Prognostics of the Weather. 161 



" If many clouds, like fleeces of wool, are scattered from 

 the east, they foretell rain within three days. 



" When clouds settle upon the tops of mountains, they 

 indicate bad weather. 



44 When the tops of mountains are clear, it is a sign of 

 fair weather." 



More Prognostics taken from Mists. 



8th RULE. If a mist rises in low grounds and soon van- 

 ishes, fair weather. 



9th Rule. If it rises up to the hill tops, rain in a day 

 or two. 



10th Rule. A general mist before the sun rises, near 

 the full moon, fair weather. 



More Prognostics taken from Rain. ' 



llth RULE. Sudden rains never last long: but when 

 the air grows thick by degrees, and the sun, moon, and 

 stars shine dimmer and dimmer, it is likely to rain six 

 hours, usually. 



12th Rule. If it begins to rain from the south, with a 

 high wind, for two or three hours, and the wind falls, but 

 the rain continues, it is likely to rain twelve' hours or more ; 

 and does, usually, rain till a strong north wind clears the 

 air : these long rains seldom hold above twelve hours, or 

 happen above once a year. " In an inland country," says 

 Mr. Mills, " it may not rain for more than twelve hours 

 successively ; but I doubt this will not hold as a general 

 rule, either of its duration or frequency, in all places; for 

 near the sea rain happens often which lasts a whole day." 



13th Rule. If it begins to rain an hour or two before 

 sunrising, it is likely to be fair before noon, and to con- 

 tinue so that day ; but if the rain begins an hour or two 

 after sunrising, it is likely to rain all that day, except the 

 rainbow be seen before it rains. 



