6 ' SIGNS AND SEASONS 



the base of which presently comes to glow like the 

 sun itself. The day that follows is pretty certain 

 to be very windy. At other times the under sides 

 of the eastern clouds are all turned to pink or rose- 

 colored wool; the transformation extends until 

 nearly the whole sky flushes, even the west glowing 

 slightly; the sign is always to be interpreted as 

 meaning fair weather. 



The approach of great storms is seldom heralded 

 by any striking or unusual phenomenon. The real 

 weather gods are free from brag and bluster; but 

 the sham gods fill the sky with portentous signs and 

 omens. I recall one 5th of March as a day that 

 would have filled the ancient observers with dread- 

 ful forebodings. At ten o'clock the sun was at- 

 tended by four extraordinary sun-dogs. A large 

 bright halo encompassed him, on the top of which 

 the segment of a larger circle rested, forming a sort 

 of heavy brilliant crown. At the bottom of the 

 circle, and depending from it, was a mass of soft, 

 glowing, iridescent vapor. On either side, like 

 fragments of the larger circle, were two brilliant 

 arcs. Altogether, it was the most portentous storm- 

 breeding sun I ever beheld. In a dark hemlock 

 wood in a valley, the owls were hooting ominously, 

 and the crows dismally cawing. Before night the 

 storm set in, a little sleet and rain of a few hours' 

 duration, insignificant enough compared with the 

 signs and wonders that preceded it. 



To what extent the birds or animals can foretell 

 the weather is uncertain. When the swallows are 



