Now the graph looks more like something used to convey facts. It's compact, pleasing to the eye and retains all the original information. Sometimes an unusual vertical axis can be misleading. But in a case like this, it can be the only way to fit the data on a page. Most people know that out here in Arizona we have hostile fauna, such as rattlesnakes, Gila monsters and javelina.
Some people also know of the area's hostile flora.
Nevertheless, it's a rare person indeed who realizes how virulent our data can get. About the author Gregory P. Ferguson is senior quality engineer at Global Solar Energy in Tucson, Arizona. He has published technical articles and assisted in the publication of two books. Copyright 2000 QCI International. All rights reserved.