Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 27.djvu/325

 rains would not fall; plants and trees would blossom; and in the states there would be alarms. If those proper to summer were observed, there would be droughts in the states; insects would not retire to their burrows; and the five grains would begin to grow again. If those proper to winter were observed, calamities springing from (unseasonable) winds would be constantly arising; the thunder now silent would be heard before its time; and plants and trees would die prematurely.

1. In the last month of autumn the sun is in Fang, the constellation culminating at dusk being Hsû, and that culminating at dawn Liû.

2. Its days are kǎng and hsin. Its divine ruler is Shâo Hâo, and the (attending) spirit is 𝖅û-shâu. Its creatures are the hairy. Its musical note is Shang, and its pitch-tube is Wû Yî.

3. Its number is nine. Its taste is bitter. Its smell is rank. Its sacrifice is that at the gate; and of the parts of the victim the liver has the foremost place.

4. The wild geese come, (and abide) like guests.