.Chap. 41.] htflttence of the seasoits. 6^ 



they are impelled by the force of any of the planets, or ex- 

 cited by the impulse of their rays ; as we find to be the case 

 with respect to the SucuIsb^ wluch the Greeks, in reference 

 to their rainy nature, have termed the Hyades'. There are 

 also certain events which occur spontaneously, and at stated 

 periods, as the rising of the Kids'. The star Arcturus 

 scarcely ever rises without storms of hail occurring. 



CHAP. 40. (40.) — OF THE RISHTG OF THE DOG-STAB. 



Who is there that does not know that the vapour of the 

 sun is kindled by the rising of the Dog-star ? The most 

 powerful effects are felt on the earth from this star. When 

 it rises, the seas are troubled, the wines in our cellars fer- 

 ment, and stagnant waters are set in motion. There is a 

 wild beast, named by the Egjrptians Oryx, which, when the 

 star rises, is said to stand opposite to it, to look steadfastly 

 at it, and then to sneeze, as it it were worshiping it*. There 

 is no doubt that dogs, during the whole of this period, ai« 

 peculiarly disposed to become rabid*. 



CHAP. 41. (41.) — OF THE EEQULAE rNFLTTEITCE OF THE DIF- 

 FEBENT SEASONS. 



There is moreover a peculiar influence in the different 

 degrees of certain signs, as in the autumnal equinox, and 

 also in the winter solstice, when we find that a particular 

 star is connected with the state of the weather". It is not 

 so much the recurrence of showers and storms, as of various 

 circumstances, which act both upon animals and vegetables. 

 Some are planet-struck^, and others, at stated times, are af- 

 fected in the bowels, the sinews, the head, or the intellect. 



^ The diminutive of Sus. 2 ^\f Zu)^ pluo. 



* The Hsedi were in the constellation Auriga. 



* We have the same accoimt of the Oryx in -Lilian, Hb. vii. cap. 8. 



* Our author again refers to this opinion, viii. 63, and it was generally 

 adopted by the ancients ; but it appears to be entirely unfounded. 



* " cum tempestatibus confici sidus intelligimus." 



'' "afilantur." On this t«rm Hardouin remarks, " Siderantur. Side- 

 ratio morbi genus est, partem aliquam corporis, ipsumque ssepe totum 

 corpus percutientis subito : quod qumn repentino eveniat impetu, e coelo 

 vi quadam sideris evenire putatur." IJemaire, i. 317. 



f2 



