Sketches from Nature. 289 



which its web is sustained and leaves it in this 

 state as long as the weather is variable. If it 

 elongates its threads, it is a sign of fine calm 

 weather, the duration of which may be judged by 

 the length to which the threads are let out. If 

 the spider remains inactive, it is a sign of rain ; 

 if it keeps at work during rain, the downpour 

 will not last long, and will be followed by fine 

 weather. Observation has taught that the spider 

 makes changes in its web every twenty-four 

 hours, and that if such changes are made in the 

 evening, just before sunset, the night will be clear 

 and beautiful. 



Sleeping is characteristic of certain plants ; 

 and though it was at one time thought that this 

 might have reference to the habits of insects, 

 it is now believed to be more dependent on 

 the weather. The tiny scarlet pimpernel, the 

 " old man's weather-glass," opens at seven and 

 closes soon after two. The daisy unfolds its 

 flower at sunrise and sleeps at sunset. Dandelions 

 close up at about five o'clock ; at which time the 

 white water-lily has been asleep an hour and 

 the mouse-ear chickweed two hours. The yellow 

 goat's-beard opens at four and closes just before 

 twelve, and has for its English name " John-go- 

 to-bed-at-noon." Local circumstance influences 

 the flowers in their opening and closing, though 

 they are pretty constant from day to day. Many 

 flowers close their petals during rain probably 



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