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Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
University of Toronto

http://www.archive.org/details/canadianfieldnatO3otta

1889 V Quen 1890

THE

wrraws NATURALIST

BEING VOL. V OF THE

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS CLUB.

(Organized March, 1879: Incorporated March, 1884.)

no
YY

OTTAWA:
CITIZEN Book AND JoB PRINTING DEPARTMENT, 48 & 50 QUEEN ST.

1889.

\3

ye

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Patron:
HIS EXCELLENCY THE LORD STANLEY OF PRESTON,
GovVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA.
President: Dr. R. W. ELtts.
Vice-Presidents :

Ist, J. BALLANTYNE. | 2np, H. M. Ami.
Secretary: T. J. MacLavGuHuin (Dept. Public Works).
Treasurer: JAMES FLETCHER (Experimental Farm).
Librarian: W. A. D. Lexs (P. O. Box 258).

Committee: R. B. Wuyte, | A. P. Low, | Rev. G. W. Tayton.

Standing Committees of Council :
Publishing—James Furtcuer, H. M. Ami, T. J. MacLavueutiy,
Rev. G. W. Taytor, W. A. D. Less.
Excursions—R. B. Wuytre, H. M. Amt, W. A. D. LEEs.
Soirées—JameES FLETCHER, J. BALLANTYNE. A. P. Low.

eaders :

Geology--H. M. Ami, A. P. Low, W. R. Biiuines, F. D. ADams.
Botany—J ames Fietcuer, R. B. Wuyte, Wm. Scort.
Conchology—Rev. G. W. Taytor, F. R. Latcurorp.
Entomology—T. J. MacLaucuuin, J. FLetcHer, W. H. Harrineron.
Ornithology—W. A. D. Lees, Pror. J. Macoun, G. R. WHITE.
Zoology—J. BALLANTYNE, J. B. TyRRELL, W. P. Lert.

Editor: James FLETCHER.

The Librarian will furnish the Publications of the Club at the
following rates :—

Transactions, Part 1, Not sold singly
t “ce

"<i se ee $1.00 for Vol. L
0 Cieje 4.95 4
A Nie cS foe
od i. “6,406 $1.00 for Vol. LL.
i, “ce as 30 “
0 (Less 10% to members.)

The Ottawa Naturalist, $1.00 per annum.

Extra copy to members, .75 “

Quarterly parts, 25 cents each.

To members, 20 ei
Notice.—The Treasurer begs to call the attention of members to
the advertisements.

Sr VES EARS.

Adams, F. D., M. App. Se.

Allan, W. A.

Ami, H. M., I0A., F.G.S.

Anderson, F. B. B.A. (Winnipeg.)

Anderson, Lt.-Col. W. P. C.£.

Anderson, Mrs. W. P.

Armstrong, John R.

Balland, Kev. J. B. O.MT., D.D.

Ballantyne, J.

Ballantyne, Norman F.

Baptie, Geo, M.A., M.D.

Barlow, A. E. J7.A.

Barlow, Scott B. App. Se.

Barlow, Alfred.

Bate, C. Percy.

Bate, H. Gerald.

Bate, H. N.

Beddoe, Chas. H.

Bell, B. T. A., ALA.

Bell, E. B.

Bennetts, F. K.

Billings, B. B.

Billings, W. R.

Blanchet, W. H.

Boardman, Wm. F.

Bolton, Miss Eliza.

Bourinot, J. G., LL.D., F.R.C.L.,
F.S.S., Hon. Sec. B.S.C.

Boville, T. C., B.A.

Bowen, Miss Alice. (Quebec. )

Bowerman, J. 'T’.

Bowman, Amos, J/.Z.

Bristow, A. A.

Bristow, Mrs. A. A.

Broadbent, Ralph L.

Brodie, W., Z.D.S. (Toronto.)

Brough, James S.

Brough, T. O.

Brown, R. D.

Brown, Mrs. R. D.

Brumell, H. Pareth.

Burgess, T. J. W., MD., F.R.S.C.
(Hamilton, Ont.)

Butterworth, C. A.
Butterworth, Miss Maria E.
Campbell, A. M., 3f.4. (Perth.)
Campbell, R. H.

Campbell, Wm. Woods.
Casey, M. W.

Chalmers, Robert.
Chamberlin, Mrs. B.

Christie, A. J., Y.C.

Clarke, James. (Renfrew.)
Cochrane, A. S.

Code, R. G.

Cornu, Felix, .D. (Angers. )
Coste, E., A.Z.

Cousens, W. C., J/,D.
Cowley, R. H., B.A.

Craig, Wm. (Russell.)

Craig, J. A. (Hamilton.)
Creighton, J. G., B.A., B.C.L.
Davy, R. A. CLE.

Dawson, G. M., D, Sc., Assoc.
RSM, F.GS,, FRCS
Devlin, R. J.

Dimock, W. D., B.A.

Dixon, F. A.

Hills, R. W., LL.D., FGA:

Evans, John D., C.£. (Trenton.)

Ewart, D.

Faribault, E. R.

Fleming, Sandford, C.4.G., C.£.,
PROS. . FRSC.

Fletcher, James, F.L.S., F.RS.C.

Fletcher, Mrs. J.

Fletcher, Hugh, B.A.

Fortescue, L.

Fortescue, Mrs. L.

Forward, Arthur J.

Fowler, Miss Annie M.

Fuller, Thos., 2.C.A.

Gansby, Robert. (Guelph.)

Garvock, W. B.

Gemmill, J. A.

Gibb, Chas.

Gilmour, T.

Giroux, N. T., C.£.

Giroux, J. 58.

Glashan, J. C.

Gobeil, A.

Gordon, F. A.

Grant, Miss Isabel L.

Grant, Sir J. A., A.C.M.G., M.D.,
F.R.CS., Edin; F.RS.C.,
£0G8.,

Grant, Miss Jessie.

Grant, Miss Mary.

Griffin, W. H.

Grist, Henry.

Grist, Miss Mary L.

Hardie, John.

Harmer, Miss G. (Hintonburgh).

Harmon, Miss A. Maria,

Harrington, W. H.

Harrington, Mrs W. H.

Harrison, Edward.

Hay, George.

Hayter, F., B.A.

Herridge, Rev. W. T., B.A., B.D.

Hilborn, W. W.

Hope, Jas.

Ingall, E. D., Assoc. R. S. I, ALE.

Ireland, W. W.

Jarvis, 5S.

Jenkins, 8. J.

Johnson, Geo.

Johnson, E. V., CL.

Johnson, Robt. A. A., B.d.

Jolliffe, O. J., ALA.

Jones, C. J.

Kearns, J. C.

Keefer, Thos. C., C.Z.

Keeley, D. H.

Kilgannon, A. P., C.£.

Kingston, A.E.

Lambart, Hon. O. H.

Lambe, L. M.

Lampman, A., B.A.

Lampey, Wm. G., JLEZ.

Latchford, F. R., B.A.

Lawless, W. T. (Hull).

4

Lawson, A. C., PA.D.

Lawson, Prof. G., LL.D., Ph.D.,
FRCL, F.RS.C. (Halifax).

Lee, Miss Katharine.

Lees, W. A. D.

Lees, Miss V.

Lees, Miss Jessie.

LeSueur, W. D., B.A.

LeSueur, Mrs. W. D.

Lett, W. P.

Lindsay, A.

Loux, Wm., J.D. (Russell).

Low, A. P., B.App.Se.

Lowe, John.

MacCraken, John I.

MacLaughlin, T. J.

McConnell, R. G., B.A.

McGill, A., B.A., B.Sc.

McElhinney, M. P.

McEvoy, Jas.

McInnes, Wm., 3.A.

McJanet, J.

McLaughlin, Miss Emma.

McLaughlin, 8.

McLean, J. D.

McMillan, John, J/.A.

McMinn, W. J. R., B.A.

McNab, Chas.

Macoun, Prof. John, I.A., F.L.S.,
FRSC.

Macoun, J. M.

Macoun, W.

Magee, Charles.

Magee, F. A.

Marsan, Rev. C. F., O.M.1., MA.

Martin, E. D.

Matheson, D.

Mills, Miss Margaret A.

Munro, John.

O’Gara, John P.

Palmer, Miss J.

Palmer, Miss L.

Panet, Maurice.

Parris, Miss Oriana.

Perley, Major Henry F., C.Z.

Phillips, J. A.

5

Poirier, Hon. P.S. Tanner, R. J.

Pratt, H. O. E. Taylor, Rev. G.W.
Reed, E. Baynes (London). Thayne, E. Stewart.
Reveler, S. S. Thompson, Miss M.
Robert, J. A., B.Sc, Thompson, T. W.
Rondeau, Rev. 8., B.A. Thorburn, John, JZ.d4., LL.D.
Ross, Judge W. A. Tyrrell, J. B., B.A., F.G.S.
Rothwell, Miss Lina. Ventresse, A. B.
Saunders, Prof. W., F.Z.S.,F.R.S.C.,Verner, J. W. D.
FCS. Watters, Henry.
Scott, Colin A., B.A. Watts, Daweh: 0: A.
Scott, D. C. Warwick, F. W. (Buckingham. )
Scott, Fred. Weston, T. C.
Scott, Wm. Wheeler, A. O., D.7.S.
Scott, W., J/.A. White, Geo. R.
Scott, W. L., B.A. White, Lieut-Col. Wm.
Selwyn, A. R.C., C.1.G., LL.D., White, W. R. (Pembroke).
Pies he S.C.;: L.GS. Whiteaves, J. F., 7.G.S., F.R.S.C.
Shutt, F. T., J£4., FI.C., #.C.S. Wilson, C. W., M.D. (Buckingham).
Schenick, Miss A., B.Sc. Whyte, Miss Ethel.
Simpson, Miss L. 8S. Whyte, Miss Isabella.
Small, H. Beaumont, J/.D. Whyte, Miss Marion.
Small, H. B. Whyte, R. B.
Smith, D. E. (Churchville). Whyte, Mrs. R. B.
Smith, W. H. Wicksteed, R. J., B.C.L., LL.D.
Stewart, John. Willimott, Chas. W.
Summerby, Wm. J., J/.4. (Russell). Wright, W. R.
Symes, Miss E. Young, Kev. C. J., M.A. (Renfrew).

Symes, P. B., A.X.C.

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.

Epwarps, Henry, 185 East 116th street, New York, U.S.

Hitt, Avsert J., Uf.A4., C.H , Westminster, B.C.

Merriam, Dr. C. Hart, Department of Agriculture, Washington, U.S.

OrmeEroD, Miss E. A., Torrington House, Holywell Hill, St. Albans,
England.

Provancuer, ABBE, Cap Rouge, Que.

SmitH, Pror. Joun B., Rutger’s College, New Brunswick, NJ.

6
EDITORIAL.

The present number is the first Quarterly part of Vol. III of the
Ottawa NATURALIST.

After careful consideration the council has decided to publish the
magazine, for this year at any rate, in quarterly parts of not less than
48 pages. The scope of the publication has also been widened so as to
include papers by members of the club upon the General Natural History
of Canada, without being restricted as heretofore to this locality only.

It is hoped in this way largely to augment the usefulness of the
Club, and at the same time to draw to our ranks naturalists from all
parts of the Dominion.

It has been arranged by the leaders in the different branches to
take charge of the weekly sub-excursions in the following rotation: the
first Saturday in the month will be under the direction of the leaders in
Geology; the second, of the Botanical leaders; the third, of those in rni-
thology and Entomology ; and the fourth of Zoology and Conchology.
The general Post Office will be as heretofore the rendezvous, and the
start will be made every Saturday punctually at at 2 p.m.

When the General Monthly Excursion is held upon a Saturday it
will take the place of the weekly sub-excursion,

The first General Excursion of the Club will be held this Spring on
the 17th May, to Kingsmere in the Chelsea Mountains, and will be duly
announced by circular.

The members are earnestly urged to consult with the leaders, with-
out delay, as to the best means of carrying on effective study and useful
investigation during the coming season.

We feel it our duty to call the attention of our readers to the adver-
tisements, as we consider it incumbent upon the members of the club
to patronize those firms which so materially assist us in carrying on our
work.

J. FLETCHER,
Editor.

7

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY NOTES.

The arrangements are now being made for the field work of the
Geological and Natural History Survey during the coming summer,
Most of the operations will be in continuation of work already begun

{or directed toward its completion in certain districts. The fields in
which the various memhers of the staff will be, are we understand as fol-
lows:

In British Columbia, Dr. G. M. Dawson will be occupied in con-
tinuing and extending the work of previous years, with special reterence
to recent mining developments. He will beassisted by Mr. J. McEvoy.
Mr. Bowman will, it is hoped, complete a preliminary examination of
the coal-bearing rocks of the lower Fraser. Prof. Macounand Mr. J. M.
Macoun are already in the field in the Southern part of British Colum-
bia, where they are vigorously prosecuting their botanical and zoologi-
cal investigations. A letter to the Editor dated April 14, states that
they had then secured all the flowering plants in blossom, and 27 skins
of birds and small mammals, as well as many insects.

In Nova Scotia Mr. H. Fletcher, with Mr. Fairbault, will investi-
gate Pictou and Colchester counties. Work will be continued in New
Brunswick by Mr. McInnes and by Prof. Bailey. Mr. R. Chalmers
will also extend his systematic mapping of the superficial deposits in this
Province during the summer. Dr. R. W. Ells and Mr. Giroux are
again to return to the Eastern Townships, in the Province of Quebec,
while it is intended that Mr. F. D. Adams and Mr. Low will carry on
work to the north of the St. Lawrence. The investigation of the phos-
phate region to the North of the Ottawa is to be continued by Mr. E. D.
Ingall, assisted by Mr. J. White.§ Mr. A. S. Cochrane is to be engaged in
Western Ontario in further checking and correcting the topography of
certain sheets of the geological map. Dr. R. Bell, assisted by Mr. A.
E. Barlow, will be occupied in the completion of that sheet of the On-
tario map which comprises the Sudbury mining district, and Dr. Law-
son will pursue his investigation of the older rocks between Thun: er
Bay and Rainy lake, with the assistance of Mr. Smith.

In Manitoba, Mr. J. B. Tyrrell, with Mr. Dowling, is to continue
the examination of the county near Lake Manitoba. Mr. R. G. McCon-

8

nel has already left for the petroleum district of the lower Peace and
Athabasca region, to the future importance of which so much attention
has lately been drawn. Mr. T. C. Weston will continue to cellect in
the Cretaceous and Tertiary beds along the Red Deer River, N. W. T.

10:
THE SASKATCHEWAN INSTITUTE.

We learn with pleasure that a new Literary, Historical and Scien-
tific Society has been started at Prince Albert, N.W.T., under the
above caption, “for the purpose of pursuing such literary studies as
may be deemed interesting and instructive; of prosecuting original
researches, within the District of Saskatchewan, of a historical and
scientific nature; of collecting and preserving the early history,
mythology, and folklore of the local Indian tribes ; and of cultivating
and encouraging the study of the Natural History and resources of the
country.” As stated in their circular, the Natural History and resources
of that section of the Territories are practically untouched, and offer a
large field of work for the Institute. We wish the Institute every
success, and trust that it may grow rapidly, and succeed in the im-
portant work it has undertaken.

———0: —

SHORT INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTORS AWAY
FROM HOME.

Frequently inquiries are received from members who are about to
take a journey, as to the best way to collect specimens of insects and
plants. The following short instructions have therefore been drawn up
at the request of the Council :—

Ivnsects—Moths, Butterflies and Dragon-flies may be killed in the
ordinary “cyanide bottle” and then placed in three-cornered envelopes
made by taking small squares of paper and folding them across, almost
in the middle, so as to make a triangular form with one flap a little
smaller than the other, when the insect is placed between the two flaps,
the two edges of the larger one are folded over the lesser, and the
specimen is then ready to have the date and locality written on it and
to be packed away, where it will not be disturbed. After a day or two the

2)

specimens become very brittle and easily broken. They should there-
fore be stored in small firm boxes. Cigar boxes are very convenient.

Grasshoppers and other Orthoptera may be killed in the cyanide
bottle and each one rolled up lightly in soft paper and then stored away
in the same manner.

Beetles and Bugs—All Coleoptera and Hemiptera may be either
placed at once in alcohol or in bottles containing sawdust dampened with
alcohol.

Bees, Ants and Wasps may be collected for examination in alcohol
but when possible they should be killed in the cyanide bottle and pinned
in a cork-lined box.

flies must be killed and pinned at once.

Spiders may be collected in alcohol. .

Cyanide Bottle—This may be made either by placing a small quan-
tity of Cyanide of Potassium in the bottom of a bottle and pouring in
sufficient wet Plaster-of-Paris to cover it; or a hole can be hollowed out
in the cork and a piece of cyanide inserted. This can be kept in place
either with a plug of cotton wool, or a piece of chamois leather or linen
may be tied over the cork. For beetles a few very small pieces of
cyanide dropped into a bottle half filled with dry sawdust will answer.

It must be remembered that the active principle of Cyanide of
Potassium being Prussic Acid it is intensely poisonous—any left on
hand after the bottles are made should be at once destroyed.

Plants—Botanical specimens are made by pressing plants be-
tween sheets of dry paper and changing the papers every 12 or 24 hours
until the specimens are dry. When staying for any length of time at
one place a convenient press may be made as follows: Put down a few
sheets of paper and on the top of these arrange a specimen, then a few
more sheets of paper and another plant, and so on until all are arranged.
Upon the top of the pile so formed put a box in which stones or sand
to about the weight of twenty pounds may be placed. When travelling
two boards held together with straps will answer all purposes. The
quicker plants are dried the better the specimens will be. The papers
for drying plants should never be left unchanged for more than 24
hours.

J. FLETCHER.

10

A NEW MOUSE. (L£votomys Dawsoni.)

In the American Naturalist for July, 1888, is a description, (with
a figure of the molar teeth), of a new species of Red-backed Mouse, by
our corresponding member, Dr. C. Hart Merriam. It was collected
by Dr. George M. Dawson on the Finlayson River (Lat. 61.31 N. ;
long. 129.30 W. ; altitude 3,000 feet), and the description also appears
in the report upon the exploration in the Yukon district, and adjacent
part of British Columbia, referred to on another page. Dr. Merriam
finishes his description as follows:—“TI take great pleasure in bestowing
upon this handsome mouse the specific name Dawsoni, as a slight recog-
nition of the indefatigable zeal of its discoverer, the distinguished ex-
plorer'and geologist, Dr. George M. Dawson, who has added so much
to the fund of knowledge relating to North-western Canada.

ANOTHER STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

It is with much pleasure that we notice the appointment of our
esteemed corresponding member, Mr. J. B. Smith, as State Entomologist
of New Jersey. Mr. Smith has been for some time past Assistant
Curator of the National Museum at Washington. He is now State
Entomologist, and Professor of Entomology at Rutger’s College and
Scientific School, New Brunswick, N.J. We feel sure that this an-
nouncement will be read with great satisfaction by our members, many
of whom have frequently experienced Mr. Smith’s courtesy and kind-
ness in naming entomological specimens, and we offer Mr. Smith our
hearty congratulations. It is quite evident that Mr. Smith does not
mean to let the grass grow under his feet. We have already received
two bulletins from him since his appointment, (i.) “ Entomological Sug-
gestions and Enquiries,” (ii.) ‘‘ Memoranda about Cranberry Insects.”

ll

THE ANNUAL MEETING—1889.

The eleventh annual meeting of the Club was held on the 19th
March, 1889, at 4.30 p.m. Present: The President, Mr. R. B. Whyte,
in the chair; Messrs. Ami, Ballantyne, A. E. Barlow, Lt.-Col. Ander-
son, J. Fletcher, Hugh Fletcher, Prof. Macoun, Dr. R, W. Ells, W. H.
Harrington, Dr. H. B. Small, T. J. MacLaughlin, Rev. G. W. Taylor,
Dr. Thorburn, W. P. Lett, J. B. Tyrrell, W. A. D. Lees, F. T. Shutt,
A. Bowman, N. Ballantyne, J. M. Macoun, A. P. Low, W. McInnes,
J. McEvoy, W. R. Wright, A. C. Lawson, R. G. McConnell, E. R.
Faribault, and some others.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were read, and confirmed.

The Secretary read the annual report of the Council.

There was a discussion as to the advisability of publishing the
Orrawa NaTuRauiIstT as a quarterly, instead of a monthly magazine. It
was agreed to leave this to the decision of the incoming Council.

It was moved by Dr. Ells, seconded by Prof. Macoun, and carried,
“ That the scope of the publication of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’
Club be extended so as to include papers, &c., on Geology and Natural
History by members of the Club, from any portion of the Dominion of
Canada (which may be read before the Society) instead of being con-
fined to papers on purely local topics, as now understood by members of
the Club.”

The Treasurer read his annual statement, in which it was shown
that a balance of $30.69 remained in his hands after paying all
demands.

The Librarian submitted a list of the additions to the library,
which showed that many choice and valuable works had been received
in exchange for the Transactions.

The election of officers was then proceeded with, and resulted as
follows :

President—Dr. R. W. Ells.

Ist Vice-President—Mr. J. Ballantyne.

2nd Vice President-—Mr. H. M. Ami.

Secretary—Mr. T. J. MacLaughlin.

Treasurer—Mr, James Fletcher.

Librarian—Mr. W. A. D. Lees.

Council—Rev. G. W. Taylor, Mr. R. B. Whyte, Mr. A. P. Low.
Auditors— Lt.-Col. W. P. Anderson, and Mr. W. R. Billings.

12

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL.

To the Members of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club :

It again becomes the pleasing duty of the Council to report that
the Club is in a very satisfactory condition, and that the success
achieved during the tenth year of its existence has not been less marked
than that noted in any of the previous annual reports.

Notwithstanding that the membership has not greatly increased—
the number of new members being only 27—its strength and develop-
ment in other directions have been gradual and satisfactory,

The number of corresponding members remains the same as last
year, no change having been made.

His Excellency the Governor General, Lord Stanley of Preston,
has graciously consented to become the patron of the Club in the place
of the Marquis of Lansdowne.

The general excursions held during the summer were four in
number, and the following places were visited: The first was to Kirk’s
Ferry on the Gatineau River. This was the most numerously attendel
excursion yet held under the auspices of the Club, there being present
no less than 155 members and their friends. The second was to Aylmer;
the third to Eastman’s Springs, and the fourth to King’s Mountain.

Saturday afternoon sub-excursions were held throughout the season
as usual, except during the month of August, beginning the first Satur-
day in May, the attendance showing that the interest taken in them in
former years had not abated.

By means of these sub-excursions the geology and natural history
of the immediate surroundings are being well worked up, still the work
may be said to have only begun, and the leaders could not adopt a more
successful plan of carrying it out, than by continuing these afternoon
working parties.

The winter course of meetings comprised six soirees, and nine after-
noon lectures. At the soirees the following papers and reports were
read: Dec. 13th, the President’s Inaugural Address, by Mr. R. B.
Whyte; Jan. 17th, “Contribution to the Geology and Palzontology of
the Townships of Russell and Cambridge, in Russell, Ont.,” (1, Physi-
ography and general Geology, by Mr. W. Craig, Duncanville; 11, Palzon-

13

tology by Mr. H. M. Ami); “ Revision of the Post-tertiary Formations
about Ottawa with their Fossils,” by Mr. H. M. Ami; note on Onoclea
sensibilis var. obtusilobata, by H. M. Ami. Jan. 13th, “ Report of the
Botanical Branch,” ‘“ Notes on the Duration of the Leaves of some of the
Coniferz,” by Mr. J. Ballantyne; ‘“‘ Notes on Bog Plants,” by Mr. R.
B. Whyte; ‘‘ Poisonous Properties of the Agaricus Rodmani,” by Prof.
Macoun; ‘‘An account of the first Lectures delivered in America on
Botany at Harvard University,” by Dr. H. B. Small; February 14th,
“Report of the Entomological Branch,” “Notes on the Cerambycide,”
by Mr. W. H. Harrington ; February 28th, “Notes on Ornithology,
with special reference to birds observed in the vicinity of Renfrew,” by
Rey. C. J. Young; ‘Bird Calls,” by Mr. J. M. Macoun ; ‘‘What you
see when out without your gun,” by Mr. W. A. D. Lees; “Report of the
Conchological Branch ;’ March 14, “Notes on the Skunk” (Mephitis
mephitica) by Mr. W. P. Lett ; “Report of the Geological Branch.”

The Monday afternoon Elementary Lectures or classes were given
as follows : Two on Conchology—one by Mr. F. R. Latchford, and one
by Rev. G. W. Taylor ; two on Geology—one by Dr. R. W. Ells, and
one by Mr. H. M. Ami; two on Entomology—one by Mr. J. Fletcher,
the other by Mr. W. H. Harrington; two on Botany—one by Mr.
James Fletcher, and one by Mr. R. B. Whyte ; one on Zoology, by Rev.
GW, Taylor .

The lectures were commenced on the 7th January, and continued
every Monday afternoon to the 11th March, and the attendance at
them, as well as at the soirees, was very encouraging. One of the
most gratifying features in connection with the past year’s work—and
one which affords a good illustration of the influence which the Club
continues to exert amongst its members—is that of the nineteen papers
and lectures above mentioned, no less than eight were given by mem-
bers who had not, until this winter, appeared before the Club in that
capacity.

From the Treasurer’s report you will learn that, financially, the
standing of the Club is perhaps better than at any previous time of
balancing. Mr. Fletcher has succeeded in collecting most of the ac-
counts due for advertisements, and the subscriptions from many mem-
bers who were far in arrears. The percentage of outstanding subscrip-
tions is at present smaller than it has been for years.

14

The Exchange list has undergone a complete revision, and the
NATURALIST is now sent only to those societies and individuals who
show their appreciation of it in a practical manner.

The Librarian’s report will be submitted to you, from which it
will be seen that the names of most of the leading scientific societies
throughout the country are on the list, and exchange their publications
for ours, and that, between exchanges and donations, the library is be-
coming large and valuable.

During the past year, owing to difficulties and delays, over which
the Council had no control, the issue of the NATURALIST was somewhat
irregular, but the last number is now out, and the work up to date.

Experience has shown that there are many serious difficulties in
connection with the monthly publication of the Transactions. The
amount of labor involved in the editing, and in obtaining the necessary
matter at the proper time, in order to bring the journal out punctually,
is so great, that it is almost impossible to find any one who is able to
devote to it the time necessary to do the work.

The Council, therefore, having had under consideration these, and
the many other disadvantages which attend the present plan of publi-
cation, are of opinion that the quarterly issue in the future would
prove more advantageous. It is believed that the journal could be
brought out punctually on the first of every third month, with much
less work for the editor and publishing committee, and that the diffi-
culty now experienced in obtaining matter in time for the printers
would be, to a great extent, obviated, and that the result would be
altogether more satisfactory to the members generally. They would,
therefore, recommend that, in future, the Natrura.ist be published
quarterly. They would also suggest that it is now in order to consider
the advisability of authorizing the Council to publish in the NaTURALIsT
(at their discretion) such papers, ete, from members of the Club on
original work in geology and natural history outside of the -present
range of the Club’s operations, as may be read before it.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Signed on behalf of the Council.
T. J. MacLAucGHLIn,
19th March, 1889. Secretary.

15
TREASURER’S REPORT.

To the Council of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club.

GENTLEMEN,—I have the honour to report that the finances of the
club are in a satisfactory condition. Notwithstanding heavy and ex-
ceptional expenditures during the past year we still have a balance on
hand of $30.69, after clearing up all indebtedness. During the
year many subscriptions which had fallen in arrear have been collected.
A few members from various causes have left the club, but their place
has been filled by new members. Our heaviest expenditure is
the publication of the Transactions of the Club in the shape
of the ‘‘Ottawa Naturalist.” This during the year just ended cost
$220.95. Besides this a further sum of $40.56 was expended in
reprinting entirely the first thirteen pages of the Flora Ottawaensis,
and in having 100 extra copies struck off of pages 14 to 45.
This makes a total of $261.51 expended upon transactions, against
which there was received $67 for advertisements and $33.75 for trans-
actions sold ; in all $100.95. A new item in the accounts is $11.00
as rent for the room in which we hold our meetings. The balance
sheet is submitted herewith.

TREASURER’S BALANCE SHEET—1889.

RECEIPTS. EXPENDITURE.
1888. 1889.
Mar. 20—Balance ............ $20 16 || Mar. 20—The Ottawa Nat-
1889. uralist, Vol. II,
Mar. 19—Subscriptions, Nos. 1-12. ..$210 40
1888-9 ....$152 00 Postage ..... 10 95
Arrears ..... 21 00 $220 95
173 00 Extras of ‘Flora Ot-
Transactions sold.... 33 75 tawaensis” and re-
Advertisements ....- 67 00 printing first 13 pages 40 50
Excursion receipts... 107 30 General postage ..... 5 07
Stationery.......... 1 05
Printing (circulars,
postage, etc.) ...... 10 99
Rent of Lecture Room 11 00
Excursion _expendi-
GUEBCS Go ia «oo. ocssoker - 8090
Balance on hand .... 30 69
$401 21 $401 21

JAMES FLETCHER,
Ottawa, March 19, 1889. Treasurer,

16

LIBRARIAN’S REPORT.

The following publications have been received during the year
1888-89, in exchange for the Ottawa Naturalist, or as donations: Some
of them are exceedingly valuable additions to the Library of the Club.

Geological and Natural History Survey of Canada: Annual Report.
1886.
Catalogue of Canadian Plants—Macoun.—Parts III and IV.
United States Geological Survey: Monograph XII, Geology and }in-
eral Resources of Leadville, with Atlas.
Mineral Resources of the United States, Day—18&86.
Mineral Resources of the United States, 1887.
Bulletins Nos. 40-47.
United States Department of Agriculture: Insect Life, Vol. I.
Bulletin No. 6, Botanical Division.
Report No. 60 of Statistician.
American Association for the Advancement of Science: Proceedings,
Vol. XXXVI, 1887.
Cincinnati Natural History Society: Journal, Vol. XI.
Essex Field Club: Essex Naturalist, Vol. II.
Kellerman, Dr. W. A.: Journal of Mycology, Vol. IV.
Torrey Botanical Club: Bulletin, Vols. XV, XVI, 1-3.
The Editors: Botanical Gazette, Vol. XIII.
Journal of Comparative Medicine and Surgery, Vol. 1X,
o; 4%...
Entomological Society of Ontario: Canadian Entomologist, Vol. XX,
XXI, 1-3; and Annual Report, No, XVIII, 1887.
New York Microscopical Society: Journal, Vols. IV, V, 1.
American Ornitholigists’ Union: The Auk, Vols. V, VI, 1. Check
List of North American Birds.
Montreal Natural History Society. Canadian Record of Science, Vol.
III, 2-3.
Brooklyn Entomological Society: Entomologica Americana, Vols. IV,
V, 1-2.
Webster, Frank B.: Ornithologist and Oologist, Vols. XIII, XIV, 1-2.
Cambridge Entomological Club: Psyche, Vol. V, 141-155.

17

Nova Scotia Institute of Natural Sciences: Procee lings and Transac-
tions, Vol. VII. 1-2.
Laval University: Annuaire, 1888-89.
Queen’s College: Calendar, 1888-89.
Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society: Journal, Vols, IV, V, 1.
Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History: Bulletin, Vols. II. IIT, 1-4.
Massachusetts Hortieultural Society: Transactions, 1887-8, Part I.
Middlesex Institute: Flora of Middlesex County, Mass.
New York Academy of Sciences: Transactions, Vol. VII.
Smith, John B. ¥ Monograph of Shpingide of America North of Mexico.
Notes on Callimorpha.
The speciesof Euerythra.
American Museum of Natural Ilistory: Annual Report, 1887-88.
Johns Hopkins’ University: Circulars, Nos. 66-69.
Farlow, Prof. W. G.: Memoir of Edward Tuckerman.
A Provisional Host Index of the Fungi of the United States,
Part I—Polypetale.
Supplemental list of works on North American Fungi.
Burgess, Dr. T. J. W.: How to Study Botany.
Manitoba Historical and Scientific Society: Annual Report, 1887.
Winnipeg Board of Trade: Ninth Annual Report, 1888,
Dolley, Dr. Chas. S.: Preliminary Abstract Report of Marine Labor-
atory stationed in 1887 at Nassau, New Providence.
Ami, Henri M.: Flora Temiscouatensis.
K6énigsberg—Physikalisch—Oekonomischen Gesselschaft: Schriften,
1887.
Honeyman, Rev. D.: Glacial Geology of Nova Scotia.
Lintner, Prof. J. A.: Fourth Report on the Injurious and other
Insects of the State of New York.
Blytt, Prof. A. (Norway): On Variations of Climates in the Course
of Time.
The Probable Cause of the Displacement of Beach Lines (two papers).
Meteorological Service of Canada: Monthly Weather Review, Mar.-
Nov. Report, 1885.
Department of Agriculture, Canada: Report, 1888.

Statistical Abstract and Record, 1886.
B

18

North Staffordshire Naturalists’ Field Club: Report of Transactions,
1887-1888.

Ragonot, Prof. E. L.: Diagnoses of North American Phycitide and
Galleride.

Boston Society of Natural History: Transactions, Vol. XXIII, 3-4.

Chamberlain, Montague: Systematic Table of Canadian Birds

W. H. HARRINGTON,
Orrawa, 15th March, 1889. Librarian.

10:

THE AMERICAN SKUNK.

By Witu1am Pittman Lett.

Comparatively speaking, tke call of the president for my unex-
pected appearance before you this evening, was as sudden and as rapid
as the flight of the blue-winged teal coming down the wind at the rate
of ninety-five miles an hour. However, like an ardent votary of the
double hammerless choke-bore, I have endeavored to exemplify the
sportsman’s motto—nunyuam non paratus.

I am almost a stranger upon this platform, partly through my own
neglect and in some measure on account of my not having sufficient
leisure to devote to the valuable and important objects of the Field
Naturalists’ Club, which I have always considered one of the most use-
ful and interesting public organizations in the city of Ottawa.

I have selected for a few minutes’ consideration this evening an
animal of great beauty, although of a malodorous character, the habits
and peculiarities of which are perhaps as little known, generally speak-
ing, as are those of any animal indigenous to this part of Canada.
Having said so much, my hearers can readily conclude that I am going
to deal with the skunk, a task much more pleasant to perform theoreti-
cally than practically.

The Skunk (Mephitis mephitica ), is an animal about the size of a
large cat, perhaps a little bulkier in body, but not quite so long. Its
general colour is brownish black, with white longitudinal stripes
on each side of the back, as well as on the head. It has a long bushy
tail, white upon the upper and black upon the under surface. The head

19

is short, the nose somewhat projecting, and the snout is rather blun
The feet have five toes on each, those upon the fore feet being armed
with strong, curved claws indicating the powers of the animal in bur
rowing. The coarser hairs on the skin are unusually long, beneath
which the body is covered with a thick undergrowth of fine, soft glossy
fur of great beauty.

The Skunk belongs to the Mustelidg, and like the bear, the mar-
ten and the otter, ranks among the digitigrades. It isa very slow
moving animal. Unless near its hole, when disturbed, it never attempts
to make a hurried retreat, but rather stands upon its dignity, with its
feet on the ground and its tail to the foe. I may say that the dignity
of the Skunk is very generally respected by those who have had any
previous acquaintance with its proclivities.

The anal glands of the Skunk secrete a yellow coloared trans
parent fluid, which is intolerably fetid and offensive; notwithstanding
which, I have learned that recently a deodorizing method is being tested
in France, by means of which it is hoped that the lasting qualities may
be preserved, and the noxious character of the odour so greatly miti-
gated as to serve like Musk or Civet as the foundation for perfumes of
a most agreeable and pleasant nature.

When irritated, the Skunk is capable of ejecting this fluid to a
distance of six or eight feet, in the form of a fine yellow spray, which
spreads and widens in volume after it leaves its source. Such is the
diffusive and penetrating potency of this volatile agent that I have
known it to be carried by a brisk wind upwards of four hundred feet from
the spot where it was discharged, into a field where a herd of cattle
was grazing, causing the startled animals to run bellowing in a frenzied
state in all directions. The animal which caused this excitement wag
fast in a steel trap, which I had set some days before for foxes. At
the time of the incident, [ had never seen a skunk ; although I had
had previous personal experience that the Township of Huntly, in the
neighborhood of the present Carp Village, had been by no means
neglected or forgotten in the topographical distribution of this beautiful
little animal. I closely examined the stranger, and became suspicious ;
and in order to solve my doubts, I cut down a pole about fifteen feet
long and stirred up the unknown. I assure you I was not long left in

20

suspense or doubt as to its identity. It is enough to say that my
caution saved me the trouble and necessity of burying my clothes. I
carried the trap home and placed it in a running stream. I left it
there for six months, and when I took it out at the end ot that period,
“the scent of mephitica hung round it stlll.”

While speaking of this peculiar feature of the Skunk, it may
interest, if it does not positively benefit some une, if I reveal, without
charging anything for the prescription, a secret connected with the
mephitic weapon of the Skunk. While ont one day in September,
1878, shooting ducks and prairie chickens on the prairies of the State
of Iowa, a Skunk was killed by one of the party. The incident
brought on a talk about the animal in the evening; when I was
assured by a number of the citizens of the town of Algona that the
offensive liquid secreted in the anal sacs was one of the best and most
effective remedies for that obstinate disease, asthma. The remedy is
applied by means of inhalation, and, in that state, is univerally con-
sidered a specific of great value. The effect of its application is
similar to that produced by the pungent odour of coal gas upon the
symptoms of the whooping cough. There may be strong grounds for
believing that the exterminating perfume of the Skunk may be of great
benefit as a powerful remedial agent in the mitigation, and perhaps cure
of asthma. During the summer months the remedy can be easily
obtained ; and it is well worth while to give it a trial.

I have given this hint, not merely as a naturalist, but, I trust, as
a public benefactor. I believe that in the vast, and as yet but partially
explored and undeveloped laboratory of nature, a remedy will yet be
found for every ailment incident to the human constitution ; more
simple, and perhaps more effective, than the mysterious and elaborate
formulas of the pharmacopzia or materica medica. I mean no offence
to the learned and skilful professors of modern medical science, for
whom I have the highest respect ; nor have I any desire to be made
the victim of the, at present, sheathed lancets of the disciples of Galen
and Hippocrates.

