FLORAL BAROMETERS.

Shannon News, 25 March 1924, Page 4

FLORAL BAROMETERS.

Many flowers are excellent barometers. For instance, *it is when the blooms of dandelions have seeded and are fluffy, feathery conditions, that; the weather-prophet faculties come to the fore. In fine weather the ball .expands to the full, but when the rain approaches it shuts up lihj3 an unbrella. If the wjaather is inclined to be showery, it keeps shut all the time, only opening when the danger from the ■ wet is passed. The. ordinary clover and all its varieties, including shamrock/ are also barometers. When rain is coming the -leaves shut together like the shells of an oyster. For a day or two before rain comes their stems, swell to an appreciably extent, and stiffen so that the leaves are : borne, more, uprightly than usual., This stem swelling when rain is expected is a feature of many flowering grasses. The fingers of which, .the leaves of the horseehesnut are made up. keep flat and fanlike so long as.fine weather is likely to continue. With the coming of rain, however, droop, as if tc offer less resistance to .the weather, The scarlet pimpernel is known as the poor; man's -weathgraglass, -and open*} its flowers only when it is taja;