TAKING PHENOLOGICAL OBSEKVATIONS. 
119 
then fairly represent the district in which they are situated, but 
one either warmer or colder than that district. Again, there will he 
found in almost every locality certain trees and other plants which, 
although not particularly exposed or sheltered, nevertheless, owing 
to some peculiarity of the soil in which they grow, invariably 
come into blossom either earlier or later than those around them. 
These also should he avoided. All trees and shrubs selected for 
observation should be of mature growth. 
Supposing the foregoing important conditions to have been faith¬ 
fully complied with, the next point is for the observer to note the 
opening of the first flowers on the selected plants. This is not so 
troublesome as may at first sight appear, for a little experience 
will soon show him how frequently each of the plants on the list 
should he visited. Of course this will depend on the character 
of the plant and also on the nature of the season, for some 
hinds of hud open much more quickly than others. Then, 
again, warm weather, particularly if it sets in suddenly after 
a cold spell, causes plants to rush into flower very quickly, 
whereas during continued cold they will often remain for a long 
time in the bud stage before developing a flower. 
Concluding Remarks .—“And you call this a simple method of 
taking phenological observations ? ” it may naturally be asked. And 
so in practice I repeat it will be found to be. On this point I can 
speak from experience, having long since given up the numerous- 
plant system as incompatible with my many other occupations, in 
favour of the one I am now advocating, and which I find no 
difficulty at all in carrying out. Of course nothing can be done well 
without a certain amount of care and trouble ; but allowing this, 
the duties of an observer, as I have defined them, may be summed 
up as follows. Having during the first year, and then once for all, 
selected about a dozen different plants for the purposes of observation, 
all he has to do afterwards is to watch diligently for the first flower 
to open on each of these twelve plants. And as they cover the 
entire flowering season, it is seldom that more than one tree, shrub, 
or group of plants need be under observation at a time. 
The observer himself must necessarily be held responsible for the 
accuracy of the entries. Nevertheless it will readily be understood 
how his friends and the members of his family, by acting under his 
direction, can assist in making his observations even still easier 
than they really are, and at the same time more complete. During 
the absence of the observer such trained assistants are altogether 
indispensable. 
The plants recommended for observation by the Royal Meteoro¬ 
logical Society are as follows: Hazel, Coltsfoot, Wood Anemone, 
Blackthorn, Garlic Hedge Mustard, Horse Chestnut, Hawthorn, 
White Ox-eye, Dog Rose, Black Knapweed, Harebell, Greater 
Bindweed, Ivy—or thirteen plants in all. 
One word in conclusion to intending observers. There is some¬ 
thing peculiarly fascinating about keeping a phenological record, 
and the longer it is kept up, the more interesting and valuable does 
