Benjamin Silliman

“ THE importance of observations on the annual progress of vegetation is obvious, and, as connected with agriculture, gardening, &.c., eminently useful. Comparative observations acquire a particular degree of interest, when made by skilful observers, at the same time, but at different places. ”

“ The blossoming of plants is easily watched, but their foliation and budding ought not to be neglected. Having been prevented, by various causes, from keeping an exact record of the progress of vegetation near New-York in 1817, I submit an accurate journal which I had kept the year before, at Philadelphia, in which I hope that some interesting facts may be noticed. ”

“ The frogs begin to croak. Found in blossom near Cambden, Arabis rotundifolia, Raf., A. lyrata, Saxifraga virginica, Draba verna ? Betula lenta, &c. Pinus inops is budding.
3.
Seen the first swallow. Found in blossom on the Schuylkill, Fumaria cucullaria, Anemone thalictroides, Saxifraga virginica, many ferns and mosses.
4.
The fresh-water turtle (Testudo picta) begins to show itself. ”