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Newton held the opinion of an ethereal medium as pervading all space and so attenuated as to be 700,000 times rarer than our atmosphere.  

  The universe being a series of connected bodies acted upon by one good central power and each of the subordinate members being related all the others, it is reasonable to suppose that atmospheric disturbances are as subject to the laws of matter, and as certain in their periodic recurrences as eclipses and tides.

  Chickweed has its flowers open from 9 am until noon, but if it rains they remain closed.

  The pimpernel closes its flowers some hours before a rainfall.  The Dandelion, nick named "John go to bed at noon" closes its flower at 5 pm and opens again at 7 in the morning.

  If the African Marygold remains shut after 7 p.m. rain will surly follow, and if the tripod contract its leaves thunder showers may be expected.

  Crows croaking - Geese and Ducks flying restively about denotes rain.  When swallows and martins fly low foul weather is coming.  Frogs croaking more than usual and toads issuing from their holes indicate rain.  Oxen licking their front feet, and pigs [[shaking?]] straw and cornstalks in their mouths always indicate rain.

  Lord Braybrooke gives an account of a Swan kept on the small stream of Bishop's Strotford.  This swan was 18 or 19 years old, had brought up many broods and was highly valued by the neighbors.  She exhibited remarkable powers of instinct, noticed for 8 or 9 years - past that was ever recorded.  She was sitting on 4 or 5 eggs, and was observed to be very busy in collecting weeds on a certain occasion.  A Farmer was ordered to unload some straw for her: and with this she most industriously raised her nest and the