30 WASTE-LAND WANDERINGS. 



the same regularity in midwinter as in midsummer, yet 

 it is only showers, and not snow-storms, which these 

 actions are supposed to predict. 



"When in summer the signs fail, my country friends 

 conveniently forget the remark they have made; but, 

 if the day does prove showery, my non-combative neigh- 

 bors take much delight in repeating over and over again, 

 "I told thee so," with a suggestive emphasis, showing 

 how much, like other people, they love to gain a victory 

 if open warfare can be avoided. 



The only weather rhyme referring to a cat that I have 

 heard, and which is essentially the same as that about 

 dogs, runs thus : 



" When Tabby claws the table-legs, 

 She for a summer shower begs." 



That is, begs it will hurry, with no doubt in her mind 

 of its possibly disappointing her. 



The weather -lore of the commoner wild animals is 

 of much more general interest. "Weather sayings refer- 

 ring to animals do not appear to have been so numerous 

 as are those referring to birds. I have been able to 

 learn of but three examples. In reference to minks and 

 weasels, I have heard it said — and possibly others may 

 be familiar with this mystic rhyme — 



" When storm- winds blow and night is black, 

 The farmer may a pullet lack; 

 But if the moou is shining clear, 

 No mink or weasel dares come near." 



This involves an interesting phase of the life history of 

 these animals ; for while they probably can see a little 



