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APPENDIX. 
PHENOLOGY: A FORM OF NATURE STUDY WITH VERY PRACTICAL 
APPLICATIONS. 
What is Phenology ? 
THE word is from the Greek, and means the science of " appearances " first appear- 
ances. The derivation is from a Greek word meaning " to show," and few dictionaries 
yet contain it. Webster (Supplement) says that the word is a contraction of 
phenomenology, and defines it as " the science which treats of the relations between 
climate and the phenomena of animal and plant life, such as the migration and breeding 
of birds, the flowering and fruiting of plants." T will proceed to show that the 
subject is of considerable importance to the forester, amongst others. 
Work in Canada. 
I wrote a paper on the subject before our local Royal Society in the year 1909, 
and on reading my paper, Dr. C. B. Robinson, then a botanist attached to the Bureau 
of Science in the Philippines, and who afterwards lost his life in botanical exploration 
in Celebes, drew my attention to the phenological work conducted in schools in Onada 
since about 1891, and largely inspired by Dr. A. A. Mackay, the indefatigable Super- 
intendent of Education for Nova Scotia. The following particulars are abbreviated 
from an official circular : 
Local " Nature " Observations. 
(To be sent into the Inspector with the Returns in February and July.) 
This sheet is provided for the purpose of aiding teachers to interest their pupils in observing the 
times of the regular procession of natural phenomena each season. First, it may help the teacher in doing 
some of the " Nature " lesson work of the Course of Study ; secondly, it may aid in procuring valuable 
information for the locality and province. 
What is desired is to have recorded in these forms, the dates of the first leafing, flowering and 
fruiting of plants and trees; the first appearance in the locality of birds migrating north in spring or south 
in autumn, &c. While the objects specified here are given so as to enable comparison to be made between 
the different sections of the Province, it is very desirable that other local phenomena of a similar kind be 
recorded. Every locality has a flora, fauna, climate, &c., more or less distinctly its own; and the more 
common trees, shrubs, plants, crops, &c., are those which will be most valuable from a local point of view 
in comparing the characteristics of a series of seasons. 
Teachers will find it one of the most convenient means for the stimulation of pupils in observing 
all natural phenomena when going to and/rom the school, and sonic pupils radiate as far as two miles from 
the school room. The " nature study " under these conditions would thus be mainly undertaken at the 
most convenient time, without encroaching on school time; while on the other hand it will tend to break 
up the monotony of school travel, fill an idle and wearisome hour with interest, and be one of the most 
