9.I

In addition to the recognizing of the weather by what was said about the birds, it is necessary for the shepherd to know the forewarnings by certain signs from animals.

First the sheep: Each shepherd or herdsman watching over a flock of sheep should have a good-hearted and devoted wether to whom he gives some of his bread.

This wether through gentle handling and to be more distinguishable from the others, carries round its neck a small bell of brass or some other metal. This is why in Brie he is called a sonnaillier and in other regions a clocheman.

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This wether by nature recognizes predictions or signs of fair weather or rain: when it should be fine, he rises first and goes first to the stable door to go out to pasture. When it is going to rain and be foul, he keeps behind the others and shows by his demeanor that he has no wish to go outside.

In the evening when he comes into the stable and it is going to be cold, he bristles his wool and shakes so that the sound of his bell can be clearly heard.

Some say that when the cat lifts its face and washes its feet with its tongue, if it puts its foot over its ear, this signifies rain. However there is no need to speak of such a nasty beast in this part, for there are many others from whom enlightenment can be had.

-Old Jean of Brie, a Shepherd of the Free Men’s Lands.