Zurich Herald, 1957-05-30, Page 7insects, mn ma.I
Forecast Weather
Attending an evening garden
party, a well-known British
naturalist was asked by a friend
whether he thought it was time
she fetched her jacket. He gazed
at his watch for several sec-
onds,•then told her that he
thought it was hardly cool
enough, since the temperature
was 72 degrees.
Mystified, the woman asked to
zee the "wonder" watch; But
the naturalist laughed and ex-
plained how he had been able to
tell the temperature by it,
In a near -by shrubbery a tree
cricket had been chirping mer-
rily all the evening. He had
recognized it as the kind known
to naturalists as the tempera-
ture cricket, and all he had to
d%1 to find out the temperature
was to count the number of
chirps it gave in seven seconds,
double this number and then
add forty-two.
It had in fact chirped fifteen
times in the seven seconds.
Many creatures make handy
temperature gauges, varying the
activities according to whether
it's hot or cold.
For example, except for the
so-called warm-blooded animals
(mammals and birds), all ani-
mals depend for their body tem-
peratures upon the temperature
of the air surrounding them.
And the rate at which they can
(move depends upon how warm
their muscles are.'
This explains why on. a hot
afternoon a lizard can run away
.tpo fast for you to catch it;
whereas on a cool day it is only
capable of sluggish movement.
The chirruping of the cricket
is produced by rubbing the ser-
rated edges of its fore -wings to-
gether, while its close relative,
the grasshopper, "sings" by rub-
bing the hind leg against the
fore -wing. Both, of course, are
the result of the muscle move-
ments, anti therefore the rate
varies according to the temper-
ature.
Perhaps the most famous of all
the insects whose voices very
according to the temperature is
another kind of tree cricket
called the katydid, a curious
name derived from. the sound
that it makes.
As the sun begins to set, so
the katydids begin their chorus.
If the temperature is above 77°
they give their full call, which
sounds like "Katy did," with
every s y 11 a b l e emphasized.
Then,. as the evening wears on
and the air. cools dawn, the •
tongs gets progressively shorter
and weaker.
Below 77° Katy suddenly be-
comes
innocent of whatever mis-
demeanour she was formerly
accused, for all the crickets now
sing "Katy didn't." At 73°,
however, they again• change
their minds and proclaim un-
animously that "Katy did."
And so they go on, contradic-
ting themselves every time the •
temperature falls another three
degrees, passing through "Katy
didn't," "Katy did," "didn't"
and finally reaching "did" at
about 60°, after which silence
reigns for the rest of the night.
Making use of insects to de-
termine the temperature is quite
a new idea, but the idea of get-
ting a weather forecast from
animals dates from much earlier
times. One of the most widely
used of these animal weather
prophets is the European tree
frog, a handsome little bright
green creature.
In many parts of Europe these
twigs are kept in glass jars, and
inside each jar is a tiny ladder.
The frogs climb up and down
the ladders, and the positions
they take up are supposed to
indicate what kind of weather
Is onthe way, The whole ef-
ISSUE 22 — 1957
OFF ON MOMENTOUS JOURNEY — Members of the R.A.F. volun-
teer crew manning the Valiant four -jet bomber that dropped
Britain's first dydrogen bomb over Christmas Island in the South
Pacific are shown boarding the craft before taking off from
Wittering, England, in March, 1957. Left to right are: Wing
Commander Kenneth Hubbard, pilot (at top of ladder entering
plane); Flying Officer Robert Beeson, co-pilot; Flight Lt. Edward
Larraway, electronics officer Flight Lt. Allan Washbrook, navi-
gator and bombardier; and Flight Lt. Eric Hood, navigator. At
extreme left is member of the ground crew.
fect is very attractive, but its
reliability is rather doubtful.
Sorne creatures show quite
obvious changes of behaviour
when the weather is about to
alter, and are specially sensitive
to the approach of storms and
heavy rain.
In some parts of Europe there
is a little freshwater fish called
the weather fish or thunder fish,
which is sensitive to changes
in air pressure. When a storm
is on the way these little fish
become very energetic, and can
be seen splashing about on the
surface. Sometimes they give
warning as long as twenty-four
hours before a storm arrives.
Eels are sensitive to approach-
ing stormy weather and become
very active. Perhaps in their
case they are excited at the
prospects of a storm, because
heavy rain washes an abundance
of worms and insects of various
kinds into the river, thus pro-
viding them with a welcome
feast. In earlier times the eel
fishermen of the fens used to
entice eels towards the surface
of the water by beating drums.
The eels obviously thought a
thunderstorm had arrived.
Incidentally, the dying duck in
a thunderstorm has some basis
of fact. A duck has a particularly
thin skull, and is for this reason
unusually sensitive to sudden
changes in air pressure. Fre-
quently therefore ducks do be-
come extremely restless and ill
at ease just before and during
a thunderstorm.
