whether "afore" or "ahin" the moon. If before the moon, i.e., to the west, stormy weather follows; but if behind or to the east, fair weather; and one speaks of the "ship towin the boat", and the "boat towin the ship".
Shooting stars, "sheetin or fa'in starns", indicate the direction to which the wind will blow (Rosehearty).
IV.—The Rainbow.
"A rainbow in the morning
Bids the sailor take warning;
A rainbow at night
Is the shepherd's delight."
"A rainbow in the morning,
Sailors take warning;
A rainbow at night
Is the sailor's delight."[1] (General.)
A piece of a rainbow on the horizon is called Bleerie (Macduff). Bleeze, i.e., blaze (Macduff). Bonnie thing (Macduff). Fire (Buckie). Fiery Ee (Macduff). Fiery teeth, i.e., tooth (Macduff). Giltin (St. Comb's). Rawnie, i.e., small roe (Macduff). Rose (Nairn). Silk-napkin (Crovie). Teeth, i.e., tooth (general).
Robbie Buchan—this name was applied by an old fisherman of Broadsea, near Fraserburgh. He died about fifteen years ago, at the age of eighty. This seems, however, a mere fancy name.
Its appearance is looked upon as forecasting unsettled or "royit" weather, particularly if it is behind the sun (general). The fishermen of Macduff believe that a breeze will blow in a short time from the quarter in which it appears. Thus they say: "There's a rawn (roe) roastin' i' the nor'-wast; we'll hae a breeze shortly."[2]
If a "rose" appears in the south-east with a flood tide, i.e., a flowing tide, and the wind blowing from south-west,
