On the 3d of January, Benjamin Martin's thermometer within
doors, in a close parlour where there was no fire, fell in the night to
20, and on the 4th to 18, and the 7th to 17.5, a degree of cold
which the owner never since saw in the same situation; and he
regrets much that he was not able at that juncture to attend his
instrument abroad. All this time the wind continued north and
north-east; and yet on the eighth roost-cocks, which had been
silent, began to sound their clarions, and crows to clamour, as
prognostic of milder weather; and, moreover, moles began to heave
and work, and a manifest thaw took place. From the latter
circumstance we may conclude that thaws often originate under
ground from warm vapours which arise; else how should
subterraneous animals receive such early intimations of their
approach? Moreover, we have often observed that cold seems to
descend from above; for, when a thermometer hangs abroad in a
frosty night, the intervention of a cloud shall immediately raise the
mercury ten degrees; and a clear sky shall again compel it to
descend to its former gauge.

And here it may be proper to observe, on what has been said above,
that though frosts advance to their utmost severity by somewhat of
a regular gradation, yet thaws do not usually come on by as regular
a declension of cold; but often take place immediately from intense
freezing; as men in sickness often mend at once from a paroxysm.

To the great credit of Portugal laurels and American junipers, be it
remembered that they remained untouched amidst the general
havoc: hence men should learn to ornament chiefly with such trees
as are able to withstand accidental severities, and not subject