, that they may have the fruit when the old tree is
dead and rotten. And because I would not be tedious, I shall
descend to some few particular instances of my skill and
foreknowledge of the weather, and I shall have done.

"First, in the year 1665, at the 1st of January, I told several
credible persons that the then frost would hold till March, that
men could not plow, and so it came to pass directly.

"2. I also told them that present March, that it would be a very
dry summer, which likewise came to pass.

"3. The same year, in November, I told them it would be a very
open winter, which also came to pass, although at that time it
was a great snow: but it lasted not a week.

"4. In the year 1666, I told them that year in March, that it
would be a very dry spring; which also came to pass.

"5. In the year 1667, certaine shepheards ask'd my councel
whether they might venture their sheep any more in the
Low-fields? I told them they might safely venture them till
August next; and they sped very well, without any loss.

"6. I told them, in the beginning of September the same year,
that it would be a south-west wind for two or {375} three months
together, and also great store of rain, so that wheat sowing
would be very difficult in the Low-fields, by reason of wet;
which we have found by sad experience. And further, I told them
that they should have not above three or four perfect fair days
together till the shortest day.

"7. In the year 1668, in March, although it was a very dry
season then, I told my neighbours that it would be an
extraordinary fruitful summer for hay and grass, and I knew it
by reason there was so much rain in the latter end of February
and beginning of March: for by that I ever judge of the summers,
and I look that the winter will be dry and frosty for the most
part, by reason that this November was mild: for by that I do
ever judge of the winters.

"Now, I refer you unto the book itself, which will sufficiently
inform you of sundry other of my observations. For in the
ensuing discourse I have set you down the same rules which I go
by myself. And if any one shall question the truth of what is
here set down, let them come to me, and I will give them further
satisfaction.

JOHN CLARIDGE, SEN.

"Hanwell, near Banbury."

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