Showing posts with label rain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rain. Show all posts

Friday, June 14, 2013

How to Predict Rain, c. 300 BC

"Nonaquatic birds bathing themselves are a sign of rain or storm. And a toad washing itself and frogs croaking more than usual signal rain. Likewise the appearance of the lizard which they call "salamander"; and furthermore a green frog singing in a tree signals rain... Likewise, if a tame duck makes its way under the cornice of a house and flaps its wings, this signals rain... If a cooking vessel filled to the brim emits sparks all over it is a sign of rain. Centipedes in large numbers creeping towards the wall are a sign of rain." 
Theophrastus of Eresus, On Weather Signs (c. 300 BC)

Just face it: it's going to rain. (Also, centipedes in large numbers creeping towards the wall are a sign that you should call an exterminator.)