CONCERNING WEATHER SIGNS, 9-12 



occur at one of these divisions. In general there- 

 fore one should observe the periods in the way 

 indicated, though as to particular signs we must 

 follow the accepted method. 1 



The signs of rain. 



Now the signs of rain appear to be as follows: 

 most unmistakable is that which occurs at dawn, 

 when the sky has a reddish appearance before sun- 

 rise ; for this usually indicates rain within three 

 days, if not on that very day. Other signs point 

 the same way : thus a red sky at sunset indicates 

 rain within three days, if not before, though less 

 certainly than a red sky at dawn. 



Again, if the sun sets in a cloud in winter or 

 spring, this generally indicates rain within three 

 days. So too, if there are streaks of light from the 

 south, while, if these are seen in the north, it is a 

 less certain sign. Again, if the sun when it rises 

 has a black mark, or if it rises 2 out of clouds, it is a 

 sign of rain ; while, if at sunrise there are rays 3 

 shooting out before the actual rising, it is a sign of 

 rain and also of wind. Again if, as the sun sinks, a 

 cloud forms below it and this breaks up its rays, it is 

 a sign of stormy weather. Again, if it sets or rises 

 with a burning heat, and there is no wind, it is a sign 

 of rain. 



Moonrise gives similar indications, at the time of 

 full moon : they are less certain when the moon is 

 not full. If the moon looks fiery, it indicates breezy 

 weather for that month, if dusky, wet weather ; and, 

 whatever indications the crescent moon gives, are 

 given when it is three days old. 



2 cu/e'xfl conj. Soh. 3 Flin. 18. 344. 



397 



