whic^ vulicate Chariges rf the JViafher. 309 



fluce changes in their bodies, fince we are hot acquaiilted 

 \vitli the curious organifation of the moft delicate parts of 

 thefe machines ; but \ve dan obferve and perceive the pro- 

 grefs and general confequences of thefe phenomena, as well 

 as df thofe by v/hich they are produced. The following are 

 the common and familiar ligns exhibited ibv dnimals, which 

 indicate changes of the weather, iind which are not taken 

 fo much from the agricultural poet, who firll collected theni, 

 as from common obfervation : 



I. When the bats remain longer than xifual abroad frorii 

 their holes, fly about in greater numbers aiad to a greater 

 diftance than Cominon, it announces that the following day 

 will be warm and ferene ; but if they enter the houfes, arid 

 fend forth loud and repeated cries, it indicates bad weather. 



i. If the owl is heard to fcream during bad weather, it 

 announces that it will become fine, 



3. The croaking of crows in the morning indicates fine 

 weather. 



4. When the raven croaks three or four times, extending 

 his wings and fliaking the leaves, it is a fign of ierene wea- 

 ther. 



5. It is an Indication of rain atid ftoi'my weather when 

 ducks and gcefe fly backwards and forwards ; when thev 

 pUmge frequently into the water, or begin to fend forth cries 

 and to flv about. 



6. If the bees do not rctnovc to a great diflance from their 

 hives, it announces rain; if they return to their hives before 

 the ufual time, it maybe concluded that it will foonfall. 



7. If pigeons return flowly to the pigcon-houfe, it indi- 

 cates that the fuccecding days will be rainy. 



8. It is a fign of rain or wind when the fparrows chirp a 

 ^rcat deal, and make a noife to each other to aflemble. 



9. When fowls and chickens roll in the fand more than 

 nCiial, it announces rain: the cafe is the fame when the cook*y, 

 crow in the evening, or at uncommon liour<i. 



AuL. IV. BU io. Pea- 



