
do on the principle recommended by Ingoldsby, ‘‘Crede experto— 
trust one who has tried.” An esteemed correspondent having sub- 
mitted to us the following facts, all recorded by herself during 
five years’ careful observation, we gladly publish them for the 
benefit of those to whom the query, with which this article com- 
mences, frequently occurs :— 
The apparatus necessary for the purpose is very simple: it 
consists of a glass jar, holding a pint and a half of water, 
with stones and a shell or two at the bottom, and a few sprays of 
Anacharis; the water must not reach the top of the vessel by at 
least two inches. A tight-fitting wirework cover m:st be placed 
over the top, as the Leeches soon escape, especially in stormy 
weather. The water should be changed once in ten days during 
the summer; and once in three weeks during the winter. 
As arule, during fine and wet weather, the Leeches remain at 
the bottom of the vessel. When a change is slowly approaching 
_ they move upwards, twenty-four hours, or, at times, thirty-six 
hours in advance of it. When a storm is rapidly approaching, 
' the Leeches become very restless, and rise quickly ; while before 
a thunder-storm they pass entirely out of the water. When the 
change occurs, they become still, at the bottom of the vessel; but 
if, under such circumstances, they rise again or keep above the 
_ water, length or violence of storm is indicated. 
If the Leeches rise during a continuance of east wind, wind 
rather than rain is to be expected. When astorm comes direct 
from a distance, we shall observe the rapid rising and restlessness 
~ alluded to above, but much shorter notice—from four to six hours— 
will be given. When heavy rain or high wind is to be expected, 
_ the Leeches are also restless and keep out of the water, but their 
movements are much less rapid. 
It is advisable to keep the vessel in a temperature as even as 
possible. When the temperature falls below 48°, the Leeches 
cease to indicate any change; they become quite torpid, or, in 
in other words, hybernate pro tem. In a small jar at a temperature 
M 