The fur of the skunk is a valuable article of commerce, the pelt
being enduring, the coat beautiful and glossy. The better class of
skunk skins made up in Canada are produced by the States of New

21

York and New Jersey ; but why they should be superior to our own,
while we have as good if not better climatic advantages, it is diffi-
cult to say.

The skunk is carnivorous, it might almost be said omnivorous. It
feeds upon small birds, wild birds’ eggs, frogs, mice, lizards, and
insects, and is especially fond of grasshoppers, which it destroys in
great numbers. It is a nocturnal animal, and it is charged with com-
mitting serious depredations amongst poultry.

The skunk is extremely cleanly in its habits, never allowing the
smallest drop of the feetid matter to defile its own fur. When suddenly
killed no disagreeable odour is perceptible about the dead body ; and it
is said that the flesh, when the animal is carefully skinned and proper-
ly cooked, is esteemed a great luxury by those who have tried it.

The den of the skunk is found more frequently upon flat ground
than upon the sloping sides of hills. The holes extend from six to eight
feet horizontally, then widen out into a cavity of considerable extent,
the floor of which is covered with dry leaves and soft moss. The skunk
being gregarious, in this habitation, in winter, may be found as many as
fifteen or twenty of the animals. ‘They retire to their dens in the early
part of Autumn; and like the bear and raccoon, go through the process.
of hibernation, sustaining a semi-torpid existence upon the super-
abundance of fat accumulated during the summer. Jn the southern
states they remain at large during the entire year, the climate being

sufficiently warm in winter to suit their organization.

My old friend, that accomplished naturalist and distinguished
paleonlotogist, the late Elkanah Billings, in relation to this animal says:

“Tn Dr, Lichtenstein’s celebrated work, published in 1838, in Ber-
lin, it is stated that there are seventeen species of the genus JMJephiiicus;
one of which is found at the Cape of Good Hope, two in North America
and the remainder in Mexico and South America.”

Mr. Billings further says: ‘This species of skunk—~. e. the skunk
of the Ottawa Valley—is found all over the British American posses-
ions, as high as 57° Nortb, and ranges south to Kentucky, Carolina, and
Alabama. It is common in Upper and Lower Canada. In the month

22

of April, 1856, we found a skunk in the Rideau canal, which apparently
had been drowned in attempting to swim across; and a few days later
another was shot by Mr. Lett, of Ottawa. We have the skulls of both.”
I have been told that the “Thousand Islands” in the River St. Law-
rence, is an actual paradise for skunks.

Not being possessed of the agility of the fox, the weasel, the mink
or the martin, the Skunk is not capable of doing much damage to game
birds. It, however, reduces the number of those birds materially hy
the destruction of their eggs, which constitute one of its staple articles
of food. But for this natural propensity, his comparatively trifling sin,
robbing henroosts, is scarcely an indictment of sufficient gravity to
warrant capital punishment, much less wanton and inhuman extermi-
nation. Humanity in the treatment of animals is closely allied to
charity towards our fellow man. To use the beautiful and expressive

language of the poet Cowper :

“T would not enter on my list of friends,

(Though graced with polished manners and fine sense,
Yet wanting sensibility) the man

Who needlessly sets}foot upon a worm.

An inadvertent step may crush the snail

That crawls at evening in the public path ;

But he that has humanity, forewarned.

Will tread aside, and let the reptile live.”

Although one of the weakest and most insignificant of animals,
the Skunk has been armed by nature with a means of defence as irre-
sistibie as it is often unexpected by an enemy attacking him with
nature's weapons only. His appearance is innocent; his aspect is
interesting and elegant, so much so that the stranger who is unac-
quainted with his nature and his habits is surprised by the realities
surrounding a first antagonistic introduction to this gentle-looking child
of the forest.

It has long been known that the oil from the fat of the Skunk is a
valuable remedy for rheumatism, and upon consulting scientific authori-
ties I have found that the fetid matter of this animal has long been

92
a VT

regarded as a remedy of singular effectiveness for asthma, as already
stated.

The breeding and rearing of skunks, for their skins, has recently
engaged the attention of enterprising speculators in the United States ;
who would make far more out of the other, far more useful and import-
ant, parts of the animal than they could from the fur, if they were
thoroughly acquainted with its history and its qualities.

The lion, the tiger, the leopard, the hyena, the jaguar, the croco-
dile, the boa-constrictors aud the anacondas, possess, respectively,
mighty powers of offence and aggression. I venture, nevertheless, to
say, that a skunk, single-handed, could put any one of those ferocious
monsters to flight.

How wonderful and mysterious are the provisions of nature,
which thus invests small and weak animals with defensive attributes
sufficiently powerful to resist the attacks of the strongest, and protect
them from aggression and the danger of extinction. Even the “fretful
porcupine,” with its bristling array of dangerous spines, would be obliged

to flee in terror from the resistless armament of the skunk.

Every living thing has its pecular province and its wisely assigned
sphere of usefulness in the great economy of Nature; and as I have
briefly endeavoured to prove, even the skunk—whose name is
erroneously the popular synonyne of useless repulsiveness—is neither
an uninteresting nor unimportant item in the grand and attractive
volume of creation. Even the skunk is deserving of a commemorative
and descriptive page in the beautiful and improving classics of Natural
History—the investigation of which science, I may be permitted to say
to an audience like the one before me—is one of the most delightful
and instructive studies which can engage the attention of the human
mind.

24

THE BIRDS OF RENFREW COUNTY, ONT.

By Rev. C. J. Youne, M.A., (Renfrew.)

Having been a member of the O. F. N. Club for several years, and
always taking considerable interest in the various pursuits and studies
the society has done so much to popularize, yet never until this evening
have I been able to be present at a meeting. I gather from the pro-
gramme which was sent to me, that evenings have been set apart during
the present winter for the discussion of various branches of natural his-
tory; and that on the present evening ornithology and conchology should
be the subjects under discussion. I will take the subject of ornithology.
To my mind there is no more delightful study than this. I have always
taken an interest in birds and their doings, from the times when I used
to admire the eggs strung on strings in the cottages of the village where
I was brought up in England, emptied of their contents through im-
mense holes at each end, and hung up regardless of size or species—to
as recent a date as the beginning of the present month, when I watched
two gray shrikes in pursuit of the common sparrow. To one fond of
nature, and nature’s surroundings, ornithology lends a hand
in bringing him into the presence of some of nature’s grandest handi
work, or leading him among the sublimest sylvan scenes. Not so many
years ago I spent a holiday with a relative,—I was not in the ministry
at that time—in hunting amid the recesses of Cairn Gorm in Inver-
nesshire, for the nest of the snow-bunting “ Plectrophenax nivalis.” We
had read somewhere that a few of these birds bred on or near the sum-
mit, and had determined to try to verify the statement. The weather
was cold and the season backward, when we started for the scene of our
search, though it was the beginning of June. It is scarcely necessary
to add that the immediate object in view was not attained and we did
not even see the birds we sought. But in another direction we gained
more than we dreamed of when we started, thus exemplifying my form-
er statement that ornithology lends a helping hand to a study of nature.
We reached the summit of that well known mountain, and delighted in
the view, which none except those who have been there or in similar
scenes can realize; we found specimens of the often sought for ‘Cairn
Gorin” stones and noted many plants. On our way down we encount-

25

ered a thunder shower, and were glad to find shelter under a huge
boulder. We reached the wood at the foot known as ‘Rothiemurchus
Forest,” just as the daylight faded into gloom. We had ten miles to
traverse, and losing our path for a while, were glad to pass the night in
a barn. And we reached our stopping place in the morning, so weary
and tired that for some days after we could hardly walk around.
And the object of all this, which some might call wasted energy,
was to try to learn something of the breeding habits of
our familiar Canadian ‘Snow-Bird.” But although on _ that
occasion I learnt and saw other things than those I was in quest of,
I did not fail to learn something of birds too, for we found the ptarmigan
or white grouse, breeding at the very summit of the mountain. We
watched the golden plover at a lesser altitude. At the foot we found
that rare British bird, the greenshank, so similar except in size, to the
solitary sandpiper “Totanus solitarius,” of this country ; and not only
saw the bird, but identified a breeding locality. For though we did not
find the nest or young, we found a portion of an egg shell, from which
the young had very recently emerged. This bird has a curious habit of
alighting on the tops of fir.and other small trees after the manner of
some of the herons. I must not omit to mention that on this occasion
too we came across the very local, crested titmouse, as well as the com-
mon crossbill. But I have said sufficient of that particular occasion ; a
few years later in another part of the country a holiday ramble was
more prolific from an ornithological point of view than that one. I
came across what might be aptly termed “the last breeding haunt of
the kite.” Some of you perhaps know how familiar a bird this once
was in Britain, with its sombre reddish plumage, its great stretch of
wing, and its majestic soaring high in the air. But it is now all but
extinct: if England were searched through I don’t think a nest could
be found ; two or three pairs may remain in Scotland and Wales. On
one occasion in the latter days of Summer I saw as many as eleven of
these birds circling in the air at ane time.

But you are more interested in ornithology in the abstract, or at
any rate in Canadian ornithology. Now let me tell you, I think very
tittle interest is taken in this branch of natural history here. I think,

as far as my small] experience goes, the girls and boys, and the grown

aS

people who have spare time don’t trouble themselves at all about the
birds. Some of you may say this is a good thing, for by it, you may
think, many a bird with its nest and eggs is left unmolested. But
this is not exactly the result of my experience. I hear of nests being
torn down and the eggs trampled on, or the young destroyed. I hear
of birds being shot at all seasons for no earthly purpose whatever. In
short, I notice a great scarcity of birds in the part of Ontario where I
live, and am told they are yearly diminishing. The prejudice, if 1 may
call it such, to ornithology, and ornithologists is this :—People think it
is a cruel study, or a useless one. Certainly a practical ornithologist
must be prepared to endure the charge of cruelty. But think of the
many, more especially in Britain, who love the subject for its surround-
ings, and who while taking part in it, scarcely ever sacrifice a feathered
life. In days now passed, when I devoted a considerable amount of
my spare time to this study, I may say I never destroyed a bird for
the purpose of identification, and there are very few British land birds
that I cannot identify. Ihave made myself familiar too, with many
of the local Canadian birds, and all this without destruction of life.
My method, and the methods of others like myself, is to provide a pair
of strong field glasses ; these assisted by a fondness for the pursuit, and
a little reading, will generally accomplish the object, and make an
amateur fairly proficient. I do not say I have never taken a bird’s
egg, perhaps I have taken too many, for in my time I have collected
nearly 200 varieties of British eggs, and have added a few in Canada.
Some lady my say: “How can you, who pretend to love the birds, boast
of having destroyed in a sense the germ of life of so many ; you whose
function it is to protect rather than to destroy?” Yet to such a one I
reply, that it is this very love which makes a naturalist and a collector
sometimes cruel. ‘To have reminders of former scenes, to look at some
cherished specimen that in after years brings back to the mind’s eye
the sense of some former effort, some trial of strength, some anxious
moment, the companionship of some dear friend, the thrill of excite-
ment, the hardly earned trophy. There is no truer pleasure to a
genuine lover of nature than that of watching the habits of birds in
their free, wild state. I can scarcely say I approve of amateurs shoot-
ing the birds. I have been told by such that it is with feelings of

27

reluctance, and often of positive pain, that the fatal trigger is pressed,
and thus is brought to a premature end a life full of joy and beauty.
But yet for purposes of science or discussion a bird or an egg must
sometimes be procured to be laid in the cabinet. It is occasionally
impossible with the best glasses in the world for a naturalist to
thoroughly know a bird, to learn the trifling points of difference which
are often all that distinguish it from others of the same ‘genus ;’ to
understand its structure and other characteristics, unless he can handle
and dissect it, as well as see it in the ‘bush.’ And again it is not to
the one person alone, but to many, that: the dead bird or the curiously
marked egg brings the joy of the deeper knowledge of the Creator's
love and wisdom. Look, for instance, at the collections in public
places—at your own museum now forming here in Ottawa—to how
many do and will the sight of these bring brief relaxation and recrea-
tion, among the many vicissitudes of every day life. Many a country
lad and maiden will have their minds delighted by a visit to the collec-
tions, that individual effort, for the most part, is forming here. There-
fore, do not set down every naturalist, every collector, as a cruel
wretch, who takes life regardless of its value, but believe that many
such feel from the heart the truth of the poet’s words—
“‘ He prayest best who lovest best
All things both great and small,
For the dear Lord that loveth us,
He made and loveth all.”

And speaking of the elder among us, the collections we may look
at, when advancing years forbid us any longer to follow nature in her
haunts ; the cases our eyes still eagerly scan will recall memories of
some pleasant holiday, some glorious excursion in the days that are no
more. Itisa sight which breaks in upon the monotony of many a
long hour of tedious work ; this case recalls to a past lover of nature
the white sands or the grassy marsh far away in the distant North ;
that case carries him back in thought to a long summer day spent on
some wild sea shore ; another one wakes up in him the thrilling excite-
ment in some long and successful stalk. Yes! by these objects we
live once more in the happy past, and the soothing influence thus pro-
cured lingers with us through many a solitary hour.

28

But you will say I am sermonizing, and you will grow weary of
me before I have well entered on my subject, so let me continue more
to the point and say something of our Canadian birds. My observa-
tions are very limited both as to time and the ground I have traversed.
I can only tell you a little about some birds in Eastern Ontario. Let
me begin with the eagle.

The Bald-headed Eagle, Haliaetus leucocephalus, seems to be almost
unknown now in the County of Renfrew. I have seen one in the
course of three years, and that was a straggler. A few years ago I
believe they were not uncommon. A pair still breeds, I am told, in
the upper reaches of the Madawaska river, and just outside the County,
at the headwaters of the same river, in the Nipissing district, they are
still met with. I have seen one nest of these birds, a high mass of
sticks in an elm tree close to the Rideau lake. This was nearly four
years ago. On the 12th of May the nest was not completed, for whilst
I watched, one of the old birds flew over my head with a
piece of straw or reed in its beak, evidently intended as lining
for that nest. Whether they still nest there I cannot say, but probably
not. The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) used also, I think, to nest in
some of the rocks in the remote parts of Renfrew county. There is a
very fine stuffed specimen of this bird in the village of Renfrew which
was shot near the Petawawa river. The next birds I shall speak of
are the hawks. In the southern part of the county of Lanark these are
more plentiful than in Renfaew. In the latter county, although we
might expect the contrary, they are quite rare. The fish hawk (Pandion
haliaetus carolinensis) is occasionally seen, and nests in the locality.
The nest is as a rule placed upon the top of a rampike standing in the
water. I have noticed the goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus), the red-tail
(Buteo borealis), the broad-winged Buteo latissimus Cooper’s (Accipiter
Cooperi)—of this I am not quite sure; the marsh hawk (Circus Hud-
sonius), the sparrow hawk (Falco sparverius). Of the first of these I
found a nest in the county of Lanark, containing three eggs, on the 2nd
of May, slightly ineubated. A very fine specimen was shot the winter
before last just outside of the village of Renfrew, and was given to me.
I now have it stuffed and set up in a case. But the two commonest.
hawks are the broad-winged and the sparrow ; the former in the bush,

29

the latter more frequently in the open fields. I have met with the nest
of the broad-winged three times. On each occasion it was built against
the trunk of a birch tree, at no very great height, for my eldest boy
was able to climb up to it. The first nest contained eggs on the 9th
May ; the other two not until the 24th. Most persons who have taken
an interest in the subject are familiar with the nesting habits of the
little sparrow hawk. With regard to the marsh hawk, it appears early
in the spring, hovering over some marsh, but it does not commence to
lay its eggs until towards the endof May. I met with the nest twice
in the county of Lanark, but am not sure whether it breeds in Ren-
frew ; probably it does in suitable places. The first nest I found was
simply a little grass scraped together in a marshy place, under a low
bush. The second was quite a mass of sticks, &c., in a somewhat drier
spot, and on the 6th of June contained three young ones and two eggs.
Of the owls I cannot say much. The only one I have seen is the great
horned owl (Bubo Virginianus). It is not common in the woods. I
once came across a nest on a stunted tamarac in a large secluded marsh
—a most unlikely spot for this bird to breed in—and I have now a
living specimen which was reared from this nest nearly three years
ago. Though this bird does not know what liberty is, it does not get
tame, but constantly exhibits its wild, savage nature. Without going
into detail, I may give short particulars of some other birds. The
northern shrike is not uncommon in the winter. I have only seen
one in the summer, and never saw a nest, to the best of my
knowledge, though it or its near congener, the white ramped (Lanius
excubitorides) is a not uncommon resident in the adjoining County of
Lanark. I have seen its nest four times in thorn-bushes newly built
in the month of April. The Canada jay is another resident. This bird
is quite plentiful in the fall, but I have seen it in the spring two or
three times in the Opeongo district. The blue jay is of course plen-
tiful and breeds. Of the thrushes we have the brown thrush, or
thrasher, the hermit thrush, the tawny thrush, and I suppose the olive-
backed. The first three of these breed plentifully, the first named
sometimes placing its nest on the ground besidea stone. Of allied
species the water thrush, and the golden-crowned, or oven bird, are both

30

to be met with. That interesting group of birds, the warblers, is well
represented. The common yellow warbler is very common some years,
as last summer, when they were extraordinarily numerous. their nests
being met with everywhere. In other years scarcely a nest is to be
seen. In the County ot Lanark I found the black and yellow warbler
breeding as late as July, and have also seen the bird in Renfrew. I
met with a specimen of the chestnut-sided last summer by the Mada-
waska River, but this is the only time I have seen it. We have seve-
ral others of this group, but they are hard to identify. The Arctic three-
toed woodpecker has been unsually abundant during the past fall and
winter. I saw eight or ten of them, but only one with the yellow
stripe on the head. My first record is October 11th. Snow birds ap-
peared very early last fall. I saw the first one on October 10th. The
pine grosbeak has been common. I saw a number of small flocks, but
have never seen any before in a period of five years in Lanark or Ren-
frew. There were also numbers of the American goldfinch or wild
canary about in flocks during the winter, and the pine siskin has also
been unusually numerous. My many engagements and other calls have
not allowed me to give the time to this paper which I intended, and
with regret I have to omit many items which I thought to bring in.
However, I have, perhaps, well nigh succeeded in wearying you; yet I
trust the little information I have given may not be thrown away, but
that all of you who take the same interest in the subject as I have done
may, whenever the opportunity occurs, wirn once again to the scene of
former labors, and strive, for the benefit and encouragement of others
who will afterwards follow in his footsteps, to unravel some of the still
hidden mysteries of the bird creation.

31

WHAT YOU SEE WHEN YOU GO OUT WITHOUT
YCUR GUN.

By W. A. D. Less,

Read February 28th, 1889.

When I was asked to read you a paper on the birds, I felt that I
was very unfit for the task, never having had any more than a nodding
acquaintance with the science of Ornithology, and having only begun a
year ago to observe the birds with any degree of care. Still I could not
make up my mind to lose the chance of telling you some of my first
year’s experiences so that you might be made aware how much whole-
some enjoyment may be got from the study of birds, by any one who is
willing to use his eyes and his ears, even though he be entirely without
technical knowledge. And even here I feel that I shall fail, for no
words of mine can adequately express the many and varied delights of a
bird-hunt such as I was fortunate enough, almost weekly, last year, to
share the enjoyment of with Mr. N. F. Ballantyne, a fellow-member of
this Club, and such as I shall do my best to give you a brief outline
sketch of. But before I begin, I should like to advise anyone who in-
tends making a closer acquaintance with the birds, if possible to induce
a friend to become his fellow-student. One will be enough, for the birds
do not care to receive too many visitors at a time, but if this one be
thoroughly in sympathy with you and with the birds, you will find
that this arrangement will not only add a hundredfold to the charm
of the work, (if such it may be called) but will be practically
useful as well, for, apart from the pleasure of sharing newly ac-
quired knowledge with one interested in the same subject,
many cases of doubt arise in the identification of birds, where
two heads are better than one. Evenif you do get into a rather
heated discussion, now and then, as to whether a given bird isa Bald
Eagle or a Blackburnian Warbler, a Saw-whet Owl ora Wilson’s Thrush,
neither of you will be likely to carry away any very serious wounds
from the fray, and each will determine to make sure of his bird next

time.

32

But, say the orthodox ornithologists, “ Why need there be any
doubt of this kind? Ail you have to do is to shoot your bird, and
carry it home, count its toes, and its primaries and secondaries (what-
ever they are), examine its beak and its other diagnostic marks, and
you will then be able to say with confidence that it is either a wood-
pecker or something else.” Well, I admit that all this is true, and for
the systematic ornithologist it is the only way, but for one who merely
wishes to know the birds in their native haunts, I submit in all
humility it is not necessary, and when we went to work last Spring we
decided not to do it. After long and sometimes warm discussions of
the matter, we came to the conclusion that when we found ourselves in
imminent danger of becoming great naturalists, there would still be
time to shoot. Besides we had access to one of the finest public col-
lections in Canada, supplemented by some very complete private ones,
belonging to members of the club, which, we felt sure, the owners
would be glad to let us see in case of need. Finally, what we most
wished to study was the habits of the birds, and a dead bird has no
habits in particular.

So we went out, armed with nothing more deadly than a double-
barrelled field-glass, a note book, and a copy of Mcllwraith’s “ Birds of
Ontario,” and, having mastered, to a certain extent, what a recent
writer on “woodcraft” calls “the art of holding down a log,” we made
bags (I mean note-books) which were to us, at least, as satisfactory as
if we had come home begrimed with powder, and reeking with the blood
of slaughtered innocents.

From the bleak winter day when we first made out, against the
dark background of spruce and cedar, the grey uniform with black fac-
ings worn by that arch-hypocrite the Northern Shrike, through all our
varied experiences of musical thrushes and sparrows, nimble swifts and
swallows, and gaily-clad orioles and warblers, till the climax of aston-
ishment was reached when we got our first glimpse of the Scarlet
Tanager in all his tropical brilliance, one new delight followed another,
only leaving room for vain regrets that we had wasted so many years
in ignorance of the wonders about us.

To give you some faint notion of what may be seen in a Spring
day’s walk, let me ask you to make with us, in imagination, what we

33

rather bombastically called ‘the grand tour,” and for that purpose let
us select, say, the 29th of April. Your imaginations will have to be
early risers, for we are to start at 5 a.m., and even then the birds are
ahead of us, for at ten minutes before that hour, while waiting for the
start, a tiny Ruby-crowned Kinglet, hopping from branch to branch of a
balsam fir, announces to the world at large, in one of the happiest
little songs in nature, that he is taking his breakfast, and enjoying it
too. A Black and White Warbler, creeping up the trunk of a cedar, is
also up for the day, and catching, if not the early worm, at least some-
thing as toothsome to him. We go down the railway track, listening,
by the way, to the White-throats at their matins, and, at the Rideau
Bridge, we see first one, then a pair, of ducks, flying up the river.
Instantly we level our glasses at them, but their speed is too great for
such inexperienced shots, and “not identified” goes down in our note-
books. We make our way to Clarke’s bush, which stands on the high
ground to the South of the Rideau. Here, at the edge of the woods,
we bring down our first Savanna Sparrow, a species which we find
later in the summer to be tolerably common in the meadows and
pastures, and here too we see, but alas! do not hear, our first Hermit
Thrush. The woods are fairly ringing with the morning drum-taps of
the Downy Woodpecker, thejloud rattling call of the Flicker, and the
incessant chatter and screech of, Rusty, and Red-winged Blackbirds. As
we proceed through the woods towards Billings’ Bridge, we take time to
look down as well as up, and find that the hepaticas and adderstongues
have made the brown carpet .of leaves beautiful, with their delicate
blossoms, and that the buds of the wake-robins, and red trilliums are
almost ready to open. In a piece of poplar swamp, we come upon
the Myrtle Warblers, with their yellow crowns, and_ shoulder
knots, hopping from branch to branch, catching the insects
attracted by the blossoms of these trees. Then we come
out into the open, and, in a wet pasture, we start up,
(or should I say “ flush ?’) a pair of Wilson’s Snipe, at which we have
several good shots with our glasses, as we follow them from one corner
to another of the field, which they seem loth to quit, thus getting a
very fair inventory of their markings. We come out at Billings

Bridge, and follow the roal up tke South side of the river, till we cross
Cc

34

the track of the St. L. & O. Branch of the C. P. R., between which
and Hog’s Back is a piece of mixed hardwood and evergreen bush,
which, later in the season, we christened ‘“‘Warbler’s Paradise.” It is a
week too early for most of the warblers yet, and we see little but king-
lets and nuthatches, creepers and chickadees, but within a month we
saw, in this small resting-place of the Spring migrants, all or nearly all
of the eighteen warblers we met with in our first year’s investigations.
Here I sat the whole of one afternoon in the beginning of May, and
exclaimed to myself (for.I was alone this time) as one after another,
the Myrtle, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, Yellow
and Yellow Palm, Warblers, and the Redstarts, astonished me by the
brightness and variety of their plumage and the sprightliness of their
movements. Later still we found here such gems as the Black-throated
Elue, the Chestnut-sided, the Bay-breasted, the Black-poll, and the
Canadian. But to come back to April 29th, and resume our walk.
Here it was that we saw a garter-snake and a copper-snake, (at least
that is what we called them when we were boys), and here we note that
the poplars, alders, and hazels shed pollen at the slightest touch.
Here, too, we take the first swim of the season, at least
one of us does, and it is a very short one, for the water
is several degrees colder than the air, but evidently it is long
enough to excite the wonder of the denizens of the deep, for
while dressing after the bath, a muskrat pokes his nose up at the
water’s edge at the very feet of the bather, gives one look of astonish-
ment at the demented human, who has thus early invaded his watery
domain, then turns up his tail in evident disgust and “silently steals
away.” Later, as we lie resting among the pine bristles on the Hog’s
Back, we see a flock of ten ducks making all haste to reach some of the
mountain lakes to the North of us, but this time they are out of range,
and we turn homewards without having bagged any game bird but the
snipe. Much worth telling occurred on the home journey, but I have
already kept you long enough, and I should like to tell you before I
finish of another kind of a tramp, and to show you that, though I have
chosen a Spring walk to write about, almost as much enjoyment, though
of a different kind, may be had from a tramp on snowshoes, in the
depth of Winter.

35

To convince you that there is much to be seen in the wcods in
Winter, and that they are by no means deserted by the birds, it will
be only necessary to mention that I have seen since the first of Decem-
ber, principally in Dow's Swamp (a perfect treasure-house for the
naturalist at any time of year), sixteen different species of birds, Of
these the first I think of, as he was the first I saw after beginning
observations last February, is the Northern shrike, whom, earlier in this
paper, I called an arch-hypocrite, and I did so advisedly, for at one
moment you will hear him singing away on the topmost twig of some
bare tree, proclaiming himself the most innocent and well-meaning of
birds, and the next you will surprise him in the act of making
a meal off some hapless goldfinch or siskin, which he has beforehand
hung up in his butcher’s shop in the thorn-bush. The White-
winged Crossbill, when seen against a dark background of ever-
greens, as he hangs in every conceivable attitude, feeding on the seeds
of the tamarac, is one of the handsomest birds of any season, and his
cousin, the Red, or American Crossbill, is not far behind him in good
looks. Then there is the big, solemn, Pine Grosbeak, who either does
not know or is not afraid of man, whom all the other birds seem to
consider, and perhaps not without reason, their natural enemy. In
seasons when he comes from the North in any considerable numbers, as
he has this winter, he may be seen wherever there are rowan berries,
but if these are not to be had he will content himself with cedar
instead. Occasionally we see, or more often hear, the White breasted
Nut-hatch, who defies the cold with his cheerful nasal “quank,” and we
rarely miss the Chickadee, a veritable little Canuck, with his black cap
and muffler, often accompanied by his brown-capped and chestnut-sided
cousin from the North, the Hudsonian. The Hairy and the Downy
Woodpeckers are to be seen, too, the latter a smaller edition of the
former in the same binding. That handsome fellow in the cedars, who
is talking to himself in an undertone, and now and then laughing at
your efforts to spy him out in his dark retreat, is the Blue Jay. An
occasional crow is also seen flying to and from his meals at the slaughter
house, and once in a while we get a glimpse of the Ruffed Grouse or
Partridge, while Redpolls, Goldfinches, Pine Siskins and Snowflakes com-
plete the list. With all these to study, one can readily see that the

36

winter need be no more a time of idleness to the student of birds than
the summer.

One thing more occurs to me to mention, and that is that the study
of birds is as well suited to the gentler sex as to the sterner, and, being
a firm advocate of co-education, I see no reason why each of us should
not have for his companion in his “bird-walks” a sister, a cousin, or
even a more distant relation.

And now that I have come to the end of my ramblings, I give you
the parting advice “Try it for yourselves.”

70:

REPORT OF THE GEOLOGICAL BRANCH.

(Reap Marcu 71H, 1889.)

To the Council of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club :—

GENTLEMEN :
In presenting you with the annual summary report of the Geological
branch of the Club’s work, the leaders have much pleasure in announcing
that the interest which has been manifest and increasing, from year to
year, since the organization of the Club, a decade of years ago, bids fair
to continue increasing, as the field of geological investigations is wide
and far from being exhausted. Since early spring, (1888), and even
before the sun’s rays had caused tke most recent formation of
snow to disappear, work was begun, and collections were made by several
members. Then came the excursions and sub-excursions, which were
held at regular intervals during the Spring, Summer, and Autumn
months. The excursions were very well attended, but the sub-excursions,
with one or two conspicuous exceptions, were only fairly well attended.
It is believed that more systematic work can be performed, and better
results obtained, if small working parties are organized, and examine,
carefully, definite areas.

Among interesting notes and specimens obtained, during the season
of 1888 may be mentioned the following :

In the Post-Tertiary formations, Mr. Ami has continued taking
observations, and making notes of sections, and of the fossil remains found
ia them. A detailed study of these formations, at the Central 'Experi-

37

mental Farm, was made, and interesting sections recorded. Special
attention was given to ancient river channels, and many evidences were
obtained respecting their course and extent. On both sides of the
present Ottawa River, ancient river channels were discovered and noted.

Mr. C. B. Wright’s brick yard was visited, by Mr. Ami in Febru-
ary, and he obtained the fine specimen of a young harp seal, which is now
in the National Museum, Sussex street. It was embedded along with
other species of marine organisms, in the “Leda clay” formation, at a
depth of thirty-two feet. The specimen exhibits the lower left ramus,
portion of skull, and most of the vertebrie, and costz, with the scapula
and other bones of the limbs, and is nearly entire. Mr. T. C. Weston
has cleverly articulated the specimen, and it may be seen in the museum.

In the Utica formation two important discoveries were made by
Mr. Ami, viz., a new sponge, and anew barnacle. The sponge consists of
slender and simple spicules, arranged in a cyathiform or radiating manner,
and occurs in the upper portion of the lower half of the Utica forma-
tion. The first specimens collected were obtained from the Utica
shales drawn to the paths of Major’s Hill park, from a lot on the Mon-
treal Road near the St. L. & O. R. R. crossing. The best collection
however, was made from a trench on Albert street, between O’Connor
and Bank streets, at the same horizon. The best specimens were sent
to Dr. Geo. J. Hinde, whose researches in fossil sponges are so well and
favourably known that the Ottawa material could not be placed in bet-
ter hands. Dr. Hinde has very kindly undertaken to describe this
species, which seems to belong to a new generic type.

The other new form of interest, found in the Utica, last summer, is a
remarkable example of a Zurrilepas, which was fonnd associated with
Siphonotreta Scotica, and other forms already recorded in the Orrawa
NAartuRAList, in the lower Utica at the Rideau River beds, opposite the
rifle range. These cirripedes are of rare occurrence in Canada, only one
or two other species having been noted from New Brunswick, in Silurian
and Cambro-Silurian, (Ordovician), strata. This Ottawa Turrilepas was
forwarded to Dr. Woodward, F.R.S., ete., Keeper of the British Museum,
who has made a special study of this interesting group of fossils, and a
paper on it will shortly appear in the Geological Magazine, London.

38

Notes on the mode of occurrence of these two forms, and the species
found associated with them, were sent, along with the specimens, to Dr.

Woodward and Dr. Hinde for publication.
Other notes on fossils and general geology were also obtained dur-

ing the past season, which will add considerably to the material already
on hand for the construction of a detailed geological map of Ottawa. At
excursions and sub-excursions of the Club one of the leaders, as usual,
gave addresses on the geology of the district visited.

In conclusion the leaders hope that the interest manifested in the
study of geology of Ottawa shall continue, as in the past.

_f Henry M, Amt.
Leaders: R. W. Exts

Ottawa, March 7th, 1889.

‘a:

REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH FOR THE
YEAR 1888.89.

To the President and Council of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club :
GENTLEMEN,—AIthough only a few of the members have taken an
active part in the work of this branch of the club, a considerable
amount of useful study has been prosecuted.» Early in the Spring,
before the snow had left the ground, several sub-excursions were made
by the leaders on snow shoes. In all instances were they well repaid
for their trouble, and they would draw the attention of members to this
pleasant mode of collecting at a season of the year when it is supposed
that little or nothing can be done in the way of collecting insects out
of doors. The hibernating larve or pup of several moths, and a few
butterflies may be found by those who know where to look for them.
Many beetles pass the winter in moss or beneath flakes of bark upon
standing trees. Again in running water many aquatic species of
beetles are to be found even in mid-winter. These may be collected by
cutting a hole in the ice and then watching till they come to the sur-
face. At the bottom amongst stones and leaves many aquatic larve
occur. In addition to this many kinds of galls on plants may be col-
lected in winter, perhaps to better advantage than at any other time of
the year. The study of galls will be found to be most interesting.
The novice will be surprised to find that several different kinds of

39

insects frequently emerge from the same gall. These are first of all
the] gall-maker. Then what are known as “ guests” or “ inquilines,”
which do not make the galls, but which live in and upon them after
they are formed, and lastly there are various kinds of parasites which
prey upon the gall-makers and their guests. Trees and plants which
will always supply the collector with material for study are the oaks,
the roses, the various willows, and several kinds of composite plants as
Solidago, Aster and Lactuca. Besides the galls which may be found on
the stems during the winter, there are many more which are formed on
the leaves, which mnst be collected during the summer.

A good deal of work was done last season in breeding insects, both
from the egg and from larve ard pupe collected in the field. This is
without doubt one of the most useful and absorbing branches of En-
tomology. Successful remedies for injurious species can only be
arrived at by carefully working out their life histories, so that
the stage in which they may be most advantageously attacked
may be discovered. In order that this imformation may be com-
plete it is necessary to breed the insects from the egg to ma-
turity. The eggs of many kinds are readily obtained and easily
reared. The leaders are of the opinion that if some of our mem
bers, who have never given any attention to the study of insects would
only collect a single species of the many beautiful butterflies which ap-
pear early in the Spring, confine it over its food-plant until it laid its
eggs, and then watch the caterpillars through their different stages till
they changed to chrysalids, and then again come forth as the perfect
butterflies, that they would find so much pleasure in the observations
that many more would join in the work of this branch. It will always
give them much pleasure to advise or instruct anyone who applies to
them, as to the best means of capturing, confining and treating the
female insccts and the young caterpillars after they hatch, but the oper-
ation may be briefly described as follows. Having caught a female in-
sect of which the food-plant is known, confine it by means of a bag of
gauze tied over a small plant, or if the food-plant be a tree by drawing
the bag over a branqh, so that the insect may have fresh living leaves
to lay upon. Thecage so formed should be go placed that the direct
rays of the sun cannot fall upon it. Eggs will generally be laid in

40

about 48 hours. If they are not, the female should be taken out and
fed with weak sugar and water. In looking for the eggs the bag the
leaves and the stems must all be examined carefully, because although it is
necessary to have the food-plant present the insects will frequently lay
their eggs all over ths netting or on the stems. When the eggs are
laid they should be removed at short intervals and put away in a cool
place, as there are many enemies which woald destroy them.

Eggs hatch in a period varying in different species from 4 to 21
days. The young caterpillars should at once be placed either upon a
living plant of their food or in a tight vessel with some fresh leaves,
‘Tin-covered jelly glasses or small tin canisters are very convenient for
this purpose. The young caterpillars should not be touched with the
hands, but in changing their food the leaf upon which they are resting
should be put back with the fresh leaves. When about to moult their
skins they should not be disturbed.

Amongst rare insects which have been collected during the year,
mention may be made of Chinobas Jutta, (female), from which eggs

were obtained, and the young larve are now being reared.

Fenisecu Tarquinius. Several specimens bred from clusters of
Aaphides, (Schizoneura tesselata), which occur upon the alder.

Lycena Comyntas. One specimen taken at Aylmer.

Amongst injurious insects Cutworms and Locusts attracted most
attention by theenormous numbers in which they occurred.

Several specimens of the larve of the Grape-vine Sphinx (fAil-
ampehus Achemon), were collected, and the large caterpillars of Sphing
Chersis were so numerous upon young Ash trees as in some places to
almost strip them.

The local collections in all orders are being considerably increased
every year, and Mr. Harrington hopes to have a list of the Hymenoptera
ready for publication next month.

JAMES FLETCHER,

W. H. HARRINGTON, } Leaders.
T. J. MacLAUGHLIN,

4]

BOOK NOTICES.

REPORT OF THE EXPEDITION IN THE YUKON District, N. W.T., AND

ADJACENT NORTHERN Portion oF BritisH CoLtumpra.—By Dr.

G. M. Dawson, 1887.

The above report which is upon a portion of the work of the
Yukon Expedition of 1887-88, by Dr. G. M. Dawson, forming Part B.
of the Annual Report of the Geological Survey, (1887) has just been
distributed. In this report Dr. Dawson details the results of that
part of the exploration carried out by himself, adding thereto some
portions of Mr. McConnell’s work during 1887, which belong to the
same genoral region. Further reports, dealing particularly with the
country to the North and East of that covered by this publication, are
stated to be in course of preparation by Mr. R. G. McConnell and Mr.
W. Ogilvie.

