"Weather Signs" and "Planting by the Signs" Summary

In 'Weather Signs," the author lists several ways to forecast winter weather, as well as several methods of forecasting other weather patterns. First, forecasting a bad winter by animal behaviors is discussed. For example, if muskrats build their homes large, cows gather together, birds huddle on the ground, squirrels gather nuts early, have bushy tails, or build nests low in trees, the winter will be a harsh winter. Other animal behaviors included are the growth of fur on dogs, the building of beaver lodges, hog's bedding behaviors, the calls of owls, and the behaviors of birds.

Next, the author discusses forecasting winter through insect behavior. According to folklore, if the winter will be harsh, hornets will build heavy nests, worms will enter people's homes, spiders will be...