SPECK] A MOHEGAN-PEQUOT DIARY 271 



Wlion the sun casts slanting rays through the clouds it is "drawing 

 water." It will rain the next day. 



When the wind blows the leaves "mside out" it is gohig to rain. 



Northern lights (aurora borealis) indicate that cold weather will 

 follow. (Also Montagnais and Iroquois.) 



An unusually mild day in winter is called a "weather breeder." 

 It is wise to prepare for a stonn. 



The phoebe whistles vciy distinctly just before a severe thunder- 

 storm. 



A circle around the moon tells that a storm is approaching. The 

 stars within the circle are counted in order to determine when tlie 

 storm is due. 



During the winter months if the moon is partially concealed by a 

 hazy atmosphere it is said that "the moon is wadmg through snow." 



A sun dog is a sign of stormy weather. (Also Wabanaki and 

 Montagnais-Naskapi.) 



Thick husk on corn is a sign that the whiter will be an extremely 

 cold one. Thin husk indicates that the season will be mild. (Also 

 Iroquois.) 



When a hog carries sticks in its mouth it is going to rain. (Also 

 Nanticoke and Powhatan.) 



To hear chopping or talking at a greater distance than usual 

 indicates that a storm is brewing. (Also Iroquois.) 



During a period of stormy weather, if there appears a patch of 

 blue skj' large enough to make a pair of men's trousers, fair weather 

 may be expected soon. 



Thunder m the early spring is a sign that winter is over. (Also 

 Iroquois.) 



Explosions or puffs in a fire, especially when hard wood is being 

 burned, are signs of rain. (Also Iroquois.) 



Ice making a loud report means that it will soon thaw. (.Uso 

 Iroquois.) 



Three foggj^ mornings bring rahi. 



When you see a mare's tail or witch's broom in the sky, high winds 

 may be expected. 



A cat running and jumping about also indicates windy weather. 



When a cat spends much time washmg its ears and face a storm is 

 coming. 



"Mackerel sky" is also a sign of rain. 



Whid from the south brings rain, from the cast mild weather, and 

 the west wind indicates clearmg or prevailing fair weather. 



Planting Lore 



In connection with the planting of seed, certain rules must be 

 observed if one wishes to produce a good crop. Vegetables of the 

 climbing variety are planted when the moon is waning. It is believed 



