The August edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Monthly magazine is now available! This month, the Almanac tests the memories of squirrels, gives us several names for the Moon, goes fishing with Compleat Angler author Izaak Walton, makes a buffet of salads, picnics with ants, and learns about the association between the Tudor rulers and the length of a furlong.
Five Fascinating Facts from August’s Almanac Monthly Magazine
1. August’s full Moon is known as the full Sturgeon Moon because Native American tribes knew that the sturgeon in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this full Moon.
2. The best fishing days are those between the Moon’s new and full phases. In August, these dates are from the 6th to the 20th.
3. Ant lore: Ants are said to withdraw into their nests and busy themselves with their eggs before a storm. An open ant hole indicates clear weather; a closed one, an approaching storm. Dreaming of ants foretells health and wealth.
4. By decree of Queen Elizabeth I, a mile was set at 5,280 feet so that 8 furlongs (the furlong was established at 220 yards by decree of the Tudor kings) would fit into it neatly.
5. August 8 is the approximate time when gray squirrels give birth to their second litter.
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