The present report is a book of 277 pages, and is accompanied by
an index map, while a detailed map with Geological indications, in
three sheets, including the Strikine, Dease, Upper Liard, Frances,
Pelly, and Lewes Rivers, with adjacent country, is promised in the
course of a few days, under separate cover.

A comparison of the index map, with previous maps professing to
represent the same regions, coupled with Dr. Dawson’s well known
accuracy, shows what an important contribution this report is to our
knowledge of the Geography of North Western Canada. The first
part of the report is of a general character, and in this the ruling
physical and geological features are described, and some facts given
respecting the climate, flora, fauna, and resources of the country as a
whole. In the following part the country examined is taken up by
districts, and greater detail is entered into. Historical notes are also
added for each district, of the exploits of the few earlier explorers, who
originally penetrated this country in the interests of the Hudson Bay
Company, or for other objects.

The report includes seven appendices, of which the first is on the
distribution of trees, the second on the Indian tribes of the regions, the
third a list, by Professor Macoun, of the plants collected (201 species,

of which three are new.) The fourth appendix is zoological, including
D

42

a list by Mr. James Fletcher, of diurnal lepidoptera, a short list of
fishes by Dr. T. H. Bean, and a description of a new mouse by Dr. C.
H. Merriam (see page 11 of this number.) In the fifth appendix Mr.
F, D. Adams describes the microscopical characters of some of the
rocks collected ; the sixth contains meteorological observations, and the
seventh is a survey of the astromomical observations taken along the
route of travel, upon which the positions of places, as given on the map,
depend.

It is, naturally, impossible here to do more than mention some of
the main headings of this valuable report, which, constituting as it does,
the first authentic or systematic account of a vast region, of which very
little has up to the present time been known, cannot fail to be of great
interest to all. This region, even that portion of it which lies to the
North of the 60th parrallel, appears to be possessed of considerable
natural resources, and is by no means the sub-Artic waste, which some
theorists have assumed it to be in advance of its exploration.

J. F.
CoNnTRIBUTIONS TO CANADIAN PAaLMONTOLOGY.—PartT 3—ON Some
Fosstts FRoM THE Triassic Rocks or British Cotumpra—By
J. F. Whiteaves, F.G.S., F.R.S.C., &e.

Distributed advance copies of this contribution, published by the
Geological and Natural History Survey of Canada, contain, besides a
history of the discoveries of Triassic fossils in Canada, notes on and
descriptions of nineteen species, of which the following are new to
science :

1. Spiriferina borealis. 8. Popanoceras * McConnelli.

9. Terebratula Liardensis. 9. Acrochordiceras ? Carlottense.
3. Monotis ovalis. 10. Trachyceras Canadense.

4, Halobia occidentalis. | 11. Arniotites Vancowverensis.
5. Trigonodus ? productus. 12. x sp. tndt,

6. Margarita Triussica. 13. es or Celtites.

7. Nautilus Liardensis. 14. Badiotites Carlottensis.

The remaining five species have been “ identified with previously
described species.” They are Yerebratula Humboldtensis, Monotis
subcircularis, Halobia Lommelli, Arcestes Gabbi, Aulacoceras Carlot-
tense.

The specimens were for the most part collected by the director and
and officers of the Geological Survey during their explorations, and in-
clude the following collections: 1875, Dr. Selwyn. Peace River, lat.
56° 10’, and long. 122° 10’; 1877, Mr. J. Hunter. Upper Pine River,

43

lat. 55° 30’, and long. 122°; 1877, Dr. G. M. Dawson, Whipsaw Creek,
Similkameen River, B.C. and ‘Nicola Series,” Lake Nicola, B.C.; 1878
Dr. G. M. Dawson; Queen Charlotte Islands, several localities ; 1857,
Mr. R. G. McConnell, Liard River, lat. 59° 16’ and long. 125° 35’.

The publication is timely and valuable, and the plates which are to
accompany the text, prepared by Mr. L. M. Lambe, are all ready, and
will be issued shortly in conjunction with part 2 on “ Fossils of the
Hamilton Formation of Ontario,” by the same author.

H. M>A?

On ArcH#ocYATHUS, BILLINGS, AND ON OTHER GENERA, ALLIED TO
oR ASSOCIATED WITH IT, FROM THE CAMBRIAN STRATA OF NORTH
America, Spaty, SarpiniA AND Scotianp.—By Dr. George
Jennings Hinde, F.G.S., &., &e.

Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London. Vol.
XLV, Part I, No. 177. P. 125, et seg. This paper is the result of
an exhaustive and critical study of the genus Archgocyathus, described
by Mr. Billings in 1861 from the Potsdam limestone of L’Anse au
Loup, Labrador, and giving its history as well as that of the allied
genera Ethmophyllum, Meek, Archeocyathellus, Ford, Protocyathus,
Ford, Protopharetra, Bornemann, CUoscinocyathus, B. and Anthomorpha
B. Then follows an interesting chapter on the ‘‘ Mineral nature of
Archeocyathus, and its allies,” after which their ‘‘ mode of growth and
structure ” are fully described—the descriptions of Billings, Meek and
Bornemann having been amended by the undoubtedly ablest authority
on fossil sponges, so that their true nature and affinities are now
revealed. The new genus Spirocyathus has also been created by Dr.
Hinde, to receive Billings’ A. At/anticus.

Regarding the affinities of the Archeocyathine, Dr. Hinde holds
the view that they “belong to a special family of the Zoantharia
sclerodermata (corals) with near relationship (leaving Anthomorpha out of
account) to the ‘‘ Perforata.”

Dr. Hinde then describes two new Genera: Archnceoscyphia
(which is proposed to include Archgzocyathus Minganensis, Billings) and
Nipterella, to include Calathium? paradoxicum, Billings, followed by a
dissertation on T’richospongia, Billings. Archwocyathus is thus considered
to belong to the special family Zountharia sclerodermata, Archeoscy-
phia, is shown to be a lithistid sponge; Vipterella, n.g., the same, and
the genera Calathium and Trichospongia, to be undoubted siliceous
sponges.

A double page plate (Plate V.), of illustrations of the Cambrian
Archezocyathinae and sponges accompany the text and shew the micro-
scopic as well as macroscopic characters of the species represented.

H. M. A.

44

GEOLOGICAL SuRVEY OF THE State or NEw York—PAL#xonrToLoey,
Vou. vi1.—By Prof. James Hall, assisted by Mr. J. M. Clarke.

This handsome volume contains, figures and descriptions of the
Crustacea belonging to the Upper Helderberg (Corniferous), Hamilton,
Portage, Chemung and Catskill groups. Amongst the specimens
described the following forms from Canada are noticed, ten of which
are new to science and are referred to in the following list :—Phacops
cristata, H. var., pipa, N. var. ; P. rana, Green ; Dalmanites ( Hausma-
nnia) pleuroptyx, Green ; D. (H.) concinnus, H., D. (H.) concinnus,
H, var. serrula, N. var., D. (H.) phacoptyx, N. sp. ; Dalmanites (Cry-
phaeus) comis, N.sp.; Dalmanites (Chasmops) anchiops, Green ;
Acidaspis callicera, N. sp. ; Lichas ( Terataspis ) grandis, Hall, ( Lichas
superbus, Billings); Lichas (Hoplolichas) hyleus, N.sp. Proetus
crassimarginatus, Hall; P. stenopyge, N. sp.; P. delphinulus, N.
sp.; P. tumidus, N.sp.; P. Phocion, Billings; Phethonides areni-
colus, N. sp. and Cyphaspis minuseula, N. sp.

The above species are all from Western Ontario, Canada, except
Proetus Phocion, which occurs in Gaspé, Quebec, Port Colborne, Cayuga
and Walpole are the principal localities from which the above species
were obtained.

There is in addition, Pt. II of Vol. V, Pal., N.Y., (supplement)
on Pteropoda, Cephalopoda and Annelida from the Niagara, Lower and
Upper Helderberg, Hamilton and Waverly groups of New York State.

H. M. A.

i)

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA.

The next annual meeting of the above society will be held in this
city upon the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th of May.

The different sections will meet in the Committee Rooms of the
House of Commons, and the members of the Club have been specially
invited to attend.

Our President, Dr. Ells, will represent the Club, and if any mem-
bers wish to submit papers they should at once communicate with him,
so that the necessary arrangements may be made for their presentation
before the proper section.

:0:

AUTHORS’ EXTRAS.

It has been decided by the Council that authors of papers, which
appear in the Orrawa NATURALIST, may in future procure extras of
their articles, by paying the actual cost of printing, and 25 cents for the
Club funds. This will be $1.25 for 100 copies of any article under 8
pages in length. Orders for extras must be sent in to the editor, at least
one week before the issue of the quarterly parts.

45

NOTES ON THE GEOLOGICAL RELATIONS AND MODE OF
OCCURRENCE OF SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT
ECONOMIC MINERALS OF EASTERN QUEBEC.

R. W. ELLS, LL.D., F.G.S.A.

That part of the Province of Quebec situated to the south and east
of the River St. Lawrence, in which is included the portion more par-
ticularly styled the Eastern Townships, may be briefly stated to have a
length of about 470 miles from the boundary of the State of Vermont
to the extremity of Gaspé, with a breadth of from 100 to 120 miles
between Montreal and the boundaries of Maine and New Hampshire.
This breadth, however, gradua!ly decreases northward until a short dis-
tance below Quebec it becomes less than thirty miles. Beyond this it
assumes greater proportions, and in the peninsula of Gaspé itself, which
projects like a huge finger into the Galf of St. Lawrence, the distance
from shore to shore is not less than seventy to seventy-five miles.

Through the interior of this area, and in most cases not far from
its central line, a belt of hilly country, with elevations reaching in places
a height of 3,500 to 4,000 feet above the sea, extends, with a few inter-
ruptions, throughout the entire distance. These hills are known under
various names, as the Sutton Mountain Range to the south-west, the
Stoke Mountains near Sherbrooke, the Buckland Hills north of the
Chaudiére River, and the Notre-Dame Range which has a considerable
extent in Gaspé and is there further distinguished by the title of the
Shick-Shocks. To the south-west, in Vermont, the continuation of
these hills is known as the Green Mountains, the extension of which,
under different names, can be traced nearly to the Gulf of Mexico.

The fertility of much of the country throughout this portion of the
Province is well known. Underlaid to a great extent by a broad area
of slaty rocks, with which is associated a considerable development of
limestone, their decay has produced a soil of great value to the husband-
man; so that what is known as the “Eastern Townships” has long
enjoyed a most enviable reputation both for farming and dairying opera-
tions, and here are found some of the most celebrated farms and stock
centres of Canada. The eastern or Gaspé section has, on the other

hand, remained comparatively unknown ; the general impression being
E

46

that its surface and climatal conditions were unfavorable to the labors
of the husbandman. While, to a certain extent, this may be true of
certain portions, large areas exist there which, underlaid by the cal-
careous slates and limestones of the Silurian and Devonian systems,
possess a soil almost precisely similar to that on which the most pros-
perous settlements of western New Brunswick are situated, as seen in
the counties of Carleton and Victoria ; while through the interior of
the peninsula extends a broad area, having no great elevation above the
sea, bounded on either hand by lofty ranges, and which, but for its
present comparative inaccessibility, would doubtless have long since
been brought into prominence as a desirable country for the farmer or
the stock-raiser. In this broad valley, which extends from the Meta-
pedia River to the Gaspé Basin, most of the larger streams of the penin-
sula take their rise. On the hill slopes great quantities of valuable
timber, spruce, pine and cedar, are found, while the upper portions of
the rivers flow through extensive hay swamps, and the conditions are
such, apparently, as to greatly favor the successful development of this
section so soon as easy means of access are provided. At the present
time the population is confined entirely to a narrow strip on either
shore, but more particularly to the south side or that bordering on the
Bay des Chaleurs, where the value of the rich soils of the Lower Car-
boniferous formation has long been known.

More than forty years ago, Logan and Murray explored many of
the streams of the Gaspé district and scaled the rugged peaks of the
Shick-Shoek range, not only for the purpose of studying their structure,
but in order to effectively carry out a system of triangulation by which
the prominent hill features of this almost inaccessible portion could be
accurately mapped. Since then others have traversed the country in
nearly every available direction, and have outlined its physical and
geological structure with much care. It is, however, in that portion of
the Province lying to the south and east of the St. Lawrence, between
Quebec and the American boundary, that by far the greatest amount
of detailed geological work has been done, and here, as everyone familiar
with the history of Canadian geology knows, some of the most interest-
ing and difficult problems peculiar to the science are presented, the com-
plete working out of which has not yet been accomplished. Here the

47

complicated structure of the rock masses which compose the mountain
ranges, and the faulted, crumpled and widely different character of much
of the strata on either side have given rise to a great diversity of
opinion regarding their true position in the geological scale. In Canada
these problems have been discussed mostly under the head of the Quebee
group, while in the adjoining States the fight has been carried on under
the name of the Taconic controversy.

The earliest expressed views of Sir Wm. Logan, in 1847, assumed
that the age of the mountain ridges of the Eastern Townships was pro-
bably that of the Hudson River division of the New York geologists,
Although the rocks were for the most part in a highly crystalline con-
dition, they were supposed to be the metamorphic equivalents of the
comparatively unaltered and frequently highly fossiliferous sediments
which occupied the greater part of the country between their slopes and
the St. Lawrence. All traces of these fossils were held to be eliminated
by the process of metamorphism to which the strata had been subjected,
and by which, also, the shales and sandstones were converted into highly
crystalline schists and chlorite rocks. ;

This view as to the metamorphism of the fossiliferous strata of the
south side of the river was maintained by most workers in this field for
nearly twenty-five years, although the opinion formerly expressed as to
the Hudson River age had been modified in 1860 by Sir Wm. Logan,
owing to the discovery of a great series of fossils in the rocks about
Point Lévis and at other points which clearly indicated that their true
position was at the bottom of the Cambro-Silurian system rather than
at the top as had so long been supposed. As early, however, as 1862,
Mr. Thomas Macfarlane compared the crystalline schists and associated
rocks of the Eastern Townships with the upper part of the primitive
schist formation of Norway, and also with the copper-bearing series of
Lake Superior. The resemblance of the two series was also pointed out
by Sir Wm. Logan, in the Geology of Canada, 1863. The Huronian
aspect and probable age of these crystalline rocks was first recognized
and publicly stated by Dr. Hunt, in 1871, and later, in 1877, by Dr.
Selwyn, while in the late report on this portion of Quebec by the writer,
1826, these rocks are described under the general term Pre-Cambrian,
by which is meant that they constitute a group unconformably beneath

48

what are regarded as the Lower Cambrian quartzites and slates of that
area.

Briefly speaking, the structure of the metamorphic rocks of
south-eastern Quebec may be said to consist of a series of approximately
parallel ridges or anticlinals of Pre-Cambrian age, of which at Jeast
three have been definitely located. The most easterly of these is found
along the boundary between Maine and the eastern limit of the Prov-
ince, the middle is seen in the Stoke Mountain range and its expansion
south-westerly to Lake Memphremagog, while the third constitutes the
Sutton Mountain range and its prolongation to the north-east through
the Province to Gaspé.

The intervals between these ranges are occupied by overlying sedi-
ments, mostly sandstones and slates of various colors, which, in places,
are fossiliferous, and are now regarded and described in the Geological
Report for 1886 as of Cambrian and Cambro-Silurian age. With these
are associated areas, often of large size, of diorites, serpentines and
granitic rocks. At several points, also, small, isolated and, at times,
closely infolded basins of fossiliferous Silurian strata are observed.
Between the most westerly of the old ridges and the St. Lawrence
River the country is apparently occupied to a very large extent by rocks
of Cambro-Silurian and Upper Cambrian age, much of which constitute
what has for many years been regarded as the unaltered portion of the
Quebec group, while the newer portion or that nearest the river is
characterized, throughout a large extent, by fossils of the Hudson River
and Utica formations.

The mineral wealth of this portion of Quebec is confined, for the
most part, to the older systems, viz., the Pre-Cambrian and Cambrian,
and though traces of various ores are occasionally found in the newer,
in no case yet observed do these occur in quantity sufficient to be of
economic value. Thus the workable deposits of copper ore exist princi-
pally in the Pre-Cambrian schists, though they have been located and
worked, to a limited extent, in rocks of the overlying system. The ores
of éron are found also mostly in the lowest series, and when found in
the upper are largely confined to the volcanic portion, sometimes in the
serpentines where veins often of large size occur, The gold, which,
however, has not as yet been worked except as an alluvial deposit, pre-

49

sumably comes, to a very large extent at least, from quartz veins in the
Cambrian slates and quartzites, though it may also occur in limited
quantity in the Cambro-Silurian, and has been detected in metalliferous
lodes in the older crystalline schists. The asbestus is almost entirely
confined to the serpentines of the volcanic portion of what has been
styled the Lower Cambrian, and which occurs probably as an alterative
product from dioritic rocks, rich in olivine. The serpentine is generally
associated with slates and hard sandstones of that system. The chromic
iron is also confined to this belt of rocks. The silver ores, which, in
places, carry a fair percentage of gold, apparently belong to the same
horizon as the auriferous quartz veins, though small deposits of
argentiferous galena are found with rocks of the upper part of the
Silurian system in Gaspé; while the ores of antimony occur in a series
of slaty and micaceous schists which are either low down in the Cam-
brian or lie near the summit of the underlying system.

The sources of mineral wealth more especially prominent at the
present time in Eastern Quebec, and about which the greatest amount of
interest is centred, are three in number, viz, copper, asbestus and gold,
and as these bid fair to increase annually in importance, a brief glance
at their history and geological relations may be of interest.

The first official reports on the copper deposits of the Eastern
Townships by the Canadian Geological Survey were made by the late Sir
W. E. Logan, in 1847, when attention was directed by him to the
occurrence in the townships of Ascot, Upton and Inverness of that
mineral, which places were recommended by him as localities for trial.
Explorations proceeded rapidly and resulted in the location of numerous
mines at various points, principally in what was then regarded as the
metamorphic portion of the series, subsequently styled the Quebec
group, and more especially in what was afterward regarded as the
middle and upper divisions of that group, viz., the Lauzon and Sillery
formations, These rocks were at tbat time supposed to be arranged in
a series of generally parallel synclinals, extending north-east and south-
west. In the first or more westerly of these were placed the copper
areas of Roxton, Upton and Acton ; in the second, those of Durham,
Tingwick, Inverness, Chester, Halifax and Leeds; while the third,
together with what was regarded as the double synclinal of Sutton

50

Mountain, included, in addition to rocks somewhat similar to those of
the other two, great masses of serpentine, potstone and soapstone, and
was seen in Bolton, Brompton and Broughton. The extensive deposits
of Acton were supposed to belong to the upper or Sillery division.

Of the many copper mines which were started some twenty-five
years ago, or when the copper boom was at its highest, very few are at
present in operation. Of many of those which long since suspended
operation, several causes for their discontinuance may be assigned. In
some cases their failure was doubtless largely caused by a lack of size in
the mineral veins ; in others this was due presumably to the poverty or
leanness of the ore as well, a conjunction which, taken in connection
with the depressed condition of the copper market, rendered the profita-
ble extraction of the mineral impossible. The difficulty of producing
metallic copper under such adverse conditions was such that, although
extensive smelting works had been erected at large expense at several
points, these had of necessity to be abandoned, and have rapidly fallen
into decay, The ores from the great lodes of Capelton have for years
been shipped direct from the mines to the extensive acid works near
New York, where they were treated directly for the manufacture of
sulphuric acid, the residue being subsequently utilized for the extraction
of the metallic copper, and in this way, owing to the great extent of the
deposit and the facilities for mining and shipment, the mines at this
place have continued to be worked ata profit. Within the last two
years, sulphuric acid works have been started on the spot, by which
means the expense of transferring so great a bulk of raw material can
be avoided. Could this new industry be combined with that of the
production of phosphate from the Ottawa valley, and the manufacture
of artificial fertilizers established on the larger scale, still further benefit
should accrue ; since undoubtedly, in view of the present greatly impov-
erished condition of much of the wheat-producing lands of Ontario and
Quebec, the use of these fertilizers must of necessity shortly become
very considerable, or the profitable raising of wheat in these countries
must become a thing of the past. Jn character, the copper ores of the
townships may be classed under three heads, viz., the yellow sulphuret
or chalcopyrite, with which is very frequently found a large percentage
of iron pyrites; the vitreous or copper glance; and the variegated, other-

51

wise known by the names of purple copper, erubescite and peacock or
horse-flesh ore. The deposits of the first have their greatest develop-
ment in Bolton, Hatley and Ascot, the associated rocks being for the
most part chloritic slates, dioritic rocks and sometimes serpentines.
The important} mines of this area are those south of the city of Sher-
brooke, at Capelton, and the Huntington mine, in Bolton. The other
varieties are more frequently found in the most westerly belt of
cupriferous schists, as seen in the townships of Acton, Halifax, Leeds,
etc., where they are generally associated with dolomitic limestones and
nacreous or micaceous ‘schists. Among the most celebrated mines of
this area may be mentioned those of Acton and Harvey Hill, at both of
which localities very extensive workings were carried on for many
years.

The occurrence of copper lodes of such size as are found at several
points, notably in that portion of Ascot, south of the city of Sherbrooke
is probably, to some extent, due to the presence of dioritic dykes and
asses, often of large extent, which penetrate the cupriferous schists of
that area. This feature is also seen at several other points in connec-
tion with the deposits of Sutton, Bolton and Brompton, though, at
times, the diorite has changed its character and passed into a more or
less pure serpentine, the two kinds of rocks being frequently intimately
associated.

The asbestus industry, which from its inception has steadily but
rapidly increased in rmportance, bids fair to shortly become one of the
leading mining industries of the Province. While the occurrence of
this mineral has been known for many years and has been referred to in
several of the early reports of the Geological Survey, its real economic
value was apparently undiscovered till within a comparatively recent
period. Although occurring to some extent with the serpentines which
are associated with the limestones of the Laurentian district north of
the River Ottawa, the development in this direction has not yet been
sufficiently studied to warrant a clear expression as to the actual value
of the deposits in this quarter, and the economic production of this
mineral is as yet entirely confined in Canada, or at least in Quebec, to
the belt of serpentine rocks which have been mentioned as forming a
part of the volcanic belt of the Lower Cambrian of that Province.

52

The stratified rocks associated with the serpentines are black,
green, grey and purple slates, with, occasionally, conglomerates, and
sometimes beds of hard quartzose sandstone. The diorites, with which
they are intimately associated, frequently form great mountain masses,
as at Orford, Ham, Thetford, etc., and in texture are both massive
and concretionary, while in color they range from shades of green to
brown.

The serpentines are in places penetrated by dykes and sometimes
considerable areas of a hard, whitish granite or granulite, often com-
posed entirely of quartz and orthoclase felspar, but at times containing
an admixture of mica, Whatever may be the age of these granite
dykes, they certainly are newer than the rock with which they are now
associated, since they are frequently seen to cut directly across the
serpentines and to produce an alteration in the mass at the contact ;
and the view is held by many of those engaged in mining asbestus that
the influence of the dykes upon the serpentine which they penetrate is
apparently the same in regard to the favorable production of asbestus
veins as the presence of diorite dykes on copper or other mineral-bearing
strata in the production of metalliferous lodes.

In Quebec the serpentine extends for many miles, and is found at
intervals from the Vermont boundary almost to the extremity of Gaspé,
the most easterly outcrop in this direction being what is known as
Mount Serpentine, on the Dartmouth River, about eleven miles from
its outlet into Gaspé Basin. It presents a very large development in
the Shick-Shock Mountains, where, at the south west extremity, a spur
from the main mass cuts strata of hard dolomitic limestone and con-
glomerate in a dyke-like mass of 150 feet in width. Further west,
though outcrops may exist in the great belt of comparatively unknown
lands in rear of River Du Loup and Rimouski, its presence is not yet
known in this direction till we reach the road leading south from St.
Thomas to the boundary of Maine, about forty-four miles east of the
Chaudiére River. There several small knolls are found which appar-
ently mark the eastern termination of the Cambrian volcanic belt.
Further west, the serpentine occurs in limited areas with the dioritic
masges of Cranbourne and Ware, and in several small outcrops on the
Chaudiére between St. Joseph and St. Francis ; but in the Townships

53

of Thetford, Coleraine, Wolfestown and Ham a sudden and marked
development is noticed, the rock forming great mountain masses, as
seen about Black Lake and in Wolfe. Isolated areas are also found in
the St. Francis River basin at Brompton, Melbourne and near Dan-
ville, but at no place is there such a great development visible as in
Coleraine and Thetford. Other small areas, constituting part of the
second or Stoke Mountain anticlinal, exist in the vicinity of Massawippi
Lake, in Hatley, while the areas of Oxford and Bolton have already
been indirectly referred to. While traces of asbestus are found at
nearly every one of these localities, in many places the indications of it
observed are insignificant, though over large areas, it must be con-
fessed, the examinations yet made have been but cursory, and these
may yet yield this peculiar and valuable mineral in abundance, It is,
however, apparent that all serpentine is not equally rich in asbestus,
for even in the most productive areas great differences in this respect
are visible, and large portions of the belt are made up of what is called
barren rock. As a general rule, the different kinds of serpentine,
whether likely to be productive or not, can be determined by outward
characters, either by peculiarities of weathering or by the texture and
color of the mass of the rock itself. At Thetford and in the northern
part of Coleraine, more particularly about Black Lake, certain peculiar
conditions appear to have prevailed which have affected the great ser-
pentine masses there, and led to the formation in large quantity of the
mineralized form of asbestus, the veins here being not only very numer-
ous, often interlacing the rock in all directions, but being also of large
size, reaching a width at times of over six inches, while many of them
range from two to four inches. In quality of fibre also a marked differ-
ence from that found at several other points is apparent by its greater
softness and silkiness, which give it a special value for the many pur-
poses of manufacture for which it is most in demand.

In its mode of occurrence asbestus appears to follow closely the
principles which are known to affect metalliferous lodes in general.
The veins have the aspect of segregation veins, the fibres in all cases,
unless disturbed, being at right angles to the sides of the fissure, and in
many cases, more especially in those of larger size, the fibre is broken
near the centre by particles or grains of magnetic or chromic iron

o4

which at times form small partings, affecting to some extent the value
of the material. The containing rock shows the presence of numerous
faults, as in other mineral localities, which throw the veins from side
to side, and at times completely cut off the entire working face of the
mine. The sides of the fissure are in such cases extensively slicken-
sided, and often have streaks of coarse, woody-fibred or imperfect asbes-
tus along the’planes of fracture. The growing importance of this indus-
try may be seen from the fact that the output of the mineral has
increased from 50 tons in 1878 to over 4,500 tons in 1888, while the
demand and value are rapidly improving.

Apparently confined almost exclusively to the same group of Cam-
brian rocks are the gold deposits of Eastern Quebec. First discovered
in 1835 on the Chaudiére River and its tributaries, this industry for a
long time almost entirely appertained to this locality, though a second
and possibly quite as important gold field has been worked to some
extent for the last fifteen or twenty years in the extreme south-easterly
part of the Province, in the Township of Ditton. The rocks which
constitute not only those which we now regard as the original source
of the gold of this section, but the overlying Cambro-Silurian slates
and limestones as well, were for many years regarded as of Upper
Silurian age, although their resemblance to the Cambrian gold-bearing
series of Nova Scotia had been pointed out long since by Sir Wm.
Logan, Dr. Selwyn, Dr. Hunt and others; and the only reason apparent
why these rocks were allowed for so many years to remain in the
Silurian system was that the great importance of the geological prob-
lems pertaining to the structure of the metamorphic portion withdrew
attention almost entirely from this area.

The Silurian age of these sediments was first of all inferred by the
officers of the Geological Survey from their supposed resemblance to the
rocks of that system which had been studied in Gaspé, and it was sup-
posed that these formed the western prolongation of the Gaspé limestone
series. The presence, also, of areas of fossiliferous Silurian and Devonian
strata at various points, which were in places so intimately associated
with the rocks of the great eastern basin as at first sight to appear to
form an integral portion of the series, supported this first view as to
heir apparent horizon. In the subsequent detailed study of the country

55

many of the masses of black slate and limestone were found to be fossil-
iferous, but the determination of their organic remains showed that
these clearly belonged to a lower system and that they were in fact of
the same horizon as the limestones and slates of Richmond and vicinity,
whose Cambro-Silurian age had been determined some years before,
while the stratigraphical working out of the district proved that these
rocks were clearly superimposed upon the quartzites and slates of the
Chaudiére gold series and upon a similar set of rocks which extended
along the border of Maine and New Hampshire.

Although for a long time after the first discovery of the gold in
the Chaudiére district its source was unknown, a series of investigations
and assays, conducted by Dr. Hunt and Mr. Michel and published in
1866, clearly proved the auriferous character of many of the quartz
veins of this district. Subsequent investigations have shown that the
principle now recognized in the gold fields of Nova Scotia, viz., that the
rich gold leads are for the most part confined to the vicinity of the anti-
clinals, in all probability applies to the similar rocks of Quebec ; since
at Ditton, where rich alluvial werkings also exist, the gold is generally
found in the greatest quantity in close proximity to the anticlinal areas
which are there well defined. On the Chaudiére the same principle
will doubtless be found to apply, though here probably some of the anti-
clinals are overturned and their location will in consequence be more
difficult.

The establishing of the horizon of these gold-bearing slates and
quartzites as the equivalent of those so long worked in Nova Scotia is
very important, since it should tend to make more simple the location
of future operations in this direction. In the area occupied by these
rocks most of the coarse gold yet found has been obtained in close prox-
imity to well defined quartz leads, and much of it has without doubt
been derived from the decomposition of these veins, some of which can
be traced for a considerable distance ; while over the great area of the
overlying Cambro-Silurian sediments of the eastern basin, though gold
is found at a number of points, and in fact can be washed from the
gravels of nearly every stream, this gold is always fine in character, and
its distribution is apparently due either to glacial action or to the-
conditions that succeeded that period, by which the sands and gravels

56

which are found over a large portion of this district were laid down.
It is also probable that the frequent intrusions of dioritic rocks, seen
both on the Chaudiére, where the richest workings are situated, and
at points through the Ditton area, have had some influence in
determining the presence of gold in quantity in these districts, since
there are considerable areas of Cambrian strata in this section from
which but little, if any, gold has yet been reported.

The presence of old pre-glacial channels in many of the streams
flowing into the Chaudiére from either side has of late years been
clearly established, and their lower portions have, in most cases where
excavated, been found to contain much gold, both fine and coarse.
These channels are often of considerable depth, and are filled with sand
and gravel, the boulder clay being found at the top or near the present
surface of the country. In the washings of the lower auriferous
gravels much black sand is obtained. Although but few of these
channels have been fully tested, the great richness of those uf the Gil-
bert stream, and at several other points in the vicinity, testify to the
great importance of this feature in the interests of the gold production
of this area. No examinations for gold, of any scientific value, have yet
been made in that portion of the Gaspé Peninsula occupied by rocks
of Pre-Cambrian and Cambrian age, though reports of its presence
along the flanks of the Shick Shock range have been current for years.
The comparative inaccessibility of much of this country has hitherto
deterred explorers from making a thorough trial of this section, though
there are many points that should receive careful investigation both
from the prospects of finding a new gold field and from the possible
occurrence of asbestus and chromic iron in workable quantity in some
part of the great serpentine areas about the heads of the Ste. Anne
and Cascapedia Rivers. The presence of the latter mineral was reported
from this locality many years ago.

The presence of gold in connection with tbe veins of rich argen-
tiferous galena found on the upper waters of the Du Loup, a branch of
the Chaudiére River, in the Townships of Risborough and Marlow, is
also of interest in this connection. The percentage of silver from these
veins, varying from $25 to over $400 per ton, is such as to make this
locality one of considerable economic importance, and further attention

a s

57

will doubtless be directed to these upon their being made easily acces-
sible by the present projected line of railway, which it is anticipated will
cross this section. At this place also the richest ore by assay is found
in close proximity to a dioritic dyke of considerable magnitude.

An attempt was made some halt dozen years ago to extract the
gold from the banks of clay, sand and gravel along the Du Loup, a
tributary from the east of the Chaudiére, by the hydraulic method.
Owing to various unfavorable circumstances this enterprise does not
appear to have been remunerative. The failure in this case should
not, however, be regarded as conclusive, as determining the unprofit-
ableness of such an enterprise, either on this stream or the many
others in this locality, since from a series of trial washings over con-
siderable areas made in 1851-52 under the supervision of an officer of
the Geological Survey the results obtained from the Du Loup district
were such as to fully warrant the employment of this method for the
separation of the gold on a large scale. The occurrence of nuggets of
large size, some of which had a value of over $1,000, from the aurifer-
ous gravels of this district is a very important feature, since such coarse
gold has not in all probability travelled any considerable distance from
its source. Comparing the very low percentage of gold which is profit-
ably extracted from the gravels of California and Australia by this
method with the yield obtained in the experimental trials just referred
to in the Chaudiére district, there should, for that section, be a very
handsome margin for profit over expenditure, provided the topographi-
cal features of these streams are such as to render the use of the
hydraulic method possible ; and it is certainly but reasonable to expect
that the time is not far distant when with the aid of proper and skilled
mining experience, and by the judicious expenditure of capital, the gold
industries of this portion of the Dominion will be found to be equally
valuable with those either of British Columbia or of Nova Scotia.

58

THe Boranist.—Beinc THE Boranica, Part oF A CoURSE OF
Lectures In NaTurRAL History, DELIVERED IN THE UNIVERSITY
oF CAMBRIDGE, TOGETHER WITH A DISCOURSE ON THE PRINCIPLES
oF ViTatity, By Brensyamin Waternouse, M.D., Boston, 1811.

By H, Beaumont Small, M.D.

There has recently come into my possession a copy of the first
botanical lectures delivered in America. Just one hundred years ago,
1788, Doctor Benjamin Waterhouse was authorized by Harvard Uni-
versity to deliver to “such students as shall obtain permission from
their parents or guardians, a course of lectures on Natural History.”
The book itself was printed in 1811, but the lectures are corrected up
to, and dated, 1804.

It is somewhat out of place to take up the time of the meeting
with such a paper, but the fact of these lectures being the beginning
of the teaching of botany in this country, and the strangeness of some of
the views expressed in them, may give it interest. I shall only refer as
concisely as possible to some of the most striking oddities that have at-
tracted my attention.

The lectures follow much the same course as those delivered at the
present day. They commence with the seed and continue with a con-
sideration of the stem, leaves, buds, blossoms and fruit. Interspersed
are a history of the science of botany, sketches of the lives of Linnaeus,
and other of the early botanists, and a history of botanic gardens. The
last seems to have been suggested by the fact that such a garden was
being talked of at the University at the time.

His opening remarks seem to imply that the lectures on other
branches of natural history had been delivered,and that now he entered
the field of botany. They also indicate the novelty of the subject :—

« As natural history is a subject that has excited some attention for
more than a dozen years past at the University in this place ; and as
that branch of it denominated botany has lately become a topie of con-
versation, and likely to become more so, we have thought that it would
conduce to good, if we laid before the public a few essays on this pleas-
ant department of nature.”

Further on we learn what he proposes :—‘‘Some of the leading
principles of this charming science we mean to extend through a series

59

of monthly essays....... We shall give our doctrine a dress partaking
more of the popular than of the scientific garb.”

His tenets he states plainly :—‘‘ We avow Linnaeus to Le our law-
ful chief ; and his Philosophia Botanica our rallying point and stand-
ard.”

In describing the seed, he likens it to an egg, and states that they
are “in structure, essentially thesame. It (the seed) is not a dead sub-
stance like a pebble or a pearl ; but it is a body regularly organized and
arranged harmoniously into a system of vessels, glands and membranes ;
and it is, moreover, like a prolific egg, alive, or at least in a state of
fitness to be acted upon by certain external agents, which agents are
fire (caloric), air and water.” After further comparisons, he con-
tinues :—“ there is a small quantity of vital air in a sac, bladder or
partition at the big end of every bird’s egg ; and we presume that there
is a small portion of the same kind of fluid in every seed ; or it may be
oxygen in a concentrated state, which is afterwards combined with

caloric in the process of incubation.”

As to the food of plants, he says :—‘‘ From numerous well con-
ducted experiments, it appears that a mucilage, produced by the decom-
position of vegetable and animal recrements, constitutes the food or
aliment of plants. This mucilage is formed from stable manures, from
rain water putrified, from dew, as well as from dead animals and vegeta-
Bled 8% To reconcile the doctrine taught by some, that salt is the
active principle in manures, it should be remembered that putrifaction
has two stages ; the first converts animal and vegetable substances into
a mucilage, and the second converts that mucilage into one or more
species of salt.”

Describing the structure of plants, he is generally very correct, but
some of the parts were hardly understood, for instance :—‘ The _princi-
pal vessels are of two kinds, tubes and cel/s. The tubes run from the roots
to the different parts of the plant...... they terminate in the cells,
which cells contain the peculiar juices of the plant. The tubes contain
the sap-juice.”

He also says :—‘‘ In the root, the tubes are opened only at the
extreme point, and fluids cannot be absorbed anywhere else.”

60

The pith, particularly, is remarkable. ‘“ It is a spongy or vesicular
substance, according to Linnaeus, essential to the life of the vegetable.
Se It gives birth to the buds......Some botanists of the first rank
believe that it is, in a plant, what the brain and spinal marrow are in
the inferior order of animals.”

The vascular system is stated to be made up of three kinds of
vessels :—“ The sap vessels, which convey the sap-juice...... They run
perpendicularly, and pass principally between the wood and the bark ;
and though imperceptible, they must pervade other parts......

‘“‘The proper vessels...... which contain the peculiar scented
fluids.

"The air vessels 5... . These are found in the wood and in the
alburnum, but not in the bark...... They carry other fluids besides
air.”

In describing buds, he recognizes the fact that some give rise to the
leaf and some to the flower, but continues :—‘‘ As many plants have no
SHOE, 2 as it is evident that buds are not parts essential to a veget-
able.”

