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SOME DERBYSHIRE PROVERBS AND SAYINGS. 279
If the sun shines through the apple-trees on Christmas-day, the year following will be a productive one.
Alluding to the wet usually prevalent about the middle of July, the saying is—" St. Mary Magdalene is washing her handkerchief to go to her cousin St. James's fair."
" Between the sickle and the scythe What is born will never thrive."
Bees.
" A swarm in May
Worth a load of hay. A swarm in June
Worth a silver spoon. A swarm in July Not worth a fly."
" Derbyshire born, Derbyshire bred, Strong i' the arm,
And thick i' the head."
" Rain before seven, Fine before eleven."
At Codnor Park there is a large pond believed never to fail.
" When Codnor's Pond runs dry, The Lords may say good-bye."
The outside of Hardwick Hall has so many windows that it looks like a lantern.
" Hardwick Hall, More window than wall."
" Friday night's dreams, Sunday told. Sure to come true however old."
The following Proverbs are common among the lower classes :— Dirty grate makes dinner late. Too much bed makes a dull head. Watch pot never boils. Experience makes fools wise.