Sometimes, though, these ani-
mal weather signs are based on
fallacies. For example, it used til
be a common belief among
people who lived in Hampstead
that the sea lions at the London
Zoo were able to foretell rain,.
because whenever they could
hear them barking rain usually
followed. In fact, all this meant
was that the sea -lions could only
be heard when the wind was
south-westerly. At other times
voices didn't carry as far as
Hampstead!
Spiders are said to strengthen
their webs if bad weather is
likely, and careful observation
of a spider at work once en-
abled the French army to cap-
ture a Dutch town.
In 1794, a French officer im-
prisoned at Utrecht had nothing
better to do than to watch the
spiders in his cell going about
their daily tasks of web build-
ing. Soon he realized their activ-
ities varied with the weather,
and that they seemed able to
foretell changes. After a while
he, too, was able to make a
pretty accurate twenty -four-
hour forecast by watching what
they were doing.
When the canals froze with the
onset of winter, the French Army
Invaded Holland, taking their
artillery and equipment across
the ice. Just when the operation
was getting well under way a
sudden thaw set in, and the
French general ordered a hasty
retreat.
The prisoner had been watch-
ing his spiders carefully, how-
ever, and he learned from them
that the thaw would last less
than twenty-four hours. Some-
how he managed to get a mes-
sage to this effect through ' to
the general, and the retreat was
called off. The spiders' forecast
turned out to be quite correct,
and within a few day Utrecht
was taken and the observant
prisoner was released.
Broke '; x d Record
On June 29, 1956, Jacques An-
quetil of France broke a world's
record, which had stood in bi-
cycle racing for 14 years, by
propelling his bicycle over a
total of 28.682 miles in one
hour. Success came on the
Frenchman's third assault on the
record, which ' he beat by 394
yards at the Vigorelli course in
Milan, Italy.
And what about the bicycle?
Well, it was made of aluminum,
and the entire machine was a
mere 14.3 lbs.
GRAVE ANNOUNCEMENT
An acute shortage in ceme-
tery space in Greece led recent-
ly to the appearance of the
following advertisement in an
Athens newspaper: "TO LET:
Space for one coffin in luxurious
family grave in Anapafeos cem-
etery, centrally located, easily
accessible."
NiNE PLAYERS AND A MASCOT — If the Fisher family of Terminal, Texas, ever fields a baseball
team it will be able to mail all position and have sister Susan handling the bat rack. Lined
up for this family photo they are, from left: Frank, 2; Patrick, 4; Michael, 6; Eugene, 8; Jerry, 9;
Jimmy, 11, Tommy, 13; Joe, 15; John Jr., 17; Mrs, Fisher holding Susan., 3 months, and John,
Fisher So, Daddy, already topped in high( by two of his sons, is a .painter,
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
In
AGENTS WANTED
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MEN or women, can work your own
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selling exclusive houseware products
and appliances. No competition, not
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necessity in every home. Write at
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sale price list. Murray Sales, 3823 St.
Lawrence Blvd., llfontreal.
//., GREEN
THUMBS'inith
Gordon
No Hurry
Don't fret even if Spring is
getting on and the garden isn't.
In most parts of Canada there is
still plenty of time for planting
flowers and vegetables. In many
parts of this country as a mat-
ter of fact, it is an early season
indeed where much planting is
possible before mid-May, Rush-
ing will do far more harm than
good. Both soil and air should
start to really warm up before
it is safe to risk most flower and
vegetable seeds.
There are a few things like
the first lettuce and radishes,
garden peas and a few onions
which one can plant just about
as soon as the last snow leaves.
But the big bulk of the vege-
table planting, things like car-
rots, beets, beans, potatoes, cab-
bage and so on are not safe un-
til danger from frost is about
over. And tender things like
melons, tomatoes, cucumbers
and corn should not be planted
or set outside until all danger
of frost is over.
The salve holds true in the
flower lines too. The hardy
things that will withstand a bit
of frost are not too numerous and
include sweet peas, cosmos, mar-
igolds and a few others which
are listed as hardy in the seed
catalogue. Most flowers, how-
ever, so far as Canada is con-
cerned, are only semi -hardy
and planting these while there
is still danger of frost and the
soil is cold, is largely a waste of
time. Then if they do cow, they
are liable to be stunted by cold
and later sown seed will be far-
ther ahead in the end,
A Fine Bed
The finer the soil, the better
the seed bed, and especially
when the seed sown is small,
like that of the poppy or alys-
sum among the flowers, and let-
tuce and carrots in the vegetable
line. If the seed bed is coarse,
and lumpy, it will be impos-
sible to keep out air and either
the seeds will not germinate at
all or they are liable to produce
only weak plants. It will pay
well to run rake or cultivator
through a few extra times, and
in very heavy lumpy clay, if
one can add a bit Of sand and
humus, it will make a big and
favourable difference.
