By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 



hi 



a maxim, which may be good in the swine's point of view ; though 

 personally, I should be more inclined to endorse the somewhat 

 contradictory maxim of others: — 



" No weather is ill, 

 If the wind bide still." 



Then we have a very common tradition in this county that when 

 the bushes are loaded with berries, a hard winter may be expected. 

 This is a very beautiful opinion, for it betokens a lively faith in the 

 Providence which prepares food for the birds in their time of need. 

 It is well-known too in Scotland, where they have the proverb, 

 which might well be taken for genuine Wiltshire : — 



" A haw year 

 Is a snaw year." 



But having said thus much, and called attention to the very 

 charming theory it implies, I am bound to add that no augury must 

 be drawn from it ; as it rather betokens a fruitful summer just 

 passed, than any severity of weather to be expected. 



It will doubtless have been noticed what a very large proportion 

 of our country weather proverbs have reference to agricultural pur- 

 suits, in which the people are so largely engaged. There are yet a 

 few others appertaining to this subject, which should not be passed 

 over. Thus : — 



" Be sure of hay 

 Till the end of May." 



But more definitely on so important a subject : — 



" The farmer should have at Candlemas day 

 Half his straw and half his hay." 



Again, on another subject : 



" Look at your corn in May, 

 And you'll oome weeping away; 

 Look at the same in June, 

 And you'll come home singing a tune." 



Then 



" When the sloe tree is white as a sheet 

 Sow your barley whether it be dry or wet." 



VOL. XV. — NO. XLIII. I 



