Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1912-09-28
HARD WINTER
IS PREDICTED
5erke County Weather sharps Warn
BY Singular Signs Of
Animals

Animals
The weather prophets OF Berkes
county, who have forecast the wealth
er for many years. held their annual
convention at Lobachsville. this coun-
~, and by two-third vote 1t was
agreed that the coming winter will be-
an unusually severe one. Weather
prognosticators from oil sections of
the country were represented at the
meeting and exchanged their views on
the subject Many are close followers
OF the veteran goose-bone weather pro
phet. Elias Hartz. who died several
years ago, and who was considered
one of the best of his day.
Gideon Keller of Brecknock, aged
so years, said: I'VE will have cold
winter, and it will not start late, eIth-
| er. believe the seasons are changing
that the summers are becoming short
er and cooler and the winters longer
and more severe. The leaves on the
trees began TO color some weeks ago
and have already started to fall.
The apple crop this year Is earlier
than usual. Another sign OF a cold
winter Is the fact that the weeds are
very tall, Nature permits the weeds to
grow tall to make provisions for the
birds and the animals relying upon
this food"
Cyrus Il. Schmeck. of Garfield said:
I'm my opinion the grounding 10 the
most reliable weather prophet know
Of At the present time the animal
iblbhsily engaged In digging his hole
deeper. Even the chickens and the
ducks show signs Of severe winter.
Not for many years have chickens
molted their feathers SO early as this
fall" lxee On N
John Drake OF Muhlenberg town
ship said: aws
The coming winter will be cold
one, but not as severe as last year.
It will begin early and there will be
lots OF snow. January will be cold
month. Look for blizzard between
February to 16 and feel assured
that March will bring zero weather.
! When asked how he made his pre-
dictions he said: This Is my secret
will tell you, however, that my pre-
dictions, which are based upon the
study of the heavens, have never fail
ed. On July 10, at 1880 a. m, got
my information about the blizzard due
In February. I am 80 wrapped up In
astronomy that never found time to
get married. That Is why ! am bach
elor." tsi
John s. Fritz of Reading bases his
predictions on the planets and says
that next winter will be mild one.
He said:
From September 2S to October 10,
as we approach full moon we will
again be approached by warm spell.
AS Jupiter Is predominant for three
years the weather will accordingly
be warm. Next summer will be featur-
ed by a drought and intense heat"
Henry Walters of Siesholtzville
said. Farmers are preparing for
hard and long winter. because the red
squirrels and chipmunks have become
very busy digging deep In the ground
and preparing their negts for the stor-
aye Oh IOOu.' NV A.
II. II. Brown, Of Exeter. said: My
great-grandfather used to say that
when there was good crop Of per-
simmons the Indians would provide
themselves with good supply OF buff
falo meat, for they were sure OF a
long and severe winter. The per-
simmon crop is prolific one this
year. and we can look for hard
winter"
Cyrus Delp Of Grill said: "A dry
summer is Invariably followed by q
winter with lots of snow. This year
the rainfall exceeded the average and
predict that there will be little snow
and that the winter will be mild A
wet fall means an early winter"
Quite number of other weather
prophets made their predictions. 1t
was reported in substance that musk
rats have begun building early; that
cornhusks are thick. with the stalks
leaning to the west; that geese, ducks
and chickens are growing a thick
down under their feathers and bony
substance on their feet.