608 EVERYDAY SCIENCE 



Air Conditions. When all kinds of odors are more noticeable, and 

 smoke descends instead of rising, there are good prospects of rain. 



When no dew appears on the grass in the morning, rain is prob- 

 ably indicated. 



If raindrops cling to leaves and twigs instead of drying quickly, 

 there will probably be more rain. 



Birds and Fowls. When migratory birds fly south earlier 

 than usual, an early cold winter is indicated. 



When birds capable of long flights remain close to their nests, 

 wind and rain may be looked for. 



Guinea fowls raise a great clamor before a rain. 



Chickens roll and flutter in the dust before a rain. . 



Crows fly low and wheel in great circles, cawing raucously, be- 

 fore a rain. But if they fly high in pairs, continued fair weather 

 may be expected. 



Gulls circle around at great heights, emitting sharp cries as of 

 distress, before a rain. 



Insects. When spiders are seen crawling about more than 

 usual on walls, rain will soon come. This is a reliable sign, especially 

 in the months of winter rains. 



When spiders spin new webs or cleanse their old ones, expect fair 

 weather. If they continue spinning during a rain, the rain will soon 

 be over. 



When flies or gnats are more than ordinarily troublesome, ex- 

 pect rain or a drop of temperature. 



When flies cling to the ceiling or disappear, rain is to be expected. 



PROJECT XXXIV. How to Remove Stains with Absorbents, 

 page 325 



The principle of capillarity illustrated in Experiment 97 is applied 

 in the removal of stains from the most delicate garments. The 

 use of absorbents, such as blotting paper, French chalk (which is 

 ground soapstone), pipe clay, fuller's earth, common starch, and 

 melted tallow, is the simplest and least risky method of removing 

 grease, wax, blood, and scorch stains. 



