(¥9* ■ <//

1906. VOL. XX. 1907

THE

OTTAWA NATURALIST,

Being Vol. XXII. of the

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

OTTAWA FIBI,D NATURALISTS' CI,UB,

Organized March, 1879. Incorporated March, 1884.

OTTAWA, CANADA :
Ottawa Printing Company (Limited)
1906.

THE, OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

lt)ice*fl>resioents :

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

librarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

(470 O'Connor Street.J ("Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. G. Kingston.
Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.
Miss R. B. McQuesten.

auditors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Stanoincj Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. VV

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
SoiWes : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-

Ouesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Xeaoers :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archaeology : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
Boitor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate JEoitors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeontology.

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr.. J AS. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. of Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology.

Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology.

>i«ini..i>iii|» Fee to OJ\.('., will "Ottawa Naturalist," $1.00 per annum

LIST OF MEMBERS

OF THE

Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club,
April, 1906.

Adams, Prof. F. D., M.Sc, Ph. D.

Airth, Miss E.

Ami. H. M., M.A., D.Sc, F.G.S.,

F.P.S.C.
Ami, Mrs. H. M.
Ami, S. T.

Anderson, Miss Constance.
Anderson, James R. (Victoria, B.C.)
Anderson, Lieut-Col, W. P. , C.E.
Ashman, Geo. H.
Attwood, A. E., M.A.
Baker, J. C.
Baldwin, J. W.
Ballantyne, James.
Barbour, W. C. (Say re, Pa.)
Barlow, A. E. M.A., D.Sc, F.G.S.A.
Bate, H. Gerald.
Bate, H. N.

Beaupre, Edwin. (Kingston.)
Bell, Robert, B. A. Sc, M.D., LL.D.,

F.P.S , F.P.S.C, F.G.S., F.G.S.A.
Bell, George.
Belli veau, A. H.
Billings, C.
Billings, W. R.
Blackadar, Dr. E. H.
Blackadar, Llovd.
Borden, Hon. SirY. W., M.D.
Bowen. Miss Alice. (Quebec.)
Bowles, Miss Sibyl M.
Boyd, Miss M.
Boyd, W. H., B.A.Sc.
Brainerd, D wight. (Montreal.)
Brennan, Mrs H. H.
Brewster, W. (Cambridge, Mass., U.S)
Brock, R W., M.A., B.A.Sc.
Brown, Mrs. R. I).
Brown, \V. J. (Westmount, O.)
Bruce, L. (Rossland, B.C.)
Burgess, T. J. W., M.D., F.P.S.C,

i Montreal. )
Burland, G. L.

Burman, A'.-?-. \V. A. (Winnipeg.)
Calder, Alex. (Winnipeg.)
Cameron, E. R., M.A.
Cameron, Roy.
Casson, A',-.\ C. \\ .
Campbell, l>. V., B.A.

Campbell, A. M.

Campbell, R. H.

Chalmers, Robert, LL.D.

Clark, G. H., B.S.A.

Clarke, C. K., M.D. (Kingston.)

Clarke, T. E.

Cobbold, Paul A. (Haileybury, Ont.)

Cooper, H. W.

Cole, H. W.

Cole, John. (Westboro', Ont.)

Cole, Mrs. John. (Westboro', Ont.)

Collins, J. Franklin. (Providence, R. I.)

Collins, W. H.

Connor, M. F., B.Sc.

Cote, J. C.

Courtney, Harold D.

Cousens, W. C, M.D.

Cowan, Miss E.

Cowley, Miss Mary A

Craig, Prof. John. (Ithaca, N.Y.)

Criddle, N. (Aweme, Man.)

Currie, P. W.

Curry, Miss E. E.

Daly, R. A., M.A., Ph.D.

Daubney, Edwin.

Dawson, S. E., Lit. D.

Dearness, J., M.A. (London, Ont.)

Dempsey, J. H. C. (Hamilton, Ont.)

Denny, J. D.

Dixon, F. A.

Dixon, Miss M. F.

Doherty, T. Keville.

Dowling, D. B., B.A.Sc.

Dulau & Co., (London, Eng. )

Dunne, J. P.

Durnford, F. G. D.

Dwight, Jonathan, Ir. , M.D. (New

York.)
Edwards, A.M., M.D. (New-ark, N.J.)
Eifrig, Rev. G.

Ells, R.W., LL.D.,F.G.S.A., F.P.S.C.
Evans, Jno. D., C.E. (Trenton, Ont.)
Ewart, D.

Farley, F. L. (Red Deer, Alta.)
Fisher, Hon. Sydney.
Fitzpatrick, Hon. Chas.
Fleck, A. W.
Fleming, J. H. (Toronto.)

1906 1

List of Members.

Fleming, Sir Sandford, K.C.M.G.,

CE.,F. R.C.I. . F.R.S.C.
Fletcher, J., LL.D., F.L.S., F.R.S.C.
Gahourv, V. H. ( Plantagenet, Out.)
Gallup, 'A. H.
Gibson, Arthur.
Gibson, J. VV.
Glashan, J. C., LL.D.
Gorman, M. J., LL.B.
Graham, W.
Grant* Sir J. A., K.C.M.G., M.D.,

F.R.C.S Edin. F.R.S.C, F.G.S.
Greg-son, Percy B. (Blackfalds, Alta. )
Grisdale, J. H., B. Agt.
Grist, Henry.
Grist, Miss Mary L.
Gieensfelder, M. B. (Co'umbia,Mo.)
Halkett, Andrew.
Hamilton, Robert.
Hamilton, Mrs. F. L. H.
Hann, H. H. (Summit, N.J.)
Hargrave, Miss I. (Sherbrooke, Q.)
Harmer, Miss G. (Mosgrove, Ont.)
Harrington, W. Hague, F. R. S.C.
Harrison, Edward.
Hay, George, Sr.
Hav, G. U., D.Sc, M.A., P/i.B.,

F.R.S.C, (St. John, N.B.)
Herriot, XV. (Gait, Ont.)
Hewit, H. O.
Hodge, C. F., Ph.D. (Worcester,

Mass.)
Hodson, F. W.
Hodson, Mrs. F. W.
Hodson, Ronald.
Hop-3, James.

Hotson, I. W., M.A. (Guelph, Ont.)
House of Commons Reading Room.
Hughes, Charles. (Montreal.)
Hughes, Miss Kather'me.
Ide, Wm.

Irwin, Lt..Col. D. T.
Jackson, Miss Queenie.
Jacobs, Miss CrM. (Hamilton, Ohio.)
Jameson, R. H. (Victoria, B.C.)
James, C. C, M.A. (Toronto.)
Jenkins, S. J., B.A.
Joly de Lotbiniere, Hon. Sir Henry.

(Victoria, B.C.)
Jones, Harold. (Maitland, Ont.)
Kearns, J. C.
Keefer, Thos. C, C.M.G., C.E.,

F.R.S.C.
Keele, J.. B.A.Sc.
Kells, W. L. (Listowell, Ont.)
Kendall, E. W. (Guelph, Ont.)
Kingston, A. G.
Klotz, Dr, Otto.

Labarthe, J. (Trail, B.C.)

Laidlaw, G. E., (Victoria Road, Ont.)

Lajeunesse, Rev. J. A.

Lambart, Hon. O. H.

Lambe, L. M., F.G.S. , F.G.S. A.

F.R.S.C.
Latchford, Hon. F. R., B.A.
Lawrence, H. (Vegreville, Alta.)
Leavitt, T. W. H. (Toronto.)
Lee, Miss Kath. (Watertown, N.V).
Lees, Miss V.

Legislative Library. (Toronto.)
Lemieux, E. E.
LeSueur, W. D., B.A.
Lewis, J. B., C.E.
Library Dept. Ont. Agr. College.

(Guelph.)
Library, Leg. Assembly (Quebec.)
Library of Parliament.
Liebner, E. O., B.A.
Lochhead, W., B.A., M.Sc.

(Guelph, Ont.)
Lym-in, H. H., M.A. (Montreal.)
McCallum, Frank.
McCreadv. Prof. S. B. (Guelph.)
McDougall, Miss J C.
McDunnough, Jas. (Glasgow, Scot.)
McElhinnev, M. P.
McGill, A.", B.A., B.Sc.
Mclnnes, Wm., B.A.
MacLaughlin, T. J.
McLeod, Miss.
McNeil, Alex.
McNibb, J.
McNicol, Miss C. C.
McQuesten, Miss Ruby B.
MacCraken, John I., B.A.
Macfarlane, Rev. J. A. (Bristol, Que.)
MacKay, A. H.,LL.D ,B.Sc. ,F.R.S.C

(Halifax.)
Macoun, Prof. John, M.A., F.L.S.,

F.R.S.C.
Macoun, J. M.
Macoun, W. T.
Matthews, Miss Annie L.
Maxwell, Miss S. (Montreal.)
Mearns, Dr. E. A. ( Washington, D.C.)
Megill, W. H. T., B.A.
Metcalfe, W.
Millar, H. H.

Miller, Prof. W. G. (Toronto.)
Milne, Wm.

Moore, W. H. (Scotch Lake, N.B.)
Morris, F. J. A. (Port. Hope, Ont.)
Murray, James, B.S.A.
Nash, C. W. (Toronto.)
Newcombe,C.F.,yJ/.Z). (Victoria, B.C)
Newman, L. H., B.S.A.

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[April

O'Brien, S. E.

Odell, W. S.

Orde, J. F.

O'Sullivan, Owen.

Owen, Beverley.

Perrin, Vincent, C.E.

Pollock, T. J. (Aylmer, Que.)

Pop", Arthur.

Pitcher, Rev. T.

Pitts, H. H.

Prince, Prof. E. E., B.A., F.L.S.

Putman, J. H., B.A.

Raine, Walter. (Toronto.)

Richard, A. E.

Ritchie, Miss Isabella.

Robertson, Prof. J.W.,LLD. (St.

Anne de Bellevue, Que.)
Robinson, Miss M.
Rodman, Miss A. E.
Ruddick, J. A.
Rush, M. L.
Saunders, Win., C.M.G., LL.D.,

F.G.S., F.L.S.,F.R.S.C.
Saunders, W. E. (London, Out.)
Schmitt, Dr. J. (Anticosti.)
Scott, Geo. Inglis.
Scott, Mrs. G. I.
Scott, Norman M.
Scott, John A.
Scott, Miss Marv McKay.
Scott, W., B.A. '(Toronto.)
Scott, Rev. C. T. (Montreal, Que.)
Senate of Canada, The.
Seton, E. Thompson, (Coscob, Conn.)
Shannon, Frank.
Shearman, F. J. W.
Shore, John W.
Shutt, F. T., M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S.,

F.R.S.C.
Simpson, Willibert.
Sinclair, S. B., B.A. Ph.D.
Skales, Howard. (Mt. Forest. Ont.)
Small, H Beaumont, M.D.
Snider, W. W.
Sowter, T. W. E.
Souliere, O.
Spence, J. C, B.A.

St. Jacques, H,

Summerbv, Wm. J., M.A. (Russell,

Ont.)
Sutherland, J. C, B.A. (Richmond,

Que.)
Sutton, Mrs. L. L.
Sullivan, J. F.
Symes, P. B.
Taylor, F. B. (Fort Wavne, Ind.,

U.S.)
Terrill, L. M. (Montreal.)
Thompson, M.

Thomson, Evan. (Red Lodge, Alta.)
Thorne, James, B.A.
Topley, Mrs. W. J.
Tucker, Walter.
Tyrrell, J. B., B.A., B.Sc. F.G.S

F.G.S.A.
Wait, F. G., B.A.
Walker, B. E., F.G.S. (Toronto.)
Walker, Bryant. (Detroit.)
Wallis, J. B. (Winnipeg, Man.)
Warwick, F. W., B.Sc. (Buckingham

Que.)
Watters, Henry.
Weston, T. C, F.G.S.A.
Whelen, Peter.
Whelen, Miss A.
White, E. G.
White, George R.
White, James, (Snelgrove, Ont.)
White, J. F., M.A.
WThite, Lt.-CoL W., C.M.G.
Whiteaves, J. F., LL.D., F.G.S.,

F.R.S.C., F.G.S.A.
Whyte, Miss Ida.
Whyte, Miss Isabella.
Whyte, R. B.
Wilkie, Miss Jean C.
Williams, J. B., (Toronto.)
Willing, T, N. (Regina, Assa.)
Wilson, W. J., Ph.B.
Winchester, H. S.

Wood, Hon. Josiah. (Sackville, N.B.)
Young, Rev. C. J., M.A. (Madoc,

Ont.)
Young, C. H.

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.
Bethune, Rev. C. J. S., M.A., D.C.L., F.R.S.C., London, Ont.
Greene, Dr. E. L. United States Nat. Museum, Washington, D.C.
Hill, Albert J., M.A., C.E., New Westminster, B,C.
Holm, Theodor, Ph.D., Brookland, Washington, D.C, U.S.
Merriam, Dr. C. Hart, Department of Agriculture, Washington, U.S.
Smith, Prok. John B., D.Sc, Rutger's College, New Brunswick, N.J.
Taylor, Rev. G. W., M.A., F.R.S.C, F.Z.S., Wellington, B.C.
Wickham, Prof. H. F., Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.

THE OTTAWA f(ATURALIST^

Vol. XX. OTTAWA, APRIL, 1906. No. 1

THE REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE OTTAWA

FIELD-NATURALISTS' CLUB FOR THE YEAR

ENDING MARCH 20, 1906.

«

The past year has witnessed great interest in the work of the
Club, as is shown by the large increase in membership. Sixty-
two new ordinary members have been elected. The present mem-
bership is 293, composed of 285 ordinary members and eight
corresponding members.

Soirees.

The programme of Winter Soirees published in the December
number of The Ottawa Naturalist has been carried out with some
slight omissions and changes in dates. The attendance at all the
meetings has been most gratifying

Since the Normal School course has been lengthened to a
year, the students have been able to engage in the field work of
the Club during the spring and fall months and also to attend the
winter soirees The result has been that the students, having
become interested in the field work, have attended the soirees
almost in a body. The Club realizes that through the teachers it
has a most valuable medium of disseminating its influence, and
therefore it keenly appreciates the interest that has been displayed
throughout the year.

Excursions.

Sub-excursions were held as usual during the spring and early
summer to localities in the immediate vicinity of Ottawa, viz. :
Rockcliffe, Blueberry Point, Victoria Park, Leamy Lake, and
Beaver Meadow. Rockcliffe Park and Beaver Meadow were
again visited in October.

8 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April

The Council favors the continuance of outdoor work through-
out the year, and to that end had planned two snowshoe tramps,
which, however, were cancelled for lack of snow. Three general
excursions were held as follows : May 27, to Chelsea ; June 10,
to Carp ; September 23, to Chelsea. The excursion to Chelsea
on May 27 was perhaps the most largely attended excursion in
the history of the Club, due to the fact that both the Royal Society
and the Carleton County Teachers' Association met in Ottawa
during that week. Such distinguished visitors as Dr. C. F.
Hodge of Clark University, Dr. A. H. MacKay, Superintendent
of Education for Nova Scotia, and Dr. G. U. Hay, editor of the
Educational Review, were present and delivered able addresses.
Detailed accounts of all the general excursions have appeared in
The Ottawa Naturalist.

The Ottawa Naturalist.

Volume XIX of The Ottawa Naturalist, the official organ
of the Club, has been published under the editorship of Mr. J. M.
Macoun. It consists of twelve numbers which contain in all 249
pages and four plates. The following are among the papers that
appear in this volume :

1. A New Marine Sponge from the Pacific Coast of Canada.
Lawrence M. Lambe, F.G.S.

2. Notes on Fresh-water Rhizopods. W. S. Odell.

3. Food Value of Certain Mushrooms. Prof. Shutt, MA ,
and H. W. Charlton, B A. Sc.

4. Popular Entomology. Arthur Gibson.

5. Glaciation of Mount Orford. R. Chalmers, LL.D.

6. Nesting of Night-hawk in Ottawa. Rev. G. Eifrig.

7. Notes on Fresh-water Shells from the Yukon Territory.
Dr. J. F. Whiteaves.

8. Nature's Method of Re-seeding the Red and White Pine.
P. Cox.

9. A Naturalist in the Frozen North. Andw. Halkett.

10. Eggs of the Scarlet Water-Mite. Prof E. E. Prince.

1 1. Sthenopis thule at Ottawa. Arthur Gibson.

12. Bird Migration. Jas. Bouteiller.

!9">6j Report of the Council. g

13. Out. Ornithological Notes (Winter 1904-05). A. B.
Klugh.

14. Notes on the Fauna and Climate of the Lievre River.
E. E. Lemieux.

15. Why our Field and Roadside Weeds are introduced
species. W. T. Macoun.

16. The Hair-eel {Gordius aquaticus). Prof E. E. Prince.

17. The Red-breasted Nuthatch. Wm. H. iMoore.
18. 'On So-Called Silene Menziesii. Ed. L. Greene.

19. A New Northern Antennaria. Ed. L. Greene.

20. A New Goldenrod from Gasp£ Peninsula M. L. Fernald.

21. Extracts from Diary of the late Robt. Elliott. W. E.
Saunders.

22. Descriptions of New Species of Testudo and Baena with
remarks on some Cretaceous forms. Lawr. M. Lambe.

23. Notes on Some British Columbia Mammals. Wm.
Spreadborough.

24. The Fly Agaric, and its effects on Cattle. Norman
Criddle.

25. Birds New to Ontario. W. Saunders.

26. Eggs of the Fresh-water Ling. Prof. Prince and Andrew
Halkett.

27. Eupithecia Youngata. George W. Taylor.

28. Cultivation of Native Orchids. J. H. C. Dempsey.

In addition to these, there have been published several short
notes, book reviews, accounts of branch meetings, etc

The series of articles on Nature Study, edited by Dr. Jas.
Fletcher, has been continued. In this volume the following papers
appear :

1. Nature Study. Dr. Sinclair.

2. The Clouded Sulphur Butterfly. Dr. Fletcher.

3. Short Introduction to some of our Common Birds. Rev.
G. Eifrig.

5. Field Wcrk at the Ottawa Normal School Summer Course
for Teachers. A. E. Attwood.
. 4. Ottawa Summer School for Teachers. J. H. Putman.

5. Woolly-Bear Caterpillars. Arthur Gibson.

6. Nature Observations at Home. Prof. Lochhead.

io The Ottawa Naturalist. | April

7. Mother Nature and Her Boys. An Institute that brings
them together. G. J. Atkinson.

8. The School Garden and the Country School. Geo. D.
Fuller.

In all, some 30 articles on Nature Study have appeared in
The Ottawa Naturalist during the past three years. They are
of a popular and decidedly practical nature, and have added much
valuable material to the current literature on this subject. The
papers published during the past year have all been contributed
by scientists and educationists actively engaged in working out
the best courses and methods in Nature Study. 5,500 of each of
these papers have been printed in pamphlet form and distributed
thoughout Canada ; 2,200 of these go to the teachers of Toronto,
500 to the Macdonald Institute of Guelph for use in the Nature
Study Department of the Ontario Agricultural College, and 1,000
to Dr. Robertson, 500 of which are distributed among his Nature
Study Instructors in various centres.

Reports of Branches.

Reports showing the work done throughout the year by the
various branches have been read before the Club. The report
of the Geological Branch has been printed in The Ottawa
Naturalist, and the other reports will appear at an early date.
Most of the branches are now holding fortnightly or monthly
meetings at the homes of the members for the purpose of discuss-
ing subjects of especial interest to the respective branches.

Entomological Branch.

The members of the Entomological Branch have made some
notable additions to the local lists during the past summer.
Mr. Arthur Gibson made, on July 6, the catch of the year, a per-
fect specimen of the very rare and local moth Hepialus thule,
Strkr. Up to the present time this is the only specimen which is
known with certainty to have been taken at any other place than
Montreal, from which locality the species was originally described
and where a few specimens are taken yearly. Mr. C. H. Young
has continued his studies of the micro-lepidoptera and has added
many new species to the Canadian fauna. All of these have been

igo6| Report of the Council. i i

described by Mr. W. D Kearfott, of Montclair, N.J., who is
making a specialty of these beautiful insects. Mr. W. Metcalfe
has continued his studies of the local hemiptera and has added
many new records. Mr. J. W. Baldwin made a very remarkable
capture of the West Indian moth, Melipotis fasciolaris, Hbn. It
can only be surmised that the chrysalis of this handsome moth
may have been introduced, as has been the case with many other
insects, in a bunch of bananas. The Ottawa Fruit Exchange
building is close to Mr. Baldwin's house, where the insect was
taken in the garden. Six specimens of the handsome elater,
Pityobius anguinus, Lee, figured in the first Transactions of the
Club under the name of Pityobius billiiigsii, were taken by Messrs.
Baldwin and Gibson at the electric light on the 28th June. A
month later a fine female was taken by Dr. Fletcher, floating on
the surface of water, into which it had fallen. Many other insects
of more or less interest were taken during the summer and the
interest in this branch of work has been kept up steadily. Good
work has been done by the leaders in working out life-histories
of beneficial and injurious insects.

Geological Branch.

Members of the Geological Branch have make special study
of some interesting localities in the Ottawa district. The sands
and gravels of McKay Lake have been examined and special
study has been made of the geology of Strathcona Park, where
the excavations in the Utica have afforded an excellent oppor-
tunity for studying that formation ; the Chazy at Rockcliffe has
yielded an excellent series of slabs exhibiting tracks and trails of
marine organisms. The most interesting local find, however, was
the discovery of a large number of curved hornblende crystals in
a vein of mica at Carp. These curved crystals were new to the
geologists and hitherto unrecorded in Canada.

Botanical Branch.

The Botanical Branch has held fortnightly meetings through-
out the year except during the summer months. The most im-
portant matter taken up was the publication of a complete list of
the plants of the Ottawa district. Since Dr. Fletcher's "Flora
Ottawaensis " was published many new species have been added to

12 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April

local list, and the work of specialists has made a thorough study
of the local flora necessary. This list is to be issued as a publica-
tion ot the Geological Survey. The Botanical Branch invite the
co-operation of all local botanists in this work of revision, and
would call special attention to the Rosacea? ; the study of this
large order of plants will certainly result in the addition of several
species to the local list.

Zoological Branch.

The Zoological Branch held two very profitable meetings
during the winter. At the first meeting Prof. Prince read an in-
teresting paper on the function of the swim bladder of fishes, an
outline of which appears in the report of the branch. At the
second meeting Prof. Macoun pointed out the great amount of
work that can be done in procuring specimens of the numerous
species of small mammals to be found near Ottawa, and also
pointed out the ease with whi.h this could be done.

The report of the Zoological Branch contains a list prepared
by Mr. Halkett of the fishes of the Ottawa district preserved in
the Fisheries Museum with the localities were they were taken.
It also records a number of interesting observations made by
members of the branch during the year.

Ornithological Branch.

The Ornithological Branch, although small, consists of a
number of enthusiastic workers. Monthly meetings have been
held since early last fall at which much systematic work has been
planned. The vicinity of Ottawa is to be divided among the mem-
bers of tht branch for active field work, and the antiquated local
list published by the Club many years ago is to be thoroughly
worked over. Some interesting additions have already been made
to the local records, such as the appearance of the Short-billed
Marsh Wren, a breeding record of the Screech Owl, and the casual
occurence of the Glaucous Gull. The Great Grey Owl, a rare
visitor from the north, has been seen this winter. One specimen
was secured in East Templeton and another near South March.
One of these, a very fine specimen, is now in the collection of
Rev. Mr. Eifrig.

Mr. W. E. Saunders of London, who is an active member of

1906J Report of the Council. 13

the Club, has done valuable work in compiling a list of birds new
to Ontario which have been taken in the Western Peninsula since
the issuance of Mcllwraith's revised work. This list appears in
No. 11 of the volume of the Ottawa Naturalist just com-
pleted.

The Treasurer's Report shows a balance on hand of $61.62.

A Summer School for Teachers was held in Ottawa last July.
Several members of the Club delivered lectures in the Nature
Study Course and aided in the field work. Dr. White did prac-
tical field work wilh the class in Physical Geography. Mr. Put-
man delivered illustrated lectures and conducted experimental
work in Botany, Mr. Attwood delivered lectures on minerals and
did a great deal of field work, Dr. Fletcher gave two lectures on
birds and two on insects, Prof. Prince lectured on Fish Life, Dr.
Ami on Ferns, Dr. Saunders on Evergreens, Mr. R. B. Whyte on
the pleasures of gardening and other members on various other
subjects.

The Council desires to call the attention of the Club to the
large number of unbound magazines in the library and would
suggest the binding of such of these as a committee appointed to
make a selection would consider most worthy of preservation.

The thanks of the Club are again due to Principal White for

so kindly placing the Normal School at its disposal, and also to

the press of the city for its efforts in furthering the work of the

Club.

Respectfully submitted.

T. E. Clarke,

Secretary.

The Library Committee, acting under instructions from the
Council of the Club, has almost completed the arrangement of the
periodicals in the Library with the object of having them bound.
A good many numbers are missing, and the members who have
borrowed them are asked to return them to the Library as soon
as they conveniently can, so that the Committee may conclude its
work It is hoped that this notice will make it unnecessary to
apply directly to those who have the borrowed numbers in their
possession.

'4 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April

TREASURER'S STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDING

2oth MARCH, 1906.

Receipts.

Balance from previous year $53 43

Subscriptions -1905-1906 $167 00

Arrears .• 65 00

Advertisements in Ottawa Naturalist

Author's extras sold, including separates of Nature

Study articles

Ottawa Naturalists sold, including postage

Maps of Ottawa sold

Proceeds Gen. Excursion to Chelsea, May

Government Grant

Expenditure.

Printing Ottawa Naturalist, Vol. XIX, 12 Nos., 249pp. 286 20

Illustrations 29 92

Author's extras, including Nature Study separates .... 147 15

Miscellaneous printing — wrappers, post cards, etc 30 08

$493 35
Postage 22 03

Editor 50 00

$565 38
Less 5 per cent, for cash on printers' accounts .... 24 30

Secretary

Treasurer

Soiree expenses

Library expenses (binding set of Ottawa Naturalist).

Sundry expenses, postage, etc

Balance

232

00

75

60

106

08

6

62

85

21

90

200

00

$696 48

54i

08

25

00

25

00

9

50

6

00

28

28

61

62

$696 48

Examined and found correct.

ARTHUR GIBSON, Treasurer.

R. B. WHYTE, I . ...
A. H. GALLUP, ) Auditors.

Subscriptions for the new club year, beginning with this number of the
Naturalist, are now due, and should be paid to the Treasurer as soon as
possible.

The Treasurer would direct attention to the advertisements in our new
volume. Some of these appear for the first time, and members are specially
asked to remember these different firms when making purchases. They are
all good reliable firms, and, as they are helping the Club by giving advertise-
ments, we should all make it a point to deal with them.