“ Glove observers of nature have remarked that, about midsummer,
there is a kind of pause in vegetation, for perhaps a fortnight ; and it is
believed that leaf buds may be changed into flower buds, and flower
buds into leaf buds, The probability of this idea is confirmed, says the
ingenious author of ‘The Botanic Garden’ (Darwin), by the curious
conversion of the parts of a flower into green leaves.”

The leaves he terms, as we do to-day, the lungs of the plant, and
describes two sets of vessels in them, as in the human body, one to con-
vey the sap to the surface to be acted upon, the other set to carry back
the improved fluid. The varnish on leaves he claims to be beeswax.

His knowledge of the anatomy of the parts of the flower was, of
course, very perfect, modelled as it was on the teachings of Linnaeus,
but whenever he launches into theory he is lost—for instance, in dis-
cussing the secretions of the flowers :—-

“ An insect is nourished by honey. May it not be needful that
the flower, during the process of fructification, should be nourished by
honey from the nectaries? Sugar is formed in the joints of the canes,
for, perhaps, a similar purpose.”

61

The production of wax is also explained : —

“This powder {pollen) is collected by the bees ; and is formed by
some secret process in their bodies into wax ; which isa singular species
of vegetable oil, rendered concrete by a peculiar acid in the insect.”

In discussing the uses of the several parts of the flower he says :—
«We cannot believe, with most botanists, that the corolla has no other
use in the vegetable economy than merely to cover and guard the sexual
Orfans...... An artery belongs to each portion of the corolla ; which
conveys the vegetable blood to the extremities of the petal, there expos-
ing it to the light and to the air, under a delicate membrane ; when it
often changes its color, and is seen beautifully in partly-colored tulips
and poppies...... It is presumed that this breathing and circulating
structure has for its end the sustenance of the anthers and stigma ; as
well as for the elaboration of honey, wax and essential oil ; and. for per-
fecting the prolific powder.”

He thus describes Linnaeus’s theory of fructification :—“ The
medullary part of the plant, that is to say, the pith, must be joined
with the external or cortical part, for the purpose of producing a new
one. If the medulla be so vigorous as to burst through its containing
vessels and thus mix with the cortical part, a bud is produced ; other-
wise, the medulla is extended until it terminates in the pistellum ; and
the cortical part is likewise elongated till it terminates in the anthere.”

Such are a few of the lessons taught to our first botanists. Many
others might have been instanced, but these are sufficient to give an
idea of the obscurity of many of the points. In the anatomy of the
plants he is as proficient as we are at the present day, and the descrip-
tions are exactly such as will be found in our text books ; it is in the
physiology of vegetable life that he fails, and itis here that all the
progress has been made since that time.

One thing particularly noticeable is the excellence of the language
and composition, and the care shown in the arrangement of each lec-
ture ; also the success of his efforts to make them interesting and attrac-
tive. To give you an idea of this feature of his work, it will not be out
of place to conclude with the following extract from one of his lec-

tures.
F

62

He refers to the discontent of human nature, and continues, allud-
ing to man :—“ He is apt to compare himself to the plant, and to repine
at the difference. He observes the pride of our forests, shedding his
leaves in the autumn ; and sees them renovated in the spring, and going
on re-clothing and flourishing through ages, while he, surveying his
decayed and nerveless limbs, sighs out in despair :—‘ There is no
returning spring for me!’...... The plant is annually renovated, while
the lord of the earth, with all his towering faculties, withers and sinks.
But this is judgment by sense and sight alone.

Believe the muse : the wintry blast of death
Kills not the buds of virtue ; no, they spread
Beneath the heavenly beam of brighter suns,

””)

Thro’ endless ages, into higher flowers.

:0:
EXCURSION TO KINGSMERE.

The first general excursion of the season was held on May 18th.
The opportunity it afforded for a day’s outing was taken advantage of
by about one hundred and forty of the members and their friends, thus
making it the most largely attended excursion ever held by the club.
King’s Mountain, the highest of the Laurentian Hills in this neighbor-
hood, was the objective point, and the route lay along what is known as
the “‘ lower road,” which leads through one of the most picturesque
stretches of country in this vicinity. Fairy Lake, lying to the south of |
the road, is aptly named, for it is a most beautiful and dainty little
sheet of water, fringed with trees, and nestling snugly among the sur-
rounding hills. Further west the road skirts the base of a bold jutting
spur of the mountains, while stretching away towards Aylmer, lies a
broad flat plain of excellent farming land, dotted with well kept and
prosperous-looking homesteads. All along the road the air was heavy
with the perfume of lilacs and late apple blossoms, and the Bobolinks
hovering over the luxuriant green meadows made the air ring with their
liquid musical notes, whilst butterflies of varied hues added further
brilliance to the sun-lit landscape. With such sights and sounds to
divert their attention, the excursionists hardly realized that it was
“ ninety in the shade,” and enjoyed the drive in spite of the heat, but,

63

when the foot of the mountain was reached, they did not forget that it
was lunch time, and before long had reduced the weight of their baskets
to such an extent that they could easily be carried up the steep moun-
tain road to the rendezvous at the west end of Kingsmere.

After a short rest, a large number of the excursionists ascended the
mountain by the winding path prepared for the Princess Louise, while
two of the more adventurous climbed the face of the hill, a steep and
arduous climb, especially on such a hot day. Here, spread out before
them, and stretching for miles to the east, south and west, lay the beau-
tiful Ottawa Valley, diversified by hill and plain, woodland and open
country, and dotted with scattered villages, hamlets, and homesteads.
Like molten silver under the now hazy sunlight, ran the Ottawa, sweep-
ing in grand curves across the landscape, here widening out into a
majestic lake, and there stretching its tributary arms to the north and
south. In the middle distance rose the towers and spires of Ottawa
and her twin sister, Hull, and to the north, as far as the eye could
reach, lay the “everlasting hills,” their rugged deformities of outline
but little softened by their enfolding mantle of green forest.

After enjoying to the full the many beauties of the scene, as well
as the delightfully cool breeze wafted from the lake at Aylmer, the
party started for the rendezvous and found it a good deal easier coming
down than going up.

When all had assembled at the foot of the hill, they were photo-
graphed by Mr. Jarvis, who is a member of the club, after which the
President, Dr. R. W. Ells, made a short but pithy address, which was
received in a manner that showed the popularity of the new president
of the club. He was followed by Mr. Jas, Fletcher, who, as leader of
the entomological branch, made some very interesting remarks on the
insects collected during the day. Mr. H. M. Ami then spoke in his
usual interesting way of the rocks which form the Laurentian Hills,
and which belong to the oldest geological formation known; and Mr. R.
B. Whyte brought the proceedings to a close with a short but clear
account of the structure and habits of some of the most noteworthy
plants found in bloom.

A start was made for home, by way of Chelsea, at 5.30 p.m., and
after a pleasant drive in the cool air of the evening, enlivened by some

64

fine impromptu singing, the party reached the city about 8.30, and all
agreed, as they dis, ersed, that, in spite of the heat and the mosquitoes,
they had thoroughly enjoyed their day’s outing.

The horses employed suffered considerably from the intense heat,
but everything possible was done to lighten their labors, the occupants
of the vans alighting and walking whenever a hill or a sandy piece of

road was reached.
W. A. D. L.

:0:

EXCURSION TO MONTEBELLO.

The second general excursion of the season was, owing to the threat-
ening weather of the 22nd June, the day fixed for it, the smallest in
point of attendance ever held by the club. Only twelve were present,
but of these five were leaders, representing the branches of botany,
entomology, ornithology and general zoology. It was intended to go by
steamer “ Empress” to Buckingham, P. Q., and investigate the natural
history of that locality, but it was found impracticable to land there,
owing to the high water. Thus the little party, who had braved the
rain, were compelled to seek a field for their researches farther down
the river, and they chose Montebello. The weather in the meantime
had turned out quite fine, and the excursionists, after exploring their
lunch baskets with very satisfactory results, set out to do the same by
the surrounding country. They found the hill behind the village so
picturesque at a distance none the less so on a nearer approach. With
its beautiful little brooks tumbling over moss-covered rocks, and winding
in and out amongst tangled thickets and open forest glades, its artificial,
but apparently natural, fountain, throwing a jet of water thirty feet
high, in one of the most secluded spots of the mountain side, and its
wealth of birds, insects,and flowers, all declared it to be one of the most
beautiful and interesting collecting grounds ever visited by the club.
From the hill-top a fine view can be had of the river and the surround-
ing country, with the village, and the Papineau mansion and grounds, in
the foreground. Several rare and beautiful plants of the orchid family
were found by the botanists, and the workers in the other branches had
good reason to be satisfied with the result of their labors. A feature of

65

the excursion in which much interest was taken was a competition
among the younger members of the party in plant collecting, for which
three prizes were offered. ‘The first was won by Miss Marion Whyte,
with 97 species ; the second by Miss Lillie Ballantyne, with 73; and
the third by Miss Ida Whyte, with 46. Short addresses were given on
the boat, while returning, by Mr. Whyte on the plants collected during
the day, by Mr. MacLaughlin on the insects he had captured, and by
Mr. Lees on the birds he had observed. The steamer reached the
wharf about 8 p.m., and the party dispersed, somewhat tired, but
thoroughly satisfied with their day in the woods and on the water.

Wi, Ar DT,

10:
REPORT OF THE CONCHOLOGICAL BRANCH, FOR THE
YEARS 1887-88.

To the President and Council of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club.
GENTLEMEN,—As no report from this branch was presented last

year, what I now have the honor to submit covers observations made in
1887 as well as 1888.

The Ottawa was lower in 1887 than in any year since 1881, and
as a consequence the many beautiful shells which occur in that river
were easily accessible. From August to October numerous visits were
paid to Duck Island, the metropolis of the Unionide in this vicinity,
and large collections of fine shells were there obtained. Unio occidens
was abundant along loth shores of the lower half of the island; and
from the thousands of this species visible in the shallow water, selec-
tions were made which rival, if they do not surpass, in variety and rich-
ness of coloring, any shells procurable from any inland waters in the
world. Indeed few sea shells equal in beauty this remarkable species,
which exists in such abundance at our very doors. Why the shell
should vary so greatly in color under precisely similar circumstances is
a question not easily solved. Other species from Duck Island vary
greatly in form, though not in color ; while others again are remarkably
constant ; but all the shells found in the vicinity are much finer than I
have ever observed the same species to be in other localities.

Our commonest Unio—the commonest, in fact, of the whole

Atlantic drainage ; Unio complanatus—is there found in forms very

66

different trom those occurring elsewhere. One of these, which is
undoubtedly entitled to rank asa distinct variety, was first found in
1881; and no specimens were obtained in any year since until 1887.
It seems confined to the lower part of the island, and is least rare along
the southern shore. The shell is very large for the species, and is
marked by numerous, distinct, dark-green rays. The beauty and com-
parative rarity of this form render it one of the most desirable of our
shells. I can suggest no reason why it should so widely differ from the
ordinary Unio complanatus found in the same locality.

It will doubtless be remembered that Mr. Heron included Unio
alatus in his list of Ottawa shells, but without stating where it was
found. I never observed it until September, 1887, when I obtained a
few living examples on the south shore of Duck Island. Mr. Ami
informs me that he has taken shells of this species near the same
locality, at the mouth of Green’s Creek.

Late in the season a great number of Unio ellipsis became stranded
on shoals opposite Templeton Wharf and perished. Many larger speci-
mens than ever previously noted were observed among the dead shells.
One remarkably large and beautiful living example of Margaritana
undulata was collected in the same locality, as were also a dozen beauti-
ful specimens of Unio gracilis.

A list of the Unionide found at Duck Island will probably be of
interest. The following are the shells of this family which I have

observed to occur there :—

Unto occidens, Lea. Unio gracilis, Barnes.

Unio complanatus, Solander. Unio ellipsis, Lea.

Unio alatus, Say. Margaritana undulata, Say.
Unio gibbosus, Barnes. Anodonta fluviatilis, Dillwyn.

Unio borealis, A. F. Gray. Anodonta undulata, Say.
Unio rectus, Lamarck.

The pond on the island teems with the smaller forms of fresh
water shells—Sphaeria, Amnicole, Limneae and Planorbes. On the
whole, Duck Island is undoubtedly the richest collecting ground within
the sphere of the Club’s operations.

Another locality rich in shells of an entirely different character is

Meech’s Lake. A few years since two specimens of a very large form

67

of Planorbis bicarinatus were collected there, and noted in one of the
reports of this branch. A visit to the lake in August, 1887, resulted
in the discovery of a locality in which this variety occurs in great
abundance, associated withjvery large specimens of the shell we have
so long called Physa Lordi. ‘This locality lies on the west shore of the
lake near the house of a farmer named Gillian. One striking peculiar-
ity noticed among the Planorbes was that about five per cent. of the
animals were of just such a reddish tint as the most highly colored shells
of Unio occidens. Specimens which I kept living for a few weeks were
losing their rich color when they died. I refer to this with a view of
directing attention to the danger of basing any specific differences on the
color of the animal itself. This Planorbis from Meech’s Lake is of six
or eight times the cubical capacity of the same species as found in the
Rideau and Ottawa. In our woodland streams occurs a third form,
which is stunted in growth and much distorted, owing, no doubt, to the
vicissitudes it has to undergo in localities where at times there is a
flood running and at other periods scarcely a drop of water.

Another shell that is well worthy of note is found in abundance in
the Rideau River and less commonly in several other streams. It is
the species called by authors Planorbis corpulentus. The true corpu-
lentus described by Say is an entirely different shell. That great
naturalist found his types in the lake of the Woods, in what is now part
of the Province of Ontario. They were lost on the return journey, and
until Mr. James Fletcher collected specimens in the original locality in
1885, it was, it would appear, generally believed that Say made some mis-
take in the figure he gave of the species. Subsequent writers on shells
professed to know more about the matter than Say, and gave the name
“ corpulentus” to an entirely different shell—the same species undoubt-
edly which occurs so comamonly in the Rideau from the Rifle Range up-
ward at least to Black Rapids. All along this reach of water the shell
occurs in company with the form of Planorbis trivolvis so common every-
where in this vicinity. I have tound the two associated not only in the
Rideau but in Nepean Bay, Brighams Creek, and the Péche River, in
Masham. The shells are in my opinion quite distinct. What I consider
a distorted form of the larger shell has been described by Mr. Whiteaves
from Montreal, and named Planorbis macrostomus The same form is

68

common in the ponds to the north of St. Louis Dam, near the Experi-
mental Farm.

Mr. Harrington has collected in moss a great number of our smaller
shells. One new to our list is Vertigo ventricosa, Morse. I thought I
had the shell some years ago, but my specimens were merely V. ovata,
with only one of the labial teeth developed. Since finding the species
among Mr. Harrington’s shells, I have observed it among my own, mixed
with V. gouldii. The difference is not easily perceptible under a hand
lens, but with the microscope it is quite apparent. V. ventricosa has
nearly a whorl less, and is considerably less slender. I think it is more
common on the Hull side of the Ottawa, as it is there I collected most
of the shells among which I have noticed V. ventricosa.

In conclusion I have to express my regret that with the present
report must close my active connection with this interesting study.
Happily the club now includes among its members not a few gentlemen
who have all the qualifications necessary to carry on properly the work
of the Concholgical Branch.

F. R. LarcHrorp,
Leader.

SPRING REPORT OF THE ORNITHOLOGICAL BRANCH.

To the President and Council of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club :

GENTLEMEN,—In presenting their Spring report, the leaders of the
Ornithological Branch must congratulate you on the increased interest
shewn by the members of the Club in the work of this branch during
the present season. Including the leaders, there have been seven
observers in the field who sent in lists of their observations, The results
of their work are embodied in the subjoined list of Spring arrivals.
Notwithstanding these facts, however, only one addition has been made
to the list, which seems to indicate that the field in this direction has
been pretty thoroughly gone over, though much still remains to be
done in working out the life histories of the birds of this district.

The addition to the list is:—Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.),
Duck Hawk. A specimen of this bird was observed by Mr. G. R.

a

69

White and several others, on 28th April, flying low over the Rideau
Rifle Range, but was not shot.

The following are some of the more noteworthy finds of the
season :—

Nyctala Tengmalmi Richardsoni, Richardson’s Owl; seen Feb. 21st,
Ina garden near the city. It allowed a near approach, and, in conse-
quence, was easily identified by Messrs. N. F. Ballantyne and W. A. D.
Lees.

Ampelis garrulus, Bohemian Waxwing. Mr. W. Macoun reports
having seen a flock of 20 or 30 of these birds, near St. Andrew’s Church,
on 2nd June. This is an unusual occurrence at this time of year, the
bird being a rather uncommon winter visiter here.

Spizella pusilla, Field Sparrow ; observed in the corner of a pasture
field on the Hurdman Farm, near the city, on 16th June, by Mr. Lees,
and on 23rd June, by Messrs. Lees and Ballantyne. On both occasions
it was accompanied by a Chipping Sparrow (Spizella socialis), and was
heard singing. Being seen at a distance of only a few feet with a good
glass, its pink bill could be easily distinguished.

Cistothorus palustris, Long-billed Marsh Wren ; found common,
and breeding, in the marshes along the Rideau River, from fifteen to
twenty miles from the city, by Messrs. A. G. Kingston and C. E. Chub-
bock, on 20th June. After examining several nests, Mr. Kingston
found one containing six eggs, two of which he took. On 30th June,
Mr. Lees examined about a dozen nests in the same locality, but found
no eggs, although the birds, in most cases, loudly asserted their claims
to ownership of the nests. Mr. Kingston thinks he also saw one speci-
men of the short-billed species (C. stellaris), but could not make sure of
it.

Unusually large numbers of Pine Grosbeaks and of American, and
White-winged, Crossbills (the latter predominating) were observed here
during the winter, and the Hudsonian Chickadee was noticed to be
tolerably common in Dow’s Swamp. The American Crossbills were
also seen on 19th June, a rather unseasonable time for winter birds,
and a Sparrow Hawk was observed on 26th January, the earliest
previous record being 7th April.

70

On 28th April, 18 hawks were seen, soaring over the city at a

great height, and moving gradually northward in large circles, but

keeping together in a body.

The past Spring has been an unusually early one in bird migration,

35 new records having been made, and 8 earliest previous ones tied.

Following is a list of the dates on which the birds were first
Those marked (*) are the earliest recorded by the Club :—

observed.

Jan.
“cc

Parus atricapillus, Chickadee.

Bonasa umbellus togata, Canadian Ruffed Grouse.
Cyanocitta cristata, Blue Jay.

Plectrophenax nivalis, Snowflake.

Pinicola enucleator, Pine Grosbeak.

Loxia leucoptera, White-winged Crossbill.
Acanthis linaria, Redpoll.

. *Corvus americanus, American Crow.
. *Spinus tristis, American Goldfinch.

Lanius borealis, Northern Shrike.

Sitta carolinensis, White-breasted Nuthatch.
Spinus pinus, Pine Siskin.

Lozia curvirostra minor, American Crossbill.

. *Falco sparverius, American Sparrow Hawk.

Parus hudsonicus, Hudsonian Chickadee.

. *Carpodacus purpureus, Purple Finch.

Accipiter atricapillus, American Goshawk.

. *Dryobates pubescens, Downy Woodpecker.

Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni, Richardson’s Owl.
Otocoris alpestris, Horned Lark.

. *Junco hyemalis, Slate-colored Junco.

Accipiter velox, Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Merula migratoria, American Robin.

. *Sialia sialis, Bluebird.

. *Quiscalus quiscula eneus, Bronzed Grackle.
. *Spizella monticola, Tree Sparrow.

. *Melospiza fasciata, Song Sparrow.

. *Spizella socialis, Chipping Sparrow.

Dryobates villosus leucomelas, Northern Hairy Wood-
pecker.

. *Molothrus ater, Cowbird.
. *Sturnella magna, Meadowlark.

*Scolecophagus carolinus, Rusty Blackbird.
Glaucionetta clangula americana, American Golden-eye.
Sayornis phebe, Phebe.

* Anas obscura, Black Duck.

*Ceryle alcyon, Belted Kingfisher.

April 10.

AD Tp bo

i

*Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna, Savanna Spar-
row.
Tachycineta bicolor, Tree Swallow.
Sphyrapicus varius, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
Agelaius pheniceus, Red-winged Blackbird.
Poocetes gramineus, Vesper Sparrow.

. *Zonotrichia albicollis, White-throated Sparrow.

Certhia familiaris americana, Brown Creeper.
Regulus satrapa, Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Circus hudsonius, Marsh Hawk.

* Buteo lineatus, Red-shouldered Hawk.
Awmerican Goldfinch (summer plumage).

* Troglodytes hiemalis, Winter Wren.
Larus argentatus smithsonianus, American Herring

Gull.

Falco columbarius, Pigeon Hawk.
Progne subis, Purple Martin.
Colaptes auratus, Flicker.

* Turdus aonalaschke pallasii, Hermit Thrush.
Troglodytes, addon, House Wren.

. *Regulus calendula, Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Lophodytes cucullatus, Hooded Merganser.

. *Passerella Iliaca, Fox Sparrow.

Anas boschas, Wood Duck.

. * Branta canadensis, Canada Goose.

. *Gallinago delicata, Wilson’s Snipe.

. *Totanus flavipes, Yellow-legs.

. *Buteo borealis, Red-tailed Hawk.

. *Chelidon erythrogaster, Barn Swallow.

Sitta canadensis, Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Buteo latissimus, Broad-winged Hawk.

. *Picoides arcticus, Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.

Turdus fuscescens, Wilson’s Thrush.

Pandion haliaétus carolinensis, American Osprey.
Clivicola riparia, Bank Swallow.

Actitis macularia, Spotted Sandpiper.

Melospiza georgiana, Swamp Sparrow.

. *Kalco peregrinus anatum, Duck Hawk.
. *Chetura pelagica, Chimney Swift.

Harporhyncus rufus, Brown Thrasher.

. *Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides, White - rumped

Shrike.

. *Seturus aurocapillus, Ovenbird.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus, Red-headed Woodpecker.
Mniotilta varia, Black and White Warbler.

* Asio accipitrinus, Short-eared Owl.

* Tyrannus tyrannus, Kingbird.

72

6. * Vireo gilvus, Warbling Vireo,
6. Dendroica estiva, Yellow Warbler.
7. Empidonax minimus, Least Flycatcher.
7. Icterus galbula, Baltimore Oriole.
7. Zonotrichia leucophrys, White-crowned Sparrow.
7. Habia ludoviciana, Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
7. *Vireo solitarius, Blue-headed Vireo.
7. Dendroica coronata, Myrtle Warbler.
8. Clangula hyemalis, Old-squaw.
8. *Vireo flavifrons, Yellow-throated Vireo.
8. Dendroica maculosa, Magnolia Warbler.
9. Myiarchus crinitus, Crested Flycatcher.
9. Compsothlypis americana, Parula Warbler.
9. Dendroica cerulescens, Black-throated Blue Warbler.
9. *Dendroica pensylvanica, Chestnut-sided Warbler.
9. Dendroica blackburnie, Blackburnian Warbler.
10. Colymbus holbeellit, Holbcell’s Grebe.
10. Totanus solitarius, Solitary Sandpiper.
10. *Coccyzus erythrophthalmus, Biack-billed Cuckoo.
10. Contopus virens, Wood Pewee.
10. Ampelis cedrorum, Cedar Waxwing.
10. *@aleoscoptes carolinensis, Catbird.
11. Antrostomus vociferus, Whip-poor-will.
11. Dendroica virens, Black-throated Green Warbler.
12. Vireo olivaceus, Red-eyed Vireo.
12. Seiurus noveboracensis, Water Thrush.
12. Setophaga ruticilla, American Redstart.
12. Anthus pensylvanicus, American pipit.
14. Trochilus colubris, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
14. Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Bobolink.
14. Turdus mustelinus, Wood Thrush.
15. Chordeiles virginianus, Night Hawk.
15. Geothlypis trichas, Maryland Yellow-throat.
17. Accipiter cooperi, Cooper’s Hawk.
17. *Contopus borealis, Olive-sided Flycatcher.
17. Piranga erythromelas, Scarlet Tanager.
17. Dendroica tigrina, Cape May Warbler.
17. Dendroica castanea, Bay-breasted Warbler.
19. Philohela minor, American Woodcock.
19. Petrochelidon lunifrous, Cliff Swallow.
19. Sylvania canadensis, Canadian Warbler.
20. dygialitis vocifera, Killdeer.
22. *Geothlypis philadelphia, Mourning Warbler.
24. Botaurus lentiginosus, American Bittern.
26. Anas discors, Blue-winged Teal.
27. Vireo philadelphicus, Philadelphia Vireo.
27. Dendroica striata, Black-poll Warbler.

— ee ee

73

May. 27. Sylvania pusilla, Wilson’s Warbler.
«30. «=Vurdus ustulatus swainsonii, Olive-backed Thrush.
June 2. Ampelis garrulus, Bohemian Waxwing.
“ 4. Nycticorax nycticorax nevius, Black-crowned Night
Heron.
June 8. Ardea herodias, Great Blue Heron.
« 16. Spizella pusilla, Field Sparrow.
« 19. Loxia curvirostra minor, American Crossbill.
« 20. Cistothorus palustris, Long-billed Marsh Wren.
«23. = Passerina cyanea, Indigo Bunting.
«23. Helminthophila ruficapilla, Nashville Warbler.

Wm. A. D. Lees,

JoHN Macooun, Leaders.

Gro. R. Waits,
Ottawa, lst July, 1889.

CorrecTion.—In the report of the Ornithological Branch for 1888
(Naturauist, Vol. II, p. 151, March, 1889), in line 21, for “new”
read ‘ rarer.” :

10%
BOOK NOTICES.

ON NEMATOPHYTON AND ALLIED FORMS FROM THE DEVONIAN (HRIAN)
oF GASPE AND THE Bale DES CHALEURS, by Prof. D. P. Penhallow,
(with introductory notes, by Sir William Dawson, F.R.S). Trans.
Roy. Soc. Can., Vol. VI, 1889, p. 27.

This paper contains an able exposition of the new facts and rela-
tions concerning this obscure tree-like plant-remain which has caused so
long and so interesting a discussion between Prof. Carruthers, Sir Wm.
Dawson and others both in the old and the new world.

Part I opens with an “Introductory note,’ by Sir Wm. Daw-
son, in which he gives an historical sketch of the discovery of those
fossil plants which were at one time referred to the genus Prototaxites.
Sir Wm. Logan, Sir Wm. Dawson, Dr. G. M. Dawson, Prof. Kennedy,
Dr. Bell and others had discovered them in Canada, whilst Dr. Henry
Hicks and Prof. Etheridge had also obtained them in shales of the
Ludlow formation, and from the “ Denbighshire grits.” The geologi-
cal relations of the strata in which these fossil plants occur are then dis-
cussed, the species of fossil fishes Coccosteus, Ctenacanthus, Leptacanthus
and Macheracanthus are enumerated and notes are given on other
species of fossil remains.

74

Part II. This part deals with the “notes on the fossils” in ques-
tion in which Prof. Penhallow reviews the literature of the subject in
a clear and lucid manner, giving a full description of (a) the “ exter-
nal characters” of Nematophyton Logani, Dn. and (6), its “ internal
structure,” which is the result of the examination of a large series
of microscopic slides of sections taken in every direction imagin-
able. Longitudinal sections show that the principal part of the struc-
ture is composed of tubular cells of indeterminate length. Cross
sections, on the other hand, reveal a series of large rounded cells with
‘intercellular areas,” which are more or less occupied by a system of
much smaller, rather thin-walled filamentous cells. More minute de-
tails of the structure and arrangements of parts are given, which alto-
gether furnish means of recognizing the general relations and characters
of the genus which Sir Wm. Dawson proposes. In this genus Wema-
tophyton three species are included : Vematophyton Logani, (Dawson);
Nematophyton laxum, (Penhallow); Nematophyton Hicksi, (Etheridge).
Plates I and II of this volume of the Transactions of the Royal
Society of Canada contain eight figures giving the microscopic characters
of the species which are reproduced by photo-lithograhy.

Note.—At the last meeting of the Royal Society. of Canada, May,
1889, Prof. Penhallow read a paper entitled “‘ Notes on Erian Plants,” in
which he offers additional notes upon WV. Logani and also revises the
descriptions of Nematoxylon crassum and Celluloxylon primevum.
The former he shows to be a species of Nematophyton for which he
retains the specific name of crassum. The latter is also shown to be
a highly altered form of Nematophyton, and he refers it to V. crassum.
A complete revision of the genus is also given.

H. M. A.

On somME REMARKABLE ORGANISMS OF THE SILURIAN AND DEVONIAN
Rocks in SoutHERN New Brunswick. By G. F. Matthew, M.A.

In Vol. VI of the Trans. Roy. Soc. Can., p. 49, e¢ seg., Mr.
Matthew figures (plate IV) and describes six very remarkable organisms —
from the fossiliferous strata of southern New Brunswick, which make
an interesting addition to our knowledge of the Silurian and Devonian
fossils of that Province. The paper opens with a revised and extended

75

description of the Silurian fish, Diplaspis Acadica, which was described
by Mr. Matthew for the first time in Vol. II of the Canadian Record of
Science, p. 251. The description of the related genera and species, as
well as the geological horizon from which the species comes, are next
given. Then follows the description of a new species of Ceratiocaris
(McCoy), or Phinocaris (Clarke), viz., C. pusillus, obtained at the same
locality as the Diplaspis, viz., Cunningham Brook, near Westfield Bta-
tion, N. B. With these there was also found the type of a new genus
of crustacean allied to certain forms of Packard’s sub-order Syns-
phosura, and for which Mr. Matthew proposes the generic designation
Bunodella, and describes the species as B. horrida.

The second part of the paper contains descriptions of the Devonian
forms, and includes: 1, One orthopterous insect ; 2, a chitinous grub ;
and, 3, a new crustacean. The wing of tke orthopterous insect upon
which the genus and species are founded, was found in Plant bed No. 2
of the Cordaite shales of the Lower Devonian series at Lancaster, N.B.,
where Prof. Hartt discovered Xenoneura antiquorum yearsago. It goes
under the name of Geroneura Wilsoni. The grub is described as
Archeoscolex corneus, and is ‘‘ the first example of the body of an insect

’

recognised among the Devonian shales at St. John.” urypterella ornata
is the name applied to a supposed crustacean of small size from the same
beds as Geroneura Wilsoni, and was found by Mr. W. J. Wilson, who
collected nearly all the material from which the above species were de-
scribed and figured.

The following is a resumé of the species described :-—

SILURIAN. DEVONIAN,
1. Diplaspis Acadica (Matthew). 1. Geronewra Wilsoni, N. sp.
2. Ceratiocaris pusillus, N. sp. 2. Archceoscolex corneus, N. sp.
3. Bunodella horrida, N. sp. 3. EHurypterella ornata, N. sp.

H.- Mea:

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE FossiL FISHES OF THE DEVONIAN Rocks oF
Canapa ; Part II. By J. F. Whiteaves. Trans. Roy. Soc. Can.,
Vol. VI, pp. 77-96 ; plates V-X.

This admirable paper is a continuation of a previous contribution
by the same author to the Transactions of the Royal Society of Canada,

76

Vol. 4, p. 101, in which Bothriolepis Canadensis (Whiteaves), Acanthodes
Mitchelli ? (Egerton), Acanthodes concinnus (Whiteaves), and Phanero-
pleuron curtum (Whiteaves) are described, either for the first time or
more in full than in the original papers which announced the important
discovery of fishes in rocks of Devonian age, in part the equivalents of the
Old Red Sandstone of Scotland, from which Hugh Miller’s celebrated
collections were obtained, and which the famous Louis Agassiz described
in his “ Poissons Fossiles du Vieux Grés Rouge.”

In the last volume of the Transactions of the Royal Society of
Canada, Mr. Whiteaves describes the remaining species of Upper and
Lower Devonian fish-remains which had been collected by Mr. Foord,
Dr. Ells, and other officers of the Geological Survey Staff, in the Baie
des Chaleurs region. The paper contains descriptions and illustrations
of five species “from the Upper Devonian Rocks of Scaumenac Bay,
P. Q.,” together with a note on Sothriolepis Canadensis (Whiteaves),
besides “ Descriptions of Species from the Lower Devonian Rocks of
Campbellton, N. B.,” which include descriptions and figures of four
species.

In the first part of the paper the following torms are described :—
Glyptolepis Quebecensis, N. sp., Husthenopteron Foordi (Whiteaves),
Cheirolepis Canadensis (Whiteaves), Bothriolepis Canadensis (Whit-
eaves, note), Acanthodes affinis, N. sp., Phaneropleuron curtum (Whit-
eaves).

Each species receives its full share of careful examination ; details
of description are given so that any observer may easily recognise the
species in question. Of Lusthenopteron Foordi a very exhaustive diag-
nosis is furnished, in which quite an array of new facts are recorded for
the first time.

The second part of this paper includes descriptions of the following
forms :—Cephalaspis Campbelltonensis (Whiteaves), Coccosteus Acadicus
(Whiteaves), Ctenacanthus latispinosus (Whiteaves), Homocanthus
gracilis, N. sp. They occur associated with intrusive rocks occurring
at the base of the Devonian of that region.

Most of the illustrations were drawn by Mr. Lawrence M. Lambe,
artist to the survey, who also he)ped in a study of the several forms
under consideration. These two parts (Parts I and IT) of “ Illustrations

77

of the Fossil Fishes of the Devonian Rocks of Canada” are amongst
the most important contributions to Canadian Paleontology ever pub-

lished.
H. M.A.

NoTES ON THE PaLzozoic BIVALVED EntomosTraca.—No. xxviI. ON
Some NortH AMERICAN (CANADIAN) Species. By Prof. T. Rupert
Jones, F.R.S., F.G.S.

No. XVII of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History, for
May, 1889, pp. 373-387, contains an interesting contribution to the
knowledge of some critical forms of Canadian Primitian and Beyrichian
Ostracoda, which were sent to Dr. Jones by Mr. Whiteaves, of the Geo-
Geological Survey of Canada, for examination and study. The species
therein described were collected: 1. From the Lower Devonian of Camp-
bellton, New Brunswick, associated with Coceosteus Acadicus (Whit-
eaves) and Cephalaspis Campbelltonensis (Whiteaves), etc; 2. from the
Lower Helderberg (Ludlow) formation of Cape Bon Ami, New Bruns-
wick ; and 3. from St. Andrews, Manitoba.

Devonian—From Campbellton Prof. Jones recognizes his Primitia
mundula and several of its varieties, which have been heretofore de-
scribed in previous numbers of the ‘“ Annals, ete.,” whilst he finds a
new species, viz.: Primitia scaphoides, which is compared to P. semicor-
data (Jones).

Silurian—From the Lower Helderberg formation of Cape Bon
Ami the following forms are recognized, viz.: Primitia mundula
(Jones), var.; P. a@qualis (Jones and Holl), Young form. ; Beyrichia
Kladeni (McCoy), var. Acadica, N. var. (Jones), along with Beyrichia
arcuata (Bean) and Jsochilina labron, N. sp.

Cambro-Silurian or Ordovician—The Manitoba specimen is de-
scribed by Dr. Jones under the name of Aparchites Whiteavesii, Apar-
chites being ‘‘a generic group separable from Primitia (though there
are some passage forms).”

Two lithographic plates accompany the text. It would be a decided
advantage if the figures were magnified in all cases a uniform number
of diameters. There are besides these figures six woodcuts which are
very instructive.

H. M. A.
G

78

Report OF OssrrvaTION OF InNJuRIOUS INSECTS AND Common Farm

Pests Durixa THE YEAR 1888, By Miss ELeanor A. ORMEROD.

F. R. Met. Soc., Ete.

The Twelfth Annual Report of our esteemed corresponding mem-
ber, Miss Ormerod, has just come to hand, and is of great interest and
utility not only to English readers, for whom it is specially prepared,
but also for enlightened people in all parts of the world. The same
general principles underlie the methods of prevention and remedy, for
the injuries done to crops by insects wherever they may occur, and the
practical common sense shown by Miss Ormerod in the careful discussion
and treatment of the different attacks mentioned in the present report,
added to the experience she has gained after years of constant study
in a special line, should demand the recognition of the talented
authoress as a public benefactor by the thoughtless millions who daily
benefit from her labours in low prices for many of the necessaries of
life. Ten per cent is a very low estimate of the amount of annual
injury done to farm crops by insects, and this frequently runs up to 15,
25, or even 50 per cent. Of this large amount of loss, by far the greater
part could be saved if our farmers and gardeners would only read such
reports as Miss Ormerod has given us. Nothing can be truer than what
she says so feelingly in her preface. ‘‘In a country such as this it
appears an evil crying for removal that the ignorance of the uneducated
should be allowed to cause, year by year, such a demonstrable loss to
the nation.” The attacks, mentioned in the report include, amongst
others, the following orchard pests, which were very numerous in
England during 1888. Apple Weevil, Anthonomus pomorum, Curtis.
Green “Leaf” Weevil, Phyllobius maculicornis, Germ. Winter
Moth, Cheimatobia brumata, L. Lackey Moth, Clisiocampa neustria,
Curtis. Small Erminie Moth, Yponomeuta padella, Linn. Figure-of-8
Moth, Diloba ceruleocephala, Linn. Mottled Umber Moth, Lybernia
defoliaria, Linn. A_ noticeable fact in the remedies proposed is
that there is no mention of the arsenical poisons which are of such
inestimable service in our large North American orchards, and which,
with ordinary care, can be used with perfect safety. The attack of the
Hessian fly on wheat, concerning which there was so much anxiety in
England in 1887, seems to have decreased in a marked degree, and this

79

is doubtless owing to the attention paid by wheat growers to the advice
given by Miss Ormerod.

Another satisfactory result of her labours is the decrease in
the injury done by the ox warble fly ; it is stated that ‘ warble pre-
vention has advanced much during the last season, and it is still more
clearly shown than before that where the maggots are destroyed (as
may easily be done) the attack may be for all practical purposes
stamped out.”

