The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 4 (of 6)

Chapter 90: CHAP. 88.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM QUADRUPEDS.

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

History - Ancient Science - Earth/Agricultural/Farming

About This Book

The text compiles practical and encyclopedic guidance on crop cultivation and plant uses, beginning with cereals and farm management — types of grain, sowing and harvesting schedules, ploughing, seed selection, storage, and maladies — plus weather and stellar prognostics for agricultural timing. It proceeds to flax and garden plants, detailing varieties, planting and processing methods, garden layout, and pest and disease remedies. The final section assembles medicinal preparations and numerous remedies derived from vegetables and herbs, listing applications and recipes for treating ailments using garden-grown plants.

CHAP. 88.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM QUADRUPEDS.

Nor, indeed, is it surprising that the aquatic birds, or any birds, in fact, should have a perception of the impending changes of the atmosphere. Sheep, however, when they skip and frisk with their clumsy gambols,718 afford us similar prognostics; oxen, when they snuff upwards towards the sky, and lick 719 themselves against the hair; unclean swine, when they tear to pieces the trusses of hay that are put for other animals;720 bees, when, contrary to their natural habits of industry, they keep close within the hive; ants, when they hurry to and fro, or are seen carrying forth their eggs; and earthworms,721 emerging from their holes—all these indicate approaching changes in the weather.