1906J Collection of Fossil Fruits from Vermont. 15

NOTES ON AN INTERESTING COLLECTION OF FOSSIL

FRUITS FROM VERMONT, IN THE MUSEUM OF

THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CANADA.*

By H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada.

Amongst the specimens exhibited at the first January meeting
ot the Botanical Club was a collection of fossil fruits from Bran-
don, Vermont. These specimens appeared to have been in the
collections of the Geological Survey Museum since the days of the
late Sir William Logan, having been brought to his attention, it
is thought, by the elder Hitchcock in the early fifties. It was in
1853 that these fossil fruits were recorded for the first time by-
President Edward Hitchcock, in the Amer. Jour. Sc, vol. xv,
p. 95 (1853), as occurring in "a bed of brown coal connected with
the white clays and brown hematite of the place," referring to
Brandon, Vermont, which he had visited in the spring of 1852.

During the visit of the Geological Society of America held in
Ottawa in December, 1905, Prof. G. H. Perkins, Director of the
State Geological Survey, Vermont, was good enough to look
over the collection of these fruits, which were shown to him by
the writer, and he there and then undertook to identify every
recognizable species, most of which he had himself recently
studied, and more particularly described, not only before the
Geological Society of America, at the Philadelphia meeting, but
also in the Report ot the State Geologist for Vermont for the
years 1903- 1904.

The geological horizon or formation to which these fruits
have been referred by many geologists practically agree in ascrib-
ing them to the "Lignite Tertiary," the Brandon Lignite or Brandon
formation, specially designating the horizon or formation to which
they are referable. Professor Perkins is inclined to think them as
" Miocene Tertiary" in age. Their age was compared by Edward
Hitchcock with those of the fossil fruits from the London clay
figured by Bowerbank, and he (Hitchcock) further states that
" the Brandon deposit is the type of a Tertiary formation hitherto
unrecognized as such extending from Canada to Alabama," add-
ing ; " This deposit belongs to the Pliocene or newer Tertiary.'

* Published by permission of the Director of the Geol. Survey of Canada.

16 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April

Lesquereux referred the species to the " Upper Tertiary," noting
that they agreed specially with the flora of Oeningen, adding : " I
have no doubt that the Brandon lignites belong to the same epoch
as the upper bed of the lignite of the Tertiary." (Geol. of Vermont,
p. 250. 1 86 1.)

From 1861 to 1902, when Prof. F. H. Knowlton's paper on
these Vermont lignites appeared in the Torrey Bulletin of Novem-
ber of that year, pp. 635-641, plate 25, in which that authority
compared the Brandon lignite with the Pltyoxylon microporosum of
Schmalhausen from the Eocene of the Braunkohle of southwestern
Russia, naming the Vermont form: Pityoxylon microporosum Bran-
donianum, nothing was written or published concerning these
fruits. They are being studied by Dr. E. C. Jeffrey, of the Botan-
ical Department at Harvard at the present time, and in a forth-
coming Report of the State Geologist of Vermont it is confidently
expected that Dr. Jeffrey's views will be given publicity. Mean-
while, writing of the lignite, Jeffrey states that it " is a species of
Lauroxylon in a more or less good state of preservation. There is
one small piece of coniferous wood and a good deal of dicotyle-
denous material in which only the medullary rays show any struc-
ture."

The shafts sunk through the clay to the lignites have been

closed, as, also, the diggings for the Brandon paint in the clays
themselves, so that it is practically out of the question now to ob-
tain any more specimens of these fossil fruits from this locality.
Formerly, as President Hitchcock pointed out, there were out-
croppings of these lignites, but they have been covered up by
the dumps and waste materials from the clay pits.

A paper on the " Brandon Clay " appears in the Report of the
State Geologist for 1903-1904, by Prof. J. B. Woodvvorth, pp.
166-173. and in this is given an analysis of the lignite copied from
the original description in 1861.

Volatile matter 4 . 50 %

Carbon 93 . 50 %

Ash 2.00 %

Total 100.00

Prof. Woodworth then gives notes on the various collections
examined from the different Museums of the State of Vermont and

1906J Collection of Fossil Fruits from Vermont. 17

other New England Museums, points out the difficulties in com-
paring these fruits with those of to-day, indicating that " it is
among the tropical and sub-tropical living species that we should
expect to find that the most close allies to the Tertiary forms."
He also compares a collection of Australian fruits in the Univer-
sity Museum at Harvard with those from Brandon, Vermont, and
adds that they closely resemble them.

From pages 174 to 212 of the same valuable Report ot the
State Geologist of Vermont, Prof. G. H. Perkins himself describes
these fruits and accompanies the descriptions with excellent illus-
trations on Plates Ixxv, Ixxvi, lxxvii, lxxviii, lxxix, lxxx and lxxxi.

The following is a list of the species identified by Prof. Per-
kins from the collection in the Geological Survey Museum at
Ottawa, Canada, to which is added the number of specimens
representing each species :

1. Glossocarpelites Brandonianus, Lesquereux, Fourteen specimens,

2. ,, elongatus, Perkins. Four specimens.

3. ,, obtusus, Perkins. Nine specimens.

4. ,, grandis, Perkins. Two specimens.

5. ,, parvus, Perkins. One specimen.

6. Monocarpelites elegans, Perkins. One specimen.

7. Bicarpelites Grayana, (Lesquereux, sp.). One specimen.

8. Nyssa ascoidea, Perkins. One specimen.

9. ,, Lescurii, C. H. Hitchcock. One specimen.

10. ,, elongata, Perkins. Two specimens.

11. Apeibopsis Heeri, Lesquereux. Six specimens.

12. ,, Gaudinii, Lesquereux. Fourteen specimens.

13. Aristolochia obscura, Lesquereux Eight specimens.

14. Aristolochites majus, Perkins. Five specimens.

25. Sapinoides Americanus, (Lesquereux) Perkins. Six specimens

In all, these fossil fruits, as determined by Prof. Perkins,
have yielded sixty-eight specimens distributed in eight genera and
fifteen species. They were all identified by Prof. G. H. Perkins,
and the Geological Survey of Canada is under special obligations
to him for his kindness in looking over the material submitted to
him, which he so willingly classified.

As the Brandon formation of clays and lignites is supposed
to cross the Canadian boundary, it has been deemed of interest to
make a note of the collection which Sir William Logan had ob-
tained years ago, and must serve to throw light upon the geolog-
ical history of our Eastern Townships.

Ottawa, Jan. 25, 1906. X>

«fe

1 8 The Ottawa Naturalist. | April

ON THE STRUCTURE OF ROOTS.

By Theo. Holm.

It i.« a general belief that plant-roots exhibit but very lew
modifications in regard to function and structure, and almost as a
rule the histology of this organ is silently passed by in works on
plant-anatomy. Furthermore, it is a very common feature of
herbarium specimens that the parts underground, for instance the
roots, are either totally absent or poorly preserved. It is, there-
fore, often very difficult to study roots in herbaria, and the student
is mostly obliged to secure the material himself and to make alcohol
preparations. When roots are dried and pressed they may in some
cases be made useful to histological research by heing placed in
boiling water and then preserved in strong alcohol, but many
roots, especially the fleshy ones, loose their delicate structure to
such an extent when they are dried and pressed, that they are not
suitable for this purpose. If the herbalists would preserve parts
of the various organs of plants in alcohol as an appendix to their
herbaria, the plants might be studied more carefully and from
other points of view than merely systematically.

To give some illustration of the various functions performed
by roots, we might refer to a modern and very suggestive paper by
our excellent friend Dr. August Rimbach,* in which the following
four types are proposed: "nutritive," "attachment," "con-
tractile," and " storage-roots."

Roots of the first type possess no pronounced power of resist-
ance, since they have no mechanical tissues, nor are they con-
tractile nor especially adapted " to store " nutritive matters.
They are generally very slender and certain plants possess only
this type, for instance : Dentaria, Tulipa, the Graminece and many
others.

The second type, the attachment-roots, needs no further ex-
planation, and these we know from the epiphytic BromeliacecB.

The contractile roots have th power of contracting, thus
drawing the shoot deeper and deeper into the ground, as for in-
stance : Scilla, Crocus, Gladiolus, some species of Oxalis, etc.

Storage-roots are, on the other hand, such roots as possess

* Berichte Deutsch. Bot. Gesellsch. Vol. 17. Berlin 1899.

igo6| On the Structure of Roots. 19

a large persistent parenchyma in which nutritive matters are
"stored." They often become tuberous by the excessive develop-
ment of this parenchyma, and these are well known from the
Orchidecc : Orchis, Spiranthes, Platanthera, etc., also from
Hemerocallis, Aconitum, Delphinium, etc.

The structure of such roots offers really a number of interest-
ing modifications, which are very little known so far, and it would
be an excellent study to undertake the investigation of their struc-
tures, instead of confining ourselves to the other organs alone. It
is not, however, an easy matter to study such roots, but by be-
ginning with the more simple types, for instance the annual
among the nutritive, the various tissues may be readily perceived
and distinguished. The most difficult ones are the tuberous
storage- roots, and these must always be studied at the various
stages of their growth and during several seasons. There are,
also, certain types which are called anomalous, as for instance
the beet, which is quite difficult to understand, unless the succes-
sive stages have been observed.

With the object ol giving some examples of different root-
structures we may begin with an ordinary, annual nuiritive root
of Streptopus roseus, of which we have drawn part of a section on
Plate I. In this drawing the central cylinder is complete, but the
cortex and epidermis is only shown in part. The structure is as
follows :

The epidermis (Ep. ) consists of a single layer and many of
the cells are extended into root-hairs (Rh.); beneath this tissue is
another single layer, the cells of which are quite thickwalled, and
this is the so-called exodermis (Ex.). The cell- walls are more or
less suberized, thus the membranes are almost impermeable to
water and render thereby an important protection to the interior
tissues. In many cases the exodermis possesses, also, the power
of contractility, which may be seen from tangential sections,
where the radial cell-walls show foldings or undulations, which
continue in the longitudinal direction of the root, resulting in con-
traction.

Inside the exodermis follows a parenchyma of several layers,
the cortex (C. ); it is in this tissue that nutritive matters are stored
in storage-roots. The cells are often loosely connected, thus we

ao The Ottawa Naturalist. [April

may frequently observe quite broad intercellular spaces, often to
such an extent as deserving the term " lacunes," which are very
common to roots of plants that grow in moist situations.

The innermost layer of the cortex is differentiated into an
endodermis {End ), the structure and function of which suggests
that of the exodermis, and forms a closed sheath around the cen-
tral cylinder of the root.

Bordering directly on the endodermis, thus representing the
outermost tissue of the cylinder, is a layer, and mostly a single
one, of thinwalled cells, which is called the pericycle or pericam-
bium (P.). The cell walls are never suberized nor do they show
any foldings. It is a tissue of great importance, since the lateral
roots become developed from this, and usually also the root-
shoots.

Inside the pericycle we find the leptome (L. ) with sieve-tubes
and companion-cells, and the hadrome {H.) with the vessels.
These two elements, the leptome and hadrome, are in the root
arranged in separate groups, side by side, alternating with each
other in contrast to the stem, where they are located in the same
radius, the leptome outside, the hadrome inside. The vessels are
of different width in proportion to their age, the narrowest being
the earliest developed. The sieve-tubes and their companion-cells
are, as already stated, located between the rays of the hadrome,
and their delicate structure makes them readily distinguished
from the thick-walled vessels and conjunctive tissue, the last of
which occupies the centre of the root; it is parenchymatic and cor-
responds well with the pith of the stems.

This root represents the annual type, and no increase in
thickness takes place, thus the root remains unchanged until it
dies at ihe end of the season. But if we now examine perennial
roots, we notice that an increase in thickness generally takes place
which results in greatly modified structures of which the following
is the most frequent and may be considered the normal.

The first sign of change in structure is to be observed in the
central cylinder where a cambial tissue becomes formed in the
shape of arches and on the inside of the leptome ; this cambial
tissue thus originates in the conjunctive tissue bordering on the

1906] On the Structure of Roots. 21

leptome. The cambium commences then to develop new groups
of leptome outwards and new groups of hadrome inwardly. By
continued growth the cambial arches extend towards the pericycle
and meet outside the rays of the hadrome, thus a completely closed
ring of cambium becomes formed, and this is able to develop lep-
tome and hadrome throughout its entire width. The original
structure of the root has, thus, become very considerably changed,
since the secondary groups of leptome are located in the same
radius as the secondary hadrome, while the primary were arranged
in alternation with each other. At this stage the structure is very
much like that of a stem (Dicotyledones and Gymnosperms) ex-
cept that the primordial hadromatic rays are yet to be observed.
But besides resulting in the formation of secondary leptome and
hadrome due to the cell-division of the cambial ring, the pericycle
possesses, also, the power of developing secondary tissues by
similar cell-divisions. This new tissue is, on the other hand,
parenchymatic, and is called the secondary cortex, since it agrees
in all respects with this particular tissue. It is easy to under-
stand that the primary cortex with epidermis and endodermis are
not able to follow the continued growth of the elements in the
central cylinder, but become split, die off and are finally thrown
off altogether, thus the secondary cortex formed by the pericycle
takes the place of the primary.

We may pass now to the structure of the beet. In a fully
developed root of this plant we notice in a cross-section a number
of concentric rings, resembling the annual rings of a perennial,
woody stem. However, these rings are all made in one summer,
and by following their structure gradually from month to month,
the structure is shown to have originated in a very different way
from that of a stem. The fact is that the secondary cortex is here
able to develop continuously new strata of leptome and hadrome
separated by medullary rays in concentric rings and in centrifugal
direction. As soon as one stratum of leptome and hadrome has
performed its function for some time, it ceases to grow any fur-
ther, and a renewed formation of another ring outside the first
one takes place and so on, so that a number of rings are formed
during the season ; the most conspicuous portion of each of these

22 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April

rings is the hadrome, which consists of a few lignified vessels, the
only lignified elements of the root. The rings which we thus ob-
serve in the beet are not to be compared with the annual of a
stem, since they are developed in one season and since they are
developed independently of each o*her, while in the stem the an-
nual rings depend upon the cell-divisions of the same cambium.

Brookland, D.C., January, 1906.

A MAY MORNING WITH THE BIRDS IN NEW

BRUNSWICK.

By W. H. Moore.

The morning was truly delightful. The pulse of Nature was
throbbing in ecstacy under the genial rays of old Sol, who had
seemingly neglected his charges here upon the earth for some
days before. The northward sway of bird migration had been at
a standstill for a few days, but upon this morning of May (1905)
the wave was fast advancing.

A walk of about a mile was taken through woods and along
a highway a short distance across clearings. Birds were plentiful
in all places. In trees about the lawn near the house was a num-
ber of self-naming birds, namely, Tom-Peabody, known to the
scientific world as Zonotrichia albicollis. In a thickly grown
spruce by the side of the path, a pair of robins were building a
nest, and just as I walked past, one came with a great mouthful
ot grass. In some hazel shrubbery, nearby, were a few song-spar-
rows, and one Mrs. Peabody, busily engaged searching among
the stranded leaves. Among the young foliage of a small yellow
birch beside a brook w as a redstart flitting and tumbling after
various insects, and now and then stopping to sing his song of
thanksgiving for being permitted to be alive this beautiful Sunday
morning. Among a growth of young conifers, was a Magnolia
warbler singing to his mate, who was no doubt thinking what a
good locality that would be in which to breed. A black-and-white
watbler was a short distance farther along among a mixed growth

1906] A May morning with the Birds. 2

.1

of maples, birches and conifers. His presence was first made
known by his song- of wee-see, wee-see, wee-see. Constantly there
could be heard the lively, pleasing song of the purple finch, which
at this time of year is singing its best. From numerous tall dead
trees came the calling and tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap-tap of the yel-
low-bellied sapsucker. The beating tatoo of this species is more
interrupted in its course than is the continuous roll of other
woodpeckers. Twittering barn swallows were flying high in the
air. Farther on a stop was made to write down some notes and
take in the songs o( one Cape May warbler, three hermit thrushes,
four Magnolia warblers, one robin, one white-throated sparrow,
three black-throated green warblers, two black-throated blue
warblers, two ovenbirds, one junco, one goldfinch, and three
Nashville warblers. After a short walk along an old lumber road,
a stop is again made, and notes taken of such songs as some of
the above, in addition to two Parula warblers, four least fly-
catchers, two purple martins and the voluminous songs of two
winter wrens. As I sit here upon an old stump, the first olive-
sided flycatcher of the season alights upon the topmost tower of a
birch stub and calls out, Look, Fm here, or Put me down. The
song of the olive-side when heard from a distance easily sounds
Take care, with emphasis upon the first and last of the two
syllables, the first note of Look, L'm here is heard only when one is
near the bird.

The olive-side was answered by a chebee which had been
present for some days and which enthusiastically called out Go-
back or Go-beck. Thus it could be interpreted by the genus Homo,
but among the aves it was probably a call of love, while for cer-
tain insecta it may have been a warning of danger. Some bird
behind me gives a twittering, and, turning about, at length I dis-
cover in a tangle of raspberry, small maple sprouts and dead
brush, a male Maryland yellow-throat while an olive-back thrush
calls attention from another tangle nearby. A small flock of
crows fly cawing past, just above the tree-tops, and in the distance
is heard the calls of a pileated woodpecker.

As no chickadees had yet been heard, I whistle their love song
of sweet weather, and am answered by the same notes from one

24 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April

of these birds. In returning homeward the Blackburnian warbler
is added to the list of birds observed in a walk of a mile. Through
the meadow by the rear of the house were numerous chipping,
Savanna and vesper sparrows, and a pair each of flicker, bluebird>
white-bellied swallow, and several eave or cliff swallows. In a
swamp by the edge of the clearing the waterthrush lives.

This was the banner day of the season, as eight new arrivals
were recorded. Insects of many species were likewise alert;
among numerous blooming plants were identified the white and
blue violets, dandelion, goldthread, swamp honeysuckle and
moosewood.

Scotch Lake, N.B.

Spergula arvensis, L. In Rhodora for August, 1905, Mr.

M. L. Fernald notes the occurrence of Spergula saliva, Boenn., at

New London, Conn. When examining the material of 5". arvensis

in the Gray Herbarium he found plants collected by Dr. James

Fletcher ot Ottawa in 1892 and distributed in Halsted's American

Weeds as S, arvensis that are S. saliva. I have just examined all the

Spergula in the herbarium of the Geological Survey and find that

the only representatives of S. saliva there are from Denmark and

Norway, and are so labelled by the collectors. All our other

specimens from Canada, the United States and Europe are

S. arvensis, our Ottawa specimens being from Wakefield and

Pickanock. It is possible that in Halsted's distribution he mixed

material from some other locality with that received from Dr.

Fletcher, but 5" saliva should be looked for in this vicinity. S.

saliva " has minutely punctulate, margined seeds, and in a living

state can be distinguished by its decidedly viscous, dull grey-green

leaves and branches; on the other hand, in S. vulgaris (S. arvensis)

the seeds are obscurely margined, or totally devoid of wing, and

beset with club-shaped papillae, generally quite black in fully

matured seeds."

Jas. M. Macoun,

1906]

Nature Study — No. 33.
NATURE STUDY.— No. XXXIII.

Definite Problems in Nature Study.
S. B. Sinclair, M.A., Ph.D.

Hunto Island, Muskoka, Ont.
Eighteen years of unassisted forest growth.

The following elementary experiment is submitted in the hope
that it may be suggestive of others, and also emphasize the funda-
mental principle that in beginning Nature Study the main diffi-
culty lies in selecting a suitable problem and making a definite
and sequential study of the subject chosen.

FOREST DEVELOPMENT.

The island of Hunto in Portage Lake, twenty miles south-
east of Parry Sound, Ontario, has an area of about seven acres,
and, like other islands of the Muskoka region, is simply the sum-
mit of an upheaved mountain of Laurentian granite, the highest
point being about 80 feet above the level of the surrounding lake.

26 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Aprit

About two-thirds of the surface is covered with soil varying from
one inch to thirty inches in depth

In the year 1887, the island, which was then beautifully
wooded, was swept by a fire which completely destroyed all vege-
tation, except a lew straggling pines at the water's edge. Those
who saw the island during and after the fire, say that the desola-
tion wrought was so complete that it was scarcely possible that
any young plants or even seeds could have survived the intense
heat. Since that time no new timber has been cut, no domestic
animals have been on the island, and with the exception of a few
hares, deer-mice and squirrels, there apparently has been nothing
to interfere with the development of the smallest herb.

This situation seemed to present a problem which, if worked
out, might cast some light upon the kind of vegetation which
under similar conditions — of climate, soil, non-interference, etc. —
might reasonably be expected to develop in a period of eighteen
years, and with a view to the solution of this problem a somewhat
careful investigation has been carried on for two consecutive
summers.

Altogether there were found on the island forty-seven differ-
ent varieties of trees and shrubs, and a number of these were
evidently new comers. The following is a comparative statement
of the height and circumference of a few of the largest trees in
1904 and 1905 :

Popuhis tremuloides, American Aspen -
Poplar

Betula papyrifera, Paper or Canoe Birch

Primus Pennsylvania, Wild Red Cherry

Pinus Strobus, White Pine

Acer rubrum, Soft Red Maple

Ouercus rubra, Red Oak, Black Oak. . . .

Thuya occidentalis, American Arbor-
vitas, White Cedar

Pinus resi?tosa, Red Pine

Larix Americana, American Larch, Tam-
arack

Quercus alba, White Oak ...

Abies balsamea, Balsam Fir

Tsuga Canadensis, Hemlock Spruce . .

1904

Height

Circ.

, 19o5 ,

Height Circ.

feet. i

inches.

feet.

inches.

35

12

37

14

30

19

32

18

29

16

305

16

22

13

24

13

22

9

22

13

20

'4

20

16

20

14

20.6

16

•9

1 1

10.5

13

16

8

i75

9-5

'5

8

16.5

9-5

•3-5

9

15

9-5

1 1

5

1 1

8

1906] Nature Study — No. 33. 27

The time and labor requisite for collecting, identifying and
mounting specimens and for measuring trees in such an investi-
gation is not great. Nor is the collection of specimens a neces-
sary condition of satisfactory work. The study of the living
organism from the genetic functional standpoint is of much
greater value than the mechanical examination of dead specimens.
One of the best features of such work is that it presents obstacles
which furnish a natural stimulus to endeavor and which when
overcome afford genuine satisfaction. Where serious difficulty is
presented and individual observation and text-books prove inade-
quate, the Canadian Government has wisely made provision for
all emergencies by providing trained specialists, who are able and:
willing to answer questions submitted to them and to whom in-
quiry can be sent postage free. In this connection my best thanks
are due to Dr. Fletcher, of the Experimental Farm at Ottawa,
who not only supervised the classification made, but also made a
personal inspection of the locality studied.

The essential requirement of a university post-graduate dis-
sertation is that it must add something, no matter how little, to
the sum total of human knowledge. Measured by this criterion
such an investigation as the foregoing, be it ever so limited in
scope or unpretentious in character, at once becomes important,
for one finds oneself doing that which has been done by no one
else, and if the work be honestly performed and the records ac-
curately kept, the information gained (although apparently trivial);
may prove to be of genuine public service in future interpretation.

Another of the advantages of such definite research work is
that it is adapted to the stage of development reached by the
adult learner who, although he has omitted Nature Study in early-
life, has acquired as the result of natural growth and activity in
other studies a scientific attitude of mind which causes him to
appreciate the meaning and value of the laboratory method and,
to prefer it to a more superficial treatment.

The experience of the Ottawa Normal students in the study
of birds affords practical illustration of this fact. For a number
of years each student has been asked to learn the identification

28 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April

and general characteristics of sixty species and to make a careful
and thorough study of one species as regards life-history, life-
relations, care, etc. The invariable opinion expressed by the
students is that they find the intensive study more interesting
than the more extended observation.

From the standpoint of the learner, the actual knowledge
gained is of genuine value, being in a very especial sense his own.
It is probable, however, that what may be called the indirect
results of such an investigation are really of most worth to the
student. The attention is sure to be attracted to a thousand in-
teresting phenomena which otherwise would have passed un-
noticed. For example, in the foregoing investigation certain
kinds of trees were found to be grouped in favorable places in
their own special habitats. There was a preponderance of ferns,
fungi and mosses on the northern exposure where there was least
evaporation, and swamp plants were found in the lowest parts of
the island.

Many other interesting phenomena in connection with soil
formation, heat and moisture conditions, were similarly incident-
ally noted.

Further, in such study one is sure to become impressed with
the fact that the investigation of sequential life history is more
interesting than the study of a cross-section. " What have we
here?" is seldom as productive a question as '* How did it get
here ?" or " Whither does it tend ?"

While carrying on the foregoing investigation, such problems
as the following naturally suggest themselves : '* How were the
seeds brought to the island?" " In what order did the trees ap-
pear?" " What other trees will come and how will they come?"
" Will the struggle for supremacy leave conditions as at present,
e.g. , will the poplar continue to rule the pine ?"

The narrow limits of such a paper will not admit of further
reference to the more fascinating and productive studies of struc-
ture, function and life-relations. The interest in such work is
always cumulative, the Nature Study attitude soon becomes
habitual, and after that all is clear sailing.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.

VOL. XX- PLATE I-

Holm : On 'structure of roots.

I

^

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. 3r*"%«

Vol. XX. OTTAWA, MAY, 1906. No. 2

LIST OF SOME FRESH- WATER SHELLS FROM
NORTH-WESTERN ONTARIO AND KEEWATIN.*

By J. F. Whiteaves.

(A.) From the English River, in North-western Ontario
above Lac Seul ; collected by W. Mclnnes, of the Geo-
logical Survey of Canada, in /905.

Pelecypoda.
* ' Sphcerium flavum, Prime.

English River, below Manitou Fall ; one specimen.

Gasteropoda.

Planorbis ( Pierosoma ) corpulentus, Say.

English River, below Manitou Fall ; three specimens, the
largest of which is fully an inch in its maximum diameter.
The adult shell of this species, which corresponds to the
variety macrostomus of P. Irivolvis, has not yet been described
nor figured.

(B.) From various localities on the boundary between On-
tario and Keetvatin, or in Keewattn ; collected by W.
Mclnnes in igo$.

Pelecypoda.

Lamps His luteola (Lamarck).

Albany River, between lakes St. Joseph and Eabemet ; five
specimens.

* Communicated by permission of the Director of the Geological Survey
Department. The species with an asterisk prefixed to their names, have
been kindly determined bv Dr. V. Sterki.

3°

The Ottawa Naturalist. [May

Anodonta Kcnnicotli (?) Lea. Var.

