BUZZARD'S REST. 25 



rectly represent the relationship of the animals men- 

 tioned to the given condition of the weather. In other 

 words, is the zoology of the weather-lore misrepresented 

 or not ? I am forced to declare that, as a rule, those 

 who by virtue of their ingenuity framed these rhymes 

 and brief sayings did not correctly interpret ISTature. 



Very many of the early English settlers were, no 

 doubt, excellent observers ; but they appear, at times, 

 to have more desired to be looked upon as weather 

 prophets than as naturalists, and strove to have glib non- 

 sense sayings pass current as evidence of their wisdom 

 instead of taking pains to correctly interpret the course 

 of Nature and determine the relation of animal life to 

 its environment. 



Often, during my rambles in the neighborhood, I have 

 questioned the few remaining descendants of the origi- 

 nal settlers concerning the local weather proverbs, and 

 I lind the impression is still prevalent that the purport 

 of all these sayings is substantially correct, and there- 

 fore, to a great degree, that my neighbors are laboring 

 under erroneous impressions. "Is there not wisdom in 

 a multitude of counsellors ?" they ask ; and I, standing 

 alone, am voted the fool, while they pose as sages. 



Let us consider this weather-lore, bit by bit, as I have 

 gathered it from time to time, and discuss its merits, if 

 it possess any, and also its absurdities. 



Of such sayings as refer to our domestic animals, the 

 following are the most noteworthy. Of the cow, I have 

 heard it said : 



"When a cow tries to scratch its ear, 

 It means a shower is very near;" 



2 