Injuries to beans, carrots, parsnips, and growing grain are also
discussed. A new attack of particular interest, of which some par-
ticulars are given, is that of the wheat-flour moth. The importance
of fighting it vigorously, however, seems to be appreciated, and we
therefore trust that it will soon be got within control.

A special chapter upon the “sparrow nuisance” gives more facts
to show the absurdity of the claims of those advocates who still try to
uphold this pest on the plea that it is an insect-feeder.

J. F.

Notres AND DESCRIPTIONS OF A FEW INJuRIOUS FARM AND FRUvIT
Insects oF SouTH AFRica, BY Miss ExLeanor A. ORMEROD.
F. R. Met. Soc., Etc.

This small 8vo. volume will, we believe, be of great value to the
South African colonies. Considerable work has already been done
there in economic entomology, but the publication of this work will
undoubtedly give a special impulse to this branch of agriculture, which
will be of lasting effect. In her modest preface the authoress speaks of
it as “merely a fragment,” but some of the monographs are very full,
and the work is beautifully illustrated with clean figures.

Js ¥.

:0:
EDITORIAL NOTES.

A letter has been received from Prof. Macoun, who, with his
assisstant Mr. J. M. Macoun, is still in British Columbia, energetically
working up the botany and zoology of the southern portion of that Pro-
vince. The letter is dated at Kamloops, on 16th June, and states that
they have been very successful in collecting specimens, having, at the

80

time of writing, secured over three hundred skins of birds and other
animals, representing one hundred and twelve species, besides a large
number of plants and entomological specimens.

:0:

The next general excursion of the Club will be held on Thursday,
8th August, to the “Ox-bow” on the Nation River, near Casselman,
on the invitation of Messrs. Wm. Craig and W. J. Summerby, two of
our members who reside in the County of Russell. The place is one
which should well repay a visit, and it is hoped that a large
number of the members will avail themselves of the chance to become
acquainted with a locality not before visited by the Club. Those so
inclined will have an opportunity of exploring the spot where many inter-
esting Indian relics have been and no doubt still are to be found, as it is
within three miles of our stopping place, and the whole day will be at
our disposal. Arrangements have been made with the Canada Atlantic
Railway to let the excursionists off at the ‘‘Ox-bow,” thus saving the
walk from Casselman. Train leaves Elgin Street Station at 8 a.m., and

returning, arrives at 8.30 p.m. Return fare, 75 cents,

zip

Errata.—The following names were, by an accident on the part of
the printer, omitted from the list of members published in the last num-
ber of THE NATURALIST, and the omission unfortunately escaped notice :—
C. E, Chubbock ; John Hodgins; George Holland; Miss L. von
Jantsch ; Miss Ruby Rothwell; and T. W. E. Sowter. The editor
tenders his apologies to these members for the oversight.

:0:

New Memupers.—The following new members have been elected
since the list of members for this year was published :—T. J. Alnwick ;
Robert Bell, M.D., LL.D.; Arthur Boulton ; J. Carstairs ; Rev. Charles
S. Deeprose; W. F. Ferrier, B. App. Sce.; G. 8S. Macdonald; J. J.
McNulty ; F. Nelson, B.A.; J. M. Oxley; F. X. R. Saucier; C. W.
Treadwell ; J. G. Whyte.

81

EDITORIAL.

Collecting in most of the branches of Natural History has now
come to an end for the season. The naturalist, however, must never
rest on his oars. There is much to do even now. The collections of
the past season have to be sorted out and arranged, new discoveries or
rare species must be put aside for description or for exhibition at the
winter soirees. This, too, is a branch of our work which is much
neglected by members. There is always time at the evening meetings
for a short chat before or after the lectures, and if workers in different
branches of natural history would each time bring a few of their re-
markable captures for exhibition and discussisn at the soirees it would
add largely to the interest and would certainly cause these agreeable
reunions to be better attended.

There are very few cities which equal Ottawa in the advantages
which it offers for scientific study and relaxation. The Geological and
Natural History Survey, with its grand museum and large staff of
active naturalists, of course first demands mention. The museums of
the Department of Fisheries, the Ottawa Literary and Scientific Society
and the Normal School, as well as the various private collections of our
own members, render it uunecessary, in most lines of study, for the
beginner to be hampered by the great trouble and expense of sending
his material away for identification. Besides the above advantages,
there are opportunities right through the winter, at least once a week,
of hearing lectures upon scientific subjects. The programme of the
Club Lectures is presented herewith, and J think most wil] agree that
it is one of the best programmes we have ever had offered to us. In
addition to our own lectures, which will of course be published in the
Natura ist, [ purpose recording during the present winter the pro-
ceedings of the Ottawa Literary and Scientific Society. In the present
number will be found Mr. H. B. Small’s excellent address as President
for the current year, which I fee] sure will be read with pleasure by all
of our subscribers.

The Treasurer begs to request those members who haye not already
paid their subscriptions to do so as soon as conveniently possible. The
subscription is necessarily payable in advance so as to meet the ex-

82

penses of publication and postage, which have to be paid promptly at
the time of issue of each number of the Orrawa Naturauist. The
annual subscription of $1 is fixed at that low figure on the estimate
that all will pay up before the end of the year. There is no wish on
the part of the Council to have a balance in hand, and if by obtaining
a larger number of members more money comes into the treasury, the
policy of the past will be followed of enlarging the magazine and lower-
ing the price of the excursion tickets, so as to give the members as
much as possible for their money. If members will be good enough
to send their subscriptions to the treasurer, instead of waiting until an
application is made, they will save that officer much trouble and the club
the expense of postage. JAMES FLETCHER, L£ditor.
eee
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT
OF SCLENCE.

The thirty-eighth annual meeting of this flourishing association was
held in Toronto, beginning on 27th August and lasting for a week.
The meeting was an unqualified success. The Toronto people outdid
themselves in hospitality to their visitors, who went home enthusiastic
in their praises of the courtesies extended to them. Many valuable
papers were read in the various sections and clubs. It is pleasing to
notice that Canadians did their share to make the meetings interesting.
The Botanical and Entomological Clubs held regular meetings in the
new biological laboratory of Toronto University. Perhaps one of the
most interesting lectures was a demonstration by Prof. Ramsay Wright
of his method of teaching natural science.

As an outcome of the meetings and discussions of the Entomologi-
cal Club, a permanent association or union was formed for the special
consideration of economic and agricultural entomology. This organiza-
tion, which will be kaown as the Association of Official Economic

Entomologists, will meet annually, and the discussions will be confined
entirely to the operations of injurious and beneficial iusects. The
officers for the year are as follows: President, Prof. C. V. Riley,
United States Entomologist ; Vice President, Prof. 5. A. Forbes, State
Entomologist of Tllinois ; Secretary, Prof. J. B. Smith, Entomologist of
the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The first meeting
of this association was held at Washington, on 12th Nov., and the pro-
ceedings are to be published in the next number of nsect Life.

83

Offawa [Hield Dafuralisfs’ Club

—_——_———.

PROGIRA NOME
For the Winter of 1889-1890.
Syl ce Gh oe DE ale.
1889.

Dec. 13.—Inaugural Address, (Geological Progress in Canada.) Dr. Ells:
1890.

Jan. 10.—The Mistassini Region...................Mr. A. P.. Low.
The Serpentines of Canada.............Mr. N. J. Giroux.
Janeane Yukon Country .........2.-.-0°0+:- Mr. McConnell:
Glaciation in America............-... Dr. A. C. Lawson.

Feb. 7.—Some Geological facts observed on a trip to the
Straits of Belleisle....................Dr. Selwyn.

Aebirdsinthes Bushes . 22)... - . Mr. W: A. D. Lees.

21.—Some notes on the English Sparrow.......Mr. J. Ballantyne.
LESAGE aio eases cipapemnammapaeaniae arn ks ell alos apiized! 1 sed B21 =

Mar. 7.—On some of the Jarger unexplored portions of
Wana ts 2.3>).- 435 3 -tnneatsDb: G.MoyDawson,

A Naturalist in the Gold Range, B.C...Mr. J. M. Macoun.
13.— Reports of the Leaders of Branches.

MONDAY AFTERNOON POPULAR LECTURES.

Jan. 13.—Geology (Volcanoes and their associated pheno-

PEMD WA 88 1 lo5e!: fe ahi Basin (ald eee Ye eee dats Ee
20.—Pualeontology.............----.-..+-.-Mr. W. R, Billings.
EN een! oy a «<ocsihyeys ele. S0ho = Mei EE an ie en

Ree DOUANY ws. oy SE oa iels np wp spel see mate » eo Mir. J. ML; Macoun:
I hy. Fcc bel «peje LD] de, Ballantyne.

17.—Ornithology . . cvif
fr. W. A. D. Lees.
dt eo ae
Mar. 3.—Entomology....................+-Mr. T. J. McLaughlin.
ROE goo nies erie «y- arnt “iensle one eve dae W.Laylor,

84

THE LAND SHELLS OF VANCOUVER ISLAND.

By Rey. Geo. W. TaAyLor.

Very little attention seems to have been given by conchologists to
the land and fresh water shells of the extreme western portion of the
Dominion. Many very full lists of eastern Canadian shells, and others
more or less complete, of the mollusca of the prairie provinces, have
been published ; but, so far as I know, ouly one person (Mr. J. K.
Lord) has atterapted to enumerate the land shells of our Pacific coast,
and his list, published in ‘‘ The Naturalist in Vancouver Island,” 1866-
is very incomplete, containing the names of seven species only.

My own collecting in Vancouver Island, although it has extended
over a period of seven years, has not been by any means exhaustive. In
fact 1 have only examined four localities, and these comparatively rear
together, and all on the east coast of the island :—

1. Victoria, at the south-eastern extremity of the island ;
2. Saanich, twenty miles north of Victoria ;

3. Salt Spring Island, a small island about a mile from the coast
of Vancouver Island and a little to the north of Saanich ;

4. Comox, a setilement about 140 miles north of Victoria, but
also on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

In these four localities, however, I have succeeded in finding thirty
species of terrestrial mollusca, which form the subject of the present
paper, and twenty-six species of fresh water shells, which I propose to
enumerate in a subsequent contribution to this jouraal.

The list of Vancouver Island land shells that here follows contains
the names of thirty-two species ; thirty of these, as above stated, have
been taken by myself. Of the other two, one, Onchidella Carpentert,
W.G.B., is added on the authority of Dr. W. G. Binney, and might
probably have been found by me had my search been more thorough.
The other, Arionta Dupetithouarsi, is recorded from Vancouver Island
by J. K. Lord, but my own impression is that the shell was collected
in California and accidentally mixed with the Vancouver collection, as
no trace of this species has been discovered on the island by anyone

else.

85

Mr. Lord also took home to England a specimen of Orthalicus

zebra, a Central American shell which he said he had taken alive on

Vancouver Island. I have seen the specimen itself in the British

Museum, but 1 cannot think that the species is indigenous on Van-

eouver Island.

LAND SHELLS OF VANCOUVER ISLAND.

Selenites Vancouverensis, Lea. sp.
a sportella, Gould, sp.
Limax agrestis, Linn.
“< hyperboreus, Westerlund.
Hyalina arborea, Say, sp.

s milium, Morse, sp.

< Binneyana, Morse.

ot conspecta, Bland, sp.
Conulus fulvus, Miller, sp.
Vitrina Pferfferi, Newcomb.
Patula striatella, Anthony, sp.
fe asteriscus, Morse, sp.
Microphysa Lansingi, Bland, sp.

& Stearnsii, Bland, sp.

te minutissima, Lea, sp.
Ariolimax Columbianus, Gould, sp.
Prophysaon Hemphilli, Bland and Binney.
Stenotrema germanum. Gould, sp.
Mesodon Columbianus, Lea, sp.

re devius, Gould, sp.
Aglaja fidelis, Gray, sp.
Arionta Dupetithouarsi, Deshayes, sp.

Pupilla corpulenta, Morse, sp.

30.
31.
32.

86

Vertigo ovata, Say.

“simplex, Gould, sp.
Ferussacia subcylindrica, Linn. sp.
Sucecinea rusticana, Gould.

= Nuttalliana, Lea.

v6 Oregonensis, Lea.

Onchidella Carpenteri, W. G. Binney.

as borealis, Dall.

Carychium exiguum, Say, sp.’

In the foregoing list several species will be recognized as common

European forms, namely, Limaz agrestis, Conulus fuleus, Fervssacia

subcylindrica, and in the opinion of some conchologists the following

American and European species are also identical :—

Carychium exiguum, Say,

AMERICAN. EUROPEAN.
Microphysa minutissima, Lea, = pygmea, Drap.
Vertigo ovata, Say, = antivertigo, Drap.

« simplex, Say, = edentula, Drap.

minimum, Mill.

As, however, there is a little uncertainty on these points, I prefer

for the present to use the earliest American names.

The seven species just mentioned occur also in the eastern parts of
‘anada, and with the five following find a place in the Ottawa lists -
Hyalina arborea, Hyalina milium, Hyalina Binneyana, Patula stri-
atella, Patula asteriscus. ‘There are thus twelve species out of thirty-
two common to Ottawa and Vancouver Island. The remaining twenty

species are all purely western forms, with the single exception of
Pupilla corpulenta, which is recorded from Nevada and Colorado.

87
NOTES.

1. SELENITES VANCOUVERENSIS, Lea, sp.

Helix Vancouverensis, Lea. Am.‘Phil. Trans., VI, 87, pl. xxii,
f. 72 (1839) = H. vellicata, Forbes.

Common and distributed over the whole island. When fully adult
the peristome is sometimes almost as much depressed above

as in sportella.

2. SELENITES SPORTELLA, Gould, sp.
Helix sportella, Gould, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., 1, 167. (1846)

Occurring with the last species at Saanich, Comox and Salt Spring
Island, but absent from the district round Victoria. As re-
gards its shell it seems abundantly distinct fron: Vancouver-
ensis ; at any rate it is a well marked form, and as such
deserves a name. It differs from the last species in being
constantly smaller and more strongly striated, and in having
a much more open umbilicus. The dimensions of this species
and of S. Voyanu, as given in Binney’s Manual, seem to be

incorrectly printed.

3. TsMax AaGREsTIS, Linné, Syst. Nat. ed. x, I, 652 (1758).

Introduced, I suppose from Europe, a few years ago, and now a
great pest in the Victcrian gardens. It has not yet spread fa?
into the country districts, but no doubt such extension is only

a matter of time.

4. LimaxX HYPERBOREUS, Westerlund.

I collected some small blackish siugs at Comox in May, 1887, of
which I sent some specimens to Dr. W. G. Binney. He re-
ferred them doubtfully to this species. In his “ Second Sup-
plement to the 5th volume ot the Air-breathing Mollusks of
the United States,” p. 42, Dr. Binney mentions the receipt of
a Limax from Seattle, Washington Territory, similar to hyper-
boreus in outward appearance and in the dentition.

=

88

or

. HAYALINA ARBOREA, Say, sp.
Helix arborea, Say, Mich. Encyc., pl. iv, fig. 4. (1816).
Very common everywhere. Cannot be distinguished from eastern

specimens.

6. Hyavrna MILIuM, Morse, sp.
Helix milium, Morse, Proc. Bost. Soc. VII, 28, (1859).

Not rare among fallen leaves and moss.

. Hyauina Binneyana, Morse, Journ. Portl. N. H. Soc., I, 13, fig.
25, 26; and pl. ii, fig. 9; pl. vi, fig. 27. (1864).

Not common. I am not very confident that this is the true Bin-
neyana. Specimens collected by me have been seen by Dr.
Binney, who considered them to be H. viridula, and has so
recorded them in Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. Cambridge, vol.
XII, p. 42. Dr. Dall, however, named other specimens from
the same lot Linneyana after comparison with typical speci-
mens in the Smithsonian collection. My shells are very
different.in colour to those I have always received as viridula;
and neither do they agree exactly with Binney’s figure of
Linneyana, though they are more like the shells that receive
the latter name in Ottawa collections. It is just possible that
the Vancouver shells may belong to a distinct species.

8. Hyaina conspecra, Bland, sp.
Helix conspecta, Bland, Ann. N. Y. Lyc, VII, 163, fig. 7.
(Nov. 1865).
Alaska to California. Next to striatelia and arborea this is the
commonest of the smaller land shells in Vancouver Island. It
occurs everywhere under logs and stones and among decaying

leaves,

9. Conutus FuLvus, Miller, sp.
Helix fulva, Mill. Verm. Hist., pt. I], p. 56. (1774) = H. cher-
sina, Say, + H. egena, Say.

10.

Wh

89

Circumpolar. Common. The specimens T have collected in Van-
couver Island are the finest I have seen; larger than any I

have taken in England or in Eastern Canada.

VirRINA PFEIFFERI, Newcomb, Proc. Cal Acad, Nat. Sci., I,
92. (1861)

Not common, but widely distributed. Occurs usually under stones.
I have never found it in colonies like /impida.

PATULA STRIATELLA, Anthony, sp.
Helix striatella, Anth. Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist., IIL, 278, pl. iii,
f. 2. (1840)

Very common.

PATULA ASTERISCUS, Morse, sp.

Helix asteriscus, Morse Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., VJ, 128.
(1857).

Not rare at Comox, May 1887, among fallen and decaying
leaves. I have not found it elsewhere on Vancouver Island.

Occurs also in eastern parts of America.

3. MicropHysa LANsINGI, Blind, sp.

Zonites Lansingi, Bland, Ann. Lyc. N. H. of N. Y., XI, 74,
fig. 1, 2. (1875).

Described from Astoria in Oregon. It is not uncommon in Van-
.couver Island, and J have found it in all the localities I have
examined. At Comox and Salt Spring Island, however, the

next species is the more plentiful.

14. Micropnysa Srearnsi, Bland, sp.

Zonites Stearnsi, Bland, Ann. Lyc. N. H. of N. Y., XI, 76,
fig. 3. (1875)
This rare shell can easily be distinguished from Lansingi by its

larger size, darker color, and the abserce of the lamella
on the peristome. I have only found it at Comox and

90

Salt Spring Island, where it occurs not uncommonly with
Lansingi under leaves and under pieces of maple bark in the
woods. This species was first found in Oregon and Washing-
ton Territory.

15. Micropuysa Minvutissima, Lea, sp.
Helix Minutissima, Lea, Trans. Am. Pbil. Soc. IX, 17. (1841)
’= Helix pygmaa, Drap. Tab. Moll. p. 93. (1801)

Common under dead leaves in woods. There seems still to be a
doubt as to the identity of this species with the European
H. pygmea, Drap. My Vancouver Island specimens do not
appear to me to agree well with those I have collected in
England.

16, Artotimax CoLtumpranus, Gould, sp.

Limax Columbianus, Gould, in Terr. Moll., IT, 43, pl. Ixvi, fig. 1.
(1851).

Pacific Coast, British Columbia, to California. Common, growing
to a very large size. Around Victoria the specimens are
generally spotted and blotched with black, but at Comox the
unicolorous variety is more common. The eggs of this species,
which are as large as good sized peas, are often found under

logs or bark during the winter.

17. Propuysaon Hempuitut, Bland and Binney, Ann. Lyc. N. H. of
N. Y., X, 293, pl. xiii, fig. 8. (1873)

The commonest slug in Vancouver Island and recognized at .once

by the two blackish lines that border the mantle. It may be

found under logs and stones and among leaves all over the

island. It also occurs in Oregon and California.

18. STENOTREMA GERMANUM, Gould, sp.

Helix germana, Gould, U. 8. Expl. Expd. Moll., (1852), p. 70,

fig. 40, a, b, ©. |
;
;

91

Not common, but occurring in all the localities I have searched.
Tt is a much smaller shell than the next species, and is of a
richer chestnut color. Specimens usually occur singly, and I
have never found more than two under the same log. Colwm-
bianus, on the contrary, is generally in colonies. Germanum
seems to be a species of limited range, the only locality
named in “ Binney’s Manual” being Astoria, in Oregon.

19. Mesopon CoLumsianus, Lea, Sp.
Helix Columbiana, Lea, Am. Phil. Soc. Trans., VI, 89, pl. xxxiii.
fig, 75.
=H. labiosa, Gould.

Abundant among leaves and under logs. Occasionally specimens
occur with an indication of a parietal tooth. I have twice
taken specimens with the shell of a grayish white colour.
Occurs from Sitka to California.

20. Mersopon bevivus, Gould, sp.
Helix devia, Gould, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. H., II, 165. (1846)
I have only seen one specimen of this species from Vancouver
Islanj, and that was taken at Esquimalt, near Victoria. The
specimen was sent to Dr. W. G. Binney, who agreed in the

identification. Devius is not uncommon in Oregon, and was
therefore to be expected in Vancouver [sland.

21. AGLAJA FIDELIS, Gray, sp.

Helix fidelis, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc., July, 1834, 67.

= H, Nuttalliana, Lea.

Common in woods. The shell sometimes nearly black, occasion-
ally very pale greenish white and almost transparent. This
species roams abroad in wet weather in the spring and autumn
after the manner of the European Helices.

22. Arionta DupetirHouars!, Deshayes, sp.
Helix Dupetithowarsi, Desh. Rev. Zool., 1839, 360.
= H. Oregonensis, Lea.

92

This species is entered here simply on the strength of the record
by Lord mentioned above. I have not myself seen in Van-
couver Island any trace of this shell, or indeed of any other
Arionta. Arionto Townsendiana, Lea, sp., is, however, com-
mon on the mainland of British Columbia, but has not as yet
turned up on the island. Dzupetithouarsi is a native of Mon-

vi
terey, California, and a few other places in the same region.

23. PuPILLA CORPULENTA, Morse, sp.

Isthmia corpulenta, Morse, Ann. N. Y. Lyce., VIII, 210, fig. 7
(Nov. 1865).

Not rare in moss and among leaves. Also found in company
with Vertigo simplex, as described below. This is a species
that was hardly to be expected in Vancouver Island, its
headquarters being in Nevada and Colorado, but I believe
my specimens are correctly determined.

24. Vertico ovata, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., II, 375. (1822).
+ Pupa modesta, Say.
= V. tridentata. Wolf.

Only taken in one locality near Victoria. This was on the margin
of a swamp (since drained) about four miles from the city.
The specimens were under leaves close to the water’s edge.
It is an eastern species not before quoted from the Pacific
province. Dr. Gwyn Jeffreys considered this species identical
with the British Vertigo antivertigo, Drap.

25. VERTIGO SIMPLEX, Gould, sp.

Pupa simplex, Gould, Bost. Journ. Nat. Elist., ILI, 403, pl. iii,
fig. 21 (1840).

I have found this species in moss in many localities, but not
plentifully. In May, 1887, however, I found it, together with
Papa corpulenta, in great abundance on the fronds of a fern,
Aspidium munitum. This was at Comox, but I afterwards
found it in the same situation in other localities. The Aspidiwm

93

grows most luxuriantly in damp places all over the island,
and few plants that | have examined at the right season of
the year have been without one or more of the Vertigos.
This species is referred by Jeffreys to Vertigo edentula, Drap.,
of Europe.

26. FERUSSACIA SUBCYLINDRICA, Linn., sp.
Helia subcylindrica, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 12, IT, 1248. (1766)
=lubrica, Miller,
= lubricoides, Stimpson.
= Morseana, Doherty.

This widely distributed species occurs, but not very abundantly, in
all the localities I have examined, generally under stones or

logs, often in very exposed situations.

bo
=]

. SuccINEA RUSTICANA, Gould, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. H., II, 187.
(Dec. 1846).

The three species of Succinea here recorded seem to be distinct,

although it is not easy, to my mind, to distinguish between

the young specimens. usticana has only occurred to me

at Comox.

28. Succinea Nutraturana, Lea, Proc. Am. Phil. Soc., IT, 32. (1841).

Common at Victoria.

29. SuccinEA OrEGoNENSIS, Lea, Proc. Am. Phil. Soc., II, 32. (1841).

Common at Victoria. These three Succineas occur throughout

the ‘Pacific province.”

30. ONCHIDELLA BOREALIS, Dall, Am. Journ. Conch., VII, 135.
(August, 1866).

This species is common near Victoria on rocks close to high water

mark, but is very likely to escape notice unless specially

sought for. It was found by Dall from Alaska to Vancouver

Island.

94

31. ONCHIDELLA CARPENTERI, W. G. Binney, Proc. Ac, Nat. Sci.,
Phil., 1860, 154.

Not taken by myself, but said by Binney to occur from Straits of
Fuca to Gulf of California. As nearly all the mollusca re-
corded from the Straits of Fuca have also been found on the
Vancouver coasts, it is most probable that this also occurs
there. It is much smaller than O. borealis, and hence may
have escaped my notice.

32. CARYCHIUM EXIGUUM, Say, sp.
Pupa exiqua, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., [I, 375. (1822).
!=C. minimum, Mill. Verm. Hist. pt. II, p. 125. (1774).

Common at Comox and Salt Spring Island, but not observed near
Victoria.

9
DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS.

(An INAUGURAL ADDRESS DELIVERED BY Mr. H. B. Smati, PRESIDENT
OF THE OTTAWA SCIENTIFIC AND LITERARY Society, 14TH Novem-
BER, 1889.)

The above was the subject of a comprehensive paper showing the
rapid strides development and progress have made in science and litera-
ture during the latter part of the nineteenth century.

After reviewing various matters in connection therewith, the lec-
turer based the existence of everything that caused development on the
use of the solar power either directly or indirectly, and the existence of
this he traced through the various channels conveying it.

The following extracts afford to our readers the main portions of
the lecture :

Applied science is built upon the long and unrequited labor of
students. The steamship, the railway, the telegraph, the telephone
and nearly every invention of the age, are due to the patient observation
and collection of facts which at one time appeared to have no practical
bearing. It is perhaps difficult to get even a misty glimpse of the prac-
tical utility of some investigations, such as those in archeology and
philology, but the fascinating interest of some of the conclusions arrived
at, or to be reached, have at least a value in developing the human
mind which money cannot measure. We are apparently on the eve of
startling discoveries in astronomy which it is easily conceivable may
have a bearing on material affairs, This is true ina far greater measure
of meteorology, geology and chemistry, in all of which the data accu-
mulated are great, and the problems awaiting solution are of an intensely
practical nature. Physiology and its kindred sciences have not only in
recent years added to the fairy tales of science, but have opened new
fields of great promise and consequence. Intensely interesting, and
suggestive of great results to the human race, are the recent discoveries
in regard to cell-life. he anatomy and physiology of these cells, spores
and bacilli have already received sufficient attention to warrant the hope
that improved methods of prolonging life and warding off disease may
yet be discovered. Great as have been the advances of late years, we
are apparently waiting for discoveries and inventions quite as great,

96

and we have to look for them very largely as the result of investigation
and patient collection of dry data which do not appeal to popular fancy.
There is, therefore, good reason why the increasing number of people
among the general public who appreciate the results of pure science
should give what encouragement they can to scientific institutions and
societies.

Facts need to be ascertained. We are too apt to confine
ourselves to matters of importance of to-day, without regard to their
bearing on the future, when their commercial bearing may be most
marked. The scientific results of specialists should be discussed
by men of general knowledge or science, before they can become ayaila-
ble to all. One of the most remarkable signs of progress and develop-
ment during the last half century is to be found in the growth of the
colonies and dependencies of the Crown. The opening era of the Aus-
tralian continent, and of the foundation of our own Dominion, now
spanning this continent, are two of the brightest spots in this career of
progress. These developments of her resources have not cost England
battles by land or by sea, nor have they added millions to her national
debt. What we trace is a period of sunshine, prosperity and progress.
New communities devising for themselves institutions, now sub-dividing
for convenience, now confederating for mutual help, and all under one
benignant sceptre. The state of things is nut yet definite, but time is
granted to devise even a firmer system, a federation of the whole.
Could we Ifit the curtain that covers the destiny of the next century,
who could foretell the aspect? The word “ Excelsior” would stand out
prominent, blazoned in letters of gold.

Man’s circumstances under the influence of man’s mind tend to
progress. By the extension of railways, industrial conditions every-
where are undergoing changes ; manufacturing towns need no longer
be located on rivers or by the sea, but may be established near the
sources where the raw materials for manufacture are obtained. The
development of the world’s resources is facilitated by the application of
various departments of science, such as mining, farming, fishing, engi-
neering, and navigation; and supply and demand, and the changes
which are always in progress can be anticipated by such commercial
men as undertake to acquaint themselves with the leading principles of

physical geography.

~~

97

In point of utility, and as a vast reservoir of power, coal takes the
jead amongst minerals which aid development. Its energy is a fraction
of the solar heat and light diffused on the tree ferns and giant tropical
growth of the carboniferous era, ages before man, which is again partly
restored in combustion. Wherever coal exists, there is, or will be, de-
velopment, and to its presence is due the existnce of many a great
industrial town. Take the Lowlands of Scotland and the manufactur-
ing districts of England for an example. France, Belgium and part of
Germany are hives of industry overlying coal fields, and a network of
railways binding them together, aids in developing manufactures of all
kinds, with ever increasing success.

The coal deposits of America, and their associated iron, have
covered the Eastern States with factories and railways, and yet the
story is told, that scarce one hundred years have elapsed since a
wandering hunter in Pennsylvania built a fireplace of stones in a lonely
valley, and was astonished to see his hearth taking fire from the burn-
ing brushwood. That was the first discovery of the great Appalachian
coal field, and, if I mistake not, our own fellow-townsman, Professor
Macoun, in his wandering over the prairies in search of his favorite
plants, near Crowfoot, accidentally found, much in the same way, what
are now the coal mines of the Saskatchewan district in our Northwest.
As long as coal maintains the preéminence as the source of power, the
nations owning coal regions must maintain a supremacy. As in the
course of centuries the supply fails in the countries now producing it,
so the seat of commerce will change to where coal has yet been unde-
veloped, and the land of the Celestials (China), whose coal deposits are
said even to cast America into the shade, will and must become the
centre of commerce. Then civilization will have traversed the globe to
recommence in the East.

Petroleum, accidentally discovered whilst boring for brine, to the
intense disgust of the borer, has to a wonderful degree developed many
large and important towns; but a rival treads hard on its heels, and
before liquid fuel has displaced the solid it is itself threatened by gas.
Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana are using gas where petroleum and
coal formerly maintained the sway. Iron is melted, glass manufactured,
and steam raised for factories, towns lighted, and houses heated by

98

the vast supply of natural gas, which has drawn together a rush of
population, and factory towns have sprung up at its bidding.

The precious metals and stones are doing their part in developing
new countries. California, Australia, British Columbia and the South
Afvican republic have in turn been peopled by miners. Towns sprang
up, first in canvas, then in wood, till by the exhaustion of surface and
unskilled diggings, technical skill and division of labour became neces-
sary ; capital became more powerful than labour, companies controlled
the mining by machiney, and the town founded in haste either dwindles
away, as may be seen at Silver City and at Golden, in our own Rocky
Mountains, or else developes the agricultural resources of the region, so:
that its next generation is transformed into a prosperous farming com-
munity. When the first discovery of diamonds was made at Kimberly,
South Africa, a few miners’ huts sprang up in a desert region; now
Kimberly is a town of over 20,000 inhabitants, with a railway from the
coast, and with the most approved system of water-works and electric
lights. When the diamond supply fails, as eventually it must, the
frontier trade will suffice to support there a prosperous town, but no.
such site would ever have come into existence in so desert a land with-
out being developed by the valuable products of its mines. The country
dependent on minerals alone has been likened to a man depending on a
liberal expenditure of his capital for prosperity—the more lavishly he
spends it the wealthier he seems, but in reality the poorer he becomes.

With plants and animals this is different, and the wealth of a
people in live produce corresponds to the interest of a large capital.
They have no fixed natural distribution, but can be carried to new
regions ; by cultivation and breeding, their value and number can be
increased. ;

Timber may be regarded as a typical natural vegetable product, but
large supplies of it do not concentrate population except under certain
conditions of water-power, etc., and even then, when the supply is
exhausted, unless something else takes its place, the town rapidly
declines. Even here in our own city, where the business of rafting used
to be largely carried on, the development of the forests by railways
piercing their midst has diverted or destroyed this business, and the
square timber that for years afforded work to hundreds in the rafting

99

line, is now loaded upon trucks specially prepared to receive it, right in
the forest itself, and run down direct to Quebec in three days time, as
against three weeks formerly required to float it downinrafts. British
Honduras exists as a colony only for its woods ; Burmah was annexed
to the British rule for its valuable forests of teak ; and sandal-wood has
been the means of opening up many of the islands of the south seas.
Cotton, the importance of which can never be overestimated, has had
much to do with the social condition of this continent. Its growth
developed the southern States, whose climate suited it wel] ; but requir-
ing harder labour than the planters cared to give, African labour was
imported, and the climate suited that race.

Wheat, however, is the great factor of the vegetable world in devel-
oping civilization. Climate has much to do with the well-being of this
cereal. A hot, dry summer gives it perfection, a changeable and damp
summer is detrimental to it. Confined formerly to only certain districts,
it is now by adaptation of circumstances grown where a few years ago
its cultivation would have been laughed at, and the great wheat fields
of India now furnish large supplies, through the extension of railways
and by means of irrigation, combined with very low wages. In Aus-
tralia, the Argentine Republic, Chili and California, wheat is now
grown to an enormous extent by means of improved systems of agricul-
ture, and the development of these countries is remarkably increasing.

Look at our great Northwest and the rapid strides of its develop-
ment. The Canadian Pacific Railway depends largely on wheat as an
article of freight traffic, and the lines to the sonthern frontier from
Winnipeg were mainly built for wheat, and as new branches are ex-
tended over the prairie, pioneer settlers break up the matted sod that
has for centuries turned the rain aside from the soil below, which,
goaking into the newly exposed surface, calls forth at once its power
of raising grain. What the future of this granary of the world, now
throbbing with the strongest and newest life of the west will be, none
dare predict. From the height of land south-west of Lake Superior, the
whole valley of the Red River northwards to Lake Winnipeg, the
undulating prairies rolling westward to the Rocky Mountains, and the
Upper Mississippi valley, constitute this granary, and this centre of
production is the centre of the river systems of North America. The old

100

style mill that turned out the flour used by our ancestors is a thing of
the past, and the skill and science displayed in the manufacture of that
commodity now, has developed the growth of cities like St. Paul and
Minneapolis ; and Rat Portage bids fair, with its water power to rise
to similar eminence.

But continuous cultivation rapidly exhausts the soil, of which
Eastern Canada and the Eastern States are a living example, and the
materials yearly extracted therefrom, must be returned by fertilizers,
or the production fails.

In 1889 Mr. Gordon Brown calculated the amount of phosphorous
actually contained in the grain annually shipped from the port of
Montreal, estimating it for this purpose in the form of phosphoric acid.
The shipment of that year amounted to 292,534 tons, and the quantity
of phosphoric acid sent away in it equalled 2,340 tons. ‘Taking the
average quantity of this substance contained in good soils, he found this
meant an exhaustion to a depth of one foot of 70,320 acres, in so far
as phosphates are concerned, and that to restore this 5,850 tons of
artificial manure would be required. The total loss of phosphoric acid
in the year to Canada, he estimated, represented $500,000.

This again leads to development. Our new phosphate industry,
the product of which is not yet used at home, is in constantly increasing
demand abroad, and when its necessity becomes apparent here, such
development will take place around the scene of its production that
will wake the echoes of the old Laurentian hills, and imagination
would not be far astray in picturing at our Chaudiere water-power
huge manufacturing establishments for grinding, treating and manipu-
lating this necessary adjunct to wheat growth, long after the present
lumber business has removed to points still further away.

Another valuable point about plant life is, that where one species
fails, another may succeed. Tea cultivation succeeded the old coffee
plantations of Ceylon when they gave out, and the same may be said of
fruit culture. Dye plants are now scarcely cultivated, a chemical
treatment of coal tar producing to-day most of the dyes of commerce,
and the land that yielded these plants is turned to other uses.

As regards animal life, that has had much to do with the civiliza-
tion of the world. From the days when the patriarchs of old moved

101

about with their flocks and herds in search of pasture, down to the
ranche life of the west to-day, the owners of these cattle were, and are,
the pioneers of civilization. The vast pastures of Australia were nibbled
by only a few kangaroos, till men saw their suitability for sheep. Aus-
tralian wool is now the finest produced in the world, and the unusual
fecundity of the sheep in that country was most marked. Analogy in
this respect to other animals was not thought of, and the rabbit, intro-
duced for sport, has now become such a pest as to threaten the very
destruction of the sheep pastures. The above examples fully serve to
show how natural commodities exert the chief influence in the growth
or origin of centres of population and trade, whilst hundreds of other
facts could be cited if needed.

In the development of man, the general aspects of nature and
climate exert an appreciable influence. A hot climate and bounteous
soil tend to enervate the body and mind, but a temperate clime, where
the hand and the head must be constantly at work, is favorable to physi-
cal and intellectual development cor brain power. The latter is that
activity of the mind which shows itself in the great productions—litera-
ture, art, architecture, conquest and civilization—and it is interesting to
trace the gradual changes from ancient times down, and see that it has
been from the gross to the finer idea, and from warmer to colder
climates. Egypt, with its civilization running beyond the records of
history, gave expression to its brain power in gigantic pyramids, huge
sculptures, and the elements only of the arts and sciences. Although
the climate was too warm for great mental activity, the extremely dry
atmosphere gave the Egyptians of old advantages superior to many of
the neighbouring nations. When they ceased to possess princes able to
lead them to conquest, or to continue gigantic buildings, the ease with
which they could procure a living from their valley soil caused them to
fall into habits of indolence, and their enervation was their downfall.

