134 OF PROGNOSTICKS. CHAP. 4. 1. 



than usual. Pidgeons also wash before Rain ; 

 and Cats wash their faces ; they have been ob- 

 served also before Rain to scratch the bark off 

 the trees. In autumn, Flies sting and become 

 unusually troublesome, on the approach of Rain. 



Dogs, and other domestic animals, likewise 

 express signs of uneasiness, and are very 

 sleepy and dull before Rain and Snow. Dogs 

 are said to dig great holes in the ground 

 in rainy weather. We had a Dog always 

 busy in digging deep caverns in the earth 

 which he laid in during particular kinds 

 of weather- This Dog was a cross breed 

 between a pug and terrier, remarkable for his 

 sagacity. 



If we happen to be abroad, when, after long 

 continued dry weather, the sky is thickening, 

 and Rain approaching, we may frequently 

 observe the Cattle stretching out their necks, 

 and snuffing in the air with distended nostrils ; 

 and often, before Storms, assembled in a corner 

 of the field, with their heads to the leeward.* 



The loud and continued croaking of Frogs 

 heard from the pool ; the squalling of the 



* Boves coelum olfactantes seque Jambentes contra pilum 

 Plin. Hist. Nat. xviii. 35. 



