uscript collection of curiosities in
my possession. I should be glad to know the author's name, and that of the
book[3] from which it is taken:--

"_Observations on Remarkable Days, to know how the whole Year will
succeed in Weather, Plenty, &c._

"If it be lowering or wet on Childermas or Innocence Day, it threatens
scarcity and mortality among the weaker sort of young people; but if
the day be very fair, it promiseth plenty.

"If New Year's Day, in the morning, open with dusky red clouds, it
denotes strifes and debates among great ones, and many robberies to
happen that year.

"It is remarkable on Shrove Tuesday, that as the sun shine little or
much on that day, or as other weather happens, so shall every day
participate more or less of such weather till the end of Lent.

"If the sun shines clear on Palm Sunday, or Easter Day, or either of
them, there will be great store of fair weather, plenty of corn, and
other fruits of the earth.

"If it rains on Ascension Day, though never so little, it foretells a
scarcity to ensue that year, and sickness particularly among cattle;
but if it be fair and pleasant, then to the contrary, and pleasant
weather mostly till Michaelmas.

"If it happen to rain on Whitsunday, much thunder and lightning will
follow, blasts, mildews, &c. But if it be fair, great plenty of corn.

"If Midsummer Day be never so little rainy, the hazel and walnut will
be scarce, corn smitten in many places; but apples, pear and plums will
not be hurt.

"If on St. Swithin's Day it proves fair, a temperate winter will
follow; but if rainy, stormy, or windy, then the contrary.

"If St. Bartholomew Day be misty, the morning beginning with a hoar
frost, then cold weather will soon ensue, and a sharp winter attended
with many biting frosts.

"If Michaelmas Day be fair, the sun will shine much in the winter;
though the wind at north-east will frequently reign long, and be very
sharp, and nipping."

RUBY.

[Footnote 3: _The Shepherd's Kalendar_, by Thomas Passenger. See "N. & Q."
Vol. viii., p. 50., where many of his observations are quoted.--ED.]

* * * * *

BINGHAM'S ANTIQUITIES.

(Vol. ix., p. 197.)

I beg to send to your correspondent MR. RICHARD BINGHAM the following
replies to his seven Queries.

1. If there be any use in verifying so s