226 On the Popular Weather Prognostics of Scotland. 
VIII.—FPlants. 
(1.) The Convolvulus arvensis (small bind-weed), Anagallis ar- 
vensis (scarlet pimpernel), and Calendula pluvialis, shut up their 
flowers before approaching rain. (The pimpernel has been called 
the poor man’s weather-glass.) The same is believed to be true 
of the Anemone nemorosa (wood anemone), the Ozalis Acetosella 
(wood sorrel), Vymphea alba (white water-lily), and Bellis per- 
ennis (common daisy), | 
Note.—Light probably determines the opening of most of 
these flowers, and their being found shut at 10 or 11 a.m. 
tells of cloud and gloom, and so predicts rain. 
(2.) If Stellaria media (common chickweed) fully opens its 
flowers, no rain will fall for four hours. 
Note.—Linneus in his “ Botanica Philosophia” shows that, 
with reference to the opening and closing of their petals, 
many flowers display an extreme sensibility; and it is quite 
probable that they may be influenced by those minor 
atmospheric changes which precede by a greater or less 
length of time the greater changes, and that they thus 
become real prophets of the approach of the last. 
(3.) “ Mony haws, 
Mony snaws,” 
is a common saying all over Scotland, and in some districts is 
otherwise expressed thus :— 
‘* A haw year 
Is a snaw year.” 
(4.) When the bramble blossoms early in June, an early 
harvest is expected. . 
(5.) If the oak is out in leaf before the ash, it will be a dry 
summer. If the ash first, wet. 
IX. Conduct, Movements, &c. of Animals. 
(A.) Birds. 
(1.) The low flight of crows indicates coming rain. If they 
feed busily, and hurry over the ground in one direction and in a 
compact body, a storm (wind and rain) will soon follow, When 
they sit in rows on dykes or palings, wind is looked for. When 
going home to roost, if they fly high, the next day will be fair, — 
and vice versa, If, when flying high, they suddenly dart down and — 
wheel about in circles, wind is prognosticated. In autumn and — 
