ANIMALS AND THE WEATHER 97 
open ground when storms are brewing and seek 
the best available shelter, while the latter 
grow restless and, instead of spending the 
greater part of their time reposing upon the 
grass and chewing the cud, get up and 
roam about the meadows in a disconsolate 
manner. 
Frogs and toads are also foretellers of 
changes in atmospheric conditions, for during 
the dry weather they hide up and are con¬ 
spicuous by their absence, but when rain 
or dampness approaches they become more 
lively and venture forth from their hiding- 
places. 
In some countries it is the custom to keep 
frogs in glass cases within which are erected 
small ladders. If the inmates repose at the 
bottom of the ladder they are supposed to 
forecast fine weather, but if rain or unsettled 
conditions are approaching they proclaim the 
fact by sitting at the top. 
It is not surprising to note that sunshine 
has a marked effect upon the behaviour of 
animals, and although excessive heat may 
cause discomfort or even death, yet, in modera¬ 
tion, nothing can be more beneficial to the 
health and spirits of all living creatures than 
the rays of the sun. Birds will bask in the 
sunshine and spread out their wings to the 
