The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1907-11-16
WEATHER PREDICTIONS
All Signs Point 10 Cold Winter With
Plenty OF Snow.

FtoUAf W oVoW'
< All OF the amateur weather prophets
are united in the opinion that present
indications point that we are TO have
an ur usually cold winter, and when it
comes to reading the weather signs
some Of the old-time woodsmen and
trappers are often more accrate in their
predictions than the professional
weather man says the Marquette Min
ing Journal.
There is liable to be plenty of snow,
the woodsmen say, although probably
not nearly so much as last year, when
the last of the white covering did not
entirely disappear in the woods till
midsummer. Cold winds from the
northwest will prevail and the atmos-
phere will be clear and sharp, accord
ing TO the signs Of the trappers.
Out in the woods the hunters bring
back reporte that the partridges now
are flying east and are so scary that
one cannot approach within several
hundred feet of them. They fly up
quickly and make for the-talI timber
and cannot be driven out into the open
Indians would say this meant a cold
winter. II the birds spent most OF
the time on the ground, 1t wound mean
mild weather, but the outlook at pre-
sent is not in favor OF the warm spell.
The muskrats, too, are making
unusual preparations for long, hard
siege of cold weather, and are building
many houses along the rivers and
creeks. II is said they are bringing an
unusual supply of grasses and twigs to
make their homes strong ana secure.
and their beds warm and comfortable.
These little animals oftentimes neglect
to do this. but IL is usually only when
mild winter follows How the musk
rats know what is 10 come is not
known, but the hunters depend upon
them.
Another sign which originated with
the Indians is one regarding the depths
Of the water in the creeks AMI rivers.
The Indians say that II the water ii
unusually low in the creeks druing sht
fall il means a hard winter with plenty
of snow. They say, too. If the trees
are falling rapidly before the autumn
winds 10 Is a sign that the trees are
taking time by the forelock, anc
prefer TO die before the more severe
storms OF the cold winter
Cruisers and woodsmen put good
deal of stock IN the theory that which
ever way the wind is blowing at tn,
time of the sun passes the line,
that will be the prevailing direction fol
the rest OF the year. Upon this theory
one we'll known lumberman said.recen
tly that he looked for cold winter, a
the wind was blowing from the north
west when the sun crossed the equator
"Most OF our cold weather comes
from the country 10 the northwest. and
therefore If the prevailing winds ar,
from that direction we are due to hav,
cold winter, said he
II don't look, for much snow, how
ever mot nearly as much as last sea
SON -
The geese are already flying south
waru from.the Arctic regions In great
numbers. II Is said that is pretty
early Tor the flights of the geese. ard
this means the birds know cold win
ter is coming and wish 10 get Il
warmer regions before II sets In.
Ducks, too. are said TO have made early
flights 10 he.southland
Besides the muskrats numerous
other animals seem TO have an insight
into the future and accordingly are
making unusual preparations fer a
long and cold winter Squirrels have
already .laid mp a big supply of nuts
and are preparing their nests in the
trees for long siege. Bears and
wolves are said to have heavier coat
Of fur than is usual at this time OF the
year and all the voolfolk seem TO ex.
pect some rigid winter months.
IL may be- that hese signs Of The
character OF the coming winter may
not count.for much. but the Indians,
aud white men VINO are much in the
forest. and many city folks who are q
bic superstitions will take warning
Of the animals and will also prepare
for the winter
The latest craze. Melisto, at Lust