Avoid These
The two commonest mistakes
made by amateur gardeners are
planting too thick and too deep.
Seed Is usually small but the
plants produced from that seed
may be several feet tall. Bear-
ing this in mind, we should
spread seed thinly, never closer
than an inch or so, and even
when so spaced, most things
•will require rigid thinning la-
ter on.
And almost every one is in-
clined to plant far too deeply.
With tiny seed such as that of
lettuce, carrots, cosmos, zinnias,
poppies and alyssum, which are
not much larger than the head
o f a pin or shingle nail, it is
not necessary to cover at all. We
sow these in the finest soil and
merely press in. Then, if pos-
sible, we keep the soil dampened
until germination starts. With
larger seeds such as nasturtiums,
peas, beans and corn, one should
cover lightly, say a quarter to
half inch. With bulbs or corms
of gladiolus, dahlias, or potatoes
one plants four to eight inches
deep.
Power Saves Labour
Where the lot is fairly large,
a garden tractor and a power
lawn mower will save time and
hard work. These machines are
not expensive and, given mini-
mum care, they will last for
many years. They will do the
work at least five times faster
than by hand. It is a mistake to
purchase too large equipment,
especially, in tractors. The smal-
ler types are much more easily
handled and with attachments
will do almost every chore, ex-
cept heavy plowing,
SLEEP
TO -NIGHT
AND RELIEVE NERVOUSIIESS
41111,PAY TO -MORROW!
SEDICIN tablets taken according to
directions is a safe way to induce sleep
Or quiet the nerves when tense.
SEDICIIV $i.00-$4.95
Drug Ste es 0o1y1
ARTICLES FOR SALE
RETRACTABLE Ball Pens! Fully auto.
Matic, clicker type, no -smear, leakproof,
similar to Paper Mate. Spectacular
Value, 50¢ each, supply limited. Send
now to: Kenneth Strong, Box 665,
Muscatine, Iowa.
GUMSET Elastic Roof Coating, will not
Crack or Blister, 45 Gallon Barrels,
GtSysstdtumseRoofing Products, Neu,
Ont.
500 3 -COLOR printed name and address
labels, a/s x 1%, Light blue, dark blue,
Sold. Plastic case, Send $L00. Schuster,
Box 1419, Dept. C., Springfield, Illinois.
BABY CHICKS
FOLLOW up for good markets with
Bray Chicks. Also started — pullets,
chicks, cockerels. Wide choice for all
markets. Ask for June list..
Bray Hatchery, 120 John N., Hamilton
JUNE is a good month to buy chieks.
rhe weather is good, you can let the
birds outside, it costs less for feed and
the pullets will come into production
when egg prices are good. Tweddle
Chick Hatcheries have a reputation for
selling Top Quality egg producers, dual
purpose breeds, broiler breeds. All
foundation stock purchased from the
best breeders in the United States and
Canada. Also Turkey Poults. 1957 Cata-
logue.
FERGUS TWEDDLE CHICK HATCHERIESLTD.
DOMESTIC HELP WANTED
WANTED: Experienced cook -general,
two or three persons, in Muskoka, func-
tional, fireproof. $150 monthly. Apply
immediately. Ross Leslie, 62 Old For-
est Hill Road, Toronto 7.
FARM MACHINERY FOR SALE
NEW HOLLAND No. 80 wire tie Baler
with engine used very little, perfect
condition, i±ydraformatie bale tension
control. New price $3,000 — Our bar-
gain price $1,395. Will pay for itself
this year. 1.. Hawken, Arkona, Ontario,
(No. 7 Highway).
GARDENING SUPPLIES
SENATOR Dunlop, Harvest King Straw-
berry Plants, $2 - 100; $12 - 1,000.
Mervyn Brusso, Southampton, Ontario.
FOR Soil Improvement, fishing bait,
garbage disposal, raise earthworms. In-
struction booklet 35c. Circular free. El -
bon Humus Worms, Box 207, Ingersoll,
Ontario.
FOR SALE
USED parts for Massey -Harris 82, Oliver
70, Dr. C. Case 10-20-15-30 International
Tractors. Don -Perris, Burgessville, Ont.
MEDICAL
Have your heard about Dixon's Neuritis
and Rheumatic Pain Remedy? It gives
good results.
MUNRO'S DRUG STORE,
335 Elgin Ottawa
$1.25 Express Prepaid
POST'S ECZEMA SALVE
BANISH the torment of dry eczema
rashes and weeping sldn troubles.
