How to Predict Weather Using Nature’s Weather Signs
From Johnson’s Dictionary of Gardening, 1847
Rain May Be Expected – When the sounds of distant waterfalls, &c., are distinctly heard – When the sun rises pale and sparkling – When the sun rises amidst ruddy clouds – When the sun sets behind a dark cloud – When there is no dew after heat in summer – When there is much hoar frost in winter – When mists rest on the mountain tops – When snails and frogs beset your evening walk – When gnats bite vigorously – When animals are unusually restless.
Fair Weather May be Expected – When none of the signs of rain just given occur – When the sun sets red and cloudless – When the moon’s horns are sharp – When the stars shine brightly – When smoke rises easily – When moths and beetles appear in numbers.
How Far Away is Lightning Striking?
From The Universal Receipt Book, 1831
From a knowledge of the velocity with which sound travels, the distance of a thunder-cloud may be very accurately deduced. The period of time between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder must be taken, and if a stop-watch, or pendulum, is not at hand, the pulse may be used; for the pulsations of a healthy adult approach so near to seconds, that in the time of four or five “of them no very sensible error can arise. Multiply the number by 1142 feet, the distance through which sound moves in a second.
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