Lake St. Joseph, one specimen ; Albany River, two speci-
mens; and West Branch of the Winisk River, two specimens.

* Sphoerium flavum, Prime.

Root River, Lac Seul ; one specimen.

Sphcprium rhomboideum (Say).

Lake St. Joseph, two specimens ; and Albany River, three
specimens.

* Pisidium variabiles Prime.

Like St. Joseph, at two localities, three specimens from each;
and Albany River, two specimens.

* Pisidium Mainense, Sterki.

Root River, nine specimens.

* Pisidium "abditum, Haldeman."

Albany River, thirteen specimens.

*Pisidiu?n Roperi, Sterki.

Albany River, five specimens.

* Pisidium polilum, Sterki.

Root River, one specimen.

*Pisidium rotuudatum, Prime.

Lake St. Joseph, one specimen.

* Pisidium paupcrculum, var. crystalletisc, Sterki.

Root River, one specimen.

* Pisidium splendidulum, Sterki. Var.

Lake St, Joseph, at two localities ; seven specimens.

*Pisidium vesiculare, Sterki.

Head of Lake St. Joseph, fourteen specimens.

* Pisidium mediannm, Sterki.

Lake St. Joseph, one specimen.

"Pisidium milium, Held. Small var.

Head of Lake St. Joseph, one specimen.

i gob] Fresh-water Shells from N. W. Ontario, &c. 31

Gasteropoda.

Valvata tricurinata, Say.

Albany River, four specimens.

Valvata stncera, Say.

Lake St. Joseph, at two localities ; four specimens."

Amnicola limosa, Say.

Root River, several specimens.

Limncea stagnalis, L.

Trout Lake, Severn River, Keewatin ; two specimens.

Limncea catascopium, Say.

Albany River, six specimens ; and Trout Lake, two speci-
mens.

Planorbis ( Helisoma) bicarinatus, Say.
Albany River, one specimen.

Planorbis ( Gyraulus) albus, Muller.

Albany River, four specimens ; and West Branch of the
Winisk River, seven specimens.

Physa hcterostropha, Say.

Albany River, three specimens.

Ancylus parallelus, Haldeman.
Root River, one specimen.

(C) Prom Knee Lake, Keewatin, on the Hayes River
route from Norway House to York Factory, in Lat.
•,-5° N., and Long. 95° W. ; collected by O. O' Sullivan,
of the Geological Survey of Canada, in igo$.

Pelecypoda.

Sphcerium simile (Say);

One adult and perfect specimen.

*Spluvrium emarginatum (?) Prime.
(Or 6*. stamineum, Conrad, var.)
Several specimens.

34 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May

where, begin to leave us in August, when there is no sign of
cold. And why would they then leave again the warm South-
land where there is no cold to be feared at any time ? Some will
say: "It is because their food gives out in winter." This is, of
course, a better reason than the first, though the two are inter-
related. But that even the very important food question cannot be
the sole motive for their migrating can be seen from the fact, that
many birds start away from here in August and early September
when their food is most abundant, and the same can probably be
said of the places they leave when returning north. So this point
is somewhat mysterious. We have to fall back on instinct, which
of course, while being a handy word to use, does not explain any-
thing to us. The birds seem to have an instinctive desire for se-
clusion during their nesting time, which could not be obtained in
the south, where the millions of birds from the north are crowded
together with the teeming faunal life there resident. This, toge-
ther with the evident love for the place where they were born,
seems to be the motive, at least for the northward migration.
Besides, we notice an instinct or impulse for migrating in other
animals also, as among the lemmings, the salmon, eel, herring,
etc.

Then we ask, "When do birds migrate?" No any one
answer will suffice for this question. We have a spring migration,
the birds travelling northward, and a fall migration, southward.
Each extends over a long time, as some species come and go
early, others late. There are probably only two months when no
migration of any kind or at least wandering and roving about
takes place, these being January and June, the latter the nesting
month over a large part of the northern hemisphere. With us the
beginning is made in the spring migration by the Prairie Horned
Lark and the Crow, which come about the last week of February.
During the second half of March come the Song Sparrow, Blue-
bird, Robin, Tree Swallow, etc., in April the Phoebe, Kingfisher,
gulls, ducks, blackbirds, Meadowlark, etc., but May is the lead-
ing month in the spring migration. Then, huge waves of warb-
lers, (inches or sparrows, fly catchers and vireos come. The last
migrant here is the Blackpoll Warbler, which can be heard into
the first few days of June. The fall migration is started by some

1906] The Migration of Birds. 35

warblers and shore birds as early as July, by more in August, but
the bulk of it takes place in September ; the number of birds de-
creasing rapidly during October, and a few bringing up the rear
in November.

Now, as to the time of the day in which the migrations take
place. The rule here seems to be : The weak-winged and timid
birds, such as rails and some sandpipers, etc., birds finding their
food under cover, as the warblers, some finches, thrushes, vireos,
etc., migrate during the night, so they can rest during the day and
find their food more easily than they could at night. Other birds,
strong of wing, fearless, finding their food more in the open, as
the blackbirds, the robin, etc., travel partly during the day or
night, making use of either or both times to suit their pleasure.
A third class, such having long wings, expert tireless fliers, which
find their food while flying, as the swift, the swallows, also the
gulls, terns, hawks, etc., travel by day exclusively, for apparent
reasons.

Over what distances do their migrations take the birds ? That
is again extremely variable. When our Ruffed Grouse {Bonasa
wmbellus togata) leisurely walks from its summer haunts on top of
one of the Laurentian hills to the north of us and goes down a mile
into the nearest cedar or spruce swamp, that may also be called a
migration. The same can be said, when some birds breeding in
the Rocky Mountains near the summit or the timber line, leave
these quasi boreal regions and by descending a mile or two enter
the temperate or even subtropical zone. Some of our breeding
birds go further, as the Purple Finch, Junco, etc., and winter
2-300 miles south in New York State. From that the distances
increase rapidly to as much as 8,000 miles for one trip, as in the
case of the Golden Plover, the Knot, the Eskimo Curlew and many
more.

Over what routes do they travel ? As a general rule we may
say, that the birds breeding from Labrador and Ungava south-
ward, go to Florida, as their first stage of migration, many
species of course wintering north of that. Those breeding west of
Hudson Bay and east of the Rocky Mountains in the great Mis-
sippi water shed, go towards and to Louisiana. Those breeding
in and west of the Rocky Mountains travel overland entirely into

36 The Ottawa Naturalist. | May

Mexico. That there are many exceptions to this is evident.
Thus, some Alaska birds, instead of joining the western or middle
contingent, seem to travel to the east, as the Blackpoll Warbler ;
and the Bobolink, which has advanced from its eastern habitat as
far west as Utah, has been shown to travel back east in migration,
over the way its species originally extended its range westward,
instead of going the shorter way by land into Mexico ; thus adher-
ing to family traditions. The same is done by the Wheatear, a
European species, having come by way of Iceland and Greenland
to Labrador, now breeding there. That migrates back to Europe
over the same route the species has come. Now, how do those
that want to go further south proceed from the Gulf coast? Not
as we might suppose via the Greater and Lesser Antilles to South
America, that being to our mind the easiest route ; they would
always be in sight of land, near food, etc. Of about 25 species
which make a start over this route, only about six finish it to the
South American main. Nor do a great many take another
apparently easy route, i.e. from southern Florida to Cuba, on that
island to its western point and then by a short flight of about 100
miles to Yucatan. No, one main route is from Florida to Cuba,
thence to Jamaica, at both of which many species remain, and
thence by a 500 mile flight over the Carribean Sea to South
America. Another route is from northwestern Florida straight
south to South or Central America or Yucatan. Another from
Louisiana south and south-west to Mexico. These routes also
seem to show that the birds cannot, as a rule, be greatly exhausted
by long flights, otherwise they would dread them and rather make
use of all the islands they could and travel from Louisana, or at
least from Texas by land into Mexico, which most birds scorn to
do, thereby not even cutting off much distance or time. It has
also been discovered by these late investigations, that some species
coming north from Mexico, etc., do not alight as soon as they have
land under them, but rather fly many miles inland before doing so.
An interesting question in connection with migration always
has been, " How do flic birds find their "way ? " It has been held
that the configuration of the land below, the physical features of
it, play an important role in this. That this can be true only to a
slight extent, we can at once see, when we bear in mind tha

1906J The Migration of Birds. 37

many birds migrate at night, some high up ; that the young birds
going the first time can have no knowledge and experience of the
route ; when they leave here in September the trees are yet full of
leaves and the fields not empty, whereas the landscape looks
entirely different in April or May, when no leaves are out and the
fields are bare, etc. Some seem to follow the coast line or the
rivers, especially day migrants, but this can not explain all. The
solution of the problem seems to be, that they have a sense of
direction^ and their instinct — whatever that is — seems to impel
them in the right, usually for them best direction. That they
must have such a sense, we can see from the Carrier or Homing
Pigeon. This may be put into a box, taken aboard a train and
carried on it hundreds of miles to a place where it never has been,
neither can it see the physical features! of the way, yet on being
liberated it will find its way back with most unerring directness.

At what height do the birds travel during migration ? A
balloonist has seen an eagle soaring about at a height of 9,000 ft.
— which does not say it was migrating. Some observers have
seen large bands of migrants at an altiiude of 5,000 ft. An ex-
perimenter with kites has seen large migrations of ducks at from
1,300 to 1,500 ft. high. Many birds are killed by flying against
lighthouses no more than 100 ft. high. So, no one answer can be
given to this question. Some species always, and others perhaps
only when the air is heavy and foggy, fly very low, not more than
perhaps 100 ft. over all trees and houses. We can hear their
voices plainly at night during migration. But the bulk of it seems
to be going on at a height of from 500 to 1,500 ft. They want to
stay below the lowest clouds. That they are sometimes bewildered
and driven out of their course by fog and strong winds is equally
certain.

At what rate of speed do the birds proceed southward and
northward ? That this must be very variable we can see at once
when we look at the wings of the warbler, thrush or rail and at
those of the swallows, gulls and hawks. If we divide the distances
travelled by the number of days spent in migration, we obtain a
rate of from about 25 to 150 miles a day. This does, of course,
not mean, that the birds get up into the air, fly straight ahead for
a day and then are only so much farther on than the day before.

38 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May

No, they can fly that fast and faster in an hour and probably do
that at times, especially when crossing large bodies of water. It
simply means that by either one long or several short flights
interrupted by leisurely feeding in between, they proceed so far in
a day. They take it very easy during the first days or weeks of
their journey, accelerating the speed towards the end. That the
relative position of the masses of birds, also those of one species,
breeding at the various latitudes, is much changed and shifted,
owing to difference in speed, can easily be imagined, also that the
migrants of a southerly species may be overtaken and passed by
more northerly ones. Thus the southern form of Maryland
Yellowthoat is passed and left behind by its more northerly
congeners.

That many casualties may occur during migration, that dis-
aster overtakes single birds as well as whole flights, is not to be
wondered at. When the air is heavy and full of fog the birds fly
very low and then strike high objects, steeples and especially
lighthouses. Prof. W. W. Cooke notes that one morning in May
150 dead birds were picked up at the foot of Washington Monu-
ment, 555 feet high. When the light on the Statue of Liberty in
New York harbor was still burning, 700 dead birds a month was
the usual crop of fatalities during migration, as reported by Chap-
man. Some time ago an item of news was making the round of
the papers, that on two mornings during the last fall migration
6,000 birds had been killed against a lighthouse on the north
coast of France Even if there were only 600 it was bad enough.
Or when birds flying northward, say over the Gulf of Mexico or
Lake Erie, are met by a fierce gale from the north, that then
hundreds, if not thousands are occasionally hurled into a watery
grave, can well be understood, especially of the weaker-winged
species. That some of the hawks reap a rich harvest during mi-
gration, especially the little Sharpshinned, Cooper's, Duck and
Goshawk is also clear.

Now, as to some anomalies and curiosities of migration.
Some of our hardy Canadian birds perform, instead of a migration
in the accepted sense, a series of apparently aimless, eccentric rov-
ings and wanderings, not only southward, but in various direc-
tions and without all regularity. Thus the Pine Grosbeak and

1906] The Migration of Birds. 39

Bohemian Waxwing may be present at a place in one winter and
then not be seen again there for years. This case is more mys-
terious than the others. The same holds good of the Canada Jay,
the various redpolls and the Pine Siskin, though in a lesser degree.
Then there are the herons, which before starting south in fall
from their breeding places, seem to go on a little excursion north-
ward first, and are sometimes taken far north of their range.
The extraordinary route of the Golden Plover [Chamdriiis donu'iii-
cus) and several more shore birds should here be noted. These
birds breed in the bleak lands near and beyond the Arctic circle.
In August, when the young are able to fly well, they proceed from
north-central Canada to Labrador, thence by easy stages to Nova
Scotia, etc., from there south over the Atlantic Ocean, to the Ba-
hamas, to South America, through Brazil, still south through
Argentine to Patagonia, 8,000 miles. After a short stay in that
dreary place, they proceed northward again, but by a different
route, further west in South America, through Central America,
into the wide Mississippi valley, and in that north to their breed-
ing place, near the Arctic circle, 16,000 miles in all.

There are several other birds which go from and back to their
breeding range by different routes. Thus I found the rare Cape
May Warbler common in fall in western Maryland, but none in
the spring. Another curious fact brought to light by the data
accumuluting at Washington is the case of the Nashville Warbler.
This breeds here and northward and proceeds in fall southward
with other warblers, travelling by easy stages, feeding in day time
along the way, like any other well-behaved warbler would. But
south of the southern boundary of Virginia it is practically un-
known, only turning up again in its winter range, Mexico, near
Vera Cruz. The only inference left seems to be, that it rises up
high into the air at about the latitude of Virginia and flies without
alighting again over all the intervening land and the Gulf. Who
knows ? The well known and abundant Chimney Swift offers
another mystery. It moves southward in fall, its flocks becoming
enormously large when they reach the Gulf coast. Then they dis-
appear as though the Gulf had swallowed them, until thev turn up
again next March bright and cheerful as ever. Where they spent
the winter months is a complete mystery so far, and the world is

4<d The Ottawa Naturalist. |May

rather thoroughly explored ornithologically, at least as far as large
masses ot birds are concerned. Nor are these the only unknown
things in migration.'

So we see that in spite cf the large mass of data and statistics
at hand, and the multitude of workers and observers, there is stil'
much to be learned and better understood in that fascinating
natural phenomenon : the migration of birds.

Bibliography.

Wells W. Cooke. — Some new facts about the Migration of Birds. Washington,

1903.
,, Distribution and Migration of North American Warblers.

Washington, 1904.
Chas. C. Adams. — The Migration Route of Kirtland's Warblers. Ann Arbor,

Mich., 1904.
The " Auk ': ; my own notes.

BIRD NOTES.

Prairie Horned Larks. — We first saw the Prairie Horned
larks this year on March 4th, and as the season advanced they
appeared to become more numerous. On April 1st, while walk-
ing across the country on Isle Jesus, we were surprised by seeing
a lark flying about our heads. As the open country was practic-
ally bare of snow, we thought it not unlikely that the bird had a
nest nearby. About 50 or 60 feet away we found the nest, which
was snugly placed near a stone. The nest contained no eggs.
On the same day we located another nest of this species on a hill-
side nearby, which was also empty.

On April 8th we visited these nests again, and they both con-
tained full sets — four eggs in each. Later in the day we were
successful in finding three other nests, two of which contained
four eggs each and the other was just about ready for eggs.

All of these nests were placed in " bald-headed" fields, i.e., in

pastures where the dead grass was only about an inch high and

was entirely free of weeds, etc. In the majority of cases the birds

could not be seen when the nests were found. The young birds

had begun to form in the eggs of two of the sets.

W. J. Brown.
Westmount, Que., April 9, 1906.

1906] The Ottawa Species of Eriophorum. 41

THE OTTAWA SPECIES OE ERIOPHORUM.

Mr. M. L. Fernald's revision of the genus Eriphorum* has
made some changes necessary in the names of the species grow-
ing in the vicinity of Ottawa. It is probable that one or two
additional species or varieties may be found here and that col-
lectors may know what species have been already recorded the
following notes are published. The localities mentioned are those
known to the writer. The numbers and collector names are
those on the sheets in the herbarium of the Geological Survey.

Eriophorum Chamissonis, C. A. Meyer.

E. russeolum, Fries.

Very abundant at the Mer Bleue, near Eastman's
Springs, Ont., No. 11,496. {John Macoun.)

Eriophorum callitrix, Chamisso.

E. vaginatum of local botanists.

Casselman, Ont., No. 10,302. {John Macoun.) Black-
burn Station, Ont., near the Mer Bleue, No. 61,191. {John
Macoun.) Also noted by Prof. Macoun in a bog near East
Templeton, Que., and in a bog by Strachan's Lake, east of
Cascade, Que.

Eriophorum gracile, Koch.

In meadows and peat bogs by McKay's Lake, at Dow's
Swamp and Mer Bleue. Dow's Swamp, Nos. 32,240 and
61,193; Mer Bleue near Eastman's Springs, Ont., No.
11,495. {John Macoun)

Eriophorum viridi-carinatum, (Engelm.) Fernald.

This species or E. polystachion is to be found in many
bogs and boggy meadows around Ottawa, but our two herb-
arium sheets are both E. viridi-carinatum^ Casselman, Ont.,
Nos. 32,267 and 61,152 ; in a swamp half a mile north of
Tetreauville, Que. {John Macoun.)

* Rhodora, Vol. VII, pp 81-92,

42 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May

Eriophorum Virginicum, L.

Rather rare around Ottawa; known from the Mer Bleue,
Strachan Lake and East Templeton and formerly at the old
race course. Boggy place, The Glehe, Ottawa, Ont., No.
7,573; Strachan Lake near Cascade, Que., No. 61,190.
{John Macoun.)

The species to be looked for about Ottawa are E. poly-
stachion, which is doubtless common in this vicinity though not
represented in cur herbarium, E. tenellum and E. opacum. The
general characters of these three species and their nearest relatives,
E. viridi-carinatum, E. Callitrix and E. graclle as indicated by
Mr. Fernald are given below.

E. polystachion. Midrib cf the scale prominent only below
the membraneous tip ; leaves triangular-channelled above the
middle ; the upper sheaths dark girdled at the summit.

E. viridi-carinatum. Midrib ot the scale prominent, extend-
ing to the tip ; leaves flat, except at the very tip; the sheaths
and bracts not dark-girdled.

E. Callitrix. Upper sheaths distinctly inflated : culm
trigonous and (under lens) scabrous at tip ; pits of the re-
ceptacle with obtusely angled lower walls.

E. opacum. Upper sheaths close or scarcely inflated : culm
terete, glabrous at tip ; pits of the receptacle with rounded
lower walls.

E. gracile. Upper cauline leaf with the sheath longer than
the blade.

E. tenellum. Upper cauline leaf with the sheath shorter than,
the blade.

Scirpus Trichophorum, Aschers & Crsebn. (E. alpinum, L.)
has been found in several localities near Ottawa.

Jas. M. Macoun.

1906] Sub-Excursion to Blueberry Point

SUB-EXCURSION TO BLUEBERRY POINT.

John Burroughs says in one of his delightful little books that
April is a good month to be born in, or to make any initiatory
step, in fact. It gives you a good start, he says. Certainly the
Field-Naturalists felt on assembling at Blueberry Point, Aylmer,
on the afternoon of April 28th that an excellent start had been
made.

It was the first outing of the season, unfavourable weather
having cancelled previous arrangements for a trip to Rockliffe.
Almost 150 persons met at Blueberry Point, however, on the 28th,
when the weather conditions were ideal Sonic of the leaders of
the various departments being absent the field-body resolved itself
'nto very informal groups and devoted the afternoon mainly to
gathering the trailing arbutus and hepatica. The latter in the
blue, pink and white varieties, was found on every side dotting the
brown sides of hillocks ; the arbutus, although not properly in
bloom, concealed many fragrant buds for the more patient seekers.

The unusually mild weather prevailing during the past winter,
while probably quite acceptable to the majority of people, has had
the effect of limiting swampy areas this spring, almost banishing
the elusive salamander and other things that creep or scuttle about
in lone lands — and so greatly disappointing the members interested
in zoology.

The club members reassembling about five o'clock, the presi-
dent, Mr. W. J. Wilson, having congratulated the club upon the
successful nature of its first outing, asked Mr. Andrew Halkett to
address the assemblage. A very informing talk was then given by
Mr. Halkett who had in spite of adverse conditions secured a num-
ber of specimens, including the larva of mosquitoes, a wood-frog,
contributed by Mr. Lemieux, water spiders, a centipede, bettles
and ants. The lower animal life was shown to be very busily
occupied preparing for the fuller life of the summer months.

Mr. A. MacNeill imparted then in a pleasantly original manner
some subjects for thought, and touched happily upon the basic
principle of the Naturalists' outings — the aim to come directly in
touch with Nature in her manifold fascinating forms instead ol

44

The Ottawa Naturalist. [May

viewing her abstractedly, if learnedly, through books beset with
sonorous scientific nomenclature.

Dr. Sinclair, in speaking of the arbutus seen on all sides,
referred to the desire expressed from time to time that it be adapted
as Canada's floral emblem. Its characteristics of fine fragrance,
and beauty combined with hardy endurance, he described as par-
ticularly appropriate in a prospective emblem for the Dominion.
The idea again presented seemed to win the entire approval of this
particular assemblage of Canadians, as it did years ago that of the
inhabitants of the Maritime Provinces. These already recognize
as their emblem the little flower which bravely pushes aside the
winter's snow to free its bloom, and which called forth from the
Hon. Joseph Howe a memorable poem as a tribute.

K. H.

REVIEW.

Mosses with a Hand-lens. A new Nature Study Book. 2nd

Edition including the Hepatics. By A. J. Grout, Ph.D.

150 pages, 33 full page plates and over 150 cuts in the text.

$1.50 postpaid. Published by the author at 360 Lenox Road,

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Such a book as this has long been needed by the amateur
botanist. Specialists have more complete and pretentious works
to aid them in their studies of mosses and liverworts, but a good
non-technical book that will enable beginners to determine the
common species of their neighborhood has long been needed.
Prof. Grout's book supplies this need. It is non-technical but is
written by a specialist. Its use will enable the Nature Study
teacher to widely extend the scope of his work as mosses may be
found in the woods even during the winter months, and many
species lose little in color and general appearance if gathered in
the autumn and stored in closet or cellar until wanted for study in
the school-room. The descriptions are easily understood even by
a beginner, and the illustrations are excellent reproductions of
photographs or accurate drawings.

1906] Nature Study — No. 34. 45

NATURE STUDY— No. XXXIV.

A Cement Sidewalk.

By S. B. McCreadv, B.A., Professor of Nature Study, McDonald Insti-
tute, Guelph, Ontario.

In glancing over the topics that have been dealt with in
this series of Nature Study articles in The Ottawa Naturalist
I find that more than half ot them have been of a general
pedagogical treatment, while twelve have been practical studies
in plants, insects, birds, rocks and school gardens.

It is to be noted that this series portrays in a general way the
history of the adoption of Nature Study in our school courses. At
first, concern was about the need, the treatment, the courses, the
practical value or the pedagogical value of it ; latterly the tend-
ency is towards practical, helpful directions for the teachers who
have to work at the subject in our common schools. Nature Study
stands to-day, with our progressive teachers, accepted as the leav-
ening that will bring large vitality to worn out methods and sub-
jects ; what they are asking is for guidance to the recognition and
the proper using of the materials,

With the purpose of emphasizing the proposition that the
study is not limited in its field to biological or geological things,
an outline of a lesson we had with our summer class is here sub-
mitted and worked out. A sidewalk had been in process of build-
ing for several days. No one had paid much attention to the
work, the workmen or the process. This was, in part, owing to
a multitude of other interests — chiefly biological — and, in part, to
an unconcern that familiarity had bred.

When, however, attention was drawn to the subject, many
propositions were orjened up for investigating ; the investigation
was made by daily observation and inquiry. An engineer's work
had been done in staking out the walk and making it level — the
stakes were driven firmly in the ground and the top level marked
with notches or nails. The top soil had been removed until a firm,
gravelly bottom was reached ; for most of the length of the trench
a depth of a foot had been sufficient but where the ground was
springy a greater depth was excavated. Into this trench, coarse
gravel and broken brick was dumped and packed down. A plank

46 The Ottawa Naturalist. [ May

curb or mould to allow for a four foot walk was set firmly on this
foundation ■ it was built high enough to hold four inches of
cement composition.

The work itself well exemplified the principle of division of
labor ; each man had his own particular part to play. There
were ten men in the gang ; the foreman had a general oversight
of all the work and workmen, and shared in the labor when oppor-
tunity or necessity arose ; wagons were employed in hauling
gravel or sand from pits on the farm and also the cement from the
railway car.

The first layer was a "grout" three inches in thickness. It was
composed of one part of cement and eight parts of good clear
sandy gravel. The largest stones permitted was of about a two
inch diameter. Measurement of the proportions was not made
with exactness but estimated in wheelbarrow loads. A layer of
the gravel was spread on a "mixing-board" with a layer of cement
over it, and a large pile built up in this way. Four men then
shovelled it back and forth until it was thoroughly mixed. Pre-
paratory to adding the water, it was shovelled into a large con-
cave ring. Sufficient water was added so that after it was well
mixed in the wet state, a handful would retain its form after
squeezing. It was now shovelled into the moulds and packed
firmly. It was not however allowed to lie in one continuous
mass ; a large bladed knife was used for making a one-half inch
cut every five feet, and this was filled with clear sand.

In the meantime, another cement mixture was being made on
another "mixing-board". It was made of one part cement and
two parts of clean gritty sand, and after complete mixing and
proper wetting was quickly thrown in the mould to the depth of
one inch, spread, packed, levelled off with a "straight-edge " and
"floated " or smoothed with a wooden "float", a tool like a steel
trowel in form. As a precaution against heaving by frost an in-
dentation was made by means of a "divider" every five feet and
immediately over the corresponding cut in the grout layer. This
completed the sidewalk building, but in order to protect it against
too rapidly drying it was covered with canvas for a few days.

The cement cost about $1.85 a barrel at the mill. Freight
and cartage were added to this cost. It was all shipped in bags,

igo6j Nature Study — No. 34. 47

as it was for immediate use ; the bags weighed ninety pounds and
four ol them constitute a barrel. Some of the gravel was hauled
by men who received $3.50 a day for themselves and teams; being
near the pit, eleven loads were hauled in a day's work ; where the
road was good and the haul out of the pit not difficult, a wagon
box of one and one-half cubic yards' capacity was used. An esti-
mate of the cost is made at a rate of 12 cents a square foot,
although this particular walk however was built by day labor.
285^ ft. length of 4 ft. walk = 1.142 sq. ft.

