Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1888-11-20
NATURES BAROMeTERS.
Plants and Creatures Acting In tho ca
paoity of Weather Prophets.


Plants and Creatures Acting In tho Ca
paoity of Weather Prophets.
Sleeping Is characteristic OF cortain
plants, and though 1t was at one time
thought that this might havo reference
TO the habits Of insects, it ia now be-
lieved to bo more dependent on tho
weather. The tiny scarlet pimpernel,
the "old mans wcather-glass, opens
at seven o'clock and closes soon after
two. Tho daisy unfolds It's flower at
sunrise and sleeps at sunset. Dande-
lions close up at about five o'clock, at
which timo the white watcr-lily has
been asloep an hour and the mouso-ear
hawkweod two hours. The yellow
goat's-beard opens at four and closes
Just before twelve, and has for its En-
glish name John-go-to-bed-at-noon. :"
Local circumstances influence the ilow-
ers in their opening and closing,
though they are pretty constant from
day to day. Many flowers close their
petals during rain-probably TO pre-
vent the honey and pollen from being
rendered useless or washed away.
One of tho simples. Of natures ba-
rometers is u spider's web Whom there
is prospect of wind or rain the spider
shortens the filament5 by which its
web is sustained, and leaves it in this
state as long as the weather is vari-
able. n it elongates its threads it is
q sign Of fine, calm weather, the dura-
tion of which may be judged by tho
length to which the threads are let
out II the spider remains inactive it
is the sign Of rain; II it keeps at work
during rain the downpour will not last
long, and will be followed by fine
weather. Observation has taught that
tn o spider makes changes in its web
every twenty-four hours, and that il
such changes arc mado in the evening,
just before sunset, the night will be
clear and beautiful, are
Ants are all hurry and scurry when
they think it is going to rain, and tho
insects develop great energy in drag
ging objects to their home. When the
farmer sees them in this excited condi-
tion he generally hastens TO get in his
hay.
Sometimes horses, il Ia said, will be-
gin to prance and snort and grow un-
easy for several hours before rain
storm floods the earth. When tho
drops begin to fall often an old horse
will develop as much fire and uneasi-
ness as a young paifrey.
Many farmers who would not keep
geese otherwise caro- for those fowls,
thinking their weather prophecies to
be infalliblc. They gaggle in the pond,
their owner says, az he prepares for q
heavy rainstorm.
The chaiiinch is little bird that has
a way of cooking himself on the top of
onodding twig and singing: "Weet,
weet.n When our ancestors heard
that sound they invariably prepared
for rain.
There is an old legend that when
rain draws nigh the peacock shakes
his gorgeous plumage and crys out,
while oil the frogs in tho neighbor-
hood Joined in the rofrain and made
the country ring with their music.
Many people, mostly those who live
In the country, think that dogs are un-
erring prophets of an approaching
rainstorm. They say the animals get
sleepy and drowsy at such times, and
are apparently unable to overcome
their stupor
The farmer always knows whether
it is safe for him to cut his wheat. II
it is likely to rain soon the household
cat always begins to lick herself and
blink her drowsy eyes.-C Chicago Neios.