IX. PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS MADE AT SEVERAL STATIONS 

 IN CANADA DURING THE YEAR 1895. COMPILED BY 

 A. H. MAC<KAY, LL. I)., Halifax. 



(Bead llth May, 1896.) 



The phenological observations made under the auspices of 

 the Botanical Club of Canada during the year 1895, are more 

 extensive and more complete than those made during the pre- 

 vious three years. Among the observers there are some who 

 have made (as will be seen in the following tables) valuable 

 zoological and meteorological observations as well as the botanical 

 ones. It was distinctly stated in the directions given observers, 

 that sports out of season or due to narrowly local conditions of 

 shelter, &c., which would affect less area than a small field, should 

 not be recorded except parenthetically. As far as possible the 

 observations recorded were the appearances of the first which 

 was immediately followed by the many of the same kind. 

 When phenomena are not very common in any specified locality, 

 it can be readily understood that the first arrival may not be 

 seen for some days after. This is a source of error which can- 

 not well be guarded against ; as is also the impossibility of an 

 observer's sometimes being able to make his complete tour of 

 observation every day. Whatever defects may characterise any 

 of these observations, I have reason to believe that on the whole 

 they are becoming more accurate from year to year. It is to be 

 regretted that there are still very many blanks at many stations ; 

 but a blank is infinitely better than a wrong figure. With 

 reference to thunderstorms, it will be seen that many observers 

 were not mindful of noting even those which occurred during 

 hours when, not being asleep, they must have noticed them. 

 However, as in the other cases, we must be content with such 

 facts as have been recorded, remembering that there is no pre- 

 tence to say that all have been recorded. 



In connection with every school there should be such records 

 kept and pasted into the Register for each year, or kept in a 



(195) 



