On the Popular Weather Prognostics of Scotland. 227 
winter, if, after feeding in the morning, they return to the rookery 
and hang about it, rain is expected soon. 
(2.) The landward flight and flocking of sea-gulls presage wind. 
When their ery is frequently repeated, when it is more lengthened 
and dismal than usual, and when it is heard in an inland place, 
rain or snow is prognosticated. 
(3.) The frequently repeated cry of the ptarmigan low down on 
the mountains during frost and snow, indicates more snow and 
continued cold. : 
(4.) The gathering of grouse into large flocks indicates snow. 
Their approach to the farm-yard is a sign of severe weather— 
frost and snow. When they sit on dykes in the moor, rain only 
is expected. 
(5.) When the cock crows at unusual times, wet or snowy 
weather is expected. 
“‘ Tf the cock crows on going to bed, 
He’s sure to rise with a watery head.” 
(6.) When the fieldfare, redwing, starling, swan, snowfleck, 
and other birds of passage, arrive soon from the north, it indicates 
the probability of an early and severe winter. 
(7.) Swallows and swifts fly close to the ground or water before 
rain. 
Note.—As a rule they fly lower in the evening and morning 
than during the day. Before thunder, however, they are 
often seen flying high. Such birds probably move about 
in that stratum of air in which the insects on which they 
feed are at the time, and that stratum is selected for 
warmth and dryness. 
(8.) The drumming of the snipe in the air, and the call of the 
partridge, indicate dry weather and frost at night to the shepherds 
of Garrow. 
(9.) ‘* When dotterel do first appear, 
It shows that frost is very near ; 
But when the dotterel do go, 
Then you may look for heavy snow.” 
Common also among Hampshire shepherds. 
(10.) In severe winters the white swan visits the Orkneys. Its 
coming foretells continued severity. 
(11.) When hens are observed to pick and pluck themselves 
more than usual, rain is near. 
(B.) Quadrupeds. 
(1.) Goats leave the high and exposed grounds, and seek sheltex 
in a bield or in some recess, before a storm. 
