CONCERNING WEATHER SIGNS, 24-26 



the temple of Zeus Hellanios 1 in Aegina, usually 

 rain follows. If a great deal of rain falls in winter, 

 the spring is usually dry ; if the winter has been 

 dry, the spring is usually wet. When there is 

 much 2 snow in winter, a good season generally 

 follows. 



Some say that, if in the embers 3 there is an ap- 

 pearance as of shining hail-stones, it generally 

 prognosticates hail ; while, if the appearance is like 

 a number of small shining millet-seeds, 4 it portends 

 fair weather, if there is wind at the time, but, if 

 there is no wind, rain or wind. It is better both for 

 plants and for animals that rain should come from 

 the north before it comes from the south ; it must 

 however be fresh and not briny to the taste. And 

 in general a season 5 in which a north wind prevails 

 is better and healthier than one in which southerly 

 winds prevail. It is a sign of a long winter when 

 sheep or goats have a second 6 breeding season. 



The signs of wind. 



II. Such then are said to be the signs of rain. The 

 following are signs of wind and breezes. 7 If the sun 

 rises with a burning heat but does not shine bril- 

 liantly, it is a sign of wind. If the sun has a hollow 

 appearance, it is a sign of wind or rain. If it blazes 

 with a burning heat for several days, it portends 

 long-continued drought or wind. If at dawn its 

 rays are parted, some pointing to the north and some 



3 &j/6>pa|t conj. Sch., supported by Plin. 18. 358 ; Arat. 309. 

 ampdai MSS. 



4 cf. 14, 42, 54, 5 cf. C.P. 2. 2. 



6 TTO.XIV ins. Sch.; text probably defective. 



7 Plin. 18. 342. 



407 