17 >£ " 9i" " = 229! "

10 " 6)/2 " = 65

Total, 1 ,436! sq.ft. at 12 c. - $172-37^.

These measurements were made with a tape line ; by "step-
ping-off" the length, and averaging one's pace, a close approxi-
mation of the actual cost was reached.

We afterwards secured some of the cement and examined for
fineness, alkalinity, effect on skin, etc. Tests were made, too, of
the strength of mixtures of different proportions. Some success-
ful object and man modelling was done with it by some of the
students. And in this connection it might be suggested that its
use is so simple that some repair work on broken walls might be
instituted in some schools as a legitimate Nature Study lesson on
cement.

A word on the chemical constitution and action of Portland
cement might be of interest and use. In general terms it is a
combination of lime (CaO), silica (Si02), alumina (A1203). The
lime is furnished by marl and the other two by clay. For good
setting qualities certain proportions are essential : 55 to 63% lime;
22 to 25% silica ; 7% alumina. Sufficient and no excess of lime
to combine with the other ingredients is the desideratum. Water
permits the union and crystallization. In a simple form of equa-
tion it might be represented thus :

Base. Acid. Salt.

CaO (Lime) + SiO., (Silica) = CaSiOs (Calcium Silicate).
CaO (Lime) + A1203 (Alumina) =■ CaAl304 (Calcium Aluminate).
So that the artificial stone substance is a mixture of calcium,
silicate and aluminate.

In the last report of the Bureau of Mines, part I, recently
published by the Department of Lands and Mines of Ontario,
there is a very complete account by Mr. P. Gillespie of the cement
industry in this province. Some facts are here included from that
report, not for the purpose of informing teachers of matters to be
retailed to children, but rather to awaken interest in this line of

48 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May

industry to the end that closer observation may be obtained in an
increasing important method of building, which is one of the fea-
tures of modern life. The report would make a valuable addition
to any school library. Senior scholars, especially, would be in-
terested in its accounts of the mineral and agricultural possibilities
of New Ontario; they would also learn of the care taken by our
Governments to furnish accurate information concerning our
resources. Supplementing this, some of the classes might be
directed to write, under the name of an appointed secretary, on
some industrial or scientific matter that has been unanswered in
class and which the authorities at Ottawa or Toronto are, as a
rule, able and pleased to help in solving.

There are several brands of cement made in Canada as the
••Star," "Hetcules," " Saugeen," "Imperial," "Monarch,"
"National," "Giant," "Samson," "Raven," "Sun." The
children might be led to observe what brands were Deing used
in their district, and to enquire as to their origin. A cement
map of Ontario, or indeed, one showing the cement structures of
the locality might be made. And here it might be said the same
line of observation and recording might be practiced in regard to
agriculture, implements, waggons, buggies, wind-mills, sewing
machines, bricks, shingles, graniteware, clocks, tools, etc.

This article has not been written for information, but as sug-
gestive treatment of this or similar industries and employment of
men. Many exercises will suggest themselves to one awakened
to the "new teaching" that finds exercise for training children's
powers of observation, for awakening wholesome sympathies and
interest, for inciting to useful manual operations in the common
things lying about us. Here are a few: — measuring a waggon box
to find capacity ; by weighing a cubic foot of gravel, estimate
weight of load ; consider how cities issue debentures for new
sidewalks and how property owners pay for them ; incorporating
into their arithmetics questions which were real arithmetic ques-
tions because actually ivorked o\x\. by themselves ; drawing a map
and estimating the cost of any sidewalk, fence, drain or road in
which the individual child or the school has an actual interest ;
drawing the tools used in the operation ; getting figures from
practical men regarding the area of walk that one barrel will make
and making up arithmetic problems for. class work ; setting a mud
foot-scraper in a cement block for school use ; making a drinking
trough for the birds. Indeed, the trouble to the teacher is in the
great number of exercises and interests that arise and claim atten-
tion rather than in their fewness. It is in the proper selection of
studies, that the Nature Study teacher shows her skill, no less than
in her methods of presenting them.

/

vQW^f

THE OTTAWA f(ATURALIST>%

Vol. XX. OTTAWA, JUNE, 1906. No. 3

A SAGACIOUS CROW.

By Asa A. Gallup.

Every student of nature has observed in animal life acts that
showed wonderful sagacity ; but this faculty is more often noticed
in mammals than birds, probably owing to the number of domes-
ticated animals about us, and in birds it may be considered a rarer
quality. It must have appeared, however, to anyone who has
watched crows congregating and heard the many noises they make
that the strange calls and harsh sounds were crow language,
and that they had a large vocabulary. The actions of the common
American Crow which I relate here were observed this year, and,
at least, show remarkable sagacity.

In the latter part of April two crows began housekeeping on
Parliament Hill, and built their home about twenty feet from the
ground in a cedar tree half way between the brow of the hill and
the river. By the third week in May five little crows occupied the
home, and at any part of the day five red-lined mouths could be
seen wide open to receive whatever food the parents might bring.
The mother was always on guard, and at the slightest noise would
sit on the nest and cover the young ; but the father apparently
spent most of his time during the day away from home. On one
of these occasions I happened to be standing on the walk, which
runs around the side of the hill, a short distance from the nest, ob-
serving some warblers, when I saw the crow alight on a large rock
about twenty yards belovv me. He seemed to have his eyes fixed
on some object on the ground farther down the hill, for notwith-
standing the repeated attacks of two grackles he held his position.
On the departure of his tormentors he shuffled down off the rock
and over to the object he had been watching, which was lying
among the stones, and began pecking it. After several hard

5°

The Ottawa Naturalist. [June

knocks requiring more than ordinary exertion he broke off a piece
and apparently had some difficulty in swallowing it, but in spite of
his best efforts, which appeared to be directed in getting a smaller
piece than the first, he was unable to get a second mouthful ; and
I wondered what he would then do. Without any hesitation, how-
ever, he took the object and flew a short distance to where some
water trickled over the stones, and as he came nearer to me I saw
that he had a biscuit, probably hardtack, or part of a lunch some
person had thrown down the hill. He was then partly hidden from
view by a projecting rock, and quietly moving along the walk to
where I had full view of him I was astonished to see that he was
standing in the water holding the biscuit under water with one
foot and patiently waiting for it to soak. In a short time his bis-
cuit was partly softened, and beginning around the edge he ate the
softer parts. Thus he continued, and finished his meal with no
other discomfort than wet feet. The last piece of biscuit he took
in his bill broke into several pieces and fell into the water, but he
did not lose any of it. Then looking around to see that he had
taken all, he quietly flew towards his nest.

This observation was made with the aid of a strong field glass
that brought the bird into such clear view that I could almost
count the primaries in his wings, and when he came nearer to eat
the biscuit I could see the water drop from his bill at each
mouthful. A.

To the Editor of the Ottawa Naturalist.

Whilst engaged in some Fisheries matters in the month of
month of May, 1903, I found some specimens of the American
Smelt {Osmerus mordax) floating dead on the surface of the water
of Lac des Isles, in the Gatineau District, P.Q. It is known that
this species of fish exists land-locked in fresh water-lakes in New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and in the State of Maine, but its occur-
rence in a lake so far away from the sea as Lac des Isles, is per
haps worthy of mention. The specimens are dwarfed and perhaps
may be regarded as a sub-species : otherwise the external char-
acters appear to agree with the ordinary form oiOrsmerus mordax.

A H.

1906] The Chambord Meteorite. 51

THE CHAMBORD METEORITE.*

Some time during the season of 1904, a mass of iron was
picked up in a field about two miles from the village of Chambord,
(latitude 48° 35' N. ; longitude 730 8' W.) county of Lake St. John,
province of Quebec. It was secured by Mr. J. Obalski, Superin-
tendent of Mines, Quebec, and by him kindly loaned to the
Geological Survey Department for purposes of examination. It is
an irregularly shaped block having a length of 18.9 cm., a thick-
ness of about 8.9 cm., and a width varying from 10. 1 cm. to 15.5
cm., and a weight of about 6.6 kilogrammes. The surface of the
specimen has unfortunately to a considerable extent been marred
by chisel and hammer marks made in attempts to cut up the iron.
The greater portion of the original crust has been scaled off by
prolonged weathering and its place taken by a thin coating of dark
brown rust ; that portion of the crust which is still remaining is
smooth with a dull enamel-like lustre and has brownish-black
colour ; the surface is possessed of the usual pittings found on
meteoric irons ; some of these are broad and shallow while others
again are small. A trough-like depression extends along one side
of the specimen, the bed of which is more or less jagged as if a
piece had been detached during the meteorite's flight through the
atmosphere. Over a considerable area of the specimen a natural
etching is visible, sometimes as coarse furrowings and at others
as minute ridges. Etching of a polished surface develops the
Widmannstatten figures in moderately coarse outline, the general
design indicating an octahedral structure ; this iron therefore
belongs to the " Madium Octahedrites " (Om) of Brezina's system
of classification. Schreibersite appears in considerable abundance
as very thin lamellae disposed between the kamacite plates : in the
trough-like depression previously referred to two small nodules of
of troilite are exposed in section ; they measure approximately 13
mm. in diameter and exhibit a series of fine parting lines running
in parallel position. This iron has not yet been subjected to
chemical analysis.

R. A. A. JOHNSTON.
Ottawa, May 19th, 1906.

*Published by permission of the Director of the Geological Survey.

c2 The Ottawa Naturalist. |June

NOTES ON THE EGGS OF THE SOLITARY SANDPIPER.

The solitary sandpiper (Heledromus solitarius) is a fairly com-
mon Albertan bird not seen much in summer, but abundant during
the fall migration. They appear from their retired haunts during
the first week in August, when they are found in ones or twos at
almost every wet place of any size; that is, in the western parts of
the prairie. The variety found is "Cinnamon." The only record
I have of the eastern variety is, curious to relate, the ones from
which eggs were obtained, at the same time it held the record of
being the furthest western point where I have seen the birds, it
being some seven or eight miles into the timber (Range 5). We
departed to Fallen Timber Creek in quest of fish as also bush
butterflies, chiefly Erebia disa and Chionobas Macounu, camping on
Fallen Timber Creek. The next day my friend, Mr. Broughton,
enquired where to find certain Graptae, and decided to go down
stream about a mile. Returning to camp for dinner he told
me of having found a nest in a small spruce tree ; the bird he be-
lieved to be a sandpiper. After dinner we both took the gun and
returned to the nest. The bird sat very close, in fact did not fly
until I put out my hand to catch her. She flew some twenty-five
yards, but was shot. The nest contained three eggs and was un-
doubtedly an old one of a Bohemian waxwing, bent down on one
side, in a spruce tree about 12 feet high ; nest about 4^ feet off
ground. Location, a horseshoe slough, watered by springs flow-
ing out very slowly into the river. Nest tree, 10 feet from the
mouth of river. North and south side spruce; northeast, poplar;
east, willows. Two days later a set of Bohemian waxwing's
eggs were taken in the same spruce.

The eggs, size 1^ x 1 inch, are pale green ground color,
sparingly spotted with lilac, bat heavier with brown inshiJes,
and are of the usual pointed type. The spots all over, though
chiefly at the larger end Data, 5, vi. 06. One-third fa'rly hard
set. 2 obtained Fallen Timber Creek, Alta.

Note. — The male obtained another mate and I think bred
again at that slough, anyway stayed there all summer.

Didsbury, Alta. 1$W*>4/ y P. Garrett.

i9°6] Nesting of Wilson's Snipe. 53

NESTING OF WILSON'S SNIPE.

On the 17th ol May, 1905, as I was passing through a patch
of low ground overgrown with second-growth willows, a rather
large-sized bird flushed from a spot a few feet from where I had
jumped over a neck of water. I did not see the exact place from
which the bird had flown, but the fluttering sound of her wing
caught my ear, and looking ahead I saw the creature, who with
outspread tail and wings, was fluttering on the damp earth, and
with her long bill down in the mud was giving vent to a series of
squeaking sounds. I knew at once that this bird had flushed from
a nest, and that the object of her actions was to draw my atten-
tion from something that she was very desirous to conceal ; but a
little research revealed a nest containing four beautiful eggs.
These were of a glossy yellow or olive hue, heavily blotched on
the larger end, and marked all over the surface with varying spots
of brownish-black; and, as I afterward noted, were about one-third
incubated. In size they were about one and a half inches in
length by one and one-tenth broad. A clump of willows a
little elevated stood about six feet from the pool over which the
bird had flown, and midway between the water and the willows,
which overhung it, the nest was placed. This was simply a
slight depression made by the bird in the moss and dry grass, and
except from its concealed situation and being a little more ex-
panded, there was no particular distinction between it and those
of the more familiar killdeer plover and spotted sandpiper, though
the lining was probably of a warmer texture, being of fine dry
grass, while the eggs, as in the case of all the ground-nesting
waders, were arranged with the small ends inward. At that time
I was not aware that "the snipe," of which there is but one
species to be found in Ontario, had become a summer resident of
our neighborhood ; and as there were reasons for helieving that
the woodcock nested here, I did not pay the attention to the flut-
tering bird across the pool that the case required, and so made
the serious mistake that the nest and eggs before me were those
of the latter bird. On comparing those eggs with a specimen of
the e^gr of the woodcock I saw at once that there was a wide
difference — not, however, so much in size or form as in color and

54 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June

marking-, but as I had received other specimens illustrative ot
oology, purporting to be those of certain species which after-
wards proved not to be correct, I concluded, for the time, that
such was also the case in this instance, and that my new-found
set of eggs were those of the woodcock. So the matter remained
until the close of the year when my esteemed ornithological friend,
Mr. W. E. Saunders, of London, made me a welcome visit, and
on looking over my oological collection I drew his attention to
the first and only set of " woodcock's " eggs that I had ever col-
lected. Mr. Saunders at once denied the identification ; a dispute
followed, and while I admitted that I might be mistaken, yet I
was certain that the specimens in question if not those of the
woodcock were these of Wilson's snipe. This identification Mr.
Saunders also disputed, stating that he had in his collection speci-
mens of the eggs of the European snipe, which he understood
were similar to those of Wilson's and that there was a wide dif-
ference between the appearance of " his " specimens and those
under review; so, in order to settle the question at issue Mr.
Saunders kindly undertook to send one of the eggs to the author-
ities of the Smithsonian Institute at Washington and have the
specimen properly identified. The following note from Mr.
Saunders, under date of Feb. 28, 1906, tells the sequel. "I have
received the egg back from the Washington people, and return it
to you by this mail. They say that it is the egg of the European
snipe, which, of course, means Wilson's when taken in Canada.
I have eggs supposed to be those of the European snipe myself,
which are nothing like those at all, but I have no doubt their
identification is correct."

Of the nesting habits of Gallinago delicta but little of a
reliable character is yet known. When Mr. Mcllwraith published
the second edition of his '' Birds of Ontario," in 1894, he wrote
of this bird as " a species known only as a spring and fall migrant
in southern Ontario, ' and of its nesting habits he had only
vague reports ; and from a reference to what little was known
about it, in eastern Canada, he springs almost at a bound to some
intimations of its existence in almost unexplored regions of
Alaska. In the more recent and extensive " Catalogue of Cana-
dian Birds" there are indications that the life-habits and distribu-

1906] Note on Chrysanthemum 55

tion of this species is becoming better known, and there are
various reports that it was found to nest in different parts of On-
tario, as well as in the other provinces of the Dominion, yet no
ornithologist of Ontario comes forward to actually state that he
had seen a nest or taken a set of the eggs of this species within
the boundaries of this province ; so it is here claimed that the
above observations are the first actual record of the finding of the
nest of Wilson's snipe in southern Ontario. This game bird is
called Wilson's snipe because Alex. Wilson, the distinguished
British-American ornithologist, was among the first to direct
attention to the difference between it and its European congener.
Regarding it he says : " This bird is well known to our sports-
men ; and, if not the same, has a very near resemblance to the
common snipe of Europe. It is usually known by the name of the
English snipe to distinguish it from the woodcock and from sev-
eral others of the same genus." Up to the past spring season of
1905, I had noted this bird only as a spring and autumn visitor,
but it is probable that in the last few years when seen in small
flocks I have confounded it with the woodcock.

Wm. L. Kells.

Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, L. — The the typical Ox-eye
Daisy appears to be confined to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, at
least as represented in the herbarium of the Geological Survey, all
our specimens from the interior, including several from Ottawa,
being the var. siibpinnitifidum, Fenald. The species should be
looked for at Ottawa and is easily distinguished from the variety
by its basal leaves alone. In C. Leucantliemum these are "spat-
ulate-obovate, on slender elongate petioles, the blades crenate-
dentate, the slightly broadened petiole-bases rarely fimbiate. In
var. stib-pinnatifidum the basal leaves are " coarsely and irregularly
toothed or lobed, often with the petioles fimbriate at base." The
cauline leaves of the variety are much narrower than in the species.

J. M. M,

56 The Ottawa Naturalist- |June

ZOOLOGICAL REPORT— 1905-6.

As a result of the year's work the leaders of the Zoological
Branch have the following subjects of interest to lay before the
members of the Club.

Two meetings were held during the early part of the season,
the first at the residence of Mr. Halkett, the second at that of
Prof. Prince. At the first meeting, held on gth May, 1905, be-
sides the chairman there were present Prof. Prince and Messrs.
Lemieux, Campbell and Baldwin. Mr. Campbell, of the Collegiate
Institute, exhibited specimens ot a salamander in various stages
of development. Mr. Halkett followed, shewing prepared speci-
mens of the cranium of Menobranchus or the mud-puppy {Nocturus
fnaculosus), and illustrated the comparative structure of the
cranium of certain fishes by shewing specimens of that of the
angler [Lophius piscatorius), the po\\ock.(Po//achius virens) , the cat-
fish (Ameiurus nebulosus) and the yellow perch {Perca flavescens).
Mr. Baldwin spoke of having seen a black snake (Zamenis co?i-
stridor) killed with a stone, some ten years ago, from the wounded
placs of which little young snakes made their exit — thus drawing
attention to the apparent viviparous nature of that serpent. Mr.
Lemieux shewed photographs of certain mammals, such as the
black bear (Ursus americanus) and the red deer (Cariacus
virginianus). Prof. Prince concluded the meeting by reading a
paper on the function of the swim bladder of fishes, of which the
following is the substance.

None of the various views generally held, the professor
pointed out, regarding the function of the swim-bladder of fishes
appears to be perfectly satisfactory. According to these views
the swim-bladder is supposed to aid in flotation, giving buoyancy
to the fish possessing it, or it acts as a barometer informing the
fish as to the pressure of the surrounding water, while it is also
regarded as a resounding organ, in connection with the produc-
tion of sounds, or again respiratory functions have been attributed
to it. In some fishes it has connection with the ears by specially
modified bones (the Weberian apparatus), and may aid in audition.
Professor Prince stated that the following difficulties in accepting
these views existed, viz. : — The most buoyant fishes, such as

igo6] Zoological Report — 1905-6. 57

sharks, mackerel, etc., do not possess a swim-bladder, hence it is
not essential tor flotation. Fresh-water suckers, cat-fishes, etc.,
have a swim-bladder, and are not exceptionally buoyant. II it is a
barometer, why do so many species not possess it, while if it is of
use in some cases in connection with voice, it must be noted that
most fishes possessing- a swim-bladder are voiceless, and again as
an aid in hearing, it is no doubt of utility in rare cases, but such
is not its common purpose. The features of the organ in young
larval fishes indicate a glandular character and it may be a sur-
vival of a gland attached to the digestive system, whose utility
has gone. In most cases pure aerated blood supplies the swim-
bladder, and it cannot be respiratory excepting in rare instances,
and being dorsal it is difficult to see how it can be homologous,
as many authorities claim, with the ventrally placed lungs of
higher vertebrates. Professor Prince also stated that while
oxygen was often found in the swim-bladder, that organ frequently
appeared to be filled with nitrogen, an element associated in
many animals with the hibernating habit, or with change of food.
At the second meeting of the branch, held on the 22nd May,
1905, besides the chairman, Prof. Prince, there were present
Professor Macoun, and Messrs. Lemieux, Baldwin, Campbell, and
Halkett. Mr. Campbell showed some living specimens of
branchiate larvae, which appeared to be those of Amblystoma, and
Mr. Lemieux brought a single antler of the Virginian Deer, which
had been picked up beside a lake in the province of Quebec, soon
after it had been shed. It was a fine example, and of unusual
interest owing to the fact that shed antlers are very rarely found.
The members present discussed the remarkable phenomenon, the
annual shedding of deers' horns, the massive antlers of the moose
being specially mentioned as surprising structures to grow in a
single season, and then be ' cast away. Mr. Halkett shewed a
specimen of the dor-mouse {Evolomys rutilus), which he caught
with the hand, a year or two ago, at Madawaska, in the Nippiss-
ing district, and also a specimen of a bat (Vespertilio subulatus)
which was found alive in the Fisheries Museum, and which is one
of several specimens found there ; and a scheme was discussed,
led by Prof. Macoun, for securing specimens of small mammals in
the vicinity of Ottawa. Small traps were described, which if set

58 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June

in the evening, in suitable localities would in the morning be found
to have secured interesting specimens. At most of the fishing
clubs it was pointed out this work could be easily done, and speci-
mens obtained from widely scattered localities. Professor Macoun
offered to give information as to the best traps for the purpose,
and it was agreed that the Muridaa, the Soricidas, and the bats
formed a most desirable line for the zoologists of the Club.

Samples of beaver work, with chips of wood, and a skull,
from the Algonquin National Park of Ontario, were recently dis-
played in the windows of the Messrs. Orme, along with two
mounted beavers from the Fisheries Museum, and they attracted
much interest by the general public. The samples of the work of
those interesting rodents were sent by Mr. Robert Lett, an em-
ployee of the Park, and the following is an extract from his letter
concerning them : "I am shipping you to-day two samples of

beaver work The larger of the two shews the tree a

little more than half way cut through. The cut was towards the
water so that their efforts to float or pull it under water to their
house after having cut it up into short lengths would be lessened
by a tree's length in distance when it came to the carry. Sample

No. 2 shews a tree which has been felled completely In

the little tin box you will find some of the chips which these won-
derful woodsmen made, when cutting on the larger tree

I took my lunch in pocket one day and located these samples and
on another day took saw and sleigh and brought them in." One
of the samples — part of a birch-tree — was 10 inches in diameter,
and the other some 8 ins. in diameter.

Under protective restrictions, the beaver {Castor canadensis)
is multiplying rapidly in the Algonquin Park. Furthermore a
colony of those interesting creatures is said to have established
itself at Green Creek, some distance away, east of Ottawa, and
they ought to be left unmolested.

. Two red and one silver-gray toxes {Vulpes fulvus) — the three
from the same litter — from about 150 miles north of Maniwaki,
Gatineau district, a prairie coyote {Cants latrans) from Edmonton,
and two racoons (Procyon lotor) from up the Ottawa near Shaw-
ville, P-Q., were recently displayed alive, and all together, in the
windows of the Messrs. H. J. Sims & Co. One of the gentlemen \

1906J Zoological Report — 1905-6. 59

of that firm informs the leaders that the coyote was taken when two
weeks old, and has become quite tame, so much so that it will
answer a whistle and lick the hand. He runs loose in the yard
and plays with the dog, and they are fast friends. The silver gray
fox takes to the coyote in preference to the dog, although the fox
and the dog were brought up together. There was also a musk-
rat placed in the window with these various creatures, but one of
the foxes very soon bit it, necessitating its removal.

Although an exotic species, it may not be amiss to mention,
that 13 specimens of the spring-bok {Autidorcas euchore) from
South Africa, were recently exhibited in the windows of Mr.
Slattery's store. These specimens of that beautiful antelope were
sent to Ottawa for the annual dinner in commeroration of the battle
of Paardeberg, held at Government House. Although outwardly
very like deer, it may be pointed out, that the antelopes are more
closely related to the oxen, sheep, and goats, and like these have
hollow and permanent horns, instead of solid antlers, which are
periodically shed, such as deer have. They are best represented
in the continent of Africa which contains more species than any
other part of the world. One species the prong-horn, or Rocky
Mountain antelope [Antilocapra americana) is sometimes to be seen
on the plains of our own far west.

The leaders of the branch desire to express their appreciation
of the good which merchants and business men of the city occasion-
ally do in attracting public attention to natural history objects,
living or otherwise, by placing them in their store windows.

Mr. Lemieux contributes the following note in regard to :
"Small Suckers in Lake Pembina, Lievre district."

" A small carp or sucker was discovered in the month of May
in Morin's Creek. There were thousands and thousands of this
fish, and they seemed to hide in the weeds, in fear of the trout that
appeared to wage a war of extermination against those new
comers. In September a smaller number were seen in front of the
Club-house landing. This discovery is rather a surprising and
I unexpected one, as in the past no other fish than trout had been
noticed in those lakes. Have these suckers been recently intro-
duced, and how ? This is a mystery, although I believe they were
brought there in the egg-stage, by birds such as shell-drakes,

60 The Ottawa Naturalist. IJune

mergansers, &c, which visited other waters and returned to
Pembina Lake with the eggs adhering to them. As is well known,
suckers and carp are most destructive to spawn. However, I
sincerely hope tnat the multitudes of trout in the Pembina will
annihilate these suckers in a short time. Future observations
on this subject will be eagerly expected and prove interesting. I
have obtained a sample of this little fish."

The following is a list of fishes of the Ottawa District pre-
served in formalin in the collection of the Fisheries Museum, with
the localities were they were found :

Silvery lamprey (Ichthyomyzon concolar). Ottawa River.

Rock sturgeon (Acipenser rubicundus). Lac des Chene.

Gar-pike (Lepidosteus osseus). Vicinity of Ottawa.

Dog-fish {Amia calva). Ottawa River.

The two specimens of dog-fish have been long in the museum,
and are labelled Ottawa River. Possibly they may have been
found beyond the limits of the district, but are included in the list
as shewing that that species exists in the Ottawa.

Horned pout (Ameiurus nebulosis). Gilmour's Mills, P.Q-, Rideau
Canal near Ottawa, and Kinburn, Ont.

White sucker (Catostomus commersonii). Vicinity of Ottawa.

Eel (Anguilla chrysypa). Gilmour's Mills.

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis. Gatineau District, near Ottawa.

Pike (Esox hicius), Gilmour's Mills, and a large head from Shir-
ley's Bay.

Killifish (Fundulus). Hull, P.Q.

Brook stickleback (Eacalia irtconstans). Stittsville, Ont.

Grass or calico bass (Pomoxis sparoides). Lewis Dam and Gil-
mour's Mills, P.Q.

Rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris). Near Hog's Back.

Pike perch (Stizostedion vitreuni). Upper Ottawa River.

Ling (Loto maculosa). Lac des Chene and Rideau River, near
Ottawa.

