432 NATURAL HISTORY. 



especially if the heat and drought extend far into 

 September, portendeth an open beginning of winter ; 

 and colds to succeed toward the latter part of the 

 winter, and the beginning of the spring : for till then 

 the former heat and drought bear the sway, and the 

 vapours are not sufficiently multiplied. 



815. An open and warm winter portendeth a 

 hot and dry summer ; for the vapours disperse into 

 the winter showers ; whereas cold and frost keepeth 

 them in, and transporteth them into the late spring 

 and summer following. 



816. Birds that use to change countries at certain 

 seasons, if they come earlier, do shew the temperature 

 of weather, according to that country whence they 

 came : as the winter birds, namely, woodcocks, feld- 

 fares, &c. if they come earlier, and out of the northern 

 countries, with us shew cold winters. And if it be 

 in the same country, then they shew a temperature 

 of season, like unto that season in which they come : 

 as swallows, bats, cuckoos, &c. that come towards 

 summer, if they come early, shew a hot summer to 

 follow. 



817. The prognostics , more immediate of weather 

 to follow soon after, are more certain than those of 

 seasons. The resounding of the sea upon the shore ; 

 and the murmur of winds in the woods, without 

 apparent wind, shew wind to follow ; for such winds 

 breathing chiefly out of the earth, are not at the first 

 perceived, except they be pent by water or wood. 

 And therefore a murmur out of caves likewise por 

 tendeth as much. 



