374 0" ^^^ Sigfis exhibited by Anltnals, Sec. 



15th of June, St, Vitus's day, &;c. ; in the firft cafe the nuts 

 will be fpoiled ; in the fecond, the figs ; and in the third, 

 the grapes. All this may be true to a certain degree, that 

 is to fay, when it rains for a certain number of days about 

 thefe periods ; becaufe, if rain fails at the time when fruit- 

 trees are in bloflbm, it carries off the fecundating farina, and 

 by thefe means renders them barren. 



In regard to the general qualities of the feafons, and their 

 influence, attention may be paid to the following figns : — . 

 If the earth and air abound with infects, womis, frogs, lo- 

 cufts, &c.; if the walnut-tree has more leaves than fruit; 

 if there are large quantities of beans, fruii, and fifli ; if 

 the fpring and fummer are too damp ; if hoar-froft, fogs, 

 and dew come on at times when they are not generally feen, 

 the year will be barren : the oppofitc figns announce fer- 

 tility and abundance. Animals feem alfo to forefee and pro- 

 gnofticate fertility or barrennefs : it is faid that when the 

 birds flock together, quit the woods and iflands, and retire 

 to the fields, villages and towns, it is a fign that the year 

 will be barren. 



A great quantitv of fnow in winter promifes a fertile vear, 

 but abundant rains give reafon to apprehend that it will be 

 barren. A winter, during which a great deal of fnow and 

 rain falls, announces a very warm fummer. It is generally 

 believed that tliunder and ftorms in winter prognofticate 

 abundance, becaufe they fertilife the earth. When the fpring 

 is ramv, it produces an abundant crop of hay and of ufelefs 

 herbs, but at the fame time a fcarrity and dearth of grain. 

 If it is warm, there will be plenty of fruit, but they will be 

 almoft all fpoilt. If it is cold and dry, there will be few fruit 

 or grapes, and filk-worms will not thrive. If it is only 

 dry, there will be few fruit, but they will be good. In the 

 laft place, if it is cold, the fruit will be late in coming to ma- 

 turity. 



If the fpring and fummer are both damp, or even both 

 dry, a fcarcity and dearth of provifions is to be apprehended. 



I 



