"A ferrick a-wast the sin,
A sin a-wast the sea;
A'll clivv heuks t' nae man,
An nae man 'ill clivv heuks t' me."
Inland, about Ordiquhill, among old folks the rhyme was:—
"A ferrick afore,
Ayont the score;
A ferrick ahin'
Ye'U shortly fm'."
II.— The Moon.
"A Saiterday's meen
An a Sunday's fill (same moon),
Is never good,
Nor never will."[1] (Pittulie.)
If the new moon is seen shortly after her incoming, unsettled weather is looked for (general).
The new moon lying on her back,[2] and having the points small, is looked upon as a bad moon (St. Comb's).
The new moon lying on her back,[3] is likened to a cup to hold water, which is emptied during her course. On the other hand, if the new moon stands well up, it is regarded as a sign of good weather (general).
When the new moon is "sharp i' the corners", the saying is: "She's nae a good moon." When she is blunt and round she is a good moon. There is another saying: "She's ower like a coo's horn to be good" (Rosehearty).
When she appears "stracht (straight) and fair-set" she is looked upon as a good moon (Rosehearty).
If there are heavy clouds about the time of moon-rise the fishermen watch what will follow. If the clouds disperse the weather remains good, but if the clouds remain there is foul weather at hand (Rosehearty).
