<P> Even after astrology and its influence on health and agriculture waned in importance, the "dog days" continues to be vaguely applied to the hottest days of the summer, with its attendant effects on nature and society . In North America, it became proverbial among farmers that a dry growing season through the dog days was preferable to the trouble of a wet one: </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> <P> Dog days bright and clear Indicate a good year; But when accompanied by rain, We hope for better times in vain . </P> </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> <P> Dog days bright and clear Indicate a good year; But when accompanied by rain, We hope for better times in vain . </P> </Td> </Tr> <P> Dog days bright and clear Indicate a good year; But when accompanied by rain, We hope for better times in vain . </P>

When do the dog days of summer start