The Folk-lore of Plants

Of the numerous other instances of weather-lore associated with agricultural operations, it is said in relation to rain:-- "Sow beans in the mud, and they'll grow like wood." And a saying in East Anglia is to this effect:-- "Sow in the slop (or sop), heavy at top." A further admonition advises the farmer to "Sow wheat in dirt, and rye in dust;" While, according to a piece of folk-lore current in East Anglia, "Wheat well-sown is half-grown." The Scotch have a proverb warning the farmer against premature sowing:-- "Nae hurry wi' your corns, Nae hurry wi' your harrows; Snaw lies ahint the dyke, Mair may come and fill the furrows." And according to another old adage we are told how:-- "When the aspen leaves are no bigger than your nail, Is the time to look out for truff and peel."[7]