Mule Barometer

This "Mule Barometer" joke (sometimes also called a "Burrometer") has a long history and has appeared in many different printed versions (often with a more dramatic condition like "If tail is gone--Tornado" as the punchline). Although it's frequently published as a postcard, this example is actually an advertising card printed for the Central Brass Manufacturing Company, which has been in existence since 1895 and still continues to manufacture brass faucets and fixtures.

Today, the Mule Barometer gag regularly reappears as a "weather rock," which is--as Wikipedia interprets it--"a humor display that pokes fun at the intricate technology used in modern weather forecasts, as well as the fact that their accuracy is less than perfect. A rock is typically hung from a tripod and accompanied by a sign indicating how to read it."

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Mule Barometer

Directions:

Hang outside.

If tail is dry--Fair.
If tail is wet--Rain
If tail is swinging--Windy.
If tail is wet and swinging--Stormy.
If tail is frozen--Cold.

Further information upon request.

There is no kick coming to those who use the highest grade brass goods for plumbing and water works made by the Central Brass Mfg. Co.