68 REGISTRY OF I'ERIOEICAL PHENOMENA, 



GENERAL PHENOMENA OF CLIMATE. 



Phenomena of a general character, of which the date of ap- 

 pearance cannot be mistaken, are very valuable. Series of years 

 have in some cases been carefully observed, which would greatly 

 add to the value of the current record, if forwarded with it. 

 The following are of this 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 parts of the North and interior these are well marked and 

 easily designated periods. 



4. Commencement of growth and the end of growth or de- 

 struction of grasses in general; as on plains or prairies. 



5. First growth, flowering, and maturity, of important annual 

 staples, with their period in days from the commencement to the 

 end of vital action. 