There is also a large mounted maskinonge (Esox nobilior)

1906] Zoological Report — 1905-6. 61

and specimens of various species in the collection which await
determination.

A specimen of a musttrat {Fiber zibethicus) from the Rideau
River, near St. Patrick's Bridge ; and a specimen of an otter
{Lutra canadensis) from Smoky Falls, some 9 miles from Sturgeon
Falls, Ont., have been acquired by the Fisheries Museum. The
former is of a cinnamon colour, the hairs being- edged with white,
and approaches an albino in its contour ; whilst the latter mani-
fests the opposite of this — a case of melanism, the specimen being
almost jet black, and this is most striking when it is put beside a
mounted otter of the usual brown colour.

A leopard frog {Rana virescens) was found jumping about near
the Rifle Range, on the outskirts of the city, on the 27th January,
1906, during the unusually mild weather. It was handed alive
into the museum of the Fisheries and is now preserved in formalin.

An article entitled; "The Eggs of the Scarlet Water-mite
{Hydrachna sulcata) " by Prof. Prince, was published in the
August issue of the Ottawa Naturalist, and since then Mr.
O'Dell has been making some remarkable discoveries in regard to
the metamorphosis which this mite, or perhaps an allied form, un-
dergoes in the course of its life history, and he hopes shortly to
publish what he has discovered.

Another thing of interest was the finding recently of the
remarkable eggs of the fresh-water ling {Lota maculosa), an ac-
count of which will appear in the forthcoming number of The
Naturalist.

An official list, prepared by Mr. Halkett, representative of
such fishes of the Dominion as are preserved in formalin, as well
as a list of specimens of other aquatic vertebrates, and of aquatic
invertebrates, in the collection of the Fisheries Museum, forming
Appendix XIV of the Fisheries Report, is now in the hands of the
King's Printer, and will shortly be issued.

E. E. Prince.

Andrew Halkett.

W. S. Odell.

E. E. Lemieux.
Ottawa, 6th March, 1906.

62 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June

ERIOPHORUM RUSSEOLUM, FR., VERSUS E. CH AMIS-
SON IS, C. A. MEY.

In an article on North American species of Eriophorum
(Rhodora, Vol. 7, 1905) Mr. Fernald expresses the opinion that
E. Chamissonis, Mey.. is identical with E. russeolum, Fr., hence
the name of Meyer must he prefered, being- the older. This
article has been reprinted ex parte in The Ottawa Naturalist
(May, 1906) by Mr. James M. Macoun without further comment.

In recent years the matter of changing plant-names has, in

America, been considered a most important point in botanical

science, and far more so than the study of the plants themselves;

that a number of these alterations have proved unsuccessful, we

all know. Now, in regard to the proposed change of name of

said Eriophorum, from russeolum to Chamissonis, I wish to state

that this question was amply discussed some sixty years ago, and

by authors who were familiar with the species of both. And I

should think that the following statement, by Fries himself (Bot.

Notiser 1848, p 6) would be more than sufficient to settle the

question : " We are able to produce Meyer's own statement

acknowledging identity of his E. Chamissonis with our Swedish

E. capitatum"

Theo. Holm.
Brookland, D.C., May, 1906.

THE IDENTITY OF ERIOPHORUM CHAMISSONIS AND

E. RUSSEOLUM.

To the Editor of the Ottawa Naturalist:

I thank you for the opportunity to see the proof of the preced-
ing note in regard to the identity of Eriophorum Chamissonis and
E. russeolum and for your courteous invitation that I restate the
reasons for considering the two identical. That question was dis-
cussed at length by me in Rhodora, vii. 83, 133(1905) ; but, since
your correspondent apparently sees in the attempt to clear the
identities and relationship of our American Eriophorums only a
" matter of changing plant-names " and has seemingly been unable

1906] The Identity of Eriophorum Chamissonis, &c. 63

to follow the chief points in the discussion of E. Chamissonis, it
becomes necessary to state the matter in simpler language. In
doing so, however, I shall refer freely, in order not to over-crowd
your valued space, to the discussion already published in Rhodora.
The elementary steps in my reasoning are as follows : —

1. Eriophorum Chamissonis of C. A. Meyer was named for
Adelbert von Chamisso, who collected it " in Kamtschatka et
Unalaschka" and who had called it in a letter E. intermedium, a
name which was suppressed on account of the earlier E. inter-
medium, Bastard.

2. As first published in Ledebour's Flora Altaica, x and later in
C. A. Meyer's " Cyperaceae Novae."3 the species was a complex of
the Unalaskan and Kamchatkan plant of Chamisso and Altai
material from some collector other than Chamisso.

3. These two elements of Eriophorum Chamissonis, as shown
by Meyer's beautiful plate of the familiar plant of Kamchatka and
Unalaska whence Chamisso secured his material and by Altai
specimens distributed by Meyer, are quite different plants.

4. The Altai element of Eriophorum Chamissonis has been
problematical. Material in the Gray Herbarium is E. callitrix{E.
vaginatum of most American authors).3 and by Nylander4 it was
considered a variety of -£". vaginatum. By Fries, however, in 1842
(and again in 1844 as indicated by your correspondent), it was
treated as identical with E. Scheuchzcri, Hoppe (E. capitatum,
Host).5 This identification of the Altai element of E. Chamissonis,
sometimes with the densely caespitose nonstoloniferous E. callitrix
and E. vaginatum, sometimes with the noncaespitose freely
stoloniferous E. Scheuchzeri (E. capitatum), indicates that there
were possibly three or four, instead of two, plants confused by
Meyer under the name E. Chamissonis.

5. It is customary in case of a species containing mixed ele-
ments to interpret the species by the best available evidence. The

1 C. A. Meyer in Ledeb. Fl. Alt. i. 70 (1829).

2 C. A. Meyer in Mem. Sav. Etrangf. Acad. St. P^tersb. i. 204, t 3(1831).
5 See Rhodora, vii. 85, 134, 135 (1905).

4 Nylander, Acta, Soc. Sc. Fenn. iii. (1852) according to Anders., Bot.
Not. (1857) 58.

5 Fries, Nov. Mant. iii. 170(1842).

64 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June

original description of Eriophorum Ckamissonis both in the Flora
Altaica and in Meyer's later and more elaborate treatment give
the following characters.

a. Root-stock repent, the culms solitary : "radix repens hinc

inde protrudit culmos solitarios " — Fl. Alt. ; "radix valde
repens et hinc inde culmos solitarios emittens " — Cyp.
Nov.

b. Spike oblong.

c. Anthers linear, about a line long.

d. Bristles of the Unalaska plant — the plant ot Chamisso —

reddish, of the very different Altai plant white : "lana
longissima, alba (in specimine unalaschcensi rufa) " —
Fl. Alt.; "lana copiosa, laevissima, in specimine fructi-
fero pollicem superans. rufa (an semper ?)"- -Cyp. Nov.

6. There are only two repent plants with solitary culms con-
cerned in the question of the identity of Eriophorum Chamissonis.
One is E. Scheuchzeri [E. capitatuni) with which your corres-
pondent, following a statement of Fries rather than the original
description and the clear plate of Meyer, would associate it. The
other is E. russeolum, Fries, which, before he had seen the Altai
element of E. Chamissonis, Fries himself recognized as unques-
tionably the plant meant by Meyer, saying in a discussion oi E.
Chamissonis with " spica oblonga " and ' antheris linearibus "
from Lapland : "Reliquis nominibus nnndum divulgatis E. russeo-
lum diximus, quod vero nomen lubenter alio publicato supprimi-
mus, tie inutilis synonymia augeatur." 1

7. All botanists who know the two plants are perfectly definite
in their statements that Eriophorum Scheuchzeri [E. capitutum) has
the flowering spike broadly obovoid, in truit becoming subglobose;
the anthers cordate-elliptic, 1 mm. (j4 line) long ; and the bristles
bright white. They are equally definite in describing in the words
of Fries himself E. russeolum with "spica oblonga", "antheris
linearibus", and "lana fulvo-rubella."2

8. Now, if we compare the leading characters of Eriophorum
Scheuchzeri {E. capitutum) with those of E. Chamissonis as origin-
ally described, we shall find that it disagrees in having the flower-

1 Fries, Nov. Mant. ii. 2 (1839).

2 Fries, 1. c. ii. 1 (1839), iii. 170 (1842).

iqo6] The Identity of Eriophorum Chamissonis, &c. 65

ing spike broadly obovoid instead of oblong : the anthers cordate-
elliptic, about 1 mm, long, instead of linear, about 1 line ( 1.5-3 mm
long ; and the bristles bright white instead of reddish. These
differences were perfectly understood by Meyer when he origin-
ally published E. Chamissonis ; and it is quite clear that those
botanists who, like your correspondent, maintain that Meyer had
in mind E. Scheuchseri (E. capitatum) cannot have taken the trouble
to read carefullv Meyer's original discussion of E. Chamissonis, for
there Meyer says ilEr. capitatum Hoffm. differt spica suhroiunda
spatham aequante nee non antheris brevibus cordato-ellipticis."1

9. When, however, we compare Eriophorum russeolum, or
Fries's own description of it, with the original detailed description
of E. Chamissonis and the fine plate of Chamisso's plant, we must
admit that in their oblong spikes, long linear anthers, and reddish
bristles, they are quite identical ; and that in 1839, before being
prejudiced by the confusion oi' the Altai element with the Kam-
chatkan and Unalaskan type of E, Chamissonis, Fries was quite
right in deciding that it was best to suppress his own E. russeo-
lum, a course which is followed not on'y by the writer but by
Richter, and some other European students of the group.

The foregoing notes are much longer than I should ordinarily
ask you to publish, but, since your correspondent has seen fit to
doubt the care with which the identity of E. russeolum and the
earlier E. Chamissonis has been worked out, it is necessary to re-
state what is already published in my earlier notes.

M. L. Fernald.
Gray Herbarium,

Cambridge, Mass , May 24, 1906.

1 C. A. Meyer in Mem. Sav. Etrang-. Acad. St. Petersb. i 205 ( 1831 ^

L

66 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June

SUB-EXCURSIONS.

Saturday, May 5th, was an exceptionally fine day for the
excursion to Rockcliffe Park, a goodly number attended, and the
presence of Dr. Whiteaves was very much appreciated, as he is an
enthusiast in his work which Canada is only too slow to take note
of.

Rockcliffe, under the magic wand of the Improvement Com-
mission is breaking out into more than its usual beauty, or rather
the beauties are being brought to light. Glimpses ol hill and
stream never guessed before, burst into view, at every point. The
different sections brought back their hoards to the meeting place
in the grove near the Pavillion, and short talks were given by
Pastor Eifrig, who has the German love of nature in his heart, on
birds. Those seen and heard were : —

Hermit Thrush, Bronzed Grackel, Purple Martin,

Gold Finch, Kentucky Warbler, Barn Swallow,

Song Sparrow, White-throated Tree Swallow,

J unco, Sparrow, Red-winged Black-

Purple Finch, Chipping Sparrow, bird,

Robins, Herring Gull, Phoebe,

Kinglet, Meadow Lark, Kingfisher.

Dr Ami who unfortunately is still on crutches from the acci-
dent to his limb drove down in order to be on the spot, and gave
a talk on the stones and fossils found at Governor's Bay.

Mr. Andrew Halkett who is never so happy as when his
pockets are bulging out with every creeping and crawling insect
he can find, discoursed on the

1. Leopard frog (Rana virescens). Found by the edge of the Ot-

tawa River.

2. American toad (Bitfo Americanus). Found by Mr. Newman.

3. Numerous slaters or wood-lice — isopods of the family Onicida?

— found under stones.

4. Egg capsules of spiders filled with eggs.

5. A few centipedes, millipedes, insects, slugs, etc.

Mr. McNeil, of the Fruit Division, is a recent acquisition to
the Club, and promises to be a most helpful one. He spoke on
the "Foundation of things," or the first things in geology.

"Governor's Bay," where so many of the geological speci-
mens were found, is rich in material from a scientific standpoint.
Some years ago an Indian mound was discovered here, and many
Indian relics, showing that it was a place treasured by the abori-
gines, who generally made the most of the beautiful spots in the
country,

M. McK. S.

1906J Nature Study — No. 35. 67

NATURE STUDY— No. XXXV.

The Galt Park Wild- Flower Garden.
By R. S. Hamilton, Gait, Ont.

About six years ago through the generosity of a kind friend,
the town of Gait came into possession of some thirty acres of
woodland, lying on a rapidly rising upland, which forms the west
bank of the river Grand and immediately adjoins the western limit
of the corporation.

At one time this area was heavily timbered with -white pine
but later was devastated by fire. At the present time it is cover-
ed with a dense growth of young trees, such as red and white
maple, white oak, wild cherry, juneberry and poplar, with here
and there a tall white oak or beech, raising its head high above
its fellows.

A condition attached to the gift was that the woodland should
be left as far as possible in a state of nature. The present dense
growth, however, and the consequent obliteration of herbaceous
plants has robbed the region of much of the beauty of ordinary
woodland, and some changes are in contemplation so as to bring
it into a state more in keeping with the conditions that prevail
in the majority of our Ontario woods.

The surface varies in its conformation. There is a gradual
ascent to a divide on the western edge of the area ; but this is bi ok-
en by many minor sharp ridges and deep depressions, so that in
one part may be found the conditions of dry rich woods, in another
those of open and rocky woods, and here and there are the moist
woods and pond conditions.

A commission of citizens, was appointed by the municipality
to plan, construct and maintain a system of parks for the benefit
and pleasure of the citizens of Gait. A competent landscape gard-
ener was engaged, who after careful examination of the situation,
drafted plan's for a system of park development, which is at pres-
ent in process of evolution. Driveways have been made and
bridle paths cut through the underbrush. Feeble and stunted
trees are being removed, so that the more perfect specimens may
develop and light and air may penetrate.

Nature Study Club's Opportunity. — For several years Gait
has had an enthusiastic Nature Study Club, organized as a scien-
tific society, but latterly as an association in which nature study
methods might be discussed and preparatory work done by the
teachers of the town. Much interest has thus been created in

68 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June

the observation of the things of nature and much aid has been
given in intelligently conducting nature classes in the public
schools.

In addition to the above, it has been felt for some time by
the members that definite assistance 'should be given to those di-
rectly engaged in park adornment, and that under the guidance
of their teachers, the children might be brought nearer to the
beautiful things of nature and at the same time might help to
preserve for generations to come, many species of plants, now
threatened with extermination in the wholesale destruction of the
woods in the vicinity of the town.

It has therefore been decided to establish a wild flower gar-
den along that one of the bridle paths in the woodland in which
there was the greatest possibility of showing the wood plants of
the district in their natural habitats.

This work is now engaging the attention of the club, and, as
it may present features of interest and may encourage other sim-
ilar organizations to follow the example, an attempt is here made
to give in detail the working plans of this scheme which has been
entered upon with much enthusiasm.

Character of Area. — The bridle path, along which the wild
flower garden will be made, runs in a general north and south
direction. From the norh there is gradual slope for a short dis-
tance, passing into a sharp declivity which extends into a deep
depression. This area is well wooded with maple, white oak and
beech, and has a rich loamy soil, generally adapted for the growth
of open and deep wood plants. At -the foot of the declivity, the
soil becomes damp and 'soggy and in places almost marshy. At
the base of the hill are small ponds which are to be widened and
deepened for water plants. The whole forms an ideal situation
for growing wild plants under natural conditions.

Design of Garden. — The general plan will be the organiza-
tion of plant colonies. That is plants will be grouped together
in families as far as possible in keeping with their soil and light
requirements. The ground has been carefully examined and
stakes driven where plants as brought in are to be located. Thus
confusion and errors will be avoided by those aiding in the work.
Along the path rustic arbors, and "at both entrances arches, are
to be constructed, over which native vines are to be trained.

Collecting and Planting. — The work of collecting and plant-
ing is to be done mainly by the school children under the super-
intendence of the teachers, so that each child and each teacher
may have a share and a responsibility in connection with the
undertaking. Each teacher will acquaint his or her class with

1906] Nature Study — No. 35. 69

the general scheme and explain its purpose. To each teacher
and class is assigned a gathering ground (to which, provided with
a basket, trowel and strong knife they will proceed at the time
appointed). Each supervisor of the collecting will keep an ac-
curate record, and exact data will also be kept as to the locality
in which the plants were found, the soil, number collected, etc.
These records are to be preserved and will show what each class
has done in the furtherance of the scheme.

The collecting for the day having been completed, all will go
to the wood and establish their treasures in their new home. Thus
in a pleasant outing much useful knowledge may have been
gained, and each will feel gratified at having had a share in mak-
ing their immediate surroundings more beautiful.

There are many plants which do not transplant easily. The
seed of these will be secured at the proper season.

The following spring identification stakes of iron are to be
placed in the several colonies, so that, to adults as well as child-
ren, a walk through this wild garden may be not only a wayside
fountain of knowledge but its beauty will prove a perpetual charm
to the eye.

Aims. — To enlist the sympathy, interest and co-operation of
children in doing something" to beautify the town they live in.

To rescue from the ruthless hand of the destroyer many varie-
ties of plants which in the ordinary course of events would short-
ly become exterminated.

To make each individual worker realize not only that he has
had a share in constructing the garden but that he has an inter-
est in protecting and caring for every flower in it.

To widen the child's view of nature, to bring him into close
contact with plant life and the conditions under which it is main-
tained.

What and When to Plant. — Speaking generally plants will be
secured after the flowering season is over, when they will be best
transplanted. In certain cases seeds will be collected as well as
the plants and scattered in the colonies, thus aiding in the perpe-
tuation of the species. Below is given a partial list of plants,
suitable for transplanting to conditions indicated.

Any plants thought to be beautiful or interesting by each col-
lector are suitable for such a wild garden, which, to be of the
greatest educational value, should have the plants of the same na-
ture or requirements grouped together.

7°

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[]um

I. For rich woods area : —

Hepaticas,
Rue Anemone,
Early Meadow Rue,
Fringed Polygala,
Barren Strawberry,
Bishop's Cap,
False Mitrewort,
Smoother Sweet Cicely,
Hairy Sweet Cicely,
Prince's Pine,
Shinleaf,

II. In damp woods area : —

Touch-me-not,
Wild Cranesbill,
Indian Turnip,
Skunk Cabbage,

III. For pond society :—

Water Plantain,
Arrow-head,
Polypody,
Aspidium,

IV. Dry and rocky area : —
Butterfly Weed,
Bladder Campion,
Wild Lupine,

Early Wild Rose,
Herb Robert,

V. Climbers for arbors : —

Virginia Creeper,
Carrion Flower,
Climbing Bitter-sweet.

Trilliums,
Dog's-tooth Violet,
Wild Sarsparilla,
Gold Thread,
Blue Cohosh,
May Apple,
Blood Root,
Dutchman's Breeches,
Squirrel Corn,
Violets,
Spring Beauty.

Maiden-hair Fern,
Marsh Marigold,
Toothworts.

Marsh Marigold,
Common Yellow Pond Lily,
Water Shield,
Sweet Scented Water Lily.

Purple Flowering Rasp-
berry,
Wood Anemone,
Wild Columbine.

Virgin's Bovver,

Honeysuckle,

Moonseed.

^&.

UJ

THE OTTAWA f(ATURALlSTS>

Vol. XX. OTTAWA, JULY, 1906. No. d

SOME CANADIAN ANTENNARIAS.— III.

By Edward L. Greene.

In the May issue of the Naturalist for 1904, I remarked
how plainly British Columbia was being indicated as the centre
of distribution for the genus Antennaria on the Pacific slope
of the continent. And now, another ample collection of these
plants, made there in the summer of 1905 by Mr. James M. Ma-
coun, strongly confirms the opinion then expressed. No fewer
than three of his numbers seem to represent species quite new ;
while others of them are almost as welcome as completing our
knowledge of seme that were hitherto known but imperfectly.

A. eximia. Stems stoutish a foot high more or less, erect,
above a slightly decumbent base, the basal stolons short, densely
leafy, their leaves not large for the plant, about 1 1-2 inches
long, narrowly obovate-cuneiform, mucronate, thinnish, rather
loosely and silkily lanate beneath, above bright green, glabrous,
minutely whitish-puncticulate, very narrowly white-margined by
extension of the wool of the lower face ; stem-leaves many and
apprcximate, the lowest quite as large as those of the stolons but
narrower, oblong-cuneiform ; heads many and large, forming
an ample compound corymb 2 or 2 1-2 inches wide across the sum-
mit ; involucre much imbricated, its cuter bracts arachnoid-
woolly and greenish, with short scarious tips or none; the inner
successively obtusely and then acutely or acuminately scarious-
tipped. Male plant unknown.

Skagit Valley, 12 July, 1905. Geol. Surv. n. 69,338. Mr.
Macoun gives for this the habitat of open sandy woods, through
which fire had repeatedly run, at 2500 feet altitude; and I note
in the specimens evidence that it grews in beds of moss of the
genus Polytricluim. It is a handsome species, apparently re-
lated to the next, though much larger.

>j2 The Ottawa Naturalist. |Ju'y

A. chloraxtha, Greene, Ott. Nat. xviii. 38. This was ori-
ginally described from specimens of the year 1901, and much
loo young. The numbers 69,353 and 69,354 of 1905 together
enable one to complete the description of what is a most satisfac-
tory species. In its maturity, as shown in n. 69,354, collected
August, 1905, the plant is 7 to 9 inches high, the involucres not
sessile, but even quite loosely corymbcse-panicled and about
twice as numerous as in the originals. The achenes are dis-
tinctly though sparsely scabro-hirtellous.

A. erigeroides. Slender but rather rigid and wiry, the flow-
ering stems 8 to 1 2 inches high : stolons with small foliage narrow-
ly spatulate-oblanceolate, compactly silky-lanate on both faces,
the upper glabrate only in age; stem leaves narrowly linear-
falcate, sharply acuminate, all but the uppermost curving away
from the stem ; heads distinctly racemose, a few at the very sum--
mit only more crowded and subcymose ; pedicel's of the scattered
and racemose ones filiform, 1-2 to 1 inch long and suberect ;
scaricus tips of the involucral bracts all obtuse, pinkish : stamin-
ate plant not known.

Skagit Valley, 27 June, 1905, at an altitude of 4,500 feet,
Mr. Macoun ; Geo. Surv. , n. 69,346.

A. modesta. Low, the leafy and floriferous stems only 2 to
4 inches high and almost filiform, either monocephalous or
with several additional heads on slender pedicels racemosely ar-
ranged : stolons short, crowded, densely leafy, their leaves 1-2
inch long or less, oblong-cuneiform, densely whitish-tomentose
on both faces ; stem-leaves thin, oblong, acute, suberect, more
loosely woolly and the wool deciduous from the upper face, the
slender stem itself and the pedicels floccose and the wool deci-
duous, or partly so; involucres small, narrow-campanulate, the
bracts dark and brownish, their tips long, acuminate, greenish-
brown.

Altitude of 6000 feet in Skagit Valley, 25 July, 1905, Mr.
Macoun. Plant cf the .1. alpina group by its involucre but of
peculiar habit and a subracemc.se inflorescence.

Washington, D. C., June, 1906.

igo6] The Caribou ov Queen Charlotte Islands. 73

THE CARIBOU OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS.

In the issue of The Ottawa Naturalist for February, 1900,
Mr. Ernest Thompson-Seton described a new species of caribou
from the Queen Charlotte Islands. The species was lounded on
a fragmentary skull and one horn bui the description of the skin
given by a gentleman who saw i; and a comparison of the skull
with that of allied species seemed to warrant Mr. Thompson-
Seton's conclusion that the caribou of the Queen Charlotte Is-
lands was an undescribed species. However this may prove to
be the more important question of whether there are really cari-
bou on Graham Island or not has been doubted by many residents
of British Cclumbia. This doubt has now been set at rest by
Commander Hunt and Lieut. Bills, of H. M. S. Shearwater,
whose account of their visit to Graham Island is printed below.
It is due to the kindness of Mr. F. Kermode, Curator of the
Provincial Museum at Victoria, B. C, that the Editor is enabl-
ed to supplement the very complete account given by Mr. Thcmp-
son-Seton of what was at that time known of the Graham Is-
land caribou by this later information. The tracing of the foot-
print referred to in Messrs. Hunt and Bills' report has been
shown to several gentlemen who have seen caribou tracks and all
pronounce it to have been made by that animal. Messrs. Hunt
and Bills report as follows :

"For some years past the question of the existence of caribou
on Queen Charlotte Islands has been frequently discussed by
naturalists and sportsmen. A pair of antlers, suppos-
ed to have been taken from a caribou shot on these islands,
was sent from Graham Island to Victoria some years ago, but
this, we believe, is the the only specimen which is kncwn to have
come from that island, and sceptics have suggested that the
head probably came from the mainland and was traded with the
Indians of the islands.

"From time to time various persons who have visited the
islands have reported tracks of animals of the deer family, but,
in view of the fact that wild cattle are known to wander about
inland, it has been thought that these were responsible for the
tracks. As far as we can ascertain, no pair of antlers has been
taken from the islands for some years, and, apart from the horns
mentioned above, over whose authenticity doubts have been cast,
naturalists were in doubt as to the nature of the animal which,

74 The Ottawa Naturalist. fJubr

reports stated, lived on the islands. We believe that the latest
rumor on the subject was to the effect that the animal was a
wapiti.

"A favourable opportunity having occurred to investigate
the question, we set out on the 22nd February, 1906, from Hus-
san Point on the west side of Virago Sound and struck inland
in a westerly direction. The country was timbered, but fairly
open, and the going good, thick patches of sal-lal being fre-
quent. After forty minutes packing we emerged upon the open
crest of a hill, and here saw tracks of some large animal of the
deer family. The open space was about half a mile long and
300 yards broad, covered with a thick carpet of moss in which
were dotted numerous small pools of water. A few stunted
trees grew about, — for the most part in a withered condition.

"This open space was the first of many which we found in
the area of our wanderings and nearly all showed tracks in a
greater or less degree. These open spaces crown nearly all the
hills (none of which can be more than 400 or 500 feet in height)
and between them are patches of bush more or less dense and all
containing a good deal of sal-sal. In a few places we came
across the tracks in the bush, but the nature of the country
doubtless prevented us from noticing many others.

"According to the Graham Island Indians (the Hydahs)
snow to the depth of two or three feet had covered the hills up
to a few weeks before our arrival, but this had disappeared save
a few isolated patches which were fast melting. In three dif-
ferent patches of snow we saw tracks of a deer-like animal, but
they were probably two or three days old and the melting of the
snow had caused them to lose their original sharpness.

"It was our intention to take photographs of any clear
tracks, but those in the moss did not lend themselves to such
procedure and those in the snow were too indistinct. A sketch
was made of one fresh hoof-print found in the thick moss and
careful measurements made. It is by no means one cf the larg-
est se >n, but was sufficiently sharply defined to enable sketch
and measurements to be taken.

