THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 263 



cases been carefully observed, whicli would greatly add to the value 

 of tlie current record if forwarded with it. The following are of thi.^ 

 class : 



1. Breaking up of ice in large rivers or bays. 



2. Date of greatest rise and lowest fall of water in large rivers. 

 especially when periodic, as in parts of the interior. 



3. General leafing and fall of leaf in deciduous forests. In most 

 })arts of the North and interior these are v/ell marked and easily de- 

 signated periods. 



4. Commencement of growth and the end of growth or destruction 

 of grasses in general ; as on plains or prairies. 



5". First grovv^th, flowering, and maturity, of important annual sta- 

 ples, with their period in days from the commencement to the end of 

 vital action. 