India, with a similar temperature but moister air, produced later
on the fantastic civilization, and light, airy and imaginative architec-
ture peculiar to the Hindoo race, its impossible systems of cosmogeny,
deities and worship, lived its life of sensual intellectuality and then
passed away. Greece, with its more moderate climate, its narrow Val-
leys, rapid streams and snow-capped mountains, with its clear sky, and

102

soil not so rich as to breed habits of indolence, placed its people where
they could achieve prodigies ; and its advanced civilization, arts, laws,
architecture, statuary and literature, both poetic, historical and phil-
osophical, were the outcome of these tavorable conditions. In Italy,
with a climate still nearer perfection, the results were on a vaster scale
than in Greece, and culture was broader, especially in law and general
knowledge. But when in the Roman Senate there was no longer the
ery that ‘ Carthage must be destroyed,” when accumulated wealth and
luxury had done their deadly work, as they did in Greece, the climate,
too warm and humid to invite the Roman character t> hard mental
labour, allowed the sceptre to depart from Italy, and to be upheld by a
sturdier race in a colder clime. In France, where the climate is some-
what colder than Ttaly, and from its various genial and sunny climatic
influences sprung a sparkling and vivacious literature peculiar to its
yace. But luxury has done its work there, and it is the colder and
more northern climate where no extremes occur, and where food is
raised eminently fitted to produce a robust physique, and not to pam-
per the appetite, where intellectual grandeur culminates. England,
Treland and Scotland are proofs of this, and Germany goes hand in
hand. The productions of these countries are not so spontaneous as
to beget indolence, and reaction of the system against the cold sets the
powers of the mind into vigorous action. These northern nations pre-
sent mental results that live; facts are reached by induction, imagina-
tion is rich and varied, but not wild and sensual, and patient research
marks all their literature. On this continent the influences of climate
are plain to all. The greyer skies and severer climate of the North
control man’s character and activities, whilst the Southerner gives him-
self up more to the indolence engendered by the influences of a hotter
atmosphere.

American literature lies in the north, and Canada and the Northern
States have produced and are producing the literature and mental energy
of the continent. When men are settling a country there is but little
chance for mental products. Their minds are absorbed in organizing,
building, shaping. Thought is like carbon ; to crystallize into the dia-
mond needs time, and the most favourable of surrounding influences.
Yet the very fusion of so many diverse characteristics of blood, locality

103

and nationality, is an element of future greatuess, and time only can
develop the latent qualities of the whole when merged into one. His-
tory has always shown that when a people can easily“get a competency
or wallow in riches, degeneracy of mind follows. Note Egypt, Persia,
Rome.

To the student who has thought out the gradual development of
literature, its changes are as full of wonder as are the formation of
rocks to the geologist. Early {man tried like the child of to-day to
draw, and in the rude endeavour scratched with a {flint tool on bones
found in the caves of Southern France, we may see the beginnings of
an art which culminated in the creation of writing. Dr. Isaac Taylor
says that “the history of writing forms no exception to that law of
developement which modern research has found to preside over the
destinies of the universe.” Printing has been the great medium of
development of literature in modern days. The germ of its discovery
was innate ; but it took centuries to evolve it, and to attain to the degree
of excellence it now possesses. Signet ringsand seals and the scarabeei
found in Egyptian tombs bore elaborate inscriptions evidently intended
to be transterred to the surface of substances fitted to receive them.
The dies of coin in all countries involve the same idea. What the
intellectual exigencies of future generations may be who can tell ?
Education is spreading every day, and in every country. A love of
knowledge, of science, of literature is penetrating all communities
deeper and deeper, and will, in the onward march of civilization, be
universal. Doubtless men in the future as in the past will continue to
develope contrivances answerable to all needs. Photography and elec-
tricity may be enlisted yet further than they have already been in the
service of letters, and appliances for satisfying the mental hunger of
the human race, having photography and electricity as co-efficients, may
possibly be thought of which to us now would seem to involve the
incredible, but which to our descendants will be things of course, and
classed by them among the ordinary conveniences of every day life.
Nothing is now impossible.

! ord Justice Fry not long ago wrote an article in the Contempor-
ary Review on the subject of imitation as a factor in human progress.
He says “ how far the manual and techical arts of human life owe their

104

suggestion and origin to imitation is a point which has never beem
fully considered.” The first canoe was made in imitation of a rotten log
which had served as a ferry boat. The first pillar was constructed in
the likeness of an erect tree, and the gothic arch was made to represent.
the overarching boughs in a forest glade, suggestive of how the imitation
of the objects in nature underlies all the various arts and products of
human labor. Now the absence of this faculty of imitation would
produce a stagnation in human society, because each man and each
generation of men would derive no benefit from what their forefathers.
had learned. The presence of no other principle of life must and does
equally produce stagnation. A really healthy and progressive state of
society is only consistent with free thought and effort. It is difficult in
this nineteenth century to realize a society which is really stationary.
with our greedy appetite for new ideas, new things, reforms and im-
provements. Wecan scarcely credit that a great part of the human
race knows none of these, and feels no such appetite, that it has gone
on for centuries in the same way as it goes on to-day, and that it
regards any attempt to introduce new thought or new modes of life, not

merely as an impertinence but an impiety.

But with all our development and progress, we must be warned by
the fate of Egypt, Greece, Rome and all other great nations of the past,
lest on reaching the zenith of our fame and prosperity, we relapse into
a state of apathy, indifference and luxury, and commit that most fatal
error of living on the reputation we have gained and the successes we
have achieved. When most obstacles have been overcome, and when
the struggle for existence and greatness has been triumphantly con-
cluded, nations are apt to give way to a longing for rest, the accumula-
tion of wealth, and the enjoyment of luxury. Politics and commerce
doubtless rule, to a great extent, the destiny of nations, but there are
other influences as well, and chief among these are the social conditions.
of the people. The two great examples of the Roman empire and the
French monarchy stand out in history as a warning, the sociai conditions
of the people in both cases being the downfall of each, What facts.
attest, the people cannot affurd to despise, and a timely warning may

avert many a danger threatening the public welfare.

105

The developement of man’s immortal condition is not in the prov-
ince of a secular theme like the present ; that is left for the pulpit and
the preacher. It is a branch of this subject that might fill a volume
and send joy into minds that are darkened with doubt, but it is too
sacred to be lightly dealt with, or simply passed over, as the limits of
an occasion like this would permit.

The permanent edifice of the world’s education seems to patiently
await the time when men shall tire of fashioning useless building stuff
from their crumbling theories, and revert to the basal granite of which
the everlasting foundations are laid, caring only to shape the super-
structure by the Master Architect’s plan. The movement of vital

energy is man-ward, and the cry of mankind is God-ward. acelsior /

:O:

OXYGEN—ITS ROLE IN NATURE.

The above is the title of a lecture delivered before the Ottawa
Literary and Scientific Society upon Thursday evening, 21st November,
by Mr. F. T. Shutt, the chemist of the Dominion Experimental Farms.
This lecture, which was upon Oxygen, as the most important
constituent of Atmospheric air, formed a fitting sequel to Mr. Shutt’s
lecture of last year, the subject of which was water, including the
chemistry of Hydrogen.

Having given a concise statement of the ground he was about to
cover, the lecturer began by giving a short resumé of his last year’s
lecture before the society, in order to show the connection between the
two subjects. Previous to 1774, when Oxygen was discovered by
Priestly, it was supposed that the air we breathe was one single gas—
an element. The same experiment by which Priestly made this im-
portant discovery, namely, heating red oxide of Mercury, was performed
before the audience. The Oxygen was given off as gas, which kindled
to a flame a glowing ember placed in the mouth of the test-tube, while
the mercury was deposited in a film on the sides of the glass. The
lecture was earnestly listened to throughout, and there were frequent

106

bursts of applause as the following experiments were performed to
illustrate the fact that Oxygen is the universal supporter of combustion
in nature: Burning phosphorus, sulphur, charcoal, zinc, and iron, in glass
globes filled with Oxygen.

It is worthy of remark that the whole of the above experiments
“went off” the first time they were tried, so that the the tedious delays
which sometimes characterise chemical lectures illustrated by experi-
ments were in this instance entirely wanting.

A hearty vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Shutt at the close of

his lecture.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF MINING ENGINEERS.

That Canada is beginning to be better known by our neighbours
across the line is evidenced by the increasing frequency of visits from
scientific and other learned bodies from that quarter, and their inter-
communication with this country is not only pleasant, but beneficial in
its results. The recent visit, during October last, of the American
Institute of Mining Engineers proved satisfactory in the highest degree
to both visitors and those visited, end although the former were not
counted by hundreds, yet those who came comprised some of the most
prominent members of the profession, besides representatives of the
technical institutions. In addition to the points of interest presented
by the capital, to which the visitors were conducted, various excursions
to points of the leading mining industries took place, that to the phos-
phate deposits of the Lievre being the largest of all.

The copper mines of Sudbury, the asbestos district in the Eastern
Townships, together with the copper and other mining industries of
Quebec, were respectively made points of inspection, and the greatest
delight was expressed by our guests. At the opening session, held in a
committee room of the House of Commons, a number of most interest-
ing speeches were made, among which that by Dr. Raymond, the secre-
tary of the Institute, was a veritable piece of word painting. He
alluded to the beauties of our natural scenery, to our waterfalls, rivers,

107

and the great lakes which he styled as “yours and ours.” They
appeared to his view the more beautiful in contrast with a lake visited
by the Institute last year which he considered “the incarnation of sel-
fishness,” receiving everything and giving nothing, not even fruitful
enough for the support of fish or to feed the gulls hovering over it—
Great Salt Lake.

The opinion of Canada carried away by the members of the Insti-
tute is, judging from letters written by several of them since their
departure, most appreciative, and it is in the range of probability that
in 1891 they will again visit Canada to hold their annual meeting, pro-
bably on the shores of Lake Superior.

The readers of the Orrawa Naruratist will be pleased to hear
that, since the meeting, Mr. H. Beaumont Small, one of our members
and the President of tlie Ottawa Scientific and Literary Society, has
been elected a member of the Association in recognition of his writing

upon mineralogical subjects. J. E
30:

BOOK NOTICES.

Tue Encuish Sparrow (Passer domesticus) IN NortH AMERICA,
EsPECIALLY IN ITS RELATIONS TO AGRICULTURE. By WALTER
B. Barrows, Assistant OrNITHOLOGIST, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE. WASHINGTON, 1889.

This is Bulletin No. 1 of the Division of Economic Ornithology
and Mammalogy, of the United States Department of Agriculture, pre
pared under the direction of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, the Ornithologist of
the Department. It embodies the results of investigations of the much
discussed English Sparrow question in North America, carried on prin-
cipally in the year 1886, for the purpose of determining whether the
relations of this bird to agriculture were beneficial or otherwise.

Part [ contains summaries of the evidence which has been collected
by the Department, and which is printed at length mm Part Il. This
is considered and carefully weighed in all its bearings, and the con-
clusions arrived at are systematically and conveniently arranged. A
short history is first given of the introduction of Passer domesticus, into

108

North America, and of its spread and increase. This is followed by a
consideration of the evidence, pro and con, first as to direct injury to
field crops, gardens, &c , then as to the relations of this sparrow to other
birds beneficial to agriculture, and tinally with regard to its insec-
tivorous habits. A careful and impartial survey of the evidence on
both sides can hardly fail to convince any fair-minded person, as it has
the writer of the bulletin, that ‘‘ The English Sparrow is a curse of such
virulence that it ought to be systematically attacked and destroyed
before it becomes necessary to deplete the public treasury for the pur-
pose, as has been done in other countries.” Recommendations for
legislation and of various methods of exterminating the pest are then
given, followed by an interesting paper on trapping sparrows for sport-
ing purposes by Mr. W. T. Hill, of Indianapolis, Ind., and by a short
history of the House Sparrow and of the European Tree Sparrow,
(Passer montanus) at St. Louis, Mo., by Mr. Otto Widmann. The
report on the insectivorous habits of the English Sparrow is contributed
by Prof. C. V. Riley, Entomologist of the Department, while the paper
on the destruction of sparrows by poisons was prepared by Dr. A. K.
Fisher, Assistant Ornithologist. A carefully prepared map shows the
enormous amount of territory over which the sparrow has spread in the
thirty-seven years since its introduction.

Dr. Merriam, who personally wrote but a small portion of the
book, is to be congratulated on having such a painstaking and compe-
tent assistant as Mr. Barrows has shown himself to be in the authorship
and compilation of this bulletin. W..Avrk.

GEOLOGICAL AND NaturaL History Survey oF Canapa. Alfred R.
C. Selwyn, C.M.G., LL.D., F.B.S., F.G.S., &c., Director, Report
for 1887. Several parts of Vol. [II of the new series are out.

(A) Setwyy—Summary Report of the Director for the years 1887
and 1888; (B) Dawson—-Report on an Exploration in the Yukon Dis-
trict, N.W.T., and adjacent portions of British Columbia ; (C) Bowman
—Report on the Geology of the Mining District of Cariboo, British
Columbia ; (E) Tyrrett—Notes to accompany a preliminary map of
the Duck and Riding Mountains in Northwestern Manitoba; (F)
Lawson—Report on the Geology of the Rainy Lake Region; (H)
Incatt—Report on Mines and Mining on Lake Superior ; Pt. A : His-

109

tory and general conditions of the region; Pt. B: Silver Mining ;
(J) Low—Report of Explorations in James’ Bay; (K) ELtts—Second
Report on the Geology of a portion of the Province of Quebec ; (M)
Battey AND McInnes—Geology of portions of New Brunswick, Que-
bec and Maine; (R) Dawson—The Mineral Wealth of British
Columbia, with annotated list of localities of minerals of economic
value ; (T) Horrmann—Chemical Contributions to the Geology of
Canada.

Besides the above Reports there have also appeared (a) Mr. Bru-
mell’s Report of the Mineral Statistics for 1888, and (6) Supplementary
Note on Silver Mining in the Lake Superior district by Mr. Ingall.

His My, A

“ON THE CAMBRIAN ORGANISMS IN AcapDIA.” By G. F. Matthew, M.A.,
F.R.S.C. Can. Rec, Sc., Vol. III, No. VII, 383-387, Montreal,
July, 1889.

This number of the “ Canadian Record of Science,” which contains
no less than six paleontological contributions, opens with Mr. Mat-
thew’s paper above cited. 1t forms an abstract of a paper read before the
Royal Society of Canada in May,1879. The author enumerates the recent
discoveries made in the fauna of the St. John (Acadian) group, and
points out their significance in the light of what is at present known of
the Cambrian system in Russia, Sweden, &c., and elsewhere in
America. From the lower part of the Basal or Georgian series, Mr.
Matthew has obtained representatives of no less than three families of
sponges, besides ‘‘ Radiolarians” or allied organisms. The flora of that
early period is marked by the presence of a Paleochorda and a Fuco-
ides, /. circinatus, Bgt., whilst brachiopoda are represented .by what
appears to be the Mickwitzia monilifera of Schmidt; Crinoidea, by
“undoubted examples of Platysolenites (Pander)” besides ‘“ Volborthella
tenuis, a minute cephalopod.” The St. John or Acadian group is then
divided intv four general stages or divisions, the uppermost of which
belongs to the Ordovician system ; these divisions are as follows :—

Fauna and Flora of Division (stage) 1.—(Paradoxides Beds).

Fauna of Division (stage) 2.—(Olenus Beds). /

Fauna of Division (stage) 3.—(Peltura Beds).

Fauna of Arenig group (Ordivician).

110

Paleontological notes are given under each of these divisions
showing the organisms which characterize them, and reference made to
the new species described for the first time, all of which will appear in
the next Trans. Roy. Soc. Can. The paper closes with a brief and
clear exposition of the physical history of Southern New Brunswick in
Cambrian times as shown by the Cambrian formations themselves.

HM, A.

‘On Fossit SPONGES FROM BEDs OF THE QUEBEC GrouP OF Sir WIL-
LiAM Locan at Littte Metis.” By Sir J. W. Dawson, LL.D.,
F.R.S. Can. Rec. Se., Vol. III, No. VII, p. 429. Montreal,
July, 1889.

This is an abstract of a lengthy paper read before the Royal
Society of Canada at the May meeting, 1889, in which the additional
material obtained by Dr. Harrington and the author at Little Metis is
given. That paper gave ‘“‘a detailed account of the containing beds,
with a map and sections, and describes the species found, which are
about eleven in number, all siliceous sponges, and most of them hex-
actionellid. There are six Protospongig, one Cyathospongia, and five
other sponges belonging to new genera described in the paper. Other
species found in the same beds indicate the presence of the genus
Linnarssonia, also of a new fucoid, Buthotrephis pergracilis, whilst the
sandstones hold “ Retiolites, probably &. ensiformis of Hall,’ the
Trigonograptus ensiformis of more recent classifications. H. Ma Ak

“‘New Fosst PLants From THE Nortu-Wesvt.” By Sir J. W. Dawson.
Can. Rec. Sc., Vol. 111, No. VII, p. 430. Montreal, July, 1889.

This is a note which calls attention to the Upper Laramie plants
recently studied by Sir William, from Mr. McConnell’s collection in
the Mackenzie River basin, and from Mr. Weston’s in the Bow River
valley. Striking resemblances are noticed between the flora from these
two localities and the flora of other parts of the North-West, of Alaska,
the Hebrides, Spitzbergen, the United States and Greenland, and the
whole will forin a very interesting contribution to be given in the
forthcoming Volume of Transactions. H. M. A.

“On somE OsTRACODA FROM THE MApou Coat Fiextp, Inverness Co.,
Care Breton (Nova Scotts). By Prof. T. Rupert Jones, F.R.S.,
and J. W. Kirby. Geol. Mag. No. 300, Dec. III, Vol. VI,
No. VI, p. 269. London, June, 1889.

111

This paper is the result of a critical examination of species of
carboniferous ostracoda which were collected by Mr. A. H. Foord, late
of the Geological Survey, Canada, in 1884, at the Mabon coal field, and
which were sent to Prof. Jones in 1886. The following forms have
been recognized or described, the new one, Carbonia fabulina, var.
altilis, being well illustrated by four wood-cuts :—

1. Carbonia fabulina, J. and K.

2. FS 6 var. altilis. N. var.

3. ek (1) bairdioides, J. and K.

The precise statigraphical positiun of these ostracoda is given from
Mr. H. Fletcher’s Report, addressed to the Director of the Geological
Survey of Canada, in which a list of the associated species and other

fossils described by Mr. Whiteaves is also given. H. M. A.

“GLACIATION OF Eastern Canapa.” By Robert Chalmers, of the
Canadian Geological Survey. Geological Magazine, Dec. ITI,

Vol. VI, No. 299, p. 211. London, May, 1889.

This contribution by Mr. Chalmers, a member of our Club, is a
preliminary note in advance, of an exhaustive paper on the “ Glaciation
of Kastern Canada,” which “ will shortly appear in the Canadian Record
of Science, Montreal.” It presents the subject in a clear and succinct
form, pointing out the conclusions which are at variance with those
held by extreme glacialists, and shows how ‘the theory of local
glaciers upon the more elevated portions of the country and icebergs or
floating ice striating the lower coastal areas during the post-Tertiary
submergence of these, as maintained by Sir William Dawson, will serve
to explain all the observed phenomena.” Mr. Chalmers’s conclusions
are based on data collected by himself for many years in connection
with his geological studies on that “ battle ground, so to speak, of the
advocates of the two rival theories of continental glaciation and floating
ice,” together with the vast amount of notes obtained by Sir William
Logan, Sir William Dawson, Dr. G. M. Dawson, Dr, Befl. Dr. Els, Dr.
Lawson, Messrs. Alexander Murray, H. Fletcher, A. P. Low, and others
of the Geological Survey staff, and the other in Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick, Quebec and the Archean areas as far north as Hudson Bay.
Mr. Chalmers has found that the evidences point naturally and clearly
to the action of local glaciers and floating ice as the agencies which

112

have striated and polished rock surfaces during the glacial epoch and
the subsequent period of submergence. The term “local glacier” Mr.
Chalmers defines as “an ice-sheet limited in extent, that is, confined to
one valley or hydrographic basin, whether large or small, and influenced
in its movements by local topographic features, such as mountains,
watersheds, hills, or the valleys of large rivers.” We look forward
with much interest to Mr. Chalmers’s forthcoming paper in the Canadian
Record of Science. H. M.A.

“‘GbacIATION oF HicuH Points IN THE SOUTHERN INTERIOR OF BRITISH
Cotumsia.” By Dr. G. M. Dawson, Asst. Dir., Geol. Surv. Can.
Geol. Mag. No. 302, Dec. III, Vol. VI, No. 8, p. 350. London,
August, 1889.

This very timely contribution to the history of the ‘“‘ Great Ice
Age” problem in geology, throws additional light upon the glacial
phenomena of Southern British Columbia, where Dr. Dawson has
been carrying on his explorations in connection with the Geological
Survey of Canada. Whilst Mr. Chalmers’s paper deals particularly
with the eastern portion of Canada, Dr. Dawson calls attention almost
at the same time to the Pacific border of Canada—both papers being of
great interest and import, as bearing on the same question from two
widely separated standpoints. In the August number of the Geological
Magazine for 1888, Dr. Dawson presented the results of his investi-
gations in northern British Columbia, and specially in the Yukon
country, where it was shown that the ice mass flowed in a northerly
direction, whilst in the southwesterly portion of the same province the
ice mass moved in a westerly course. This latter ize mass Dr. Dawson
styled the “Cordilleran Glacier.” The purport of the paper is to call
attention to the noteworthy heights at which giaciation has now been
found to occur on some of the higher parts of the interior plateau and
its mountains and to the great mass thereby indicated for the southern
part of the “Cdrdilleran Glacier.” Whilst 5,280 feet (one mile) above
the sea level had been previously noted as the highest point for glacier
ice markings, at Iron Mountain, it has been since ascertained that Tod
Mountain, 25 miles north-east of Kamloops, rising 7,200 feet above the
sea, shows indubitable evidence of the movement of a great glacier ice-
mass entirely independent of the local features of the country. A table

113

giving the height above the sea at which evidence of glacial action
occurs accompanies the paper. In one locality the highest point of
glaciation is over four thousand feet, in four other places it is over five
thousand feet, and in two more over six thousand feet above the sea,
whilst Tod Mt., the culminating point, shows evidence of glacier ice or
nivie-ice action at the extreme height of 7,200 feet. H. M. A.

~‘On A New GENUS OF SILICEOUS SPONGES FROM THE TRENTON Forma-
TION AT Orrawa.” By George Jennings Hinde, Ph.D. Can.
Ree. Science, Vol. III, No. VII, p. 395. Montreal, July, 1889.

From specimens of sponges discovered by Mr. Walter R. Billings,
of our Club, and presented to the national collection at Ottawa, Dr. G.
J. Hinde, well known for his researches in fossil sponges—to whom
the material was transmitted by Mr. Whiteaves—has recognized and
lescribed a new and interesting genus of Lithistid sponges. The
generic designation Steliella is that proposed and described, and indi-
cates two species, both from the Trenton formation of this city, viz:
_S. Billingsi and S. crassx. The genus Steliella finds its nearest ally in
the genus As/ylospongia, Rewer, “ but the nodes are less developed
and the network is much less regular.” The canal apertures of the
surface, and the shape of the sponge as well, resemble some forms of
Calathum, Bill., such as C. Anstedi and C. Fittoni, but the spicular

”?

structure in these latter is as yet unknown.” —A plate of six figures,
drawn by Mr. L. M. Lambe, accompanies the paper, four of which
illustrate S. Billingsi, named after our member, Mr. W. R. Billings, so
well known as an indefatigable worker in the Trenton of Ottawa, and
the two others illustrate S. crassa both in its external and internal or
amiicroscopic characters.

HiME A.

“‘ Notes oN THE Lake St. Joun Country.” By E.T. Chambers. Can.
Rec. Se., Vol. ILI, No. VII, p. 388. Montreal, July, 1889.

This contribution to the geography and geology of the district in
‘question contains some interesting notes obtained since the Lake St.
John Railway opened. Outcrops of “Silurian,” more properly Cambro-
Silurian or Ordivician, limestones are noted, also peculiarities in the
Laurentian avea along the route travelled. Amongst the fossil remains
noted, one, a Cryptozoon: C. boreale, has been so named by Sir William

114

Dawson, a description of which will be given in a future number of
the Record. The statement that Halysites occurs in the Trenton for-
mation of Roberval and is a characteristic species of that formation, the
present writer is inclined to doubt the accuracy of. 1s a ae.

“ CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MuiIcRO-PALZONTOLOGY OF THE CAMBRO-
Stturtan Rocks or Canapa.” By E. O. Ulrich, of the Geological
Survey of Illinois, U.S.A. Published by the Geological and Nat-
ural History Survey of Canada. Montreal, 1889.

This Report contains fifty-six pages of letter press and two litho-
graphic plates, giving descriptions and notes of two new genera and
twenty-six species and varieties of Bryozoa and ten species of Ostracoda
collected by officers of the Geological Survey of Canada in the
Province of Manitoba. Among these there are ten new species of
Bryozoa, one new variety, along with five new species of Ostracoda.
They are as follows :—Bryozoa . Monticulipora parasitica, var. plana
(n. var.) ; Diplotrypa Westoni (n. sp.) ; Batostoma Manitobense (n. sp.) ;
Petigopora scabiosu (n. sp.); Bythopora striata (n. sp.) ; Fistulipora
laxata (nu. sp.) ; Goniotrypa bilateralis (n. sp.) ; Pachydictya heaagonalis
(n. sp.) ; P. magnipora (un. sp.) ; Ptilodictya Whiteavesi (n. sp.) ; Nema-
topora (?) (n. sp.) Ostracopa: Leperditia subcylindrica (n. sp.)
Primitia lativia (n. sp.) ; Primitia (% Beyrichia) parallela (n. sp.) ;
Eurychilina reticulata (n. gen. et n. sp.); H#. Manitobensis (n. sp.) ;
Strepula lunatifera (n. sp.) Hy My AD

‘“On THE Discovery OF TURRILEPAS IN THE UTICA ForRMATION (ORDI-
VICIAN) OF OTrawa, CanapDa.’ By Henry Woodward, LL.D,,
F.K.S., F.G.S. Geol. Mag. No. 300, Dec. I1I, Vol. VI, p. 271.

In this contribution to the paleontology of the rocks about
Ottawa, Dr. Woodward, Keeper of the British Museum, &c., &c., has.
described a very interesting and beautiful little species of cirripede
found by Mr. Ami, of the Geological Survey, in the “ Siphonotreta
band” or zone along the right bank of the Rideau river at the head
of the Rifle Range Rapids. This species is described by Dr. Woodward
as Tuwrrilepas Canadensis, and the description is accompanied by an
enlarged figure of the same. A note by Mr. Ami on the exact geologi-
cal position of this cirripede is included in Dr. Woodward’s paper, and
the species referred to the Lower Utica formation. J. F.

115

“On A SPECIES OF GONIOGRAPTUS FROM THE LEVIS FORMATION, LEVIS,

QurEBEC.” By Henry M. Ami, F.G.S. Can. Ree. Sc. Vol. ITI,

No. VII, p. 222.

In this paper the writer records the discovery in America of a genus
of graptolites which was hitherto known only trom “the Llandeilo
flags of the Bendigo goldfield, Sandhurst, Victoria, Australia.” Prof.
McCoy had described the Victorian species as G'raptolithus (Didymo-
graptus ) Thwreaui, and suggested the generic term Goniograptus for its
reception at some future date. Prof. Lapworth soon recognized the
validity of this genus. No specimens or other species of this genus
were found until 1866, when Mr. T. C. Weston obtained the
first American examples from the black graptolitic and _lingulifer-
ous beds in the cutting on the I. C. R. 1560 paces below the
Lower Levis and Quebec ferry. The Canadian examples of the Gonio-
graptus cannot be specifically separated from the Australian species,
G. Thureauwi, McCoy, although they show a new generic feature in the
presence of a disc or membranaceous wing-like expansion clasping the
stolons. The varietal designation Goniograptus Thureaui, var. Selwyni,
has been suggasted for the Canadian representative of the species, inas-
much as Dr. Selwyn was the first to discover graptolites in Australia
(1856), which determined the age of the gold reef bearing slates of Vic-

toria.

5 al a

EXCURSION TO CASSELMAN.

Upwards of thirty availed themselves of Mr. Craig’s kind invita-
tion to visit his farm on the Nation River, at the Ox-bow near Cassel-
man, on August 8th. Arrangements were made with the Canada
Atlantic Railway to let the party off at this point, and take them up
again there in the evening, a great convenience to those who wished to
spend the day in the immediate vicinity of the farm. The majority did
so, and found it a most delightful spot, full of cool retreats from the
fierce noonday sun, and teeming with animal and vegetable life in its.
most interesting forms. Many rare specimens in the various branches

of natural history were collected or observed during the day. Some

116

half-dozen members braved the heat and discomfort of a three-mile
tramp to Casselman on the railway ties, and were rewarded by finding
some interesting relics of a by-gone age in the shape of broken Indian
pottery, and by the somewhat novel sensation of a bath in the rapids
below the Village, where the water runs at immense speed over large
tables of flat rock. Addresses were, as usual, given before leaving, on
the collections and observations of the day, by the leaders of the differ
ent branches, and were listened to with great interest. The unanimous
verdict of the members when they gathered for the return journey was
that our excursion to the Ox-bow had been one of the most pleasant
and profitable ever held by the Club, The hearty thanks of the Club
are due to Mr. Craig and his family, as well as to Mr. Summerby, for
the kindness showr the members and their friends. Mr. Craig’s hospi-
tality will always be remembered with feelings of gratitude by those
who had the good fortune to partake of it at the Ox-bow farm.
W. A. D. L.

20:

BACK NUMBERS.

Attention is called to the changes in the list of prices of back
numbers of the Club publications, on the second page of the cover. To
members only, the back numbers are now furnished at cost price, thus
enabling them to procure or fill up sets at comparatively small expense.

W. A. D. LEEs,
Librarian.

New Memeers :—Miss I. M. Ballantyne, Messrs. Jeffrey H. Bur-
land, B. App. Sc., F. C.8. ;-J. B. Dowling, B. App. Sc. ; J. Rainson
Wills (Buckingham), Capt. Edgar A. Mearns, U.S.A., Fort Snelling,
Minn.

117

EDITORIAL.

The present number brings to a close the third volume of the
Orrawa Naturatist. The favourable notices which have appeared in
current periodical literature have been very encouraging, and the de-
mands for numbers from outside naturalists—which are constantly
increasing—are evidences of the growing appreciation of our efforts.
The experiment was tried during the past season of publishing the
magazine in quarterly instead of monthly parts; but so many of our
subscribers have expressed regret at this change in the methed of pub-
lication, thinking that much greater, interest in the work of the Club is
kept up by the monthly issue of the proceedings and notices of meet-
ings, that the editor has felt it his duty to request the Council to bring
the advisability of returning to the monthly issue before the Club for
consideration at the next annual meeting, which will be held in the
museum of the Ottawa Literary and Scientific Society on Tuesday —
afternoon next, 18th March, at 4.15 p.m. There are several matters
of unusual importance to come before the meeting, and the Council is
particularly anxious to have a large attendance. Amongst other mat-
ters of great interest to the Club, upon which the members will be
asked to express their views, is one provided for last year, to wit, the
addition of three lady members to the Council. This step it is con-
sidered will materially increase the usefulness and popularity of the
Club. It is most desirable that there should always be a good repre-
sentative attendance at the annual meetings for many reasons; but
particularly so when changes of importance are made in the manage-
ment such as that which is now proposed. Owing to the high class of
papers which have been read before the Club during the past winter,
most of which are already in the hands of the editor, the numbers of
the Natura.ist for the coming year will be of exceptional interest.
The usefulness of the Club as an educational institution and as a means
of providing beneficial and enjoyable recreation is generally acknow-
ledged by all who have had their attention drawn toit. The editor
begs to thank the members of the Club for the assistance and encourage-
ment they have given in the past. There are, however, two things in
which every member of the Club can render signal service to the editor

118

without putting themselves to inconvenience. These are (1) by in-
creasing the membership of the Club. There are few people who have
not, at any rate, one friend, who “ for their dear sakes” would give a
dollar a year to a good cause. If every member of the Club would
obtain one new member, the OrrawA NATURALIST would then be made
the most successful Natural History Magazine in North America.
(2) By paying their subscriptions when they are due at the beginning
of the Club year (3rd Tuesday in March). The subscription is neces-
sarily payable in advance, because all payments for printing the
NATURALIST, rent of rooms, postage, stationery and binding, have to be
met as they fall due, and our only sources of revenue are the dollar a
year paid by each member and the advertisements on the cover of the
Narurauist. Moreover, the advantages offered by the Club are so
considerable that it is seldom so much can be got in return for a dollar.
Lege et mirare!! The Orrawa NaruRAList is sent free, as issued, to
every member ; admission is free to all the evening lectures and popular
afternoon Jectures ; there is a reduction in the price of tickets at all the

excursions, which alone frequently amounts to a saving of half the
annual subscription ; the back publications of the Club are now fur-
nished to members at the actual cost of printing, a saving in those
already printed (from the published prices) of $2.56 ;—Is not this
enough for a dollar? If not, come to the annual meeting and tell us in
what else we can meet your wishes.

In conclusion, the editor begs to tender his sincere thanks to Mr.
W. A. D. Lees for his most timely and valuable help as assistant editor
during the year. J. F.
:0:

AGRICULTURAL GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS OF THE
UNITED STATES BY DR. G. VASEY.

The new and enlarged edition of Dr. Vasey’s Agricultural Grasses
has been received. It is a large pamphlet of 148 pages and is illus-
trated by 114 plates. The printing and get up of this work are of the
usual excellent quality of the United States documents. It is largely a
revised edition of that of 1884 ; but much valuable new information has
been added. In the preseut report the principal forage plants, other
than grasses, which are employed in agriculture, are treated of. The
plates are very fine and will be invaluable to those wishing to make a
study of grasses. Pl]: 1-4 are devoted to illustrating the different parts
of grasses, and a glossary of the terms used in describing these plants is
given. J. F.

119
GEOLOGICAL PROGRESS IN CANADA.

PRESIDENT’S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

By R. W. Exts, LL D., F.G.S.A.

(Delivered Dec. 13th, 1889.)

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, in opening the present series
of soirees and lectures pertaining to the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club,
I can only regret that the task has not fallen on some one of its many
members, who from a larger and more intimate acquaintance with the
work and aims of the Society, would have been much better fitted te
present its claims and to advance the subject in all its bearings. As,
however, accident or design has placed the responsibility on my shoul-
ders I will attempt to lay before you, briefly, a few facts bearing upon
the Club’s actual condition, and strive to indicate what, under proper
and wise guidance, and with a due manifestation of interest on the part
of its members will conduce to the undoubted successful future to
which the Society should do its utmost to aspire.

Established in 1878 by a small body of enthusiastic amateurs in
the study of the various branches of Natural History, this Society has
grown steadily in public favor, till now we are happy to point to a
membership of not far from 250 persons. Among these we are proud
to be able to number many of our best and most enterprising citizens,
both ladies and gentlemen. We include in our list, I think, nearly or
quite a!l those whose tastes and inclinations have led them to desire a
more intimate acquaintance with the wonderful and beautiful things
of nature, either through the agency of the regular excursions which
are held during the summer months, or through the lecture courses in
which many of the notes and facts then obtained are presented in
attractive form, and in a manner in many respects probably more
instructive. Of our members, while many may not lay claim to the
title of scientists, in the strict acceptation of the term, it may be said,
that, by some, at least, much excellent and lasting work in the cause of
science has been accomplished, as can be readily seen by reference to
the published volumes of the Club’s Transactions; while of many others
it may be safely asserted that a large store of valuable notes and obser-

120

vations have been made by them on the various subjects of natural
history, the results of which have not yet been presented to the society,
possibly for the reason that in many persons a certain innate modesty
or a lack of confidence in their own powers has heretofore restrained
them from taking a more active part in the work or discussions of the
Club. To bring such members more fully into the light, and to secure
their hearty co-operation and valuable assistance, and to provoke a
spirit of enquiry generally, on their part, concerning the beauties which
lie around us on every hand, is one of the first aims of this institution.
While we acknowledge that much has already been done in this
direction, our hopes will not have been fully realized till we see far
richer results.

It may not be generally known that in our membership we now
include the greater portion of the official staff of the Geological and
Natural History Survey of Canada, comprising a body of men eminent
in many branches of science and well known throughout the scientific
world. And in this respect we are, as a club, clearly in advance of any
other similar scientific institution at least in Canada, if not in the
adjacent country of the United States. Of these it may be said that
while for well recognized reasons the chief result of their observations,
in the field or otherwise, may not be directly available to us asa
private institution, many important, interesting and valuable facts
bearing on the several branches of natural history and geology, as well
as sketches of explorations of our hitherto but little known and vast
stretches of territory, can be presented at our meetings and incorporated
in the Club’s Transactions, thus rendering this publication one of the
most valuable of the scientific journals published in any country. I
cannot but feel that in this Club, as at present constituted, we have a
membership sufficient to entitle us to a very high position among
scientific institutions at large, and that it, in reality, depends upon our-
selves to make the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club a true power in the
land, and its published Transactions of such value as to be eagerly
sought after by scientists and those interested in science generally all
over the civilized world. I am impelled or rather authorized to say this,
more particularly at this time, in view of the fact that up to the begin-
ning of the present year, according to a clause in the late constitution of

—-

121

he Club, its operations were almost entirely confined to scientific work
in the more immediate vicinity of Ottawa. By this clause it can easily
be seen that the work of most of the active members of the Geological
Survey, whose fields ot research lay at points remote from this city,
was almost entirely excluded, and as ‘a necessary consequence the
members of that staff, who should constitute a very important factor in
the successful working of the society, to a very large extent lost interest
in the Club’s work asa whole. By a unanimous vote at the last gen-
eral meeting this clause of the constitution was amended in order that
the scope of the Club’s work could be enlarged and embrace the read-
ing of papers, discussions and observations by any of its members on
subjects of scientific interest from any portion of the Dominion, and a
glance at the programme prepared for your entertainment and instruc-
tion during the coming winter will show you at once the direct
practical outcome of this modification of the Club’s policy, since it will
there be seen that no less than six papers, all of which promise to be of
great interest, and comprising localities which extend from Labrador
on the east to the Arctic Circle and the great Yukon Country on the
west and north, will be read by members of the Geological and Natural
History Survey of Canada, and it may be said here that only the lack
of time or opportunity at our disposal has prevented the obtaining of
others of equal interest and importance from the same source.

