The office of the secretary of the Grand Council of Geneva is headed by the
sautier; originally, the role of the sautier was military, and he was the head of the watch. Over time, the function changed and the sautier became the permanent secretary of the Grand Council. One of his duties include the regular observation of the
Geneva official chestnut tree, and the recording of the date of the opening of the first leaf on an official register. This event is then announced to the press and to the general public, indicating the beginning of the Spring. == Notes ==