444 TEE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



physiologist and the psychologist, such phenomena are of only second- 

 ary value as a popular means of weather prognostication. Besides, it 

 is a method not assiduously cultivated — in fact, those who are provided 

 with this particular means to a weather prescience would gladly be rid 

 of it, while those who know it not believe in the old adage that says: 

 " "Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise." 



Miscellaneous 



Under this heading one could include a great variety of proverbs — 

 mostly foolish. However, there are two causes, decrease in atmospheric 

 pressure and increase in humidity, that have led to a number of well- 

 founded proverbs, or rather accurate observations, for they are seldom 

 jingled in the typical proverb manner. 



Thus we find it stated that the approach of a storm is marked by 

 the rising of water in wells, by the more abundant flow of certain 

 springs, by the bubbling of marshes, by the bad odors of ditches and by 

 various other phenomena, all of which are due to that decrease of at- 

 mospheric pressure that ordinarily precedes a storm. 



The increase of humidity — favorable to precipitation — is noted by 

 the gathering of moisture on cold objects, the collection of perspiration 

 on our own skins owing to diminished evaporation, and the dampness 

 of many hygroscopic substances. The last effect is illustrated by the 

 packing of salt, the tightening of cordage and of strings of musical in- 

 struments, the dull or damp appearance of stone walls and columns, the 

 settling of smoke, and by a number of other similar phenomena, all of 

 which have been appealed to, with more or less justification, as evidence 

 of a gathering storm. 



Of course many other weather proverbs, of which those quoted in this 

 article are typical, might be given and explained, but it is hoped that 

 enough from each class have been justified to indicate their importance 

 in all those cases and circumstances where, unfortunately, a weather 

 service can not take the place of weather signs. 



