258 PROGNOSTICATIONS. 



these hatchings are : some very early, as noted in 

 the blackbird and thrush, and this rook, that their 

 offspring may have all the benefit of the nutriment 

 suited to their condition ; others again progressively 

 later, as the seeds of plants ripen, or the peculiar 

 insects on which they feed are to be obtained : this 

 order may be varied by the inclinations of crea- 

 tures, but, like most other deviations from the 

 courses of nature, with very equivocal effect, or a 

 total failure of success. 



Prognostications and signs, a great amusement, 

 and the groundwork of belief to our forefathers, 

 have, in general, pretty much declined with us; the 

 repeated falsity of most of them having destroyed 

 their reputation. We know so little, if any thing, 

 of the actuating causes of seasons and their change, 

 or the combinations effecting results, that no safe 

 conclusion can be formed of any present events 

 influencing the future. Whatever our almanacs 

 may do, few persons of credit will venture now to 

 predict, from what we call natural causes, a hot 

 summer, or a severe winter ; yet that very ancient 

 idea, " amongst country people, that years of store 

 of haws and heps do commonly portend cold win- 

 ters," still lingers with us. However warmly we 

 assent to the fundamental truth, the merciful con- 

 sideration of Providence, in providing food for the 

 necessities of the little fowls of the air, which, per- 

 haps, piously gave rise to the observation, almost 

 every year proves, that any conclusions drawn from 

 these " stores of haws and heps " are perfectly fal- 



