Notes and Queries, Number 181, April 16, 1853

Notes and Queries, Number 181, April 16, 1853 - A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.

Transcriber's Note: This text contains Greek words such as . Overlines indicating abbreviations will also be encountered: Dni. You may want to change fonts if any of the preceeding characters render as ? or boxes on your screen or the overlines appear adjacent rather than over the appropriate letters. If your system allows for it, hovering over Greek text will show a transliteration. Transliterations and transcriber notes in the text are identified by red dashed underlines as shown above. Archaic spellings have not been modernized. Inconsistent hypenation in the original text has not been standardized. The Shepherd of Banbury's Rules to judge of the Changes of the Weather, first printed in 1670, was long a favourite book with the country gentleman, the farmer, and the peasant. They were accustomed to regard it with the consideration and confidence which were due to the authority of so experienced a master of the art of prognostication, and dismissing every sceptical thought, received his maxims with the same implicit faith as led them to believe that if their cat chanced to wash her face, rainy weather would be the certain and inevitable result. Moreover, this valuable little manual instructed them how to keep their horses, sheep, and oxen sound, and prescribed cures for them when distempered. No wonder, then, if it has passed through many editions. Yet it has been invariably stated that The Banbury Shepherd in fact had no existence; was purely an imaginary creation; and that the work which passes under his name, "John Claridge," was written by Dr. John Campbell, the Scottish historian, who died in 1775. The statements made in connexion with this book are curious enough; and it is with a view of placing the matter in a clear and correct light that I now trouble you with a Note, which will, I hope, tend to restore to this poor weather-wise old shepherd his long-lost rank and station among the rural authors of England. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 21445
Author: Various
Release Date: May 15, 2007
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Editor: Bell, George, 1814-1890