INTRODUCTION. 



* of the appearance of the object, the two sets of figures following the 

 I scientific name indicating the range of dates from which the average is 

 1 deduced. It is opposite this entry that new observations referring to the 



same objects are to be placed, whether they occur on the same day or not. 

 The various headings suggest new subjects for inquiry on a systematic 



plan, and the spaces between them are to be used for this purpose. 



To ensure uniform results the following rules must be observed : — 



Daily observation is necessary within a definite area. 



Meterological observations are to be made according to the regulations 



of the Royal Meteorological Society. 

 Plants and trees blossoming — i.e., first blossoms open at several 

 places in the natural habitat of the plant. 

 „ surviving — flowers surviving from a previous season. This 

 term might also be used to signify the period during which 

 plants and trees continue in blossom, but if used for this pur- 

 pose it must be stated with each entry. 

 „ premature — unseasonable blossoming, such as the flowering of 

 primroses, violets, gorse, fruit trees, horse-chestnut, &c., in. 

 the autumn. 

 „ second blossoming — some of our flowers and trees, such as the 

 honeysuckle, often blossom twice a year. 

 Trees, &c., leafing — first leaf-surface visible, the beginning of the un- 

 folding of the leaves. 

 Seeds germinating — the first appearance of the plant above the ground. 

 Fruit ripening — first fruit ripe ; with berries definite colouring. 

 Leaves changing — half the leaves changed and half green, or general 

 autumn colouring. (Dr. Hofiman says "more" than half the leaves 

 changed in colour, but this is such an indefinite term that no uniform, 

 results can be expected from it.) 

 Leaves falling — beginning of the natural defoliation of trees. 

 The character of the observations to be made on insects, birds, and 

 animals, are sufficiently indicated by the various headings on the 

 pages of the Diary. 

 G. W. = Gilbert White. 

 C. W.=Charles Whitehead. 

 Hoff. Gies.= Hoffmann Giessen. 



Instructions. — When it is desired to record an observation in the 

 Diary, turn to the index and see if the object to which it refers is already 

 entered. If it be, turn to the page and enter the new observation in the 

 blank space opposite to the printed entry ; but if it be not, turn to the 

 day on which the observation is made and enter the object under its 

 proper heading, and do not fail to enter the number of the page in the 

 index for future reference. 



