REGISTRY OF PERIODICAL PHENOMENA. 



THE Smithsonian Institution, being desirous of obtaining in- 

 formation with regard to the periodical phenomena of animal and 

 vegetable life in North America, respectfully invites all persons 

 who may have it in their power, to record their observations, and 

 to transmit them to the Institution. These should refer to the 

 first appearance of leaves and of flowers in plants ; the dates of 

 appearance and disappearance of migratory or hybernating ani- 

 mals, as mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, insects, &c. ; the times 

 of nesting of birds, of moulting and littering of mammals, of 

 utterance of characteristic cries among reptiles and insects, and 

 anything else which may be deemed noteworthy. 



The Smithsonian Institution is also desirous of obtaining de- 

 tailed lists of all the animals and plants of any locality through- 

 out this continent. These, when practicable, should consist of 

 the scientific names, as well as of those in common use ; but when 

 the former are unknown, the latter may alone be given. It is in 

 contemplation to use the information thus gathered, in deducing 

 general laws relating to the geographical distribution of species 

 of the animal and vegetable kingdoms of North America. Any 

 specimens of natural history will also be acceptable. Directions 

 for their preservation have been published by the Institution, and 

 will be sent to all who may wish them. 



The points in the phenomena of plants, to which attention 

 should be directed, are : 



1. Frondescence, or leafing. When the buds first open and 

 exhibit the green leaf. 



2. Flowering. When the anther is first exhibited : 



. In the most favorable location ; 

 b. General flowering of the species. 



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