The first step in the intercourse of a magistrate with the people, which was to produce a binding act, was the setting forth by the former of a decree specifying the day of meeting,[1272] and describing the nature of the act which he meant to introduce. This promulgation[1273] assumed various forms in accordance with the purpose of the projected meeting. In prosecutions it contained the name of the accused, the nature of the charge, and the penalty proposed; in elections at least the places to be filled, but probably in later times a list of the candidates as well;[1274] in legislation the text of the law which was to be the subject of the _rogatio_. No provision seems to have been made that the text should remain unaltered until a Licinio-Junian law of 62 B.C. provided that a copy of the promulgated enactment should be deposited in the _aerarium_ as a guarantee that no amendment was inserted before the people was asked to accept it.[1275] The minimum interval between the promulgation and the meeting was the space of three _nundina_, i.e. 24 days, and this condition was as necessary for jurisdiction and elections as for laws.[1276] On the appointed day the first act of the magistrate, who meant to guide a meeting of the Populus, was the _auspicatio_ in the sacred enclosure (_templum_) which formed the centre of the gathering. Celestial signs alone[1277] seem to have been the object of this morning watch; but no such observation was necessary for plebeian gatherings; they were disturbed only by _auspicia oblativa_.[1278] The auspices had been taken before sunrise, and if they were favourable the herald was then sent round the walls inviting the people to meet the magistrate at dawn.[1279] This was sufficient for the _comitia_ of the tribes.[1280] For the centuries more elaborate preparations were necessary. Proclamation of the meeting was made from the Rostra, and the red flag flew from the Janiculum to show that it was guarded while the army was busy in the Campus.[1281] The military horn was blown on the _arx_ and round the walls, and, if the summons was for a court of justice, before the house of the accused.[1282] When the people were assembled the president opened with a prayer,[1283] and the _rogatio_ was read with the request whether the quirites “will and order it” (_velitis_, _jubeatis_). The magistrate is now addressing a _contio_, and the _rogatio_ is subjected to a limited discussion. The president explains and advises it, and the officials or senators whom he has assembled express their support or dissent.[1284] This discussion always preceded acts of legislation.[1285] When the _comitia_ met for jurisdiction there may have been some debate even in the _quarta accusatio_;[1286] it was probably only at elections that it was wholly absent.