With, therefore, such an array of facts as we have just stated, and
with so attractive a programme as we are now enabled to present to
the members of the institution and to the general public as well, it is
most confidently anticipated that much of the indifference, or lack of
interest, to use a milder term, which has apparently been evinced by
many members in the working of the society, will now di-appear. The
programme of papers and lectures for our present course is of such
interest and importance as in any other town or city would attract so
great an audience that our vresent room would be inadequate for their
accommodation, and I can but feel, and so feeling, strive to impress
upon every member of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club, the great
desirability of placing the society of which we are all members in so
distinguished a position that every one of us can point with gratification

122

to the fact that he is a member of this body of earnest workers in the
cause of science generally.

Concerning the work of the summer just past, I can or need say
but little. The several excursions were very successful, well attended,
and enjoyable, and many facts new to members were obtained. The
study of Nature in the field is, after all, the only true method in which
we can obtain a correct knowledge of her mysteries. Many a geologist
can, in his office and at his leisure, write learned dissertations on the
geological structure of a country about which but little is known, which
may, indeed, read very well and seem perfectly plausible, but which,
mpon actual test in the field, in some way do not appear to meet all the
requirements. It is, in all scientific work, only by “thought and dint
of hammering,” as one of our members so happily puts it, that the
fundamental truths can at length be reached. Ornithology, botany,
entomology, in fact all the branches of natural science acquire a tenfold
interest when their study is taken up in direct connection with the
objects studied, but when, by this study in the field, we have obtained
all the facts possible bearing on the subject, then comes the perfecting
process by their careful and minute study indoors. It is this feature
in the working of this Club, as originally contemplated, which, though
possibly at times lost sight of, renders this Society so valuable, since it
earries on, or at least endeavors to carry on, its work exactly in this
way, and it is precisely for this purpose that the evening soirees were at
first inaugurated, that members who have spent the months of summer
in collecting facts, may have an opportunity of presenting these before
the membership of the Club, and may receive needed information or
light upon any point that may appear to them puzzling or obscure.
The accounts of the several excursions, and the results attained, will be
found embodied in the several numbers of the Club publications for the
past summer, and it is, therefore, needless for me to further refer to
them here, since we infer that every member has long ere this carefully
read the contents of each number as it appeared.

It may not be out of place here to refer to one aspect of scientific
work, the consideration of which has a very important bearing on the
question generally. Many persons have asked me, as they have doubt-
less asked every student of Nature in her many forms: What is the

123

practical outcome of all this? What benefit, direct or indirect, do we,
as a people, expect to derive from such an expenditure of time or money
on the part of the individual or of the nation? Now, while to a body
of strictly scientific workers the consideration of such a question would
be quite unnecessary, it is possible that there may ke, even here, some
who have thought over this question from this practical standpoint.
And, first of all, I suppose it may be safely asserted that every scientific
subject has a twofold aspect, viz.: first, its study from a purely scientific
point of view and in the interests of science properly so called ; and,
secondly, its economic importance. ‘Thus, if you were to ask the ento-
mologist what practical good he expects to derive from the study or
serious contemplation of bugs or insects, he would readily say that
many of these insects are injurious to the growth or development of
certain valuable fruits or grains, and the study of their habits, their
methods of existence, and the means by which their destruction can best
be effected, forms an exceedingly important branch of study, in order
that their encroachments may be most successfully resisted or their
extermination most readily effected. So, also, with the ornithologist,
the study of the habits of certain birds, injurious or otherwise to vege.
tation, as in the case of the English Sparrow or other species, is con-
sidered so important that special investigations in this direction have
been undertaken by our neighbors across the line. As regards the pro-
blems of geological science, the economic aspect of the question is of
special value in many ways; since upon the character of the rocks
beneath the surface depends very largely the agricultural value of soils
which have been produced by their disintegration or decay, and the
determination of areas suitable for successful settlement and their fitness
for the growth of certain important classes of food products. The deter-
mination of mineral-bearing belts, and the probabilities of the profitable
expenditure of capital in the search for economic minerals, also in great
measure depend upon the correct determination of geological horizons,
and constitute one of the most important of the practical problems _pre-
sented by the study of the science of geology. With many of those
who regard scientists, as a class, simply as cranks of a higher growth
and as persons who have no clear conception of the objects for which
they are working, it is very evident that the consideration of these

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aspects of the question has never entered into their calculations, since
the resulting benefits, even in the pecuniary sense, to every form of
industry now known, not merely in those more especially connected
with the study of the natural sciences, but in those which enter more
closely into the avocations of every day life, have only been obtained by
dint of hard, close and unremitting study of Nature’s secrets by some
one of those so called cranks, whose greatest and sometimes énly reward
very often is the inward satisfaction derivable from the thought that he
is at least doing something for the general good of man, to advance the
general interests of his country, or render more immediately and readily
available the boundless stores of wealth which our great mother earth
holds treasured up in her capacious bosom.

It has been suggested that for this opening paper some account of
the progress of geological work in Canada might be acceptable. Ineed
not say here that the exposition of such a subject, to give it any small
measure of justice, would require a length of time much better measured
by hours than by the few minutes at my disposal this evening, even
were I in a position to discuss a subject of such magnitude, a subject
the extent of which is only equalled by the greatness of our country
itself. The only thing I can, therefore, hope to do in such a case is to
give you some slight idea of the early work and of the workers who
have labored in this field, to sketch briefly the outlines of the investi-
gations carried on by the members of the Geological Survey and by
others who have contributed in greater or less extent to the unravelling
of some one of the many problems of geological structure which are
everywhere presented, and to point out, if time permits, some few of the
difficulties that yet remain to be overcome in order to arrive at their
final and satisfactory elucidation.

For this purpose, the progress of geology in Canada may perhaps
be divided into three parts, the first of which may ve held to include
the work done before the establishment of the Geological Survey ; the
second, that of the period in which the late Sir William Logan directed
its operations ; and the third, that of the last twenty years, during
which the present director, Dr. Selwyn, has filled that position.

The writings of the early explorers in Canada, say in the latter
part of the last and the beginning of the present century, do not contain

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very much relating to its geology. While some notice was taken of the
occurrence of some of the best known minerals, such as iron and coal,
no attempt was made in any way to interpret the structure or explain»
the general geological. conditions which prevailed. This can easily be
accounted for from the fact that the study of the science at that date
was in its earliest stages, and even in England and on the continent of
Europe, the discussion of geological problems was attended with but
small satisfaction. The formation of the Geological Society of London,
in 1807, furnished a starting point for better work and more careful
observations, and marks the beginning of the era when the study ot the
various rock formations may be said to have been undertaken in the
right spirit. In Canada itself the conditions of geological study were
somewhat peculiar. Prior to Confederation, each province, with the
exception of Ontario and Quebec, controlled its own affairs in this direc-
tion, and although the present Geological Survey was established nearly
fifty years ago, or in 1842-3, its operations were for twenty-five years
almost entirely confined to the provinces mentioned. Before this date,
however, individual explorers, or rather observers, prominent among
whom may be mentioned the names of Bigsby, Bayfield, Bonnycastle,
Ingall and Lyell, had, in the course of their wanderings, begun to study
in some detail the character of the various rock masses encountered,
and their papers, communicated to the Geological Society of London
and to the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, constitute the
first literature on the subject of Canadian geology. Of these, in so far
as I can learn, the earliest geological description of any section is con-
tained in a paper read by Dr. Bigsby, in London, in 1823, and published
in the Transactions of the Geological Society, in 1826. on the ‘‘ Geog-
raphy and Geology of Lake Huron,” in which the character of the rocks
about the great lakes and at various points along the north side of the
St. Lawrence was described. In this paper the rocks are simply divided
into the Primitive, a term which was held to embrace much or all of
what we now regard as Laurentian and Huronian, or at least Archean,
and the Secondary or stratified portion: the present arrangement of
geological systems of nomenclature not having been invented till some
years later.

126

The entire list of papers published on the geology of Canada
proper, or old Canada, prior to 1843, numbered about fifteen. Of these
two were by Dr. Bigsby, two by Capt. Bayfield, R. N., two by Capt.
Bonnycastle, R. N., and six by Lieut. Baddeley, R. E., so that it may be
said that our geology of that time was largely in the hands of the army
and navy. That much of the work then done was of a high order is
evident from the tributes subsequently paid to these observers by Sir
William Logan, who, in the preface to the Geology of Canada, 1863,
speaks of them as follows:

* Admiral Bayfield has communicated to the Literary and His-
torical Society of Quebec and to the Geological Society of London
various interesting papers on subjects connected with Canadian geology,
with the facts in which it will be found that we have on several
occasions availed ourselves.

“« Among the pioneers of Canadian geology no observer was more
accurate than Dr. J. Bigsby, Secretary to the Boundary Commission
under the Treaty of Ghent. His range of investigation extended from
Quebec to Lake Superior, and beyond the limits of the province in that
direction, and he has accumulated and published a great store of facts
upon the exactness of which the greatest reliance can be placed.

“Tieut., now Major-General, Baddeley, of the Royal Engineers,
when in Canada, now nearly forty years since, was an ardent promoter
of geological enquiry, and his services were made available by the Pro-
vincial Government in explorations in the region of the Saguenay and
in the Peninsula of Gaspé. To him we are indebted for the first pub-
lished notices of the lower Silurian limestones of Lake St. John, Bay
St. Paul and Murray Bay, as well as of the existence of gold in the
drift of the Eastern Townships. Lieut. F. L. Ingall was another
explorer who, about that time, did good mineralogical service in Gov-
ernment expeditions; the district to which his attention was directed
being the country between the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa. Capt. R.
H. Bonnyeastle, R. E., at a somewhat later period, interested himself
in the examination of various mineralogical and gevlogical phenomena,
more particularly in the neighborhood of Kingston, where his military
duties had placed him. The results of his observations were given in

127

Silliman’s Journal, 1831, and in other publications, and have been cited
in this report.”

Of the work of other observers, we have, in 1827, valuable notes
by Dr. J. Richardson, who accompanied one of the Franklin expeditions
to the north coast of America. In 1837, Mr. J. Roy, of Toronto, pre-
sented a paper, the first of its kind, apparently, on the superficial
geology of Western Canada, in which he estimated the subsidence, from
the evidence of terraces, at about 1,000 feet below the present sea level.
In 1840, also, Mr. Kenwood gave some very interesting facts on the
geology of northern New Brunswick, discussing the distribution of the
granites of that area, the extent of the great carboniferous basin, and
the presence of fossiliferous sediments about the Bay of Chaleur. But
perhaps the most important paper at the close of this period was that
by Sir Charles Lyell, in 1843, on the recession of the Falls of Niagara,
embodying the results of a careful study of the peculiar conditions
there presented ; a paper often quoted since by writers on the subject
of denudation and the geological history of the great lakes. This was
followed in the same year by the first paper of Sir William Logan on
Canadian geology, in which he described the distribution of Laurentian
boulders along the St. Lawrence below Montreal and the presence of
marine shells in the clay in the vicinity of that city.

The papers above enumerated may, as already suggested, be
regarded as constituting the first period in the history of Canadian
geology. ,

Before proceeding to the consideration of the work of the second
period, or that embraced by the work of the Geological Survey under
Sir William Logan, we may briefly glance at the history of explora-
tions carried on in the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,
to which provinces the regular working of the Survey was not extended
till the year 1868. During the period between 1830-40, Dr. Abraham
Gesner, a well known physician of Nova Scotia, and celebrated even at
that date as an ardent enthusiast in the study of the science of geology,
began the study of the rock formations of that province. The con-
clusions he arrived at, after some years’ investigation of the subject,
were, in 1836, presented to the public in a volume entitled “‘ Notes on
the Geology and Mineralogy of Nova Scotia,” a book possessing much

128

interest even at the present day. Dr. Gesner was not only a man of
very distinguished ability, but a very close observer. He divided the
rocks of the province into four grand classes, of which the first, and
presumably the oldest, group was styled the primary, following the gen-
erally accepted nomenclature of that day, which he held to occupy the
entire southern side of the province along the Atlantic sea-board.
These were flanked throughout a great part of their extent, on the
north-west, by a belt of clay-slates, or argillites, extending from the
western extremity to the extreme north-east point. This area he
included under the head of the clay-slate district. His third division,
that of the red sandstone, embraced largely the great areas of the car-
boniferous system, and what is now regarded as the triassic, lying to the
west and north of the preceding, while his fourth, or trap, district
included a considerable extension of eruptive rock which forms the
chain of the North Mountains along the south side of the Bay of
Fundy and about the lower portion of the Basin of Minas, of special
interest, both then and now, as affording some of the finest specimens
of zeolitic minerals anywhere to be obtained.

While it may be generally stated that the structure of the pro-
vince, as thus outlined by Dr. Gesner, has not been confirmed in every
particular by the work of more recent observers, it must be said that
many highly interesting points were brought forward, and have been
sufficient to warrant the placing of Dr. Gesner’s name in a prominent
place among the earlier workers in the field of Canadian geology. He
next took up the work in the adjoining province, New Brunswick, and,
in a series of reports extending down to 1845, presented, likewise, a very
fair summary of its structure and mineral wealth, a work, in fact, that
for many years was accepted as the standard for that section. By him, -
also, the first geological maps of the two provinces were prepared, and
it is a sad commentary upon human life to know that the closing years
of a man so celebrated for scientific research, instead of being filled with
the honours he so richly deserved, were embittered by neglect and pov-
erty, insomuch that, through inability to meet some petty pecuniary
liability, he even suffered incarceration in the common jail, and had it
not been for the kindness of some one of his friends who chanced to hear
of his position and procured his release, the closing hours of his life

129
would have been spent within the confines of the prison. Dr. Gesner
evidently lived in advance of his day, but this sad ending of a life
which had done so much to further the interests of the country will
always stand out prominently as a bitter reflection upon the public men
who permitted such a state of affairs to exist, could it possibly have been
prevented.

Before leaving our sketch of Gesner’s work, we may briefly call
attention to his second volume on the “Industrial Resources of Nova
Scotia,” published in 1849. In this he expresses his indebtedness to
several scientists, among whom were Messrs. Jackson and Alger, of
Boston, and Sir. Charles Lyell, from whose conclusions, in some res-

| pects, Gesner continued to differ. As indicating the great advance in
the science, as compared with the map of 1836, it may be said that in
the volume of 1849 Gesner then divided the rocks of the province into
no less than eight groups, of which the first, or primitive, rocks are now
styled granite or hypogene ; the second, or the non-fossiliferous strati-
fied rocks, the Cambrian, corresponding largely to much of his former
clay-slate division ; third, the Silurian, containing characteristic Silurian
fossils and resting in small areas on the flanks of the former ; fourth,
the Devonian, or old red sandstone group; fifth, the Carboniferous, or
coal formation ; sixth, the old red sandstone, now our Triassic ; seventh,
Igneous, or intrusive, rock ; and, eighth, the Drift, or Boulder, formation.
lt may be said of this work that many of the conclusions then advanced
are accepted even at the present day.

Although, as just stated, the operations of the Geological Survey
did not for many years extend to this province, almost the first work
done by Sir William Logan, in 1845, was the examination of the Cum-
berland coal field and the measurement of his famous Joggins section, a
work that has ever since remained as a standard by which the rocks of
other portions of the Nova Scotia Carboniferous formation can be
measured, even to the present day. In the meantime, the study of the
science in this direction had not been entirely neglected. Sir Charles
Lyell carefully examined various portions of the province and the
adjoining Island of Prince Edward, and, as a result of his travels, pre-
sented papers of great interest to the London Geological Society. But
another Nova Scotian was now coming rapidly to the front, a man

130

whom we are all proud to recognize as one of the most prominent, not
only among Canada’s, but the world’s scientists, who, as the labors of
Dr. Gesner drew to an end, took up the work with renewed enthusiasm.
In the course of his travels throughout the province in the discharge of
his duties as Superintendent of Education, Dr. Dawson, now Sir ~
William Dawson, acquired a store of facts concerning the character and
distribution of the various geological formations far greater than Dr.
Gesner had been able to obtain. These facts were elaborated in much
greater detail than was possible by his predecessor, owing to the great
and rapid strides which had been taking place in the history of the
science, and were, in 1855, presented to the public in the first edition of
that celebrated work, the “‘ Acadian Geology.” It is not, probably, too
much to say that while Logan was so successfully carrying on his great
work in old Canada, Dawson, unaided, in his little province by the sea,
was doing work equally as faithful and as productive of great results,
and not only as the author of ‘“‘ Acadian Geology,” but as a worker in
many other fields of science as well, the name of Sir William Dawson
will always stand prominent in the records of the science in Canada so
long as the study of Canadian geology exists. No one who has ever
studied carefully that great work on Nova Scotian geology as contained
in the Jast edition of the volume we have mentioned, can fail to be im-
pressed with the immense amount of painstaking research visible
throughout. Not only is this seen in the matter of stratigraphical
detail, but in the enormous amount of paleontological data there con-
tained. Of the studies of Sir William Dawson of the fossil floras of the
great Nova Scotia coal fields, and of the great amount of labor bestowed
upon the paleo-botany of the Devonian system of New Brunswick and
Gaspé, it need only be said that these remain and are accepted as stan-
dard works on these subjects everywhere at the present day. In the
pages of ‘ Acadian Geology,” also, we find an abundant store of facts
pertaining to the character and distribution of the fossils from every
formation from the primordial Silurian to the Triassic. His work was
not, however, confined to the one province of Nova Scotia. The assis-
tance he was able to render to the local geologists who were beginning
to decipher the complicated problems of structure in the adjoining Prov-

131

ince of New Brunswick was of the greatest value and greatly simplified
the difficult task they had undertaken.

In connection, also, with the work in Nova Scotia, we must not
omit to mention the names of others who have done great and lasting
work in that field. Brown, on the structure of the Cape Breton coal
fields, Hind, Howe, Honeyman, and others, of the latter of whom
it may be said that probably no man was held in greater esteem by tke
people of his province. His work in the eastern area, on the Arisaig
section, has long since established his reputation as a skilful worker in
this field.

In speaking of the work of these pioneers of the science in our
sister provinces, there should be no attempt to throw discredit upon
their labors or conclusions, even though it be found that the results of
the most recent investigations in this field do not in all respects coincide
with theirs. It is but fair to infer that, with increased study and more
detailed methods of examination, many new facts will be brought to
light, which will often of necessity involve changes in the interpretation
of structure. This has always been the case, and always will be, so long
as the study of geology is carried on, and the principle is as true to-day,
as applied to geological work, as it was twenty or thirty years ago.

Passing now to New Brunswick, we find there some names which,
as having taken a prominent place in the early study of the science, are
well worthy of mention. Among these we again find the name of
Gesner prominent, and he may be well styled the father of New Bruns-
wick geology. Following him, we have Dr. John Robb, a former pro-
fessor in the University of Fredericton, who, in 1849, published valuable
notes, and a map of the province, while reference to certain interesting
points of structure was made in the first edition of the “ Acadian
Geology,” in 1855. During the early years of its study, from 1840 to
1860, sufficient was not known concerning the areas of crystalline rocks
in the southern part ot the province to determine their true age or posi-
tion. The fossiliferous Cambrian slates about St. John had not then
been studied with any attempt at detail, only a few imperfect remains
having been obtained, which were not determinable, while, from the
comparatively isolated condition of the country, opportunities of
comparison with the established Huronian and Laurentian rocks of

132

Canada were not sufliciently afforded to be of much value. At this
date, however, 1860, three names come prominently into view in con-
nection with the geology of the province, viz., those of Hartt, Bailey
and Matthew. These gentlemen began a careful study of the rock
formations about St. John and soon obtained large collections of fossils
from various points, many of which were handed to Sir William Dawson
for determination, and his papers on the subject form the basis of the
second stage of New Brunswick geology.

In 1862-63, Hartt, after a careful study of certain fossils from the
St. John slates, discovered the fact that these were the equivalents of
those which had been determined by Barrande, in Bohemia, as character-
istic of the primordial or earliest known fossiliferous zone. This dis-
covery of Hartt’s was of the greatest importance, as establishing a scien-
tific basis for the determination of the sequence of strata. The con-
clusions then arrived at were published in a small volume issued by
Bailey on the geology of the southern part of the province, and, as a
result, the crystalline rocks, which resembled in many respects those of
the oldest formations in Canada, fell naturally into their proper place
at the base of the geological scale, and upon this foundation the super-
structure of New Brunswick geology was speedily reared.

The last paper published on the geology of this province, prior to
the extension in that direction, of the work of the Geological Survey,
was by Prof. H. Y. Hind, in 1865, in which he dealt very fully, not
only with the geological structure as a whole, but devoted much atten-
tion to the consideration of its mineral resources. In this paper,. Prof.
Hind instituted some comparisons between the rocks of the interior and
those of eastern Quebec, or that portion known as the Quebec group,
but differed in some respects from the opinions expressed by Bailey in
his volume of the previous year on the southern portion of the province,
as to the age of the rocks which had been found to underlie the Cam-
brian fossiliferous sediments.

The Geological Survey of Canada, whose operations have now been
extended to every part of the Dominion, has had an existence of nearly
fifty years. While it may seem almost superfluous to devote any time
to the history of its inception, it is possible that there may be some
present who are not perfectly familiar with the early struggles and dis_

OO

ee

133

appointments, which attended the efforts of those who were desirous of
seeing uch an institution in successful operation, and who firmly
ia in its great utility as a factor in the advancement of the
interests of the provinces. As far back, then, as January, 1832, a
petition, asking for pecuniary assistance in carrying on a geological and
statistical survey, was presented by Dr. Rae to the Lieut.-Governor of
the province, but, though strongly recommended by that gentleman, it
was not even entertained by the Committee of Supply. In December
of the same year, the York Literary and Philosophical Society also for-
warded a petition for the same purpose, which met with alike fate. In
1836, a committee of several gentleman was appointed by the Govern-
ment to report on a plan for the,general survey of the province, which
report was presented, but no further action taken in the matter. On
motion of the Committee of Supply, it was then resolved that an address
should be presented to Sir F. B. Head, the Lieut.-Governor for the
time, with reference to the practicability of the desired survey. This,
however, failed to go any further, and in December of the same year a
Mr. Dunlop gave notice of an address to the King, praying for a grant
of wild lands to defray the expenses of a geological survey, which appli-
cation also met with the same fate as its predecessor, and the matter
was thenceforth dropped till the union of the Provinces of Quebec and
Ontario and in 1841.

In that year, the Natural History Society of Montreal, through
_Mr. Benjamin Holmes, and the Literary and Historical Society of
Quebec, through Mr. Henry Black, again petitioned for aid to carry out
a geological survey. The consideration of these petitions was, therefore,
taken up by the Government, and on the motion of the Hon. 8. B.
Harrison, the sum of £1,500 sterling, for the purposes of such a survey,
was included in the estimates. As a result of this action, early in 1842,
the advisability of appointing a geologist for the work was considered,
and the matter was referred by Sir Charles Bagot, who was the Colonial
Governor for the time, to Lord Stanley, then Secretary of State for the
Colonies, by whom, on the recommendation of Sedgewick, Murchison,
De la Beche and Buckland, the position was offered to Sir William
Logan in September of that year.

134

Logan, who was in England at the time, returned to Canada in
the fall and proceeded to Kingston, then the seat of government. Here
the question of an assistant was discussed, and, on the recommendation
of De la Beche, the services of Mr. A. Murray, a gentleman who had
been educated for the navy but who had served for some time on the
ordnance survey of Britain, were secured. Murray was already, to
some extent, acquainted with Canada, having resided here for several
years, and served as a volunteer, also, in the rebellion of 1837. The
personal acquaintance of these two men, who have rendered such signal
service to this country from a scientific standpoint, began in the winter
of 1842-43, and the friendship then established continued unbroken till
the death of the former in 1875.

Limited as was the area of Canada fifty years ago, compared with
the enormous extent of territory now included under that name, the
inception and carrying out of a plan of survey such as Logan contem-
plated was not a thing to be lightly entered upon or undertaken.
Great portions of the country were accessible with difficulty, means of
communication were slow and expensive, and the amount of money at
his disposal and the staff necessary for the work were lamentably small.
With characteristic energy, he addressed himself to the task, and soon
formulated a scheme for the carrying on of the explorations required.
Tn the spring of 1843, Logan, who had spent the winter in England,
again returned to Canada, reaching Halifax in May, whence he deter-
mined to make the journey overland through Nova Scotia, New Bruns-
wick and Quebec, in order to obtain some preliminary ideas as to the
structure of that section. It was on this trip that his first work was
done in Nova Scotia, and particularly in connection with his famous
Joggins section already referred to, of which it has been truly said that
“it forms a remarkable monument of his industry and powers of obser-
vation.” From his previous acquaintance with the rocks and structure
of the coal fields of South Wales, Logan was specially fitted to under-
take this task, the correct working out of which promised to give him
the most satisfactory data for determining the structure and value of
the coal fields throughout the rest of that province, as well as of the Car-
boniferous areas of New Brunswick and eastern Quebec. This great
work completed, he spent some time in the examination of the sections

135

along the south side of the Bay of Chaleur, where, also, thin seams of
coal are found, and then proceeded to Gaspé, concerning which reports
of the presence of coal had for some years existed, and its determination
as a possible coal field was of the very highest importance. Here, in
his bark canoe, with a couple of men only, Logan passed some weeks,
measuring accurately section after section along the eastern and southern
shores of the peninsula, undergoing the usual amount of hardship which
such a mode of life entails, and determining very clearly the succession
and thickness of the various formations there exposed. The conclusions
Logan then arrived at in regard to the value of this so called coal field
were to the effect that no deposits of that mineral could ever be found
there in workable quantity, and the views then expressed have ever
since been accepted as definite, thus preventing the useless expenditure
of capital in that direction.

It was fortunate for the early history of this survey that the direc-
tor should have so thoroughly enjoyed the esteem and confidence, as
well as the friendship, of such men as Murchison, Sedgewick and others
of the leading geologists of the mother country, by all of whom offers
of assistance in all the branches connected with his work were heartily
tendered, and without which the elucidation of the particularly knotty
problems he everywhere encountered would have been much more difl-
cult.

While Logan was thus devoting his energies to the working out
of the structure of Eastern Quebec, Murray, his assistant, had been
equally assiduous in his labors in Western Canada, and in the preface to
the Geology of Canada, 1863, Sir William says that “ he (Mr. Murray)
has blocked out nearly all that is known of the distribution of the rocks
in that division of the Province.” In addition to his work in this field,
Murray also accompanied Logan on his first great exploration of the
Gaspé Peninsula in 1845, during which surveys were made of the
Shick-shock range and of most of the larger streams that traverse that
section. In Western Ontario the examination of the country about the
Great Lakes was particularly arduous, but productive of great results,
and the surveys then made of many of the hitherto unexplored streams
and portions of the coast remain as standard work to the present day,

136

thus testifying to the accuracy with which these observations were car-
ried on.

The Geological Survey can now be said to have been fairly launched,
though under circumstances not the most satisfactory. Uncertainty as

to the continuation of the grant caused Sir William much uneasiness,

and there was considerable opposition in certain quarters on the ground
that the Survey’s work was devoid of practical utility. A liberal
policy, however, prevailed, and the sum of £2,000 was voted in the
session of 1845-6, thus assuring the carrying on of the work for another
season at least. Just at this time, however, Sir William received a
very handsome offer from the Directors of the East India Company,
in which they tendered him the control of the survey of the Indian
coal] fields ; but although the direct remuneration promised was treble
that he expected to receive as head of the Survey in Canada, so great
was the interest he had already acquired in Canadian geology that he
decided to continue in his then position even in the face of such adverse
circumstances. At his own expense he?had meanwhile hired a house
in Montreal which served as museum, office and laboratory, and pro-
vided himself with a supply of apparatus and chemicals as well as en-
gaged the assistance of a chemist, the result of all which was that at
the end of the second year the Survey was in his debt to the amount of
about £800. By the act of the Legislature in the ensuing session the
sum of £2,000 was granted for a period of at least ive years. The bili
upon which this grant was made was designed by Sir William himself, and
was to the effect that a certain number of competent persons should be
appointed, ‘whose duty it shall be, under the direction of the
Governor in Council, to make an accurate and complete geological sur-
vey of the Province, and to furnish a full and scientific description of
the rocks, soils and minerals, which shall be accompanied with proper

maps, diagrams and drawings, together with a co!lection of specimens to

illustrate the same ; which maps, etc., shall be deposited in some suitable
place which the Governor in Council] shall appoint, and shall serve as a
Provincial collection ; and that duplicates of the same, after they have
served the purposes of the survey shall be deposited in such literary
and educational institutions of the eastern and western divisions of the
province as by the same authority shail be deemed most advantageous.”

137

The chemist appointed by Sir William, early in the work, was the
Count de Rothermund, a student of the Ecole Polytechnique, Paris.
His connection with the official staff was, however, but brief. There
appeared to be a lack of ability to grapple with the difficulties
presented, or a lack of fitness for the position, which resulted in
his voluntary retirement in 1846. The vacancy thus caused was
speedily filled by the appointment of Dr. T. Sterry Hunt, who at
that date was acting as chemist of the Geological Survey of Vermont.
This appointment was a particularly happy one, and for nearly twenty-
five years. in his capacity as chemist and mineralogist, Hunt built up,
not only for himself, but for the Canadian Survey a reputation which
is world-wide.

With the exception of the department of paleontology, the Survey
was then comparatively well equipped and ready to carry on in a satis-
factory manner the purposes for which it was established. Although
the staff was small, the material was of the best, and exploration went
forward at a rapid pace. In 1847, Mr. James Richardson was added,
and, in course of over thirty years’ work, examined many portions of
the Dominion from the Straits of Belle Isle to the distant Island of
Vancouver and Queen Charlotte’s Sound on the confines of Alaska.
Other persons were added from time to time, as the necessities of the
Survey demanded or the funds at its disposal permitted. In the branch
of paleontology it was, however, found necessary for some years to
send abroad for determination many ot the valuable specimens, which
were rapidly accumulating ; and among those who particularly rendered
assistance in this way may be mentioned Prof. James Halli, of Albany,
N. Y., and Messrs. Salter and Jones, of the English Survey. This diffi-
culty was at length overcome by the appointment, in 1856, of Mr. E.
Billings, a former resident of this city, whose love for scientific workin
this line was such as to lead him to lay aside his chosen profession of
the law, and, at the request of Sir William, to attach himself to his
small but zealous band of workers. Of him, also, it may be truly said
that much of the great reputation the Survey has acquired, both at
home and abroad, is due to his indefatigable labours. The appointment
of Mr. Robert Barlow, formerly of the Royal Engineers, as chief
draughtsman shortly after, completed the official equipment of the staff

138

at that time. The work of exploration was, however, carried out in the
meantime by the employment of specialists who were selected to carry
out special examinations of particular mineral locations, and whose
reports were of great value, or by what were considered as permanent
employees, who carried forward the work along certain regular lines
laid down by the director himself. The attempt to give, even in the
briefest form, a synopsis of the work of each of these would cause me to
trespass on your time to an unwarrantable extent. The particulars of
such work will, however, be found summarized in the preface of that
great volume, the “Geology of Canada,” 1863, in which the leading
features of the operations of the Survey to that date are admirably pre™
sented.

Among the important changes in nomenclature which owe their
origin to the labours of our Canadian geologists of this period, two, at
least, are of special interest. The great series of rocks which had been
described by leading geologists for many years under the title of Pri-
mary, or the Primitive group, and, for some years prior to 1854, by
Logan himself as the Metwmorphic series, comprising all those which
were held to underlie the lowest fossiliferous zone, were, in the report
of that year, styled the Zawrentian, and at the same time, in regard to
the palaeozoic formations, the nomenclature of the New York Survey,
by which standard these rocks had for many years been classified, was
changed to correspond with that employed in the English Survey, and
the terms, Lower and Upper Silurian and Devonian came into general
use. In the following year, 1855, the great group of rocks which bor-
der Lakes Huron and Superior, and which, in the reports of Dr, Bigsby,
were styled the Transition series, were grouped under the new name
Huronian. This term was first officially announced in a small volume
prepared for the Paris Exhibition of that year and styled ‘‘ Esquisse
Géologique du Canada.” The former term, Laurentian, proved so
happily chosen that it was subsequently adopted by the English Survey
and applied to the great masses of crystalline gneisses and similar rocks
which occur on the west coast of Scotland and elsewhere in the British
Isles, thus proving in what high estimation the labors of our own
geologists were held by the ablest workers in foreign fields.

139

While the work of the survey during all these years appeared in a
regular series of annual reports, the growing interest taken by the
general public in its progress, and the apparent necessity for presenting
the conclusions arrived at in a more compact form, at length reached
such a point that Sir William Logan, assisted by Dr. Hunt, brought
out, in 1863, the volume now known as the “ Geology of Canada.” In
this the investigations and results of the preceding twenty years were ad-
mirably summed up, and the latest views of structure of all the formations
from the Laurentian to the carboniferous clearly stated, both from the
standpoint of the stratigrapher and the paleontologist, while the second
part contained an immense amount of the most valuable information
relative not only to the chemical composition and origin of the various
rocks but to the value and distribution of the most important of our
economic minerals.

In connection with this volume, and designed to accompany it, the
great geological map of Canada and the adjacent Northern States was
published in 1866, of which it may be rightly said that no more
beautiful work of the kind has ever been presented by this or any other
survey ; a work entailing an enormous amount of labour, and reflecting
the greatest credit upon all engaged in its compilation, and in the
delineation of the exceedingly complicated geological lines there laid
down. This great work will always stand as the map par excellence
and can always be pointed to with a feeling of pride, not only by the
members of the survey itself, but by every Canadian who feels an inter-
est in the successful carrying out of the study of geological science in
our own country. During all these years of hard work in the field by
the officers and staff other matters, involving quite as serious labour,
were being presented from time to time. The great exhibitions at
London, Paris, and Dublin, to which the survey sent large and charac-
teristic collections, both of rocks and minerals, which set forth in a
forcible manner the great wealth of the country in this respect, were
productive of much good, but involved an immense expenditure of time
and energy. The museum and offices at Montreal. were constantly
visited by scientific men from ail parts of the world, who might be pas-
sing through, as well as by others seeking information on various
points, and from the old workshop on St. James and St. Gabriel streets

140

much work of the greatest importance in connection with the develop-
ment of Canada’s mineral] resources was produced. The confederation
of the provinces in 1867 opened new fields for the Survey’s operations,
and the hitherto somewhat small amounts, granted from time to time,
were soon found to be inadequate to carry on the operations over such
greatly extended areas. In the meantime the Survey had lost one of
its original members in the person of Mr. Murray, who at the request
of the Newfoundland Government had undertaken the survey of that
colony, a task for which he was especially fitted by his long acquaint-
ance with the rocks of Ontario and Quebec. The staff had gradually
been enlarged, but the great strain to which the director had for some
years been subjected now began to tell upon him severely, and in 1869
Sir William Logan felt it incumbent upon him, in view of the greatly
increased area to which the operations had been extended, and the
growing interest he felt in the elucidation of certain highly puzzling
problems of structure in eastern Quebec to which he had for many years
devoted special attention, to lay aside, as far as possible, the direct
charge of the Survey’s operations and to seek a successor. His resigna-
tion took effect in that year, and with this date, 1869, we may close the
second stage of geological investigation in Canada. The position thus
rendered vacant was filled by the appointment of Dr. Selwyn, the
present director, a gentleman of very extensive experience, not only in
the Official Survey of England and Wales, but in the great colony of
Australia, where he had for a long period filled the position, also, of
director of the Survey of New South Wales. And from this date we
enter upon what we may here style our third period.
Hitherto, as already stated, the work had, for the most part, been
confined to the two provinces of Quebec and Ontario, in which the great
questions of Canadian yeology had been most successfully worked out.
Henceforth, it had to include in its scope the distant areas of British
Columbia, the great plains of the North-west Territory, the rugged
masses of the Rocky Mountains, and the wide expanses of the Peace
and Mackenzie River basins, concerning all of which, or in great part,
at least, our information was of the most meagre kind, not only of its
vastness of territory, but of its geological structure, its mineral wealth,
its agricultural capabilities. and its natural history and climatic condi-

141

tions. It can readily be seen, therefore, that the task now entered upon
by Dr. Selwyn was one of no small magnitude. In regard to the North-
west and some portion of British Columbia, some work had already
been accomplished, both by Prof. Hind, in his exploration of the Sas-
katchewan plains, and in the great Palliser expedition, by Dr. Hector,
and the maps furnished by tbe latter were for years the only guide by
which one could fix his position in that territory with any approach to
accuracy. In addition, new and more detailed investigations had, of
recessity, to be carried on in the older provinces in connection with the
metamorphic and metalliferous rocks, and in the great wilderness
country lying between Lakes Huron and Superior and the Hudson,
and James’ Bays, as well as in the eastern provinces of Nova Scotia and
New Brunswick. It is, probably, not saying too much, nor, I trust,
will it appear to savor of adulation if we state that, probably, no enter-
prise so great as the complete geologica! and natural history survey of a
country embracing over 3,000,000 square miles was ever undertaken by a
staff so small in numbers, or carried on with an expenditure so insignifi-
gant, as is being done by this same Geological Survey of Canada. And
it is well within the bounds of truth if we say that to the work of the
members of its staff is due, in very large part, much of the information
we now possess as to the greatness of the country’s resources, both agricul-
tural and mineralogical, between the waters of the Atlantic on the east and
the distant boundary of Alaska on the north and west. It will scarcely
be necessary to mention individual names in this connection. The
various members of the staff and their several fields of labor are too well
known to require any special personal reference before an Ottawa
audience, and as this paper has already reached an undue length, it will
doubtless be found sufficient if we indicate briefly and in general terms
the extent of the Survey’s operations during the last twenty years and
give you some of the results already obtained.

Before doing so, however, it must here be mentioned that much
work of the greatest practical value has been carried on in various fields
by geologists and others not attached directly to the official staff of the
Survey but who have been more or less intimately associated with the
carrying out of the work in the several provinces. Of these, the names
of several have been already mentioned, while, of others, the results of

142

their labors have appeared from time to time in some one of the various
scientific periodicals either of this country or of England and the United
States, the results of which it is, for obvious reasons, impossible to
allude to further in the brief limits of a paper such as this.

