36 WASTE-LAND WANDERINGS. 



and this bird is very seldom seen in midsummer, and 

 now certainly is only heard in autumn, winter, or early 

 spring. The saying implies that formerly these birds 

 were abundant at all times of the year, and during the 

 summer would cry out in their peculiar fashion. The 

 settlement of the country and general deforesting of 

 such a large portion of it have driven these hawks to 

 more retired parts during the nesting season, and there, 

 throughout summer, their cry may indicate that it will 

 soon rain ; but, if so, why does not the same cry in au- 

 tumn have some reference to the weather ? 



It is scarcely necessary to continue the list. Other 

 birds than those mentioned reptiles, batrachians, and 

 fishes have all given rise to certain current sayings, 

 but of no more value than those I have given, and 

 all, I think, based upon illogical inferences. Snakes are 

 claimed as excellent barometers; but the habits upon 

 which the belief rests are those that characterize every 

 day of the creature's life. Toads and frogs are largely 

 depended upon, but a careful record for a single season 

 will show how little they are to be trusted ; and even the 

 fishes cannot disport themselves in summer, but straight- 

 way the clouds must open upon us, a tornado visit us, 

 or premature frosts balk the calculations of the farmer. 



Curiously enough, I do not find that insect-life has 

 entered to any important extent into the weather-lore 

 of this neighborhood. Contradictory remarks are often 

 made as to ant-hills : thus, when they are very high, it 

 will be a dry day ; others insist that it is evidence that 

 it will soon rain. Spiders' webs, also, are variously held 

 as of barometric value ; but a careful record of several 



