in antiquity, a species of divination, or the art of foretelling future events, is distinguished into five sorts. 1. Augury from the heavens. 2. From birds. 3. From chickens. 4. From quadrupeds. 5. From portentous events. When an augury was taken, the augur divided the heavens into four parts, and having sacrificed to the gods, he observed, with great attention, from what part the sign from heaven appeared. If, for instance, there happened a clap of thunder from the left, it was taken as a good omen. If a flock of birds came about a man, it was a favourable presage; but the flight of vultures was unlucky. If, when corn was flung before the sacred chickens, they crowded about it, and eat it greedily, it was looked upon as a favourable omen; but if they refused to eat and drink, it was an unlucky sign. See the article **Divination**.