WEATHER. 



655 



It is always a dangerous thing to act the part of a prophet, and the 

 uncertainty attending an uninspired foreteller's predictions must in time 

 disparage him in the estimation of his hearers and disciples. But there 

 are signs in the sky which we can discern and render valuable by the aid of 

 instruments. We must have a reliable barometer and thermometer, and 

 keep a record of the average conditions of the weather, if we wish to wear 

 the mantle of the weather-prophet -a term now, in America, applied 

 (jokingly, no doubt) to people who are not particular in their statements 

 of facts. 



But without entering upon any scientific discussion, we may state a few 

 plain rules which can be observed, besides the indications of a rising or falling 

 barometer. Having frequently studied the aspects of the clouds, with the 



Fig. 734. Weather chart. 



assistance of the hints from the wind-currents, we can fairly prognosticate or 

 suggest probable changes of weather. 



We have already remarked upon the colours of the sunset, which are 

 attributable to the vapours in the atmosphere, and we say a red sky foretells 

 fine weather; a yellow sky changing into green means rain, or rain and wind; 

 on the other hand, when the red rays appear we may anticipate fine weather, 

 as the atmosphere is becoming less and less moist. 



A " low " dawn is known as a good sign ; so when the first rays appear 

 at, or near the horizon, we may anticipate a fine day, as we mav when the 

 morning is grey. 



" Evening red and morning grey" 



are almost unfailing tokens of fine weather. 



