504 MR. M. CHRISTY ON THE SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF 
The same results are shown diagrammatically in Table B by 
means of a Chart (Plate 27), which indicates graphically the 
salient points brought out by my observations. 
In regard to this latter table, it may be pointed out that the 
various gradients in the connecting line do not represent the 
actual, but only the approximate, rapidity in the rise and fall of 
the branch; for my observations were taken at irregular periods 
and no attempt has been made to indicate on the chart the 
respective intervals between each. It would be necessary to 
attempt something of this kind if it were desired that the 
gradients should represent anything like the actual rapidity in 
the rise and fall of the branch; but, if this were done, the table 
would be rendered inconveniently wide. 
Taking the two foregoing tables together, it will be found 
upon examination that the results of the observations taken in 
the three years named accord tolerably well with one another 
(though interfered with through a special cause in the year 
1897), and that these results are very much what one would 
naturally have expected. 
The observations seem to show that the following movements 
take place :— 
During the mid-winter months very little change in the 
elevation of the branch is observable, as shown by the observa- 
tions numbered 11, 12, 21, 22, 34, 86, 37, and 38. This period 
of quiescence may be spoken of as the Winter Rest. 
About the middle of April, coincident with the growth of the 
leaves, a rapid fall commences; and this continues until about 
the middle of May, when the leaves are almost or quite fully 
grown and the flowers are out. This Vernal Descent of the branch 
(as it may be called) is shown by observations 2, 3, 13, 14, 28, 24, 
25, 41, and 42. 
After this comes a short period during which the descent 
either ceases or becomes very slight. This may be called the 
Period of Midsummer Rest. Its existence is indicated by obser- 
vations 4, 5, 15, 16, and 20. 
Later in the summer, beginning early in August and 
tinuing during September, the descent commences again and 
continues more rapidly than before. This downward movement 
(the existence of which is shown by observations 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 
19, 29, and 30) may be called the Autumnal Descent, and is due, 
without doubt, to the development of the fruit. 
con- 
