INTRODUCTION. 



only a confused mass of data which would only hamper the metho- 

 dical treatment even if they had originated from methodical compi- 

 lation. To put it shortly: even in our own day, while „Meteorology", 

 which is organically connected with the Migration of Birds, can boast 

 triumphs due only to the strict inductive method of its investigations 

 and treatment,itssister„Ornithophaenology",with few exceptions, lingers 

 within the sphere of sophistry. Except in a few cases, a kind of passion 

 prevails to set about the matter in the easiest way, and to put the sub- 

 jective idea (often pronounced „firm conviction") before the actual result, 

 viz. the proposition obtained by methodical induction. 



That this cannot be the way by which we can further proceed is 

 perfectly clear and manifest. Hence arises the question: In which 

 direction must we proceed if we wish Ornithophaenology also to reach 

 a level and take a course compatible with the present position and 

 advance of science? 



If we consider the state and the progress in the sphere of Meteoro- 

 logy as displayed to us to day, and then cast a glance on the early 

 history of this branch of Science, we have before us a perfectly clear, 

 intelligible view of the course of evolution. 



Meteorology also was once in its infancy. The reading, three times 

 a day, by primitive instruments, never compared with others, the pro- 

 perties and value of which were consequently problematical, „the 

 weather-forecasts" derived by these imperfect, entirely local data for 

 politically limited districts — all these former modes of treatment 

 in Meteorology coincide exactly with the common method used in 

 Ornithophaenology nowadays. Here also local and in the majority of 

 cases purely „chance-data" suffice for the boldest combinations, the 

 value of which is not one whit greater than the former „weather-forecasts" 

 of the old „observing weather-prophets". 



And if we now ask the question: Why has Meteorology become 

 a distinguished branch of Science, of great significance and with a deep 

 influence even on practical life? we must answer: Dilettantism and 



