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In short, it will be found that most of our counties have their items of weather-lore; many of which, whilst varying in some respect, are evidently modifications of one and the same belief. In many cases, too, it must be admitted that this species of weather-wisdom is not based altogether on idle fancy, but in accordance with recognised habits of plants under certain conditions of weather.
Again, many of our peasantry have long been accustomed to arrange their farming pursuits from the indications given them by sundry trees and plants. Thus it is said "When the sloe tree is as white as a sheet, Sow your barley whether it be dry or wet." With which may be compared another piece of weather-lore: "When the oak puts on his gosling grey, 'Tis time to sow barley night or day."
See Swainson's "Weather-lore," p. 257. See "Flower-lore," p. 226. A host of curious proverbs have, from the earliest period, clustered round the vegetable world, most of which gathered from experience and observation embody an immense amount of truth, besides in numerous instances conveying an application of a moral nature.
Then of course there is the pimpernel, known as the shepherd's clock and poor man's weather-glass; while the small purslane and the common garden lettuce are also included in the flower-clock. Among further items of weather-lore associated with May, we are told how he that "sows oats in May gets little that way," and "He who mows in May will have neither fruit nor hay."
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