Briefly summarized, then, the progress of geological investigation
during the last twenty years may be thus stated. In the east, the care-
fully detailed maps of Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia have been
presented to the public and are worthy of the highest praise. We have
also, now, a very good general idea of the structure of the other portions
of that province, including the distribution of the great gold-bearing
series of the coast rocks from Yarmouth on the west to Guysborough on
the east. The structure of the great coal fields of Cape Breton, Pictou
and Cumberland have also been carefully studied, and the geological
horizons of the ores of iron and manganese, which are of the utmost
importance in connection with the future development and progress of
the country, have been clearly and satisfactorily determined. In New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, the geological map of both prov-
inces has been completed, and the exceedingly complex questions in the
southern portion of the former, which for many years were wrapped in
profound mystery, have been very thoroughly solved. The outlines of
the great Carboniferous basin, cccupying an area of over 12,000 square
miles in this province, have been carefully determined, and its presump-
tive value from the economic point of view established, while some of
the most important work in Canada in connection with the paleontology
of the oldest fossiliferous formations has been and is still being carried
out with the greatest care.

In Quebec east, the great problem of the age and stratigraphical
relations of the Quebec group, a problem which for more than forty
years has engaged the attention of geologists, not only in Canada, but,
to some extent, in the United States and Europe as well, has, it is
hoped, been placed on a comparatively satisfactory basis of settlement,
while to the west and north of the St. Lawrence, the mysteries of the
great region of the Mistassini have been clearly solved, and great progress
has been made in the study of the Laurentian rocks to the north
between Quebec and Montreal. The great wilderness country lying
between the Ottawa and the James’ Bay has been traversed in all direc-

143

tions along the great natural avenues, by which alone this otherwise
pathless area can be explored. Concerning the great extent of country
about the Hudson and James’ Bays, we have now very clear ideas, not
only of the geology, but of its fauna and flora and of its adaptability for
settlement, while its topography has also been carefully mapped.

In this country the deposits of iron, gold, phosphate, asbestus and
copper have also been investigated, and much valuable information fur-
nished as to their mode of occurrence and value.

In Ontario, while a large amount of exploration has been carried
onin the older and more settied portions of the province, relating to the
more careful delimitation of the better known formations and to the
presence of its economic mineral wealth, much careful work of a very
high order has also been done in the areas about Lakes Huron and
Superior and further west, where some of the great questions as to the
age and origin of the fundamental or lowest rocks of our systems are
now in a fair way of being conclusively settled, while the geological
relations of the great copper-bearing series, always a question of the
greatest importance in the study of this section, have received a large
amount of attention. In this connection, the great deposits of Sudbury
and vicinity have been, of late, especially prominent.

In Manitoba and the North-west, results of the greatest practical
value have followed close upon the investigations of the Survey.
Among these may be especially mentioned the discovery of the great
coal fields along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and in the
Souris plains, a discovery productive of the greatest interest in connec-
tion with the development and future welfare of that vast area, as well
as the careful study of its flora and climatic conditions and the fitness of
great portions for the successful raising of wheat and the finer grains.
To this agency, also, we must refer the greater part of our present
knowledge as to the character of the country lying to the north of the
North Saskatchewan, the presence and prospective value of petroleum-
bearing strata there found, and the existence of great and, till very
recently, little known tracts of land also well adapted for settlement
and the successful prosecution of the various branches of agriculture,
a country as yet accessible with difficulty, but which, before many
years, wiil doubtless be traversed by lines of railway, while on the

144

waters of the mighty Mackenzie and Peace and their great tributaries,
as well as on the great inland seas of that great land, suitable steamboat
accommodation will present the necessary means of transport, and carry
to the cutside world the rich harvests which ere long will be produced
from the boundless and fertile plains of that district.

In British Columbia, the work of the last twenty years has made
us very familiar with the immense value of the coal fields of Vancouver
and with the inexhaustible forests which are found, not only in that
island, but at many points on the mainland. The mapping of many
of the gold fields of the interior has also been done, and the complicated
structure of the great Rocky Mountain chain worked out to a very
large extent. The presence of mineral deposits in this region has been
established, which may be found before long, upon their development,
to equal in value those which have of late years enjoyed a world-wide
renown and which occur in the prolongation southward of this same
mighty range among the western states and territories. Further to the
north, we now know well the vaiue of the coal fields of the Queen
Charlotte group, and have a fair idea of the extent and resources of the
great territory traversed by the Yukon and other rivers, with many
facts relative to the distribution of the gold which is found in that sec-
tion and of its general geological conditions, further particulars of
which you will doubtless be privileged to hear during the present lecture
course from some of those who, from an intimate personal acquaintance
with this field, are best fitted to discuss the subject fully.

In addition to all this work in the departments of geology and
mineralogy, the study of the flora and fauna of the country as a whole,
has been carried on at many points, extending from the Atlantic to the
Pacific, of all of which our knowledge is great and accurate, while, in
the kindred science of paleontology, a reference to the volumes issued
during the last fifteen years will serve to show what great strides have
also been made in this direction. This is particularly true in connection
with the great areas of cretaceous and other closely associated formations
which occupy such a wide extent throughout our North-west.

As already stated, the particular history of any one of these fields
of investigation would furnish abundant material for a talk of hours
instead of minutes. It will, however, I trust, be apparent to all who

145

have followed this brief sketch that the study of the science of geology
in Canada, even though we are a comparatively new country, has not
by any means been neglected. Of necessity, in a country so vast, much
of the work for years must be largely preliminary, and the conclusions
reached be only generalized. The second stage has, however, at many
points been reached, when a more careful and detailed study of forma-
tions already recognized must be taken up. This will involve the
geological relations of our principal minerals and the peculiarities of
their modes of occurrence, such as our gold, silver, copper and iron, our
asbestus, phosphate, plumbago, manganese, natural gas and petroleum.
These are some of the most important economic problems in connection
with the science which must now be entered on by the Survey, and the
careful consideration and solution of which wiil, without doubt, consti-
tute factors of the utmost value as concerns the future welfare of our
Dominion as a whole.

:0:

GRAY’S MANUAL OF BOTANY.

We are pleased to announce to our botanical members the publica-

tion of the new (sixth) edition of Gray’s Manual. It has been revised
and extended westward to the one hundredth meridian by Dr. Sereno
Watson and Prof. J. M. Coulter, with 25 plates illustrating the sedges,
grasses, ferns, etc.

This work, which has been anxiously looked for by all working
botanists, has only just appeared, too late for review in this number ef
the NATURALIST, but a notice will appear in the next issue. In the
meantime, the editor would remind such of our botanists as may require
to get copies that they can do so through Mr. James Hope, who is a
member of the Club.

0)

FIFTH REPORT ON THE INJURIOUS INSECTS OF NEW
YORK, BY J. A. LINTNER.

We have to thank Dr. Lintner for a copy of the above valuable
contribution to Economic Entomology, which is a report of about 200
pages, illustrated by 50 figures. The chief articles are: Remedies and
Preventatives, The Larch Saw-fly, Injurious Lepidotera, The Grain
Aphis, and Miscelaneous Observations. It is a mine of useful inform-
ation, and contains many carefully prepared and choice gems of
knowledge. J. F.

146

MONDAY AFTERNOON POPULAR LECTURES.—HOW TO
COLLECT AND PRESERVE BOTANICAL SPECIMENS.

By James M. Macoun.

(Delivered February 3rd, 1890.)

Until a collector has become fairly well acquainted with a collect-
ing ground he should not attempt the collection of both phenogams
and cryptogams at the same time. It is much better to make two
expeditions to one locality, collecting flowering plants the first day and
mosses, lichens, fungi, etc., on the occasion of a second visit. To do
good work with cryptogams it seems necessary to focus the eye especially
for them and even the most experienced collectors find it impossible to
collect them in a satisfactory manner unless they render themselves.
practically incapable of seeing a tlowering plant at all. As most of
you however confine your attention to flowering plants, let us imagine
that we are about to set out in search of them. It will be necessary to
take out with us nothing but a strong knife and a plant press or vascu-
lum. Except where plants are desired for study or are very tender and
require peculiar care in drying, I know of no reason why the vasculum
should ever be carried by one who is collecting specimens for preserva-
tion, although it will always be preferred by some, and much can be
said by theminits favour. Apart trom the claims that either party may
offer, as regards the superior beauty and quality of specimens that have
been collected in the one way over those collected in the other, the one
argument that to me seems convincing is that if the press be used in
the field the specimen is secured beyond a doubt, while this is by no
means certain if the vasculum be employed. Assuming that care has
been exercised in the arrangement of specimens in the vasculum, and
that the collector has reached home with the results of his day's work
in good order, there is still the mechanical and less interesting part of
the work to be done—the transfer of the specimens to whatever form
of press is used—not infrequently one is too tired to do this at night,
and it is postponed until the following morning, when too often one is
so hurried that the work cannot be done properly, or perhaps not at all,
the bare possibility of this happening is sufficient in my opinion to
warrant the disuse of the vasculum altogether by collectors ot specimens.

147

for the herbarium, as without doubt many fine and rare specimens are-
lost or spoilt simply because they are neglected after they have been
collected.

My plan, as soon as the collecting ground has been reached, is to lay
the press on the ground or against a stump or tree, and to collect the
plants found in the immediate vicinity: when as many as can be con-
veniently carried in the hand have been gathered, they are taken to the
press, the specimens most worthy of preservation are selected and
placed betweeu driers, and the others thrown away. It is important
that not only the flower, and where possible the fruit, be collected, but
the root also. It may be said that large roots often disarrange the press.
and the specimens it contains, but there is no need of this. I know of
no plant, the root of which may not, with a little trouble, be cut down, so.
that while its structure may be shown, it will not interfere with the
proper drying of the other specimens in the same press. The cutting
should all be made from one side, and in the case of bulbous and tuber
ous plants, or those with tap roots, everything beneath the skin should
be caréfully cut away, and the specimen will for all herbarium purposes
answer as well as if the entire bulb, tuber, or root had been preserved.
When using a plant press in the field, no care need be exercised in
placing specimens between the driers; much time is often wasted in
the endeavor to make specimens remain in just the position that seems
best to the collector. If they are placed in the press in the most hap-
hazard manner and submitted to moderate pressure it will be found that
after a few hours they will become limp—not withered—and may then
be arranged to suit any taste; when put under greater pressure the
lines where leaves and blossoms have been bent will disappear. After
a day’s collecting it is by no means necessary that the plants should at
once be transferred to the home press, although the sooner this is done
the better, for it should not be forgotten that as soon as driers become
saturated, their usefulness is gone. At home a screw or lever press may
be used, but a piece of broad board and two or three stones of vari-
ous weights will answer much better. It is a mistake to use too
great pressure, all that is required, is that all parts of the specimen
come in contact with the driers, and that the weight be sufficient to pre-
vent wrinkling. What the weight should be depends upon the number

148

of sheets under pressure. The driers between which speecimens have
been placed should be changed at least twice a day, until the plants are

almost dry, and care should be taken that the papers used for driers should
be quite free from moisture ; this is best effected by spreading them out
where the sun’s rays will fall directly upon them, or by placing them

in an oven or upon a stove. If specimens are to be dried quickly, two”
sets of driers should be used and changed every half hour, the driers
not in use having in the meantime been thoroughly dried and heated ;
or the specimens may be placed between thick sheets of blotting paper
and dried in a few minutes by means of a hot flat-iron; or after the

specimens have been in the press tor one day they may be placed
between two driers and exposed to the sun. Some species lose their
original colour if dried in any of these ways, but their number is small
and experience soon teaches one what they are ; they are however apt to
become brittle, but this difficulty may be obviated with a little care. The
specimens should not be made quite dry, but only almost so, and then
placed under light pressure for a few hours. Many plants such as the
Sedums or Stonecrops, the Cacti, nearly all Orchids and some others
are difficult to dry if ordinary methods be employed ; they may, how- °
ever, be made ready for the herbarium in a few hours by simply dipping
them in boiling water a sufficient number of times to quite kill them ;
there is nothing then to be done but to press out the moisture they
contain. By this means all plants ofa succulent nature are most easily
dried.

Potamogetons and kindred water-plants should be placed between
masses of paper as soon as taken from the water, and while still wet
pressed a little and then transferred to the ordinary driers which need
not again be changed.

Vascular Cryptogams such as ferns, equisetums, and club-mosses
are collected with flowering plants, as they are of about the same size
and dried in much the same manner.

In collecting mosses, lichens, fungi and liver-worts, the vasculum,
a basket or even a canvas bag, or large handkerchief may be used ;
with the exception of fungi all are best when collected shortly after
rain has fallen, and are then, too, procured most easily. With
the exception of fungi the method of drying all is the same, and is very

149

simple. Secure fruiting specimens when possible, and after cutting off
as much bark, dirt, or rotten wood as is advisable from them, place
them between driers, press them slightly and then expose them to the
sun until nearly dry, or leave them in a loosely fastened press placed in
asmall room. Fungi are difficult to dry properly, they should as a
general rule be placed gills upward in the sun and will dry in that way
in a day or two, but many of them cannot be treated in this way, nor
indeed preserved at all.

With all forms of plants the collector should select the best speci-
mens that are to be had when a plant is first seen, and if better are
found later on, one should not hesitate to replace, with them, those
already collected. While the selection of good specimens in the field
is the first important point, care in preserving and drying them is what
makes good herbarium specimens. The work in the field may be
the most interesting, but it amounts to little more than a health-giving

pastime unless the results of the work be preserved in a proper manner.

LIST OF MOSSES COLLECTED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
OF OTTAW Aé

By Joun Macoun, M.A., F.R.S.C., F.L.S.

(Continued from Vol. Il, page 272.)

Since the publication of the list of mosses in Vol. II of the Trans-
actions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, I have collected the fol
-lowing species :

124. Sphagnum rubellum, Wils.—Mer Bleue (Oct., 1889).

125. Sphagnum cuspidatum, Ehrh.—Mer Bleue (Oct., 1889.)

126. Sphagnum intermedium, Hoffm.—In wet woods north of
Beechwood, Ottawa (Oct., 1889).

127. Sphagnum squarrosum, Pers.—Quite common in little ponds
and wet spots north of Beechwood, Ottawa (Oct., 1889).

_ 128. Ephemerum serratum, Hampe, var. angustifolium, Schimp.
—Not uncommon on overflowed ground at Hull Cemetery and Leamy’s
Lake (Oct., 1889).

150

129. Archidium Ohioense, ee: —With the preceding (Oct.,
1889).—-New to Canada.

130 Weisia viridula, Brid.—On earth on hummocks north of
Leamy’s Lake near Hull (Oct., 1889).

131. Dicranum scoparium var. scopariforme, Kindb.—On roots of
trees and logs in McKay’s woods and Dow’s swamp (Aug., 1889).

132. Dicranum palustre, La Pyl.—On earth in Dow’s swamp
(Sep., 1889.)

133. Fissidens tamarindifolius, Brid.—On earth on hummocks and
at the base of trees north of Leamy’s Lake (Oct., 1889). New to
America.

134. Fissidens pusillus, Wils.—Very common on flat limestone
rocks in McKay’s woods ; fruiting abundantly (Oct., 1889).—New to
America.

135, Fissidens decipiens, De Not.—Very common on old stumps
and logs in Dow’s swamp, and on stones and stumps in McKay’s woods
(Sep., 1889).

136. Leptotrichum glauscescens, Hampe.—On earth close to Hull
Cemetery, Leamy’s Lake (Oct., 1889).

137. Orthotrichum speciosum, Nees.—On trees in all woods
around Ottawa (Aug., 1889).

138. Orthotrichum connectens, Kindb. (N. sp.)—Habit of Ulota
crispa. Monecious. Tufts dense, green above, very radiculose below.
Stem 2-12 mm. high. Leaves very crispate when dry, revolute
nearly all around, papillose, obtuse or obtusate, long-lanceolate, at the
base a little broader; the upper cells round, only the basal narrow,
the marginal ones not distinct ; costa disappearing above, not percur-
rent. Capsule (not ripe) exserted; calyptra cylindric—narrow, very
hairy.—On cedar trees near the pond in Dow’s swamp (Sep. 11, 1889)-

139. Encalypta streptocarpa, Hedw—Crevices of rocks at the
outlet of Leamy’s Lake near Hull Cemetery (Aug., 1889).

140. Physcomitrium immersum, Sulliv.—On earth on clay banks
forming the outlet of Leamy’s Lake; very rare (Sep., 1889).—New to
Canada.

141. Webera nutans, Hedw.—On moist ground and rotten wood
in Dow’s swamp, and in woods at Leamy’s Lake (Aug., 1889).

151

142. Webera cruda, Schimp.—Crevices of rocks at the outlet of
Leamy’s Lake (Aug., 1889).

143. Bryum capillare, Linn.—In abundance on rocks, Gilmour's
Park, Chelsea, Que. (Sep., 1889).

50. Bryum Ontariense, Kind. N. sp,—This is the B. roseum of
first article ; fruiting abundantly this year (Aug., 1889).

144. Mnium affine var. rugicum, Bruch. & Schimp.—On wet, boggy
ground near the pond in Dow’s swamp (Sep., 1889).—New to Canada.

145. Mnium inclinatum, Lindb.—Crevices of limestone rocks at
McKay’s Lake, and outlet of Leamy’s Lake (Aug., 1889).—New to
America.

146. Mnium orthorrhynchum, Bruch. & Schimp. — Crevices of
rocks along McKay’s Lake, Beechwood (Oct., 1889).

147. Polytrichum commune, Linn.—Common on earth in the wet
woods north and west of Beechwood (Aug., 1889).

148. Myurella julacea, Bruch. & Schimp. On the base of rotten
stumps in Dow’s swamp —Rare.—(Sep., 1889.)

149. Leskea polycarpa, Ehrh.—Very abundant on trees subject to
inundation in the woods at Leamy’s Lake (Aug., 1889).

150. Leskea nigrescens, Kindb. N. sp.—On stones in McKay’s
woods (Oct., 1889).

151. Pylaisia Selwynii, Kindb. N. sp.—On old rails alcng the
Richmond road (Aug., 1884).—Mixed with P. intricata.

152. Hypnum (Brachythecium) acuminatum, Beauv-—Common
on earth and at base of trees in Beechwood and at Carleton Place (Sep.,
1889).

153. Hypnum (Brachythecium) acutum, Mitt.—On stones in
McKay’s woods, and at Carleton Place (Sep., 1889).

154. Hypnum (Brachythecium) Donnellii (?) Austin.—On roots of
trees in woods at Carleton Place (Sep., 1889).—New to Canada.

155. Hypnum (Brachythecium) Novae-Angliae, Sulliv. & Lesq.
—On earth in McKay’s woods (Aug., 1889).

156. Hypnum (Brachythecium) populeum, Hedw.—On rocks in
Gilmour’s Park, Chelsea, and at Carleton Place (Sep., 1889).

157. Hypnum (Eurhynchium) substrigosum, Kindb. N. sp.—Dif-
fering from H. strigoswm in the leaves, being twice greater, subdistichous,

152

long—decurrent ; branches complanate, the immature capsule very much
constricted under the orifice ; cilia appendiculate: inflorescense mone-
cious.—On old logs by pools of water in woods north of Beechwood
(Oct. 12, 1889).

158. Hypnum (Rhynchostegium) serrulatum, Hedw.—On the
ground in McKay’s woods and at Carleton Place (Sep., 1889).

159. Hypnum (Plagiothecium) Passaicense, Lesq. & James.—
Abundant on the base of cedar trees and stumps in Dow’s swamp (Sep.
11, 1889).

160. Hypnum (Amblystegium) varium, Beauv.—On earth, decayed
wood and stones in McKay’s woods, and at Carleton Place (Sep., 1889).

161. Hypnum (Amblystegium) porphyrhizon, Lindb.—On stones
and earth in wet woods at Ottawa and Carleton Place (Sep., i889).

162. Hyynum (Amblystegium) Zuratski.—On stones and earth in
woods at Carleton Place (Sep., 1889).

163. Hypnum (Amblystegium) fluviatile, Swartz.—On stones in
the brook that discharges from Kingsmere near Chelsea, and in a brook
at Carleton Place (Sep., 1889).

164. Hypnum (Amblystegium) subtile, Hoffm.—Abundant on the
trunks in woods at McKay’s Lake (Oct., 1889).

165. Hypnum (Campylium) Sommerfeltii, Myrin.—On the ground
at the roots of trees at Rockcliffe (Aug., 1889).

166. Hypnum (Harpidium) fluitans, Linn.--In the marsh at
McKay’s Lake, and rear of Beechwood (Oct., 1889).

167. Hypnum (Harpidium) aduncum, var. platyphyllum (N. var.),
Kinb.—On stones in damp woods at Rockcliffe (Aug., 1889).

168.—Hypnum (Ctenidium) molluseum, Hedw.—On old logs in
Dow’s swamp and rear of Beechwood (Sep., 1889).

169. Hypnum subimponens, Lesq. (?)—On logs in woods at Carle-
ton Place (Sep., 1889).

170. Hypnum curvifolium, Hedw.—In wet woods in rear of
Beechwood Cemetery (Oct., 1889).

171. Hypnum (Calliergon) giganteum, Schimp.—In wet, springy
places, Dow’s swamp (Sep., 1889).

172. Hypnum {Calliergon) Richardsoni, Lesq. & James.—In the
marsh at the head of McKay’s Lake (Oct., 1&89).

173. Hypnum (Calliergon) Schreberi, Willd.— Quite common under
pine trees in McKay’s woods, and in Gilmour’s Park, Chelsea (1889).

153
CANADIAN GEMS.

A neat little pamphlet entitled “A Catalogue of Mineralogical
Gems,” printed by the Citizen Co., has just been laid upon our table,
and is issued by the new firm of C. P. Willimott & Co., of this city.
From this pamphlet we learn that we have in our midst facilities, not
before enjoyed, both for the cutting and polishing of gems not only
from Canadian sources but from all parts of the world. There has long
been an idea amongst most people that our Canadian minerals did not
furnish material suitable {or the purpose, but a glance at the list shows
us that amongst our native gems we have many kinds which, when pro-
perly cut, furnish stones of great beauty and value.

In addition, this firm also undertakes the preparation of rock
sections for microscopical examination, thus doing away with the neces-
sity which has heretofore existed of sending abroad to Germany or the
United States for this kind of work.

Characteristic collections of Canadian minerals will also be made
and kept in stock, both suitable for private parties and for scientific
educational institutions. These will be of great value, not only to the
private collector and those engaged in prospecting, but to all interested
in or devoted to the work of teaching mineralogy. These collections
are of different sizes and prices, ranging from $1 each upwards, the price
depending on the number and value of the specimens contained.

A visit to their workshop on Wellington street, where a large col-
lection of cut gems is kept in stock ready for mounting, will amply
repay anyone who may desire anything in this line, while the various
polished slabs of Agate, Labradorite, etc., together with the display of
neatly arranged collections and unique crystals, will be of great interest
to most persons.

We congratulate this young firm upon the amount of push and
energy requisite to the establishment of such an enterprise, and from
our personal knowledge of the members of the firm, we not only wish
them every success, but feel that they will give every satisfaction to
any of our readers who may require anything in their line.

J. F.

154
A RARE BUTTERFLY (F£rebia discoidalis, Kirby ).

Two beautiful specimens of this butterfly, one of the rarest in the
Canadian fauna, have been received from Mr. John D. Evans, who col-
lected them at Sudbury, on the Canadian Pacific Railway, on 12th May
last.

The species was described by Kirby (Fauna Boreali-Americana,
IV, p. 298, pl. 3, figs. 2, 3, 1837) from Cumberland House, lat. 54°.
In 1863, several examples were taken at Fort Simpson, Mackenzie
River, by Mrs. Christina Ross, and sent to Mr. W. H. Edwards,
together with the types of Colias Christina, which latter was named
after the collector. Specimens were also sent from Hudson Bay to Mr.
Hermann Strecker. In 1889, one specimen was again sent out from
Fort Simpson, which had been taken by Mr, Frederick Bell, in the end
of June, 1888. Last summer, specimens were collected near Fort
Qu’ Appelle, N. W. T., by Mrs. Cora E. Rose (Can. Ent. X XJ, p. 238).
The most interesting locality of all, however, is that now discovered by
Mr. Evans, in Ontario, at Sudbury. He took five specimens in a short
time upon the same day, which would indicate that they were in some
abundance. Nothing is known of the preparatory stages, but now, on
account of the comparative accessibility of Sudbury, and the readiness
with which the butterflies of grass-feeding caterpillars deposit their eggs,
there is every chance that the life history of this rare insect will be
worked out. The perfect insect is figured and described by Mr. W. H.

Edwards in his Butterflies of North America, Series III, pt. vii.
J. F.

Zhu

155
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

The following publications have been received during the year, by
gift or in exchange, for which the thanks of the Council are tendered
to the donors, who are respectfully requested to accept this in lieu of
other acknowledgment.

PERIODICALS.
Auk, The: (Organ of the American Ornithologists’ Union).
Botanical Gazette.
Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club.
Boston Society of Natural History—Proceedings.
Canadian Entomologist.
Canadian Record of Science.
Cincinnati Society of Natural History—Journal.
Cornell University, Agricultural Experiment Station—Bulletin.
Conchologist’s Exchange.
Entomologica Americana.
Essex Naturalist.
Geological Survey of Canada—Report, 1887-8.
Insect Life. Fron U. 8. Dep. of Agriculture.
Johns Hopkins University—Circulars.
Journal of Mycology. From U. Dep. of Agriculture.
Journal of Comparative Medicine and Surgery.
Kansas Academy of Sciences—Transactions, 1887-8.
K. Svenska Vetenkaps—Akademiens-—Bihang 3 and 4.
Manitoba Historical and Scientific Society—Transactions.
Nautilus : (Conchological).
Naturwissenschaftliche Wochenschrift.
Natural History Society of New Brunswick— Bulletin.
Natural Science Association of Staten Island—Proceedings.
Nova Scotian Institute of Natural Science—Proceedings.
New York Microscopical Society —Journal.
New York State Entomologist—Fifth Report.
Ornithologist and Odlogist.
Ormerod, Miss E. A.—Report on Injurious Insects, 1888.
Ohio Agricultural Experimental Station—Bulletins.
Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association—Report, 1888.

156

Psyche: (Entomological).

Université Laval— Annuaire, 1889-90.

United States Geological Survey—Monographs XIII and XIV—

Bulletins 48 to 53.
Weather Review (Meteorological Service of Canada), and Report,
1886.
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences—Transactions, 1883-7.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS.

American Ornithologists’ Union—Supplement to Check List of N.
A. Birds.

Fletcher, James—A Trip to Nepigon : (Entomological).

Honeyman, Rev. D.—(1) Nova Scotian Zchinodermata. (2) Two
Cable Hauls of Marine Invertebrates.

Miller, 8. A.—North American Geology and Paleontology.

Ormerod, Miss E. A.—Notes of Injurious Insects of South Africa.

Smith, John B.—(1) Noctwide of Temperate North America. (2)
Revision of Species of Oncocnemis (three papers). (3) Preliminary
Catalogue of Arctiide of Temperate North America. (4) Report of
Meeting of Association of Economic Entomologists.

Smithsonian Institution—Reports of Secretary, 1866 to 1872, and
1874 to 1876.

United States Department of Agriculture—The Root-knot Disease.

Vasey, Dr. G.—Agricultural Grasses of the United States.

Whiteaves, J. F.—Contributions to Canadian Paleontology, Vol.
I, Pt. IT (2, 3 and 4).

Williams, H. S.—(1) Fossil Faunas of the Upper Devonian. (2)
New Crinoids from Rocks of the Chemung Period (N.Y.) (3) Ona
Crinoid with Moveable Spines. (4) On the Different Types of the
Devonian System in North America. (5) Comparison of the Muscles

of Chelonian and Human Shoulder-girdles. (6) Undulations of Rock
Masses across Central New York. (7) Lamellibranchiata and Species-
making. (8) On the Classification of the Upper Devonian. (9) The
Ideal Modern Scholarship. (10) Methods of Instruction in General
Geology. (11) Geographical and Physical Conditions, as Modifying
Fossil Faunas. (12) Fossils of the Upper Devonian (Genesee Section).
(13) Synopsis of a Course of Lectures on the Elements of Historical
Paleontology. (14) Report of the Sub-Committee on the Upper Palzo-
zoic. (15) Channel Fillings in the Upper Devonian Shales. (16) On
the Occurrence of Proétus longicaudus.

157
BOOK NOTICE.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SUB-SECTION OF THE BIOLOGI-
CAL SECTION OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE YEAR 1889.

This interesting pamphlet, published under the editorship of Mr.
Ernest E. Thompson, is extracted from the Proceedings of the Canadian
Institute, of Toronto. It will well repay a careful perusal by any stu-
dent of birds, containing, as it does, a large number of notes of the
arrival and departure, and of the breeding, feeding and other habits of
birds, the majority of which are to be found here as well as there.
Besides this, there are many notes of the occurrence of rare birds, and of
birds not found in this locality, but which, perhaps, in consequence of
an extension of habitat, may be found here at some time in the near
future. Among these last, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus ameri-
canus) is now found to be “a regular, though far from common, summer
resident” at Toronto, whereas it was formerly considered but an acciden.
tal straggler. The capture of the Razor-billed Auk (Alca torda), on
Toronto Bay, on December 10, proves that the ornithologieal field can
never, with safety, be said to be completely worked out in any given
locality. The wintering of the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) and
the Crow (Corvus americanus) in 1888-89 are interesting as correspond-
ing with our experience here. One pair of the latter species, at least,
has spent the winter here, regularly, for several years, feeding at a
slaughter-house not far from the city limits. The taking, at Toronto,
of several species of hawks, with their stomachs full of grasshoppers,
will add further weight to the impression, which, fortunately, is gaining
ground steadily, that these birds are the friends, and not the enemies of
the farmer. We earnestly commend the pamphlet to the attention of

our ornithological readers. WA. Dek
a

Errata.—In the list of new members in the last number of the
NatTuratist, p. 116, for “ J. Rainson Wills” read “ J. Lainson Wills,
M.E., F.C.S.

In the instalment of “ Flora Ottawaensis” issued with same num-
ber, the pages should be numbered from 62 to 69 instead of from 121
to 128. ———0:

New Mempers.—John Law ; Willibert Simpson ; Miss Steacy.

—_—_——_:0:—_——_
This number is issued March 14th, 1890.

158
SIN ATSC

Adams, F. D., Field work of, 7.
Agricultural Grasses of U. S., 118.
Am’n. Ass’n. for the adv’t of Science, 82.
Am. Inst. of Mining Engineers, 106.
American Skunk, The, 18.

Ami, H. M., Address by, 63; Book
Notices, 42, 74, 109, on Gonzograptus
from Levis, 115.

Annual Meeting, 1889, 11.

Ass’n. of Official Economic Entomolo-
gists, $2.

Authors’ Extras, 44.

Bailey, Prof., Field Work of, 7.

Ballantyne, Miss Lillie, winner of second
Botanical Prize, 65.

Barlow, A. E., Field Work of, 7.

Barrows, W. B., The English Spar-
row, 107.

Bell, Robt., Field Work of, 7.

Birds of Renfrew County, 24.

Book Notices.

Ami, H. M., on Goniograptus, from
Levis, I15.

Barrows, W. B., The English Spar-
row, I07.

Can. Institute, Ornithological Report,
£59

Chalmers, R., on Glaciation of Eastern
Canada, III.

Chambers, E. T., on Lake St. John
Country, 113.

Dawson, G. M., on Glaciation in Brit.
Col’a., 112; Report of Yukon Ex-
pedition, 41.

Dawson, Sir J. W., on Fossil Sponges,
110; on New Fossil Plants, IIo.

Geolog. and Nat. His. Survey of
Canada, 108.

Geol. Survey of N. York, Palzonto-
logy, vii., 44.

Hinde, G. J., on Archeocyathus, 43;
on Siliceous Sponges, 113.

Jones, T. Rupert, on Palaeozoic bival-
ved Entomstraca, I10.

and Kirby, J. W., Ostracoda,
from Cape Breton, I1o.

Matthew, G. F., Cambrian Organisms
in Acadia, 109; Silurian and Dev-
onian Fossils, 74.

Ormerod, Miss E. A., Twelfth Rep.,
78; Injurious Insects of S. Africa,

79.
Penhallow, D. P., on Wematophyton,

73-
Ulrich, E. O., on the Cambro-Silurian
Rocks, 114.

Whiteaves, J. F., Contributions to
Can. Palzontology, iii., 43 ; Devo-
nian Fishes, 75.

Woodward, H., on Zurrzlepas, 114.

Butterfly, A rare, 154.

Canadian Gems, 153.

Canadian Institute, Ornithological Re-
port, 157.

Chalmers, R., Field work of, 7; on Gla-
ciation of Eastein Canada, III.

Chambers, E. T., on Lake St. John
Country, 113.

Chionobas Jutta at Ottawa, 40.

Cochrane, A. S., Field work of, 7.

Conchological Bch. Report, 1887 and
1888, 65.

Corresponding Members, 5.

Council, Report for 1888, 12.

Craig, Wm., Vote of Thanks to, 116.

Dawson, G. M., Field work of, 7; Re-
port of Yukon Expedition, 41.

Dawson, Sir J. W., on Fossil Plants,
110; on Fossil Sponges, IIo.

Development and Progress, 95.

Dowling, J. B., Field work of, 7.

Editorials, 6, 79, 81, 117.

Ells, R. W, Address, 63; Field work
of, 7; Geological Relations and Occur-
rence of Minerals, 45 ; Geological Pro-
gress in Canada, 119.

English Sparrow, The, 107.

Entomological Bch. Report, 1888, 38.

Erebia discoidalis, 154.

Evotomys Dawsoni, N. sp., 10.

Excursions: No. 1 to Kingsmere, 625
No. 2 to Montebello, 64; No. 3 to
Casselman, So.

Faribault, E. R., Field work of, 7.

Fletcher, Hugh, Field work of, 7.

Fletcher, J., Address by, 63; Instruc-
tions to Collectors, 8.

Geological Bch. Report, 1888, 36.

Geological and Natural History Survey
Report, 108.

Geological Survey Notes, 7.

Giroux, N. J., Field work of, 7.

Grasses, Agricultural, of U. S., 118.

Gray’s Manual, new edition, 145.

Harrington, W. H., Report as Librarian,
18.

Hinde, G. J., on Archeocyathus, 43 ; On
New Genus of Siliceous Sponges, 113.

Hypnum (Eurhynchium) substrigosum,
N. sp., 151.

Ingall, E. D., Field work of, 7.

Instructions for Collectors, 8.

159

Jones, T. Rupert, on Paleozoic Bivalved
LEntomostraca, 77.

from Cape Breton, IIo.

Land Shells of Vancouver Island, 84.

Lawson, A, C., Field work of, 7.

Lees, W. A. D., Address by, 65; Book
Notices, 107, 157 ; Excursion to Kings-
mere, 62; Excursion to Montebello,
64; Excursion to Casselman, 116.
What You See Without Your Gun, 31.

Lett, W. P., on the American Skunk, 18. |
| State Entomologist of N. York, Report

Lycena Comyntas at Ottawa, 40.

Lintner, J. A., Fifth Report, 145.

Librarian’s Report, 1888, 16.

Low, A. P., Field work of, 7.

McConnell, R. G., Field work of, 7.

McEvoy, J., Field work of, 7.

McInnes, W., field work of. 7.

MacLaughlin, T. J., address by, 65

Macoun, Prof., Field work of, 7, 97;
list of .Ottawa mosses, 149.

Macoun, J. M., Field work of, 7, 97 ; on
collecting botanical specimens, 146.

Matthew, G. F., on Cambrian organisms
in Acadia, 109; on Silurian and De-
vonian Fossils, 74.

Members, List of, 2.

Monday Afternoon Lectures, 83, 146.

Mouse, a new species of, 10.

Officers, List of, 1.

Ormerod, Miss E. A., Twelfth Report,
78 ; Injurious insects of S. Africa, 79.

cco Bch., Spring Report, 1889,

Orthotrichum connectens, Kindb., N. sp.,
150.

Ottawa Lit. and Scien. Socy., 81.

Ottawa Naturalist, price of, reduced,
116.

Oxygen, its rdle in nature, 105.

Planorbis Corpulentus, Say, 67.

Programme of Winter Lectures, 83.

Penhollow, D. P., on Nematophyton, 73.

Publications received, 155.

and Kirby, J. W., on Ostracoda |

Royal Society of Canada, 44.

Saskatchewan Institute, 8.

Shutt, F. T., on Oxygen, 105.

Small, H. B. (Sr.), Development and
Progress, 95.

| Small, H. Beaumont, Waterhouse’s Lec-

tures, 58.
Smith, Prof. J. B., Appt. as State Ento-
mologist, 10. :
Smith, W. H., Field Work of, 7.
Soirees, Programme, 83.
State Entomologist of N. Jersey, Io.

145.

Steliella Billing:t,n. sp., 113.

Crassa, D. Sp., 113.

Summerby, W. J., Vote of thanks to, 116.

Taylor, Rev. G. W., Land Shells of Van-
couver Island, 84.

Treasurer’s Report, 1888-89, 15.

Tyrrell, J. B., Field Work of, 7.

Ulrich, E. O., On the Micro-pataeontol-
ogy of the Cambro-Silurian Rocks, 114.

Untonide, found on Duck Island, 66.

Vasey, G., Agricultural grasses of U.S.,
118.

Waterhouse, Benj., Botanical Lectures,

58

Weston, T. C., Field Work of, 8.

What you see when you go out without
your gun, 31.

White, J., Field Work of, 7.
Whiteaves, J. F., Cont. to Can. Palzon-
tology, III. 43, Devonian Fishes, 75.
Whyte, Miss Ida, winner of 3rd botanical
prize, 65.

Whyte, Miss Marion, winner of Ist botan-
ical prize, 65.

Whyte, R. B., Address by, 63, 65.

Willimott, C. P. & Co., 153.

Woodward, H., on Turrilepas in the
Utica at Ottawa, 114.

Young, Rev. C. J., on Birds of Renfrew.
Co., 24.

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