'We saw a good deal of dung in the open spaces, and a
litt'e in the bush ; it was always in small heaps of rounded black
substance and appeared to be that of caribou. Some appeared to
be fairly fresh, but none was seen that we would consider less than
forty-eight hours old. At the edge of one of the open spaces

1906] The Caribou of Queen Charlotte Islands. 75

we found a shed antler lying in the moss, undoubtedly the left
antler of a caribou.

"As a result of our investigations we are perfectly convinc-
ed that a species of caribou does inhabit the northern part of
Graham Island and would give the following reasons for our
opinion : —

1. The tracks are plentiful of all sizes, some quite fresh,
and are undoubtedly tracks of a large animal of
the deer family. In the sketch the distinctive dew-
claws of the caribou are perfectly marked.

2. The dung seen was certainly not that of a wapiti ; the
tracks point to a very large animal of the deer fam

ily.

3. That the shed antler was deliberately taken into the
country and left to be discovered is a point that may
be dismissed as very improbable.

We were, unfortunately, unable to actually see a caribou,
although we searched for three days in both the bush and open
country.

"The Indians living at Virago Sound are quite positive
about the existence of caribou, but state that they are never
seen en the west coast of Graham Island, and a search over the
open plain extending to the west of the area marked on the at-
tached plan failed to reveal any tracks. We could get no in-
formation of tracks having been seen south of Naden Harbour,
and so have come to the conclusion that the caribou are, for
some reason, only found within a small area of the N. W. por-
tion of Graham Island.

"Whether this caribou is of the barren ground or woodland
variety must be left to the naturalists to decide, the shed antler
appearing to us to favor either variety. From the fact that
our continuous search in the open failed to discover an animal,
this caribou would appear to prefer the bush to the open.

"We interviewed an Indian (by name George Hallett)
who stated that five years ago he had shot three caribou, and
his description of the size and appearance of the animals was
fairly accurate. As he stated they had no horns they were
probablv shot out of season. George Hallett also said that an-
other Indian who once accompanied him on a hunting trip had
shot a caribou with' large antlers: that these antlers had been

j6 I he Ottawa Naturalist. |Ju'y

sold to the late Mr. Mackenzie, of Massett, who sent them down
to Victoria."*

Dr. R.W. Ells, of the Geological Survey who spent the season
of 1905 on Graham Island, furnishes the following additional
information which though of uncertain value if standing alcne,
affords strong corroborative evidence when read with what is
printed above. Dr. Ells writes in his report :

"During the winter months certain members of the tribe
(Haidas) engage in hunting, principally the bear, which appeared
to be quite numerous, especially in the country around the Yak-
oun river and lake and in the southern half of the island. Of
other large animals there appears to be a scarcity, though the
Rev. Charles Harrison, of Masset, asserts that caribou have
been found in the country adjacent to Virago Sound. As very few
white people have ever attempted to penetrate the dense forest
of the interior the presence of this animal might easily es-
cape notice.. During out boat journey along the north shore
west of Virago Sound several forms like deer were observed feed-
ing along the beach. It was supposed at the time that these
might be wild cattle but as the he'rd of these is so far as known
confined to the area east of Masset Inlet and as no trace of them
has been reported from this part of the island, it is quite possible
that the animals seen may have been deer. Our boat was at the
time too far from land to determine this point definitely."

A CORRECTION.

In Dr. Holm's note on Eriophorum in the last number of
The Naturalist the date of Fries' paper should have read
"1844" instead of "1848". Dr. Holm did not see a proof of his
note and the misprint was overlooked by the editor.

*This is doubtless the antler described by Mr. Thompson-Seton. — The
Editor.

1906] Ivy Poisoning and its Treatment. 77

IVY POISONING AND ITS TREATMENT.

Nine years ago the writer was severely poisoned by handling
Rhus toxicodendron and though he has since taken great care
when in its vicinity few seasons have passed in which he has
escaped. In his own case many remedies have been tried, that
which has proved most efficacious being lead acetate and alcohol.
In a paper published in Khodora, (Vol. IV., pp. 43-45). Dr. Franz
Pfoff gives the results of a very thorough study of Rhus toxico-
dendron and R. venenata. He discovered that the active prin-
cipal was an oil which he named "Toxicodendrol" which he found
in all parts of the plant at all seasons. A sample of the oil kept
in an open porcelain dish for over thirteen months proved to be as
active as ever before. Dr. Pfoff also found lead acetate to be
the best remedy, and as cases of ivy poisoning are very frequent
here, his directions for removing the poison and keeping it from
spreading may well be reprinted. He says :

"This can be done by vigorously washing the affected ex-
posed parts with soap and water and a scrubbing brush ; that is to
say by mechanically removing the oil. As the active principle
is very soluble in alcohol and gives with lead acetate a precipi-
tate which is nearly insoluble in alcohol, other processes may be
employed to remove the oil. The exposed parts may be washed
repeatedly with fresh quantities of alcohol and a scrubbing
brush. The poisonous oil may be thus removed in alcoholic
solution of lead acetate ; in this case the poisonous principle
would be first transformed in its insoluble lead compound and
then washed away with alcohol.

"The washing must be done thoroughly when alcohol is
employed, as otherwise the alcohol might only serve to distribute
the oil more widely over the skin. The finger nails should be
cut short and also perfectly cleaned with the scrubbing brush.
Oily preparations, or anything which dissolves the poisonous
oil, if used, should be immediately removed, as they may only
spread the poison, giving it a larger area on which to work.

"The treatment above outlined can not cure the already in-
flamed parts which must heal by the usual process of repair, but
it does prevent the spreading of the inflammation and may
serve to remove the poison before it has had time to produce its
characteristic effects upon the skin."

In a later number of Rhodora, (Vol. IV, p. 106) Mr. L.E. Am-

* 1 O

a-.*"

y8 The Ottawa Naturalist. [ f uly

midovvn, who describes himself as being very susceptible tc ivy
poison, tells of a preventive which makes it possible for him to
visit localities in which it is abundant without being affected.
He says: "I take with me a bottle filled with a strong solution
of saleratus (the common kind used in cooking). When I come
out of the swamp I wash my hands, face and neck — wherever it
is possible that the poison has touched the skin — with the solu-
tion. Since doing so I have never been poisoned and can roam
through the place at will. I take nc needless risks and am
always careful not to touch the dogwood (Rhus venenata) if I see
it. However, it is so thick that it would be impossible to avoid
it altogether."

Everywhere for nearly a mile along the east side of the
Beaver Meadow the ground is covered with poison ivy, spoiling
for many collectors one of the most interesting fields for botanical
work in this vicinity. Rockliffe, too, is a dangerous place to
visit for those whc are at all susceptible. With proper care
and a prompt use of the remedies given above the danger of
serious poisoning will be greatly lessened if not entirelv remov-
ed.

J. M. M.

THE CONNECTICUT VS. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER.

A Correction.

In the report on the sub-excursion of the club to Rockliffe,
May 5th, I am inadvertently made to report having seen a Ken-
tucky warbler (Geothlypis formosa). While I would have been
delighted to again meet this old acquaintance of mine from the
south, I must state that it was the Connecticut warbler (Geothlypis
agilis) I saw. This is a great rarity anywhere and has been
reported for Ottawa only once before by Mr. J. Fleming, of
Toronto, who sau it also at Rockliffe. The song of this bird
is very characteristic and cannot easily be mistaken for that of
another. It begins with some very low notes, as though the
bird was inhaling, then a few a little louder, exhaling, and then
several loud, liquid, bubbling notes, in the pitch of the oven-
bird or water-thrush. This song I heard May 2nd from a tree
in 11»- city, once on the same day at Britannia and May 5 al
Rockliffe, before I saw the bird plainly. So it may, after all,
hoi be so rare here.

C. W. G. EIFRIG.

1906J The Great Gray Owl. 7q

THE GREAT GRAY OWL.
Rev. C. \V. G. Eifrig.

The great gray owl, (Scotiaptex cinerea) is one of the rarest
and most mysterious visitants to this part of Canada. Its move-
ments, its coming and going are as eccentric and unfathomable
as those of the snowy owl, pine grosbeak, Bohemian waxwing,
and others of our true Canadian birds. At the same time it is
one of the birds concerning which the least data and observa-
tions are available. Its range extends from Lake Superior to the
Yukon and from Hudson's Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Here it does
not live in open country, in the "barrens," as does the snowy
owl, (Nyclea nyclea), but confines its operations to the large,
dense forests of the regicn. From here it does not stray far,
rarely passing the southern boundary of the Dominion. Mr. Don-
ald Gunn states that this owl is to be found summer and winter
throughout all the country commonly known as the Hudson Bay
Territory. Nor is it abundant even there, in its chosen habitat,
as Mr. McFarlane, who has been in the employ of the Hudson
Hay Company in the Anderson River district since 1859 or '60,
states that he obtained but "very few specimens", although he
is a very gifted naturalist and keen observer. No wonder then,
that records of their nests are also few and far between. I can
find two records only, quoted both in Bendire's Life Histories
of North American Birds, and Baird, Brewer and Ridgeway,
North American Birds. One nest was found en a 23rd of May,
by Dr. Richardson, "on the top of a lofty balsam poplar, compos-
ed of sticks with a lining of feathers. It contained three young
birds covered with whitish down." The other was found by
McFarlane, "on the 19th of July, 1862, near the Lockhart Riv^er,
on the route to Fort Good Hope ; it was built on a spruce pine
tree at a height of about 20 feet and was composed of twigs and
mosses, thinly lined with feathers and down. It contained two
eggs and two young both of which had lately died." Their

food is, according to Mr. Gunn, rabbits and mice, whereas Mr.
Dall found in the stomach of one shot in April 20th, in the Yukon,
the remains of thirteen redpolls, {Acantliis litiaria). Of nine
stomachs examined by Prof. K. Fisher, of Washington, one
contained a small bird, seven mice and four other mammals.

However, the reason for writing this study was not the giving
of these data, but rather to record the exceedingly great dispar-
ity between the large size of the bird and the smallness of the

80 The Ottawa Naturalist. | J uly

body when taken out of the skin and feathers. It is always a
matter of surprise to see the small body of all owls as compared to
the apparent large bulk of the birds, but the great gray owl
beats the other owls, like the barred, great horned and the snowy,
all to pieces in this respect. During our last cold season three of
these owls, shot near Ottawa, have come to my notice. One was
shot last November by a farmer in South March, the second
about February ist, near Templeton, Ouebt \ an! the third about
the end of March, locality unknown. All three found their way
to a local taxidermist, from whom I procured the second one.
Being familiar with the small size of owls' bodies, still I was not
prepared for anything like this proved to be, when it was pre-
pared and mounted. The great gray owl is in appearance our
largest owl, it measures in length 25-30 inches, extent (wings
spread) 54-60 inches, tail 11-13 inches. Its la.'ge facial disk,
much larger than in other owls, heightens the impression of
largeness, besides making it appear somewhat solemn, mysterious
and uncanny. The body taken out from this owl, i.e. the trunk,
without skin, head and wings, measured only, length 6 1-2 in.,
depth, i.e., from breastbone to back 3 3-8 in., width across
thorax 21-2 in., weight 8-10 oz. It was much smaller than
the body of the great horned and even barred owls; as large as a
half grown ruffed grouse and then not as wide. Of course this
specimen was extremely emaciated, but that would not decrease
the size of the skeleton. It was so thin as to be transparent
in the abdominal region ; of intestines there was not much to be
seen and the stomach was empty. It is hard to understand
how such a tiny body compared to the bulk cf the bird could keep
up the huge wings, heavy claws and enormous head, whose cir-
cumference measures 20 inches, the facial disk alone, 6 inches !
There was so little flesh on it, that it did not decay, but only
dry up in the winter air. This seems to show also that this owl
can eat very little only of a rabbit, if it catches them at all, and
it seems much more likely that it confines itself to small birds
and small mammals, like mice, for food. No wonder the books
express astonishment at the relatively small size of their eggs
which are hardly any larger than those of the barred owls, a
much smaller bird in appearance. The egg of the latter, as
figured in Bendire, measures 2x1-75 in., that of the former 2. 125X
1.73 inches. While this seems small when compared with the
cogs of birds smaller in appearance, like ducks, grouse, etc., it

1906]

Curious Natural Freak.

81

seems still almost incredible that a body of the above given small-
ness can produce an egg- of even this size. This owl, now in
my collection, measures mounted, with the neck sofriewhal
shortened, 25 inches in length.

CURIOUS NATURAL FREAK.

In the garden of Mr. Cowley on View street, in this city,
is to be seen a laburnum tree producing three distinct varieties
of flowers, viz : — yellow and pink laburnum flowers and mauve-
colored spikes of brocm-like flowers. Mr. Cowley made the
following statements regarding the tree : About eighteen years
ago he bought the plant from the late Mr. Henry Mitchell as a
pink laburnum a sport from the ordinary yellow laburnum. It
proved true to its name, and produced pink flcwers for a num-
ber of years. The tree grew quite large, and then Mr. Cowley
cut it back when, to his astonishment, it produced a thick
broom-like growth, resembling bunches of mistletoe, which pro-
duced spikes of rose or mauve-colored flowers, resembling
broom, different in every respect from the original laburnum
blossoms. Two years ago the tree showed a disposition to
hark back to its original fcrm, as it produced a spike of yellow
flowers ; last year more appeared, and at the present time the
tree presents the curious appearance of producing pink and yel-
low laburnum flowers, and spikes of the broom flowers describ-
ed.

Mr. C. N. Young, of Duncans, on hearing of the curious
freak, wrote as follows: — "I have known a similar case. On the
lawn of the rectory at Quainton, near Aylesbury, a large laburnum
tree, forked at eight feet from the ground, one half bore yellow,
the ether pink flowers ; while from the fork grew a bunch of
citisus bearing purple flowers.

"The late Professor Lindley, then editor of the Gardeners'
Chronicle, expressed it as his opinion that the original tree was
produced by crossing the yellow laburnum with the purple citisus,
and that the tree had combined the peculiarities of both parents
and offspring. "

I send specimens of the flowers for inspection by the curi-
ous.

J. R. ANDERSON.
Victoria, B. C,

1 st June, 1906.

82 The Ottawa Naturalist. [July

REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, 1905.

Read March 27, 1906.

The Leaders of the Entomological Branch have pleasure in
reporting that during the season of 1905, the entomologists of
the Club have been actively engaged ; much good collecting hav-
ing been done and many new facts discovered concerning the life-
histories of various species of insects. The season on the whole
was an unproductive one in the Ottawa district, the cool nights
and damp weather being very discouraging and hindering much
in the plans for excursions, etc., which had been made by the
Leaders. Notwithstanding the disappointing season, by dint
;>i persistent effort good work Was done by some of the members
of the Club and many new records of insects were added to the
local lists.

The fortnightly meetings held in the early part of the year
were very helpful to the members who attended them, and much
useful information was brought out in the discussions following
the reading of papers. These meetings of course are open to
any members of the Club and as they are very informal in nature,
all wishing to take up the study of insects are Welcome to attend
and could quickly gather much useful and interesting informa-
tion.

No reports of the Entomological Branch have been published
in the Ottawa Naturalist since that for 1902 which appeared in
the September number for 1903, but full accounts of the meet-
ings of the branch have appeared from time to time and furnished
the same information as would have been given in a report. A
few new members have joined this Branch of the Club but the
field is so large and so much of it is yet to be worked that the
Leaders sincerely hope that more students will join them during
the next season.

Valuable work has been done for the science of entomology
by some of our members who have visited or who are living in
localities distant from Ottawa. The Rev. G. W. Taylor, of
Wellington, British Columbia, has taken up the study of North
American Geometridae and has already added largely to our
knowledge of those interesting moths. Mr. Jos. Keele and Mr. J.
Wilson, both of the Geological Survev staff, have brought back
from the far north small but valuable oollertions of different or-

1906] Report of the Entomological Branch, 1905.

«3

ders of insects. Mr. Keek explored the Valley of the Mayo
River, Yukon Territory, in 1904 and worked along Lansing
River, Hell River and Ladue River in the same Territory in 1905,
Mr. Wilson was exploring on the Hudson River slope in 1904,
and in the Temagami district in 1905. As both of these gentlemen
trok great care to label their specimens accurately, even the
small number they brought back, have distinct and great scienti-
fic value. Mr. Andrew Halkett, who was naturalist on the Nep-
tune expedition under Commander Low, in 1903-4, brought
back a surprisingly large number of species of insects from the
Hudson Bay region. Mr. H. H. Lyman, of Montreal, who
joined the Labrador expedition, sent out to observe the total
eclipse of the sun, found opportunity to collect specimens and
make observations. Mr. Norman Criddle and Mr. T. N. Wil-
ling, two of our Northwestern members, have prosecuted their
studies of insects and plants most vigorously and with very
important results. Many new species have rewarded their ef-
forts and a vast amount of useful knowledge has been accumu-
lated during the past few years.

Of our local members perhaps Mr. C. H. Young's work
among the micro-lepidoptera is most worthy of mention. The
exquisite manner in which Mr. Young prepares his material is
well known to us all but the value of his work is chiefly due to his
skill in rearing large series of insects so as to compare the limits
of variation. Mr. W. D. Kearfott, of Montclair, N. J., has been
indefatigable and most generous in helping our members with the
indentification of their captures of these minute and most beau-
tiful moths. Mr. W. Metcalfe has taken up the study of the
order Hemiptera and is gradually compiling a complete list of the
Ottawa species. His material has been named by the leading
specialists and we hope that it will soon be ready for publica-
tion.

Our two highly esteemed corresponding members, Messrs.
J. B. Smith, State Entomologist, of New Jersey, and Prof. H.
F. Wickham, of the Lmiversity of Iowa, as in the past, have
rendered invaluable service to our members by helping with
identifications and sending us fcr the Library their useful publi-
cations.

84 The Ottawa Naturalist. [J uly

Among many rare and interesting insects which have been
taken mention may be made of the following : —

Lepidoptera :

Papilio machaon, L. var. aliaska, Scud, an ■ exceedingly
rare insect, was taken in the Yukon Territory by Mr. Keele, and
on the Nagagami River on the Hudson Bay slope, by Mr. Wil-
son.

Papilio brevicauda, Saunders. The larva was found at the
North-west River post of the Hudson Bay Company, on Lake
Melville, Ungava, by Mr. Lyman.

Pontia protodice, B. & L. The second specimen taken at
Ottawa, Sept. 27 (Gibson.)

Eurymus boothii, Curtis. Three specimens of this remark-
ably rare Coliad were taken in the Yukon Territory by Mr. Keele
fn the beginning of July.

Erora laeta, Edw. Two specimens of this beautiful little
Thecla, Meach Lake, Que., May 18 (Young).

Amblyscirtes samoset, Scud. Chelsea, Que., May 28.
(Gibson & Campbell).

Pamphila paloemon, Pallas {mandah, Edw.) Eastman's
Springs, July 1 (Fletcher).

Anthomaster leonardus, Harr. Britannia, Aug. 23. (Baldwin).
This skipper is very rare at Ottawa and has not been taken for 25
years.

Utetheisa bella, L. Sept. 25 (Fletcher), the second speci-
men taken at Ottawa.

Phragmatobia assimilans, Wlk. var. franconica, Sloss.
Meach Lake, May 16 & 17 (Young); Ottawa, June 3 (Gibson).

Apantesis celia, Saunders. Ottawa, pupa, May 9th, moth
June 7 (Baldwin).

Semiophora elimata, Gn. Meach Lake, May 8 (Young).

Semiophora opacifrons, Grt. Meach Lake, Aug. 7 (Young.)

Barathra occidentata, Grt. This rare moth has not appear-
ed for many years at Ottawa but during the summer of 1905 the
moths were abundant during the latter half of June and the lar-
vae were noticeably destructive in gardens during late summer. The
insect also occurred in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The life history
has been worked out and is published in the Report of the Domin-
ion Entomologist.

1906] Report of the Entomological Branch, 1905. 85

Polychrysia formosa, Grt. Meach Lake, Aug. 15 (Young),
a very beautiful and rare species.

Autographa nibidus, Ottol. Meach Lake, June 5. (Young).

Melipetis fasciohiris, Hbn. Mr. Baldwin took a fine specimen
ol this West Indian moth in his garden on July 6 last. This is
the first Canadian record and it rs probable that the insect was
brought north in a bunch of bananas.

Stenopis tliule, Strk. One of the most important captures
Ol the year was made on July 6 by Mr. Gibscn when he secured
a perlect specimen of this striking and very local moth near the
Experimental Farm. Up to the present time there is no known
authentic record of it having been taken at any other place than
Montreal.

COLEOPTERA

A few specially interesting captures of beetles have been
made at Ottawa during the past season.

Pityobius anguinus, Lee. Six specimens of this fine elater
were taken at electric light at the end of June (Gibson and Bald-
win), and a female was secured a menth later floating in a water
barrel, (Fletcher).

Aphorista vittata, Fab. Aylmer, April, (Gibson).

Odontceas cornigerus, Melsh. Ottawa (A. E. Richard).

Pachyta rugipennis, Newm. Hull, Que. About 40 specimens
o! this very rare longicorn beetle were taken by Mr. W. Met-
calfe pairing at the base of a dead pine tree May 29, 1904.

Anthdxia ccneogastcr, Lap. This little Buprestid beetle,
which is frequently found in the flowers of Trilliums in Spring,
was observed to be ovipositing on the trunk of the same dead
pine tree, and at the same time as Mr. Metcalfe collected Pachyta
rugipennis.

Phytonomus punctatus, Fab. The Clover Leaf Weevil,
which has occasionally done considerable harm to clover fields
to the south, was detected at Ottawa for the first time in 1905
when twro specimens were caught at the Experimental Farm.

An important work has been accomplished in the examination
01 the whole'of Mr. Harrington's Dytiscidae, by Mr. Jchn D.
Sherman, Jr., of New York, who has found in the collection some
Aery interesting species. The members of the Club are urged to
make use of this opportunity to get their material identified and
also tc make a special effort this year to collect these insects.

86 The Ottawa Naturalist. Uu'y

The following are species of more than usual interest which have
been found at Ottawa, and are among those which have not yet
been recorded from the district : —

Desmopachria convexa, Aube, Bidessus lacustris, S ly, Coelambus
turbiclus Lee, Deronectes depressus Fab.. Hydroporus pulcher, Lee,
H.solitariuSy Sharp, Ilybius pleuriticits, Lee. Agabus semipunctatus,
Vichy, A. retirulafus, Vichy, Rhantus smuatus, Lee , HydaticuS
stagnalis. Fab., H. peceus, Lee. Dytiscus kybridus, Aube, D.
marginalis, Linn, and Acilius setnisutcatiis, Aube.

The publication of a complete list of the Ottawa Dytiscidae,
is most desirable, as that published in Transactions No. V, page
J3, is obsolete and several of the determinations were erroneous.

James Fletchkr,

W H Harrington.

~ „ ,, j Leaders.

C. H Young,

Arthur Gibson,

SUB-EXCURSIONS.

Saturday, June gth. — Seven naturalists took their way to
Billings' Bridge on Saturday afternoon. The party being small,
they did not separate into different groups, as is customary on
these "excursions."

The tempting shade of a beautiful "glen" seemed mere in-
viting than a prolonged walk in the burning sun, to our usual
haunt, "Rideau Park." So after a short consultation, we en-
tered "Fairy Realm," and saw the wood-anemone, in all its
grace and beauty, dotting the bank, side by side with the lovely
fleabane. Nature is always charming with her variety, and
contrast of colors.

In some places the ground was carpeted with mocnseed,
(Menispermum Canadense). It was too early in the season to get
the flowers of this pretty vine, although the bud was now form-
ing. It had coiled itself around every unsightly object, such
as, eld roots, dead branches, etc., "and wreathed them with
verdure, no longer their own." After climbing up a rocky way
which must have been a foaming torrent, the night before, we
found ourselves, a group in the centre of a magnificent picture

1905] Sub-Excursions 87

where the many waterfalls, and tiny rivulets were again indications
of the previous storm.

The deeply indented leaves of the white lettuce (Prouui-
thes), were very conspicuous,' interspersed with bunches of a
darker hue, showing where the hepatica's blossom had been most
luxuriant and sweet cicely's delicate flower added it's charm
to this verdant landscape.

All prosaic ideas vanished. Nature inspired, or suggested
her own poetic thoughts which were expressed in more joyous
tones, we too became one with her, and felt happy, "Where love
is all things interest." Therefore everything was interesting
to us lovers of nature. Even the grass looked at us from eyes of
blue, (Blue-eyed grass), and the birds sang, or busied themselves
with their own affairs, unconscious of, and oblivious to our ob-
servation.

After a delightful afternoon spent in "Fairy Realm," we
entered a grassy lane, like the entrance to some enchanted
castle, nor was the spell broken, when Mr. Halkett from his
crystal jar pointed out some of the wonders of the "Insect
World."

Mr. Clarke picked up a lew valves of the marine bivalve
mollusk, known Saxicava rugosa, whilst walking alcng the
railway track, which had doubtless been conveyed there in ballast,
procured at no great distance from the place where found.

Mr. Halkett found seme fine specimens of land-shells (Heli-
coids), with the living snails, a scarlet arachnid, several caterpil-
lars, including a mature specimen of the tent caterpillar
(Clisiocdmpa) which he mentioned as likely to prove a menace
to the foliage of trees again, after having been nearly suppressed
by the frost a season or two ago ; and also said he had observed
the day being warm a profusion of insect life representative of
various orders.

Some of the flowers collected were : Black snakeroot,

with inconspicuous greenish yellow flowers. None of us examin-
ed the roots to find out its snakey qualities ; everlasting ; black
mustard; common hcund's tongue, (Cynoglossum officinale),
now beginning to show its dull purplish flowers in the fields ;
mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium arvense) ; the Canada violet,
{I'iola Canadensis); small-flowered crow-foot (Ranunculus

88 The Ottawa Naturalist. [J uly

abortivus) ; butter-cup, (Ranunculus acris) ; white baneberry,
(Actueu alba); blue cohosh, long past its flowering stage; wild
ginger; red osier dogwood; wild sarsaparilla, not yet in bloom,
roots aromatic ; we saw bushes of the wild gooseberry and wild
black-currant, but the fruit was still too green to be edible. The
Heath family was represented only by some few pyrolas.

After a delightful afternoon, and a refreshing drink of pure
water, we returned to the city, and felt better fitted for our
duties by this excursion with the Naturalists.

ANNIE L. MATTHEWS.

RECORDS OF RARE BIRDS IN THE MARITIME PROVINCES.

I take pleasure in recording the capture cf three interesting
birds. February nth, 1905. at Argyle Shore, Prince Edward Is-
land. An albino white-winged female crossbill was secured from a
flock of about twenty properly colored birds of the same species,
by a Mr. A. F. Calder, of Charlottetown, P. E. I. The specimen
is somewhat ashy-white about head and neck, gradually shading
to white upon the tail and under parts. The white wing-bars
are scarcely perceptible. The specimen is nicely preserved and
is now in the possession of the writer.

Another rarity from P.E.I, is a little brown crane (Grus
Canadensis) taken at Alexander. This bird was a young female,
secured Sept. 22, 1905, and is now in museum of Colchester
Academy, Truro, N. S. This is probably the only record of a
bird of this species being taken east of Manitoba, except one
secured in Greenland, as recorded by J. Macoun in his "Cata-
logue of Canadian Birds." Near Fredericton, N. B., a great
gray owl (Scotiaptex nebulosa) was secured March 22, '06. This
specimen was a beautiful female and measured twenty-six inches
in length and an alar extent of sixty inches, yet its entire weight
was only two pounds. The stomach and intestines were empty
and the body was in an emaciated condition. The specimen is
in the writer's collection.

WM. H. MOORE,
Scotch lake, York Co., N.B.

1906] Nature Study — No. 36 89

NATURE STUDY No. XXXVI.

The Foundations of Chemistry as Seen in Nature Study.
(For Teachers Especially.)

By John Brittain, Woodstock, X.B.

Chemical Union.

In order to teach effectively we must distinguish carefully
between the trivial and the important — between the accidental
and the essential. We are apt to spend too much of the precious
school-time over the details which have little significance— the
lifeless husks which enclose and conceal the living germ —
thoughts. We think that we must do this in order to be

thorough ; but we deserve no credit for thoroughness in doing
things which should not be done at all or which should be done
elsewhere or at another time. Let us rather devote our skill
and patience to the development, in natural and logical sequence,
ol the great facts and principles of nature and of life. Practice
and the habit of observation will ensure a sufficient knowledge of
details.

At the basis of all the natural forms we see — organic and
inorganic — lies the fact of chemical union or combination. To
learn to distinguish it, by its effects, frcm mere mechanical mix-
ture, it is not necessary for the learners to wait until they have
become acquainted with the molecular and atomic theories. Only
very simple apparatus and cheap materia! are required for the ex-
periments which follow.

Each member of the class is supplied with a small stick of
dry white wood. The sticks are held for a few seconds in the
flame of a spirit lamp. At once a scft black substance appears
in the heated part of the stick — a substance which will mark on
paper and which will be found to be insoluble in water. The
pupils recognize this as charcoal which they may be told is a
form of carbon. Now the question is, where was the charccal
before the stick was heated? We could not see it before that
was done.

It will be found, by holding the hand above the flame of the
lamp that no charcoal issues from it — nor does it come out of the
surrounding air. Hence it must have been in the stick at first.
But why did the charcoal not then make the stick -black?

/* _B

90 The Ottawa Naturalist. |Ju'y

Heat slowly and carefully a little of the wood, cut into
small pieces, in the bottom of a closed test-tube. Clear drops
of a tasteless liquid like water form on the inside of the tube above
the wood ; and as the water gathers, the charcoal appears. The
water evidently comes out cf the dry wood and leaves the
charcoal behind.

It can easily be shown, by means of a hand balance, that a
piece of charcoal (from a stove) weighs less than a piece of the
dry wood, equal in size, from which the charcoal was obtain-
ed".

It is plain then that dry white wood contains both charcoal
and water, and that when the water is driven out by the heat,
the charcoal can be seen. And so it appears that the water in
the wood hides the charcoal, else the wood would lock black, and
the charcoal conceals the water, else the wood would feel wet.

It may now be stated that when two substances — as charcoal
and water in this case — are so united together that they conceal
each other's properties, the two substances are said to be chemi
cally united or combined ; and the substance they fcrm by their
union is called a chemical compound. Thus dry wood may be
regarded as a chemical compound of carbon and water.

Next mix together, in a bottle, water and powdered char-
coal. Do they unite chemically? They do not conceal each
other's properties. The black charcoal can still be seen and the
water felt. They now form, not a chemical compound, but a
chemical or physical mixture. But how can the charcoal and
water be got to unite chemically? They must have been chemi-
cally separate before they united to form wood; but ive don't
know, at present, how to ccmpel them to combine to form wood.

Put finely divided wood, to the depth of about an inch, into
a test-tube loosely closed with a cork or the thumb, -and apply
heat until the tube is filled with smoky gas ; then without
withdrawing the heat remove the cork cr thumb, and try with a
match until you succeed, to set fire to the gas in the tube. How
do you account for this combustible "wood-gas"? Since this
gas will burn, it cannot be water-gas (steam) ; so we must con-
clude, since chemists find that pure wood is composed entirely
of carbon and water, that this gas was formed in some way from
these two substances in the wood. It should be noted here that
the water set free by the heat soon becomes colored by some
ether liquid, and that a mass of charcoal remains in the tube after
the water and the combustible gas has been all expelled. It will

1906J Nature Study — No. 36. 91

be found upon trial that this charcoal residue, although it will
not burn with a flame like the gas, will slowly burn away with a
glow when held by a wire in the flame of the lamp.

It seems from this experiment that when wood is heated in
a closed space, it breaks up into other substances besides charcoal
and water. This will explain too in part, the manufacture of
charcoal and wcod alcohol by the destructive distillation of
wood, that is by heating wood in closed vessels, and the pro-
duction of coke (carbon) and coal gas from bituminous coal by
destructive distillation.

Let the children char small samples of starch and sugar — try
whether they contain water — and whether combustible gases
are formed when they are decomposed by heat. The last ex-
periment may be performed hv hpatinn- o i:<-i-i~ -*• — >

ERRATUM.

On page 90, line 26, for "Chemical or physical mixture" read
'Mechanical or physical mixture."

,w-«-.»WV^.J \JL

similar composition, are called carbohydrates. The fitness of
this name should be shown from its derivation.

In all this work, the teacher is supposed to act only as the
director cf experiments and as the referee in deciding the validity
of the arguments and inferences. His skill is measured by the
success he has had in inducing each pupil to do his own observing
and thinking independently.

After a careful review of the whole ground, the children
should retain a good working idea of chemical union — will see
that heat tends to separate substances that have been chemically
united — will understand what agricultural lecturers mean by car-
bohydrates— will know that when carbohydrates are heated in
a closed place until they decompose they break up into carbon,
water, and other substances liquid and gaseous — will see that

qo The Ottawa Naturalist. [July

Heat slowly and carefully a little of the wood, cut into
small pieces, in the bottom of a closed test-tube. Clear drops
ol a tasteless liquid like water form on the inside of the tube above
the wood ; and as the water gathers, the charcoal appears. The
water evidently comes out cf the dry wood and leaves the
charcoal behind.

It can easily be shown, by means of a hand balance, that a
piece of charcoal (from a stove) weighs less than a piece of the
dry wood, equal in size, from which the charcoal was obtain-
ed".

It is plain then that dry white wood contains both charcoal
and water, and that when the water is driven out by the heat,
f ' - —"" And so it appears that the water in

t ' " ' ~J

t

chemicai en p..^..

water be got to unite chemically? They must nave ia,^.. __.
cally separate before they united to form wood; but we don't
know, at present, how to ccmpel them to combine to form wood.
Put finely divided wood, to the depth of about an inch, into
a test-tube loosely closed with a cork or the thumb, -and apply
heat until the tube is filled with smoky gas ; then without
withdrawing the heat remove the cork or thumb, and try with a
match until you succeed, to set fire to the gas in the tube. How
do you account for this combustible "wood-gas"? Since this
gas will burn, it cannot be water-gas (steam) ; so we must con-
clude, since chemists find that pure wood is composed entirely
of carbon and water, that this gas was formed in some way from
these two substances in the wood. It should be noted here that
the water set free by the heat soon becomes colored by some
ether liquid, and that a mass of charcoal remains in the tube after
the water and the combustible gas has been all expelled. It will

1906] Nature Study — No. 36. 91

be found upon trial that this charcoal residue, although it will
not burn with a flame like the gas, will slowly burn away with a
glow when held by a wire in the flame of the lamp.

It seems from this experiment that when wood is heated in
a closed space, it breaks up into other substances besides charcoal
and water. This will explain too in part, the manufacture of
charcoal and wcod alcohol by the destructive distillation of
wood, that is by heating wood in closed vessels, and the pro-
duction of coke (carbon) and coal gas from bituminous coal by
destructive distillation.

Let the children char small samples of starch and sugar — try
whether they contain water — and whether combustible gases
are formed when they are decomposed by heat. The last ex-
periment may be performed by heating a little starch and sugar
in an iron spoon until they take fire. It will be seen that the
solid substance does not burn, but the flame is a burning gas
which rises from the solid matter. The starch and sugar are
really being heated in a closed space, shut off from the air by the
spoon below, and the burning gas above. In like manner, in
the case of wood fire, we see that the flames are caused by the
burning cf the combustible gases, given off from the hot wood.

The children will now be able to describe the results of their
experiments with sugar and starch and to state and justify their
conclusions as to the composition of both. They will doubtless
conclude that, like wood, starch and sugar are probably compos-
ed cf charcoal and water chemically united. They may then be
told that sugar, starch and wood and several other substances of
similar composition, are called carbohydrates. The fitness of
this name should be shown from its derivation.

In all this work, the teacher is supposed to act only as the
director cf experiments and as the referee in deciding the validity
of the arguments and inferences. His skill is measured by the
success he has had in inducing each pupil to do his own observing
and thinking independently.

After a careful review of the whole ground, the children
should retain a good working idea of chemical union — will see
that heat tends to separate substances that have been chemically
united — will understand what agricultural lecturers mean by car-
bohydrates— will know that when carbohydrates are heated in
a closed place until they decompose they break up into carbon,
water, and other substances liquid and gaseous — will see that

92 The Ottawa Naturalist. Uu'y

a flame is a burning gas and that a solid, as carbon, burns with-
out a flame — and will be able to form an intelligent conception
ol many processes in nature and the arts which would otherwise
be quite inexplicable. ,

The main topic in these lessons — for this work covers several
lessons — is chemical union ; but the ether topics discussed are
important and all of them help in making clearer the idea of
chemical union. And this illustrates another method of making-
our teaching more effective and saving time in the process. I
mean that while we keep in view one principal topic we should
always associate it with ethers which are significant and worth
teaching in themselves and at the same time are so related to the
central topic that they can be used effectively in enforcing it.

OTTAWA SUMMER SCHOOL OF SCIENCE.

Last year a most successful and enjoyable three weeks'
session Summer School was held at the Normal School, Ottawa,
under the direction of Dr. J. F. White and Mr. J. H. Putman,
assisted by Mr. A. E. Attwocd and others. The school was
well attended by teachers and other students to the number of
1 60.

We are glad to hear that it has been decided to hold a simi-
lar school this summer. The lectures will be given in the Nor-
mal school and in the field. The course will open en July 3
and last for three weeks. The arrangements have been handed
over to Mr. J. H. Putman whose addresses were so acceptable to
all in attendance last year. Mr. Putman will give an Element-
nrv Course in Botany. Mr. A. E. Attwood will help in the field
work and will lecture on Animal Biology and Mineralogy. Mr.
F. E. Perney will give addresses on Physical Geography. Mr.
J. F. Sullivan will help in the botanical field work. Mr. J. S.
Harterre will have charge of the Manual Training classes and
Miss Gallup of Sewing. Mr. J. A. Dobbie will take charge of the
Art work. The course will embrace Nature Study, Domestic
Science, Manual Training, Drawing and Colour Work.

In addition to the above, two lectures will be given on
Insects and two on Birds, by Dr. Fletcher, and one on Fish and
Fish-life bv Prof. E. E. Prince.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.

Vol. XX.

OTTAWA, AUGUST, 1906.

No.

THE SPECIES OF BOTRYOCRINUS.

By F. A. Bather, British Museum 'Nat. Hist.), London, S.W., England.

Twelve years have passed since the first publication of a
statement that Rotryocrinus occurs in America ' Crin. Gotland,'
Svensk. Vet.-Akad. Hatidl., XXV. No. 2, pp. 103-105 ; 1893.
Although two of the determinations there made have been accept-
ed by such well-known palaeontologists as Dr. J. F. Whiteaves
and Dr. Stuart Weller, the facts appear to be still unrecognized
by some American writers on fossil crinoids. It may therefore be
useful to consider the generic position and the specific independ-
ence ol the alleged American forms more fully than heretofore.

Comparison of the American species, rightly or wrongly re-
ferred to Botryocrinus, with the species found in Europe and Aus-
tralia is rendered difficult by the fact that the diagnoses of the
latter were based mainly on the characters of the arm-structure
and partly on those of the stem-structure, whereas the former
species are represented only by dorsal cups. It has, therefore,
been necessary to re-study the dorsal cups of the European and
Australian species and to prepare diagnoses founded on those
elements alone. While the European and Australian species are
not readily distinguished inter se upon these grounds, the dorsal
cups of the American species fortunately present more points of
difference.

My thanks are due to Dr. Whiteaves for kindly lending me
the unique specimen of his Homocrtnus crassus, of which a plaster
cast is now preserved in the British Museum ; also to Mr. F.
Chapman of Melbourne for sending a wax squeeze of his Botryo-
crinus longlbrachiatus to the same museum. A re-examination of
this and other material contained in the British Museum has

94 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

greatly helped the revision of the diagnoses. I am further specially
indebted to Professor H. C. Bumpus for the loan of the holotype
of Cyathocrinus nucleus.

The contractions and symbols used in this paper are those
adopted in Part III. — The Echinoderma — of "A Treatise on
Zoology", edited by E. Ray Lankester (London, 1900 ; see p.
143). The terminology of the type-material follows the recent
revision by C. Schuchert & S. S. Buckman (see Science [n s],
XXI, p. 899 ; 9 June, 1905 ; Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. [7], XVI, p.
102 ; July, 1905 ; and Introduction to 'Catalogue of the type and

figured specimens of fossils ' Bull. U. S. National

Mus., LI II, Pt I ; Sept. 1905). References to previous litera-
ture are confined to passages of systematic importance, and, for
the sake of brevity, the plate and figure numbers are usually
omitted.

SWEDISH SPECIES.

Botryocrinus ramosissimus.

Botryocrinus ramosissimus, Ang'elin, 1878, 'Iconogr. Crin. Suec' p. 24.
Botryocrinus corallum, Ang'elin, 1878, op. cit. p. 24.

Botryocrinus ramosissimus, Bather, 1893, 'Crin. Gotland'. Svensk Vet.-
Akad. Handl., XXV, No. 2, p. 117.

Dorsal cup a wide cone, with straight sides, except for a
slight projection of RR towards the facet. Height of cup (11.
mm), 100 ; width at base, 56 ; width at summit, 139. IBB and
BB wider than high. RR not higher than wide. Arm-facet .63
of R. x supports 3 or more tube-plates. Proximal columnal
obscurely pentagonal.

Lower Ludlovian, Lindstrom's bed/, Gotland.

Cotypes of B. ramosissimus and B. corallum in Riksmu^eum,
Stockholm. As lectotype of B. ramosissimus, should betaken the
specimen lettered b (Crin. Gotland, p. 117).

Botryocrinus cucurbitaceus.

Sicyocrinus cucurbitaceus, Angelin, 1878, ' Iconogr. Crin. Suec'. p. 23, 24.
Botryocrinus cucurbitaceus, Bather, 1893, 'Crin. Gotland,' Svensk. Vet.-
Akad. Handl. XXV, No. 2. p. 120. Et locc. ibi citt.

Dorsal cup a wide cone, with straight sides except for a very
slight projection of RR towards the facet. Height of cup (5. 9

1906] The Species of Botrvocrinus. 95,

mm), 100 ; width at base, 50 ; width at summit, 118. IBB much
wider than high. BB and RR about as high as wide. Arm-
facet .62 of R. x supports 3 tube-plates. Proximal columnal
pentagonal.

Lower Wenlockian, Lindstrom's bed c, Gotland
Of the two cotypes one is lost ; the other, which should be
regarded as lectotype, is in Riksmuseum, Stockholm, lettered a
(Crin. Gotland, p. 121).

BRITISH SPECIES.

Botryocrinus ramosus.

Botryocrinus ramosus, Bather, 1891, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6) VII, p 394.

Dorsal cup incompletely known, apparently a wide cone, with
plates slightly rounded and RR not conspicuously projecting.
Height (? 10. mm), 100 ; width at base, ? 60 ; width at summit,
115. IBB uncertain. BB slightly higher than wide. RR wider
than high. Arm-facet .9 of R. x supports one tube-plate. Proxi-
mal columnal unknown.

Upper Wenlockian, Upper Wenlock Limestone, Dudley.

Holotype in British Museum, No. 57217.

Botryocrinus decadactylus.

Cyathocrinus (sp. 2) decadactylus, Salter, 1873, 'Cat. Cambr. Sil. Foss.

Cambridge,' p. 123.
Cyathocrinus (sp. 3) quindecimalis, Salter, 1873, op. cit., p. 124.
Botryocrinus decadactylus, Bather, 1891, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6) VII,

P- 395-

Dorsal cup elegant, rapidly widening above in a concavo-con-
vex curve. The plates show slight traces of axial folding, and
RR project slightly. Height of cup (6.5 mm.), 100 ; width at
base, 51 ; width at summit, 128. All plates wider than high.
Arm-facet from .48 to .85 of R. x supports 3 tube-plates. Proxi-
mal columnal obscurely pentagonal.

Upper Wenlockian, Upper Wenlock Limestone, Dudley.

The specimens to which Salter attached his MS. names are in
the Sedgwick Museum, Cambridge, England, numbered a 494
and a/495 respectively ; but since they do not show the charac-
ters even of the genus, it seems better to select from among

g6 The Ottawa Naturalist. | August

the numerous other specimens described by me, British Museum
No. E1419 as lectotype, regarding the Cambridge specimens as
chirotypes.

Botryocrinus pinnulatus.

Botryocrinus pinniilatus, Bather, 1S91, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), VII,
p. j.02 ; also 1892, ser. cit. IX p. 192.

Dorsal cup widens rapidly above with a concave curve. The
plates show traces of axial folding, and RR project markedly.
Height of cup (8.5 mm.), 100; width at base, 42-47; width at
summit, 129. IBB wider than high. BB as high as wide. RR
wider than high. Arm-facet less than .5 of R. x supports 3 tube-
plates. Proximal columnal pentagonal or quinquelobate.

Upper Wenlockian, Upper or Thin Wenlock Limestone,
Dudley.

Holotype in Dudley Museum. The heautotype of the second

reference (supra) has recently been acquired for the British Museum
(No. E 14081).

In the original description of the holotype the measurements
of height of cup, and of width at its summit appear inconsistent
with the figure, and it seems probable that they were interchang-
ed.

Botryocrinus quinquelobus.

Cyathocrinus quinquangularis Phillips, Salter, 1875, 'Cat. Cambr. Sil.
Foss. Cambridge,' p. 123.

Botryocrinus quinquelobus, Bather, 1892, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), X, p.
189.

Dorsal cup elegant, widening above, with a slightly concavo-
convex curve, RR projecting very slightly. Height of cup (6.25
mm.), 100 ; width at base, 48 ; width at summit, circa 160. IBB
not higher than wide. BB and RR wider than high. Arm-facet
about .66 of R. x unknown. Proximal columnal quinquelobate.

Upper Wenlockian, Upper Wenlock Limestone, Dudley.

Two cotypes in Sedgwick Museum, Cambridge, England,
No. a?435. No. 1 of my description is hereby selected as lecto-
type.

1906] The Species of Botrvocrinus. 97

australian species.
Botryocrinus longibrachiatus.

Botryocrinuslongibrachiatus, F. Chapman, 1903, Proc. R. Soc. Victoria
(n.s.) XV, p. 108.

Dorsal cup conical, with straight sides, the plates slightly
rounded, RR projecting very slightly if at all. Height (7.2 mm),
100 ; width at base, 44 ; width at summit, 125. IBB and BB
slightly higher than wide. RR about as high as wide. Arm-facet
not more than .5 of R. x rather wide and apparently supporting
3 tube plates. Proximal columnal quinquelobate.

Silurian, Brunswick, Victoria.

Three cotypes in National Museum, Melbourne, No. 390 — 392
Of these, No. 390, shown in Chapman's pi. xviii, f. 6, should be
taken as lectotype. Plastotype in British Museum, No. E7130.

The present diagnosis differs in some respects from the
account given by Mr. Chapman, being based on the excellent wax
squeeze which he so kindly sent. From this it appears that the
plates were somewhat disarranged, and that the specimen was flat-
tened, thus appearing wider above than it really was. Mr.
Chapman only measured to half-millimetres, but measurement
with sliding callipers and a vernier gives : Height, 7.2 mm.;
width at base, 3.2 mm.; width at summit, 10 mm. In calculating
the proportions for the diagnosis I have reduced the last measure-
ment to 9 mm. ; it may have been even less. Thus the propor-
tions and form of the cup do not so closely resemble B. qiiLnque-
lobus as would appear from the published figures. It was, Mr.
Chapman has informed me, mainly this supposed resemblance
which led him to refer the species to Botryocrinus notvvithstanding
the apparent invisibility in both species of structures definitely
diagnostic of the genus. Examination of the wax squeeze, how-
ever, convinces me that those structures are after all to be seen in
B. longibrachiatus. Chapman's pi. xviii, f. 6, is in fact viewed
from the left posterior radius, 1. post. R being the middle of the
three plates in the uppermost circlet, the plate on its right hand
being x, the plate below it on the right being post. B., and the small
plate, of which a portion is seen to the right between post. B and
x, being RA. The edge of r. post. R is seen to the right of x.

g8 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

Mr. Chapman presumably interpreted x, which he nowhere men-
tions, as a radial ; but the present identification, when once
made, £is}[so obvious that only two facts need be adduced in
its support. First, the heptagonal outline of the plate here called
post.B. Second,the contrast between the conspicuous arm-facets on
1. post, and 1. ant. RR, and the absence of any such excavation on x.
Above x, in the angle between it and the proximal I Br. of r. post,
arm. are a few small plates (apparently not the ones alluded to
and figured as tegminal plates by Mr. Chapman), and one of these
seems to be folded at its edges as is so usual in the tube-plates of
this genus. The arm-facet, neither mentioned nor very exactly
drawn by Mr. Chapman, appears to have had straight, rather
steeply sloping sides, ending in a deep axial canal, which has
broken through to the front of the plate (compare the account of
the ventral groove and axial canal in B. crassus). It is not easy
to understand the true shape and proportions of the facet ; but the
narrowness of the primibrachs indicates that its width can scarce-
ly have been half that of the radial.

AMERICAN SPECIES.

Botryocrinus nucleus.

Dendroctinus nucleus, Hall, 1876, Rep. N. V. State Mus. Nat. Hist.

XXVIII, Documentary Edit., explan. pi. xv, ff. 7-9.
Cyathocrinus nucleus, Hall, 1879, op. cit., Museum Edit., p. 136.
Homocrinus nucleus, VVachsmuth & Springer, 1886, 'Revision of Palaeo-

crinoidea',111, p. 220, Proc. Acad. Xat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1886, p. 144.
Botryocrinus nucleus, Bather, 1893, 'Crin. Gotland', Svensk. Vet.-Akad,

Handl. XXV, No. 2, p. 104.

Dorsal cup with straight sides up to the RR. which project
markedly towards the arm-facet. Slight trace of axial folding on
BB. Height of cup (8-1 1.5 mm.), 100 ; width at base, 43 ; width
at summit", 125-130. IBB low, much wider than high. BB wider
than high. RR higher than wide. Arm-facet more than .66 of
R. x supports 1 tube-plate. Proximal columnal circular, with
tendency to quinquelobation.

Upper Wenlockian, Niagara shales of Waldron, Ind.

Holotype, American Museum of Natural History^Jio... 1S98.
Plastotype in Briiish Museum, No. £14075. ^WO&At

LIBRARY

1906] The Species of Botryocrinus. 99

It should be noted that the holotype is a young specimen,
and that, according to Hall, it, or at least the figures of it, "do
not fairly represent the species." Therefore the specimens on
which Hall based his diagnosis and description should be more
important than the specimen figured. Unfortunately they are not
to be found in the American Museum of Natural History, and I have
had to rely on Hall's description and on the little holotype which
Professor H. C. Bumpus most kindly entrusted to me for examin-
ation. Its chief measurements are : Height of cup to top of
RR, 3.6 mm.; width at base, 1.7 mm.; width at summit, 5 mm.

Neither the description nor the figures of Hall indicate dis-
tinctly that this species is a Botryocrinus ; indeed he himself says
that it is "a true Cyathocrinus in structure". Hall, however, as
has been previously pointed out (Wachsmuth & Springer, ' Revi-
sion' I, p. 82; Bather, 'Brit. Foss, Crin. VIII, Cyathocrinus\
Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), IX, p. 206 ; 1892), " extended the dia-
gnosis of Cyathocrinus to include forms with a small quadrangular
radianal". Such a plate is shown in Hall's fig. 7, but in the act-
ual specimen it is so obscure that one looks for confirmatory evi-
dence. It such a plate were present the posterior and right pos-
terior basals would be heptagonal. Now Hall says of this species
" subradial plates [i. e. basals] wider than high, three of them
pentagonal [err. pro ' hexagonal'] and two heptagonal." There-
fore there was a small quadrangular radianal. That the species
is not a Homocrinus follows from the shape of anal x, which has a
broadly excavate upper surface. The shape of the cup markedly
resembles that of the Gotland species of Botryocrinus, and the
geological age harmonises. There is therefore no reason to doubt
the correctness of this reference.

Botryocrinus Polyxo.

Cyathocrinus Polyxo, Hall, 1863, Trans. Albany Inst. IV, p. 199. (Date

of vol. 1864; author's edition issued 2 May, 1863.)
Homocrinus polyxo, Wachsmuth & Springer, 1886, 'Revision of Palaeo-

crinoidea', III, p. 220, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1886, p. 144.
Botryocrinus polyxo, Bather, 1893, 'Crin. Gotland1, Svensk. Vet.-Akad.

Handl, XXV, No. 2, p 105.
Botryocrinus polyxo, Weller, 1900, Chicago Nat. Hist. Survey, Bulletin

IV, Part I, p. 66. Et locc. ibi citt.

ipo The Ottawa Naturalist. | August

Dorsal cup rather widely spreading upwards with concavo-
convex curve ; plates with axial folds ; RR projecting markedly
to the facet. Height of cup (197 mm.) 100; width at base, 48 ;
width at summit, 132. Plates, especially IBB and RR, wider
than high. Arm-facet .28 of R. x, which is very wide, supports
3 (or more ?) tube-plates. Proximal columnal quinquelobate ;
IBB project beyond it.

Upper Wenlockian, Niagara shales of Waldron, Ind.

Four cotypes in American Museum of Natural History, No.
1897. These are said to be figured hy Hall, Rep. N. Y. State
Mus. Nat. Hist. XXVIII, pi. xv, ff. 10-17. But Hall there mentions
five specimens. Which of them is missing ?

Since Dr. Stuart VVeller has confirmed the reference of this
species to Botryoerinns, it is unnecessary to argue the point. His
description is but slightly modified from Hall's and is presumably
based on the co-types, or at any rate on topotypes. But when he
says that the somewhat rare specimens found in the dolomite of
Bridgeport near Chicago "are indistinguishable from typical indi-
viduals from Waldron' , it must be objected that his figure (pi.
xiv, f. 12) by no means bears out this statement. The plates in
this specimen are a little disarranged, and possibly have lest some
of their outer form by solution ; but it is easy enough to see the
following points of difference. The dorsal cup shows no sign of
spreading upwards, but seems to have had straight sides. The
absence of axial folds may possibly be due to solution ; but it is
clear that the radials do not project towards the facet, which con-
sequently has not the markedly oblique slope seen in the cotypes.
Approximate proportions, based on the figure, are : height, 100 ;
width at base, 45 ; width at summit, at most, 123. The plates
are perhaps wider than high, but not nearly so much so as in the
cotypes. The arm-facet, which appears shallow, and far from
"indenting the plate to about one-fourth of its depth", is drawn
as at least .46 the width of the radial, x does not appear at all
wide ; and RA, which is here narrower, has its long axis passing
upwards from right to left, whereas in all Hall's figures it passes
upwards from left to right. In short, if there is a species of Bot-
ryoerinns to which one would have thought it impossible to refer

1906] The Species of Botryocrinus. ioi

this figure, that species is B. polyxo. Dr. Weller may reasonably
be asked for an explanation.*

Botryocrinus crassus.

Homocrinns crassus, Whiteaves, 1889, Con/rib. Canad. Pal. 1, p. 95,
Botryocrinus crassus, Bather, 1893, 'Crin Gotland'. Svensk. Vet.-Akad.

Handl., XXV, No. 2, p. ro3.
Botryocrinus crassus, Whiteaves, 1898, Contrib. Canad. Pal. I, p. 375.

Dorsal cup bell-shaped, inflated near base and slightly con"
stricted near middle of BB. RR very slightly projecting towards
the facet. Height of cup (14 mm), 100 ; width at base, 32 ;
width at summit, 95. IBB wider than high BB
higher than wide. RR wider than high below, but less wide than
high above. Arm-facet about .66 of R. x supports at least 3
tube-plates. Proximal columnal circular.

Middle Devonian, Hamilton Group, Thedford, Ont.

Holotype in Mus. Geol. Surv. Canada at Ottawa. Plasto-
type in British Museum, No. E 14060.

Redescription of the holotype (following the order of Dr.
Whiteaves' original description): —

Dorsal cup somewhat bell-shaped, rather broad and sharply
inflated near the base, and very slightly constricted just about the
middle of the basals. Height of dorsal cup, from lower margin
of infrabasals to top of radial facet, 14 mm., to bottom of facet,
12.75 torn.; maximum width ot cup, 134 mm.; width at base, 4.5
mm. Infrabasals (IBB) pentagonal, about one half the size of the
basals, and wider than high. Basals (BB) moderately large,
about equal in size to the anterior radials ; higher than wide ; the
three anterior ones hexagonal, the two posterior ones heptagonal
and truncated above. Radianal plate (RA) equal in size to the
IBB, rhomboid (see measurements below) and resting obliquely
between the two posterior BB, the right posterior radial, and the
superior anal plate x. Radials (RR) pentagonal, outer surface
nearly flat below, slightly raised in the middle, and above this

*Dr. Weller has been so generous with his help to me in the past, that on
6th Jan., 1806, I presumed to ask for the loan of material that would enable
these doubts to be set at rest. Either my letter or his reply must have gone
astray, and the publication of these remarks can no longer be delayed. ioth
July, 1906.

102 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

truncated abruptly and obliquely by the facet for the arms, angle
of facet with general side of cup being 135°. The facet is shallow-
ly excavated with contour almost circular, but broader than high,
width 4 mm.; height 3.1 mm.; axial canal small, ovate, marginal,
its acutely pointed apex opening directly into the ventral groove,
which forms an obtusely angular notch in the centre of the upper
margin of the plate. Right and left posterior RR a little smaller
than the rest. Superior anal plate x pentagonal, equal in size to
the r. post. R. and facetted above for the reception of plates of
the anal tube (vide intra). Cup-plates thick ; all rounded towards
the sutures, especially in the upper part of the cup ; outer surface
apparently smooth, but where the test is well preserved, as on
post B. and ant. R, are slight traces of shagreen ornament
Measurements in millimetres : —

Width Width Length of suture
Height, below, above. between plates.

IBB 4- 2.5 5. 3.

l- ant- B 8. 5.4 7. 4.5

ant. R 6.5 7. 6.4 4.

to bottom of facet. ... 4.

r- P°st- R 5- 5-4 4-75 4-

to bottom of facet .... 2.75

a"*l* 4-8 4-7 3-75 { J.'. ^ ^ 6

Each of the sutures bounding RA is 3 mm. long, and the
plate in each direction is 3.6 mm.
Relations of the species : —

The radials slope outwards towards the facet, in the way
characteristic of Botryocrinus. The axial canal is quite distinct
from the ventral groove, though not actually separated therefrom
by stereom. The sides of the ventral groove slope inwards at a
wide angle, and at the same time separate from one another, so
that the communication between ventral groove and axial canal
becomes wider. Right posterior radial has portions of 3 or 4
rather solid covering plates. The chief point of difference between
Homocrinus and Botryocrinus, so far as the dorsal cup is con-
cerned, lies in the number of plates supported by the anal plate x.
These plates are not preserved, but one can see the facets for

1906] The Species of Botryocrinus. 103

them on the upper surface of the plate x. There is one small,
deeply grooved facet in the middle, and another rather smaller
immediately to the right ot this. The right and left slopes
of anal x have larger curved facets, of which that on the left
still bears a fragment of the succeeding tube-plate. Two
small similar facets are clear on the adjacent slope of left
posterior radial and one at all events is to be made out on
right posterior radial. These facets are surrounded by a
slightly elevated rim, so that their size and position are well de-
fined. The arrangement of the tube-plates of the proximal row
must therefore have been very like that of Botryocrinus ramostssi-
mus, as figured in 'Crinoidea of Gotland' I, pi. v, fig. 164.

Among all specimens of Botryocrinus hitherto examined, this
is the only one in which the greatest width of the cup is less than
the height. This fact and the bell-shape of the cup certainly war-
rant the retention of the species.

Botryocrinus americanus.

Botryoii inns americanus, R. R. Rowley, 1904, Greene's 'Contrib. Indiana
Palaeont.', Part XVIII, p. 184, pi. lv, ff. 12-14.

Dorsal cup spreading out rapidly from the narrow column,
then ascending with approximately straight sides ; all plates
somewhat tumid, especially BB, which have wart like prominences
in their lower part. Height of cup (as drawn 8 1 — 8 6 mm.),
100 ; diameter of column (2.3 mm.) 27 ; width at bottom of BB
and top of RR (circa. 9 5 mm.), 113. IBB low as seen from the
side, but their length is greater than their width. BB higher
than wide. RR (except perhaps the two posterior) slightly wider
than high. Arm-facet more than .5 of R. Number of tube-
plates supported by x uncertain. Proximal columnal circular.

Middle Devonian, Hamilton Group, near Charlestown, Ind.

Holotype in collection of G. K. Greene, New Albany, Ind.

Professor Rowley's clear description unfortunately omils a few
details that would have helped to complete the present diagnosis.*

*Mr. Greene would, I am confident, have acceded to my request to
borrow the holotype for examination ; but, as I regret to learn from Prof.
Rowley, illness has prevented him from attending to business for some
months. 10th July, 1906.

104 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

The figures suggest that the arm-facet occupies the whole upper
surface of the radial, but it is merely described as more than half
the width. Jt might be possible to distinguish facets for tube-
plates on the summit of x, though the phrase " its top suture on a
line with the top of the radials " suggests that it only supported
one plate. Though very different in shape from all other dorsal cups
ot Botryocrinus, there seems no reason to doubt Prof. Rowley's
ascription of his species. After all, the characters are only an in-
tensification of those noted in B . crassus from the same formation.
It should, however, be recalled that there exist other Palaeo-
zoic genera with the dorsal cup constructed as in Botryocrinus . The
Devonian representative of such genera is Cosmocrinus (Jaekel,
1898, Zeitschr. deutsch. geol. ges , L, Protok. p. 28). C. Holsap-
feli Jaekel, Poteriocrinus dilatatus Schultze, and Cyathocrinus
ornatissimus Hall were referred to this genus by Dr. Jaekel, and
of these the first should be made genolectotype. A good figure of
the cup has been given only tor C. dilatatus, and this, though
marked with exceptionally strong axial folds, appears to have the

characteristic Botryocrinus structure. Redescription of C. oma-
tissimus is much needed. At present it can only be said that, in
the absence ol direct evidence from the arms, there is no reason
for referring any other American species to Cosinocrinus.

Cosinocrinus is a distinct side-branch of Devonian age, but
perhaps the American Devonian fossils here referred to Bo-
tryocrinus represent a transition from that typically Silurian genus
to the very similar Carboniferous Barycrinus. Protuberant bas-
als, like those ot Botryocrinus americanus, are seen in Barycrinus
stellatus, B. bullatus, B. subtumidus, B. mammatus, and others.
Perhaps indeed Botryocrinus americanus is really a Barycrinus.
And perhaps Botryocrinus itself should be merged in that genus.
Fifteen years have passed since 1 expressed my inability to dis-
tinguish between Botryocrinus^ Barycrinus, and Vasocrinus, and
since I "thought it better simply to describe the long-known
genus Botryocrinus as fully as possible, with the aid of new mate-
rial, and to leave to the American palaeontologists the task of
comparing it afresh with these other more particularly American
genera." All that American palaeontologists have done in the
matter since then has been to accept without discussion my refer-
ence of certain American species to Botryocrinus. May we not
hope for an independent study of this question from one of the
many careful workers who are now turning their attention to the
fossil crinoids of North America ?

1 906 J Plants from the Canadian Rockies and Selkirks. 105

SOME NEW PLANTS FROM THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

AND SELKIRKS.

Edith M. Farr.

In the summer of 1904 I collected specimens of a Pachystima
which proved upon examination to be a hitherto undescribed
species and was given the name of P. macrophyllum. It was
found in fruit at Bear Creek Station in the Selkirks while the more
usual form, P. Myrsinites, was collected in flower in the
month of May, at Cedar Creek, in the same range of mountains.
In order to complete the study of these forms it was necessary
to secure specimens of P. macrophyllum, in flower, and of P.
Myrsinites in fruit. Accordingly a special effort to that end
was made this past summer when the region of the Selkirk
Mts. was again visited. P. macrophyllum was obtained in full
flower at Bear Creek Station on the twenty-fifth of May, P.
Myrsinites in flower at Six Mile Creek on the eighteenth of
May, and at Glacier on the twenty-sixth of the same month.
During the first week in August P. Myrsinites was found in fruit
at Glacier so that the two forms were then complete.

In genera! appearance the two differ widely, and this is
especially evident when they are both seen at the same season of
the year, As stated in the paper published in November, 1904,
in the "Contributions from the Botanical Laboratory of the
University of Pennsylvania," P. Myrsinites is of compact habit,
the branches being erect and stiff, the leaves arranged in a
decussate manner, giving a bushy appearance to the shrub.
Further, the entire plant has a yellowish tone, while the leaves
are thicker and more rounded than in P. macrophyllum. P.
macrophyllum is of a loosely spreading habit, the branches being
somewhat drooping and graceful, the leaves spreading in such
a manner as to give a 2-ranked, flattened appearance to the
branches. This species has a bright, almost bluish green tone as
compared with P. Myrsinites, and the leaves are, as a rule,
three to five times as long as broad.

Still another form was collected at Bear Creek Station, the
same locality in which P. macrophyllum has been found. This
plant was collected by Mrs. Charles Schaffer, and I take the

106 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

liberty of naming it in honor of the late Dr. Charles Schaffer of
Philadelphia, who spent many summers in this region and was
much interested in the flora of the Canadian Rockies and Selkirks.

Specimens collected by Mr. Louis Krautter at Black Butte,
Siskiyou Co., California, differ markedly in certain respects from
those already mentioned, and are, 1 think, worthy of being
assigned to a separate species. I have therefore described them
under the name P. Krautteri.

The distinguishing points in the above named species may be
mentioned as follows :—

In P. Schaefferi and P. macrophyllum, the habit is loosely
spreading with the leaves borne in one plane while in P.
Myrsinites, the habit is compact and rigid with the leaves
spreading in a decussate fashion ; the habit ot P. Krautteri, is
somewhat intermediate, the leaves closely ascending, but in one
plane only. The internodes in P. Myrsinities are on an average
much shorter than in P. macrophyllum, while in P. Schaefferi they
are extremely variable although seldom surpassing the shortest
in P. macrophyllum ; in P. Krautteri they vary slightly and are
intermediate between P. Myrsinites and P. macrophyllum. In P,
Myrsinites the petioles are suddenly contracted into the midrib, in
P. macrophyllum and P. Krautteri, the petioles are swollen and
this swelling is frequently continued into the midrib.

The four forms vary strikingly in the shape, size, veining,
texture and color of the leaves.

P. Myrsinites and P. Schaefferi produce an abundance of
flowers but comparatively few are found on P. macrophyllum
and P. Krautteri. The sepals and petals are more elongated in
P. macrophyllum than in P. Myrsinites while the filaments of the
latter are much longer in proportion to the length of the anthers.
The style of P. macrophyllum and of P. Krautteri is rather
slender and the stigma slightly bilobed; in P. Schaefferi, the stigma
is strongly bilobed ; and in P. Myrsinites the style is stout
and the stigma rounded. In both P. Myrsinites and P. macro-
phyllum very little fruit is produced. This is especially striking
in P. Myrsinites where the flowers occur in great prolusion. P
Schaefferi and P. Krautteri have not been seen in fruit.

In P. macrophyllum the flowers are very markedly pro-

1906] Plants from the Canadian Rockies and Selkirks. 107

tandrous. In all the forms the color of the flowers is similar, a
brick red, but in P. macrophyllum it is rather deeper in shade
than in the other species.

Following- are descriptions not only of those species hitherto
undescribed but also of P. Myrsinites and of P. macrophyllum.

Pachystima Afyrsinites, sp. nov.

Twig-s short, dense, radiate, sienna brown with 4 narrow dark
ridges, the internodes 6-10 mm. long, the leaves densely and
decussately spreading, nearly sessile or shortly petiolate, the
petioles suddenly contracted beneath into the flat midrib, lamina
sub-rotund to oval and elliptic, the veins very obscure in 3-4 pairs,
radiating, the margin dentate, teeth not incurved, thickened and
revolute below, thinning out above, yellowish-green above and
below, thick, opaque.

Flowers odorless, very numerous, densely clustered in fascicles
of 5-6, rarely 3-4, on arrested, bi-bracteolate branches springing
from axils of foliage leaves ; sepals broadiy oval, the midrib faint
or absent, apex rounded ; petals oval to ovate, nearly as broad
as long ; stamens 4, inserted into a quadrate disc, filaments twice
the length of the anthers ; flowers slightly protandrous to gyno-
monoecious ; style short, thick, stigma rounded. Fruit scanty.

Pachystima macrophyllum, sp. nov.

Twigs elongate, loosely spreading in one plane, cinnamon
brown, longitudinally 4-ridged, the ridges dark brown, the inter-
nodes 10-20, usually 15 mm. long, the leaves arranged in one
plane and springing from between the stem ridges, shortly petio-
late, the peHoles gradually contracted into the leaf midrib, lamina
oval-elliptic to oblanceolate, the veins evident, in six pairs,
longitudinally oblique, the margin incurved-toothed from near the
middle upwards, strongly thickened and revolute, glaucous green
above, bright green below, translucent.

Flowers few, in fascicles of 2-3, sometimes 1, on short
branches in axils of foliage leaves ; sepals ovate, contracted at
base, the midrib usually prominent, the margins slightly toothed,
apex pointed ; petals broadly ovate, twice longer than broad,
finely but irregularly toothed along upper margins, apex rounded ;
stamens 4, inserted into a quadrately circular disc, filaments and

io8 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

anthers of equal length ; flowers protandrous, the ovary sunk in
the disc ; style rather slender, at first short, later elongated,
stigma slightly bilobed. Fruit scanty.

Pachystima Schaefferi, sp. nov.

Twigs spreading as in P. macrophyllum, but the color and
ridges approaching P. Myrsinites, the internodes very variable,
from 2-10 mm. long, the leaves in one plane, shortly petiolate, the
petioles slightly swollen, the bladdery swelling often prolonged
into the midrib, lamina lanceolate to linear - lanceolate, the
veins evident, in 6-7 pairs, intermediate in position between P.
Myrsinites and P. macrophyllum, the margin blunt-toothed from
the middle upwards, slightly thickened, not revolute, bright green
above and below, translucent.

Flowers agreeably odorous, very numerous, in short clusters
of 2-5, on slightly elongated branches ; sepals and petals as in P.
macrophyllum ; stamens 4, inserted into a quadrate disc ; filaments
one and one-half to two times longer than anthers ; style rather
thin, stigma strongly bilobed.

Pachystima Krautteri, sp. nov.

Twigs elongate, closely spreading in one plane, grayish-
brown, the internodes 9-1 1 mm. long, the leaves rather crowded,
closely ascending in one plane, shortly petiolate, the petioles grad-
ually attenuate into the midrib, lamina elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate,
the veins evident below, obscure above, in 4-5 pairs, obliquely
radiating, the margins strongly and sharply dentate in the upper
half, thickened and revolute, bright yellowish-green, rather thick,
almost opaque.

Flowers fewx in clusters of 1-3, on short branches, sepals
ovate-deltoid, midrib not discernible, the margins entire, or near-
ly so, petals not seen, stamens 4, disc as in P. macrophyllum,
style rather slender, with slightly enlarged, faintly bilobed stigma.
Fruit not seen.

The following new species were also collected during the sum-
mer of 1905. The type specimens of these, as well as of those of
Pachystima Schaefferi and P. Krautteri are in the Herbarium of
the University of Pennsylvania. ^t\^\CA/

'^/lisraryISi

19^6] Plants from the Canadian Rockies and Selkirks. 109

Arnica Louiseana, sp. nov.

Plant 7-20 cm. high, slender, pubescent. Leaves in about
three pairs, the two lowest at base of stem, the lowest pair
2-4 cm. long, elliptical to obovate, on short winged petioles,
mostly entire, the second pair 4-6 cm. long, elliptical, sessile,
sparingly and saliently denticulate, the uppermost pair usually
much smaller, narrowly ovate to lanceolate, entire or denticulate,
all slightly glandular on both surfaces, the margins sparingly
glandular and bearing a few long white hairs, fragrant.

Heads of flowers 1-3, usually 3, fragrant, 4 cm. broad, borne
on lony, slender, nodding, pubescent peduncles, the hairs inter-
spersed with glands; ray and disc flowers light yellow, rays 8-10,
12-14 mm. long. Involucre 1 cm. high, campanulate,s densely
glandular villous at base, brownish-purple, the bracts lanceolate,
acute, bearing scattered white hairs especially towards the apex,
uniseriate, equal.

Receptacle slightly convex; achenes linear, strongly striate,
brownish-black with a few short, scattered, white hairs; pappus
white.

This species is perhaps more closely related to A. Lessingii,
Greene, than to any other, but is a much smaller plant. The mar-
gins of the leaves are slightly glandular-ciliate while in A.
Lessingii they are strongly pubescent.

It has usually three heads instead of one only as in that spe-
cies; the bracts of the involucre uniseriate instead of biseriate,
glandular and villous at base instead of pubescent. The rays are
about half the length of those in A. Lessingii. The pale yellow
color of the flowers and their drooping tendency distinguish it
from other Arnicas of the region. It was found growing among
the loose rocks on the slopes of Mt. Fairview, at Lake Louise in
the Canadian Rocky Mts.

Hieracium Albertlnwn, sp. nov.

25-50 cm. high, the stem villous throughout with long, rigid,
white hairs arising from black papillae.

Leaves 5-12 cm. long, narrowly elliptical, tapering at both
ends, the upper sessile, the lower narrowed into margined
petioles.

1 10 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

Heads about 2 cm. broad, numerous in a paniculate raceme,
light yellow. Involucre 12 mm. high, conspicuously clothed with
long, soft, white hairs, bracts linear, mainly in one series

Achenes oblong, striate, dark brown; pappus tawny.

Hieraclum Albertinum, was collected on the fourteenth
of August, 1905. It was found growing abundantly with
Eriogonum subalptnum, Greene, Silene Lyallii, Watson, and
Heuchera ovalifolia, Nutt., on a grassy slope above the trail be-
tween Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The long white hairs
with which the plant is so profusely covered give it a silvery ap-
pearance which is very striking and typical.

Dry as (omentosa, sp. no v.

Similar to D. Drummondii, Richards, but the leaves covered
on both surfaces with a thick white tomentum, giving them a pale
gray color above and white beneath; the petioles rather stout,
clothed with white floccose pubescence. The yellow flowers are
borne on stout floccose-pubescent scapes. The sepals are densely
glandular with purplish-black stalked glands.

This interesting form of Dryas was collected near the summit
of the Pass leading from Emerald Lake into the Yoho Valley, at
an altitude probably of 5500 feet. It was growing in patches
with Drummondii ', with which it did not seem to intergrade, but
preserved its own individuality.

Ranunculus apetalus, sp. nov.

Slender, 25-37 cm. high, villous with scattered hairs, becom-
ing glabrate below.

Leaves 18-50 mm. broad, the basal orbicular to cordate in
outline, from det-ply crenate to 5-9-lobed or divided, the divisions
cuneate and irregularly lobed, petioled ; the cauline divided to the
base, the cuneate divisions deeply and variously incised ; sessile,
clothed with loosely matted hairs or the lower glabrous, gray
green.

Flowers several, about 1 cm. broad, borne on long peduncles.
Sepals 5, very concave, sub-orbicular, villous on the exterior, the
margins often petaloid, yellowish-green. Petals wanting.

Head of fruit oblong to ovoid. Achenes inflated, compressed

igo6] Richardson's Merlin. in

laterally, not angled, pubescent, tipped with the minute decurved
style, i-ovuled, maturing very irregularly.

This Ranunculus closely resembles R. affinis, R. Br. var-
validusy Gray, in the heterophyllous character of the leaves, but
these are not succulent as they are said to be in ihat variety. No
trace of petals can be discerned in bud, half open flower or fully
matured bloom; but the sepals have a decidedly petaloid appear-
ance owing to the margins being quite yellow and glabrous.

It was found growing by the roadsides at Banff, Alberta.

RICHARDSON'S MERLIN.

I notice that very little reference is made in the "Catalogue
of Canadian Birds" in connection with the nesting habits of
Richardson's merlin, and think, perhaps, it would not be out of
place lor me to give my own experience of this bird while spend-
ing the summer of 1904 at Lethbridge, Alberta.

During the first week of May, 1904, I observed several pairs
of these birds in the poplars that abound in the bottoms ot the
Belly River. I thought at the time that they were pigeon hawks,
and that they were probably nesting in natural cavities in trees;
but events proved otherwise.

On May 7th I made another visit to the locality where one
pair was seen and was surprised at not being greeted with the
usual harsh and scolding cries of the birds. Everything being
quiet, I thought they had left the district or had been shot. While
passing underneath a dilapidated magpie's nest, which was placed
some 7 feet overhead in a scrubby poplar, I was surprised to see
the female merlin flush from the same. The nest contained a
pretty set of five eggs, which were simply laid on crumpled mud.
The eggs are of a dark reddish brown color, resembling the duck
hawk's eggs, being, of course, much smaller. The male bird
came over from some of the adjacent poplars and the pair became
pugnacious, sometimes darting within a foot of one's head, and
uttering harsh cackling cries.

I 12

The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

During the next two weeks I located three other magpies'
nests containing full sets of this bird, the merlins in every instance
being very noisy and wicked.

During the first week in June I took a beautiful second set of
five eggs of this bird. This clutch was laid in the deserted nest
of the American roughlegged hawk, which was placed about 60
feet up in a large poplar. This set is blotched with cinnamon
color, not being of a general wash like the other sets. The pig-
ment no doubt gave out in this case.

I am confident that these birds were just breeding locally, as
they were not observed anywhere else. The many magpies'
nests in Ihe vicinity of Lethbridge seem to attract the birds,
although I saw a pair of merlins looking after an old crow's nest,
but was unable to visit the spot again.

To clinch the matter of identification I forwarded a set of
these eggs to Mr. Walter Raine, of Toronto, and another to Mr.
E. Arnold, of Battle Creek, Mich., and both gentlemen agree that
the eeers are none other than Richardson's merlin.

W. J. Brown.
Westmount, Que., July 10th, 1936.

THE GOLDEN WINGED WARBLER IN MANITOBA.

While watching a small lot of warblers in thickish woods on
the morning of May 22nd I noted an unusual one among them
which on close inspection proved to be a male golden-winged
warbler {Hvlminthophila chrysopterd) in full plumage. Numer-
ous Magnolia warblers, redstarts and a few others were with it.
This — so far as I am aware — is the second record of this bird
appearing in Manitoba, the other having been taken by Mr. W.
Hine, near Winnipeg about the 27th day of May, 1887 — See
Catalogue of Canadian Birds, part III., page 583, and The Atik,
Vol. VII., page 404.

Norman Criddle.
Aweme, Manitoba.

igo6] Correspondence. 113

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Editor Ottawa Naturalist :

Dear Sir,— In the last issue of The Auk Rev. G. VV. G.
Eifrig notes a peculiar fact about the field sparrow. "That it is
found in the fall migration in Ottawa but that apparently nothing-
is recorded of its summer home to the north nor of its spring
migration." As bearing on this subject I might say that I found
single specimens of this bird in song on August 31, 1905 and
July 27, 1899, at Kazuabazua, on the blueberry barrens, and on
August 7, 1899, 1 recorded two in song near Ottawa, but have
no memo, of the exact locality. The fact of the bird being there
in full song at midsummer is practically as good a proof of its
summer residence as if the nest and eggs were actually found.
There is a good deal of the country north of Ottawa where the
original forest has been destroyed which has now been given up
to blueberry and to sweet fern, and I should think it likely that
the field sparrows would occur all through this country where
these conditions obtain. Ottawa is by no means the only