294 



WILD SPORTS OF THE HIGHLANDS chap, xxxiii 



of the hills before severe blasts of wind and rain.. I have often 

 been warned of an approaching change in the weather by the 

 proceedings of the wild fowl in the bay ; and before changes of 

 wind these birds betake themselves to those places which will 

 afford them the best shelter during the coming storm. 



There are few animals which do not afford timely and sure 

 prognostications of changes in the weather. It is proverbial 

 that pigs see the wind ; and they undoubtedly become restless, 

 and prepare their straw beds prior to a severe storm, some hours 

 before human" organs are aware of its approach. 



In fine, there is matter 'not only for amusement but for ad- 

 miration ia the actions and habits of every animal that we see, 

 even down to the most common small birds and quadrupeds : 

 and the unoccupied man may always find wherewithal to amuse 

 himself profitably in watching the instinct which prompts the 

 everyday proceedings of the animals which are always around us. 



HIGHLAND BAROMETERS 



