OCR Text |
Show Weeds and Flowers Serve as Nature's Barometers Chickweed is an excellent thing by which to get a forecast of the weather. When the flower expands fully we are not to expect rain for several hours. Should it continue in that state no rain will disturb the summer's day. When it half conceals its miniature flower the day is generally showery; but if it entirely shuts up, or veils the white flower with its green mantle, it is a sign of a very wet day. The different dif-ferent species of trefoil always contract their leaves at the approach of a storm So certainly does this take place that these plants have acquired the name of the nurseryman's barometer. The tulip and several of the compound yellow yel-low flowers all close before rain. There is also a species of wood sorrel which doubles its leaves before a storm. The banksia, or mountain ebony, capia, and other sensitive plants observe the same habits. |