36 
ey 
bilities of economic as well as of scientific importance. The 
Garden has, in this connection, again been placed under obliga- 
tions to the Commissioner of Parks, the ‘Hon. Michael J. Ken- 
nedy, for placing at our disposal sufficient greenhouse space in 
his already crowded quarters, for continuing the cultivation of 
some of the rice plants during the winter. 
Phenological Records 
Phenology (or phenomenology) is the branch of science which 
has to do with the appearances of biological activities. As ap- 
plied to plant life, it is concerned with the dates of blossoming, 
appearance of leaves, leaf-fall, ripening of fruit, or other similar 
phenomena, which are an expression of the march of the sea- 
sons. In reality a phenological record is a record of climate in 
terms of the periodic activities of plants and animals, and such 
a record, when extending over a period of decades, becomes 
very valuable from the standpoint of both botany and clima- 
tology. 
Suitable blank forms for recording phenological data have 
been printed according to copy prepared by the Curator of Plants, 
and as stated in his report, a beginning has been made in these 
records. They will be especially valuable in connection with the 
meteorological records which will shortly be commenced in the 
Garden. 
Consultation 
It is the aim of the Garden to be of as much service as pos- 
sible to all citizens of Brooklyn, and the members of our staff 
hold themselves in readiness at all times to answer questions 
about plants, identify specimens, or render any other appropriate 
service. Numerous opportunities of this nature have come to 
us during the past year, and at times from teachers in the 
public schools. As the Garden becomes better known this work 
will doubtless increase. 
Arbor Day Exercises 
In connection with the meeting of April 27, 1911, of the 
American Association for the Planting and Preservation of City 
Trees, an Arbor Day tree was planted in the Garden with brief 
remarks by the director a propos of the occasion. It will be 
