300 NATURAL HISTORY OF WINDS. 



Next. To this belong some things specified in the in 

 quisition of winds, either hurtful or shaking winds, and 

 the times when they do hurt; to the nine and twentieth 

 article. 



6. Optative. Likewise concerning diseases and plagues 

 every year. A thing useful for the credit of physicians, if 

 they can foretell them, also for the causes and cures of dis 

 eases, and some other civil considerations. 



Next. To this likewise belong some things set down in 

 the inquisition to the thirtieth article. 



Monition. Of predictions by wind concerning corn, 

 fruits, and diseases, look upon histories of husbandry and 

 physick. 



7. Optative. How to raise winds and to allay them. 



Next. Concerning these things there are some super 

 stitious opinions, which do not seem worthy to be inserted 

 into a serious and severe natural history. Nor can I think 

 of any thing that is near in this kind. The design may be 

 this, to look thoroughly into and inquire about the nature of 

 the air ; whether any thing may be found, whereof a small 

 quantity put into air may raise and multiply the motion to 

 dilatation, or contraction in the body of the air. For out of 

 this (if it might be done) would follow the raisings and allay- 

 ings of winds. Such as that experiment of Pliny is concern 

 ing vinegar thrown against the whirlwinds, if it were true. 

 Another design might be, by letting forth of winds out of 

 subterraneal places ; if so be they should gather together 

 any where in great abundance, as it is a common and ap 

 proved opinion of the well in Dalmatia ; but to know such 

 places of prisons, is very hard and difficult. 



8. Optative. To work many fine, pleasant, and wonder 

 ful conceits by the motion of winds. 



Next. We have not leisure to enter into consideration 

 touching these things. Next to it is that common report 

 of the duels of winds. Questionless many such pleasant 

 things might very well be found out, both for motions and 

 sounds of winds. 



