120 
E. MAWLEY-A SIMPLE METHOD OE 
it become. Moreover, it is singularly instructive. The very fact 
of making a few simple observations like those I have mentioned 
will be found to open the observer’s eyes in a truly wonderful 
manner to the beauties and wonders of Nature around him. Then, 
again, it will greatly sharpen his powers of observation. Plants, 
birds, and insects of all kinds, hitherto unnoticed, at once become 
objects of more or less interest to him. Nevertheless, unpre¬ 
tentious as these observations may appear, they should not be 
undertaken in any light or trifling spirit, but with a settled deter¬ 
mination to make them as trustworthy and complete as possible. 
In all scientific investigations of this character, reliability is of far 
more importance than completeness. It is therefore much better 
to leave out an observation here and there, than to enter one about 
the accuracy of which the observer has any doubt whatever. 
If only for the reasons I have just given, this simple Science of 
Phenology will be seen to be one worthy of every encouragement 
from our Natural History Societies and Pield Clubs throughout the 
country; for I venture to maintain that in no other way can an 
interest in most branches of Natural History be so easily developed 
and maintained. 
I append the schedule of the Royal Meteorological Society, 
copies of which I shall be pleased to forward to any intending 
observer. 
ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
Fhenological Observations. 
PLANTS. 
(Date of Flowering.) 
1. Hazel ( Corylus Avellana). 
2. Coltsfoot ( Tussilago Farfara). 
3. Wood Anemone (. Anemone nemorosa). 
4. Blackthorn ( Frunus spinosa). 
5. Garlic Hedge Mustard ( Sisymbrium Alliaria). 
6. Horse Chestnut ( JEsculus Hippocastanum). 
7. Hawthorn ( Cratcegus Oxyacantha). 
8. White Ox-Eye ( Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum). 
9. Dog Rose ( Rosa canina ). 
10. Black Knapweed ( Centaurea nigra). 
11. Harebell ( Campanula rotundifolia). 
12. Greater Bindweed (Convolvulus Sepium). 
13. Ivy {Sedera Helix). 
Instructions to Observers. 
1. Observe the same individual trees and shrubs each year , and as 
regards herbaceous plants , those growing in precisely the same spots .— 
This is of the greatest importance. In the case of trees and 
shrubs they must be of mature growth. The particular plants 
