22 FEBRUARY 1935, Page 16

Lying Berries

As to particular prophecies; the old and still activeteleological belief that many berries point to a hard winter has been disproved with singular emphasis—the holly berries still hang intact—but there is yet time for verification. I have skated (in Shropshire) on March 17th, and is it not one of the most general of experiences as well as one of the most popular of doggerel prophecies that; "As the days lengthen The colds strengthen" ?

Nevertheless, in an old farming calendar, of which I have just been reading extracts, January, and not as today February or early autumn, is rather surprisingly recommended as one of the busiest months for the husbandman. It is best both

• for ploughing and sowing, if you wanted good " peason.". * * *