A YEAR IN THE FIELDS 



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 seen hawking very high it 

 is a good indication ; the insects upon which 

 they feed venture up there only in the most 

 auspicious weather. Yet bees will continue 

 to leave the hive when a storm is imminent. 

 I am told that one of the most reliable 

 weather signs they have down in Texas is 

 afforded by the ants. The ants bring their 

 eggs up out of their underground retreats, 

 and expose them to the warmth of the sun 

 to be hatched. When they are seen carry- 

 ing them in again in great haste, though 

 there be not a cloud in the sky, your walk 

 or your drive must be postponed : a storm 

 is at hand. There is a passage in Virgil 



i86 