Post's Eczema Salve will not disap-
point you. Itching, scaling and burn-
ing eczema; acne, ringworm, pimples
and foot eczema will respond readily
to the stainless odorless ointment re-
gardless of how stubborn or. hopeless
they seem.
Sent Post Free on Receipt of Price
?RICE $3.00 PER JAR
POST'S REMEDIES
2865 St. Clair Avenue East
TORONTO
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MEN AND WOMEN
FREE Catalogue over 1,800, 101 pocket -
edition books, send 501. Your 501 re-
funded on first order. Smith Systems,
615-C No. Rossmore, Los Angeles 38,
California.
If you plan on entering, or trading
with the United States, send $1.00 for
"Words of Gold" by Ralph Bedell, Ver-
shire,
ershire, Vermont.
EARN more! Book-keeping, Salesman-
ship, Shorthand, Typewriting, etc. Les-
sons 50c. Ask for free circular No. 33.
Canadian Correspondence Courses, 1290
Bay Street, Toronto.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
STOP
wishing you could increase your in-
come and secure your future.
DO
something about it. With our propo.
sition this is possible, and all our rep•
resentatives are making big money, you
too could do as well. Everywhere
Household Necessities are needed, Cos-
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think of the possibilities this market
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more details to Dept. W., Station C.,
1600 Delorimier, Montreal.
BE A HAIRDRESSER
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MARVEL HAIRDRESSING SCHOOLS
358 Bloor St. W., Toronto
Branches:
44 King St. W., Hamilton
72 Rideau St., Ottawa
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MEN AND WOMEN
SAVE MONEY on furniture for mai
home, Our location means a saving to
you. We ship all classes of house fur.
nishings and McClary appliances' any.
where in Ontario. Authorized KROEH.
LER dealer. Inquiry invited. Kobe Fur.
niture Co., New Hamburg, Ont,
TEACHERS WANTED
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MALE
COMMENCING salary $4145 with annual
increments of $275 per annum to maxi,
mum $5535 plus $100 per annum fox
each special certificate used and as
addition $300 for B.A. Degree.
Modern 4.room school, progressive
Northern Ontario town, House available
at reasonable rental. Duties commence
Sept. Applicant expected organize and
direct school athletics and teach grades
6 and 6. Give full personal particulars
and name of prsent Inspector.
Public School Board, Box 69, Smooth
Rock Falls, Ont,
PATENTS
FETHERSTONHAUGH & Company,
Patent Attorneys, Established 1890,
600 University Ave., Toronto. Patent%
all countries.
PERSONAL
IF you favor or oppose having Legal
Sweepstakes in Canada, write John
Page, Crystal Beach 2, Ontario.
$1.00 TRIAL offer. Twenty-five deluxe
personal requirements. Latest cabs,
logue included. The Medico Agency.
Box 22, Terminal "Q" Toronto, Ont.
SWINE
HAVE you seen the new Landrace
magazine? It answers a lot of your
questions and puts you in touch with
Canada's best breeders. 61.00 per year
(quarterly). Single copy 251. Canadian
Landrace Swine Association, 564 Cote
St. Francois, Ste. Therese de Blain-
ville, Que.
ONE of the quickest and best ways to
get started in the Landrace Swine busi-
ness is with a_shred sow. In a few
weeks time you will not only own
your sow but a fine litter of pigs, pos-
sibly 10 or more. We have some real
choice imported sows, guaranteed in
pig at reasonable prices. Also weanling,
four month old sows and boars. Cata-
logue.
TONRA STOCK FARM, R.R.'No, 3
HOLLAND CENTRE, ONT.
WE not only have top quality imported
Landrace purchased from the best
breeders in Scotland but we have
several prolific strains of Landrace.
Our imported sow No, CF01 Oak Hill
Daga farrowed 19 Pigs this week, rais-
ing 15. Her first litter was 10, her
second litter 17. This last litter was
sired by Cartwell Viking 3rd o u r
Churchill boar. Weanling, 4 month old,
6 month old, sows and boars, guaran-
teed in pig females. Serviceable boars
for immediate delivery. Catalogue.
FERGUS LANDRACE SWINE FARM
FERGUS ONTARIO
WANTED
WANTED: Steam engine in good con-
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1900 to 1930; Oxen Yoke and cradles
and scythe. Pay cash. IL P. Rawluk,
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HOTEL COURT
Large new airy rooms, tub
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dividually Controlled Air Conditioning
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Television Available in all Llnits; Private
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Golf To Gaests; Excellent Bay and Gulf
Fishing and Swimming. Ample private
parking. Courteous Hotel Service.
EARLY RESERVATIONS ADVISED
LIDO BEACH ON THE GULF OF MEXICO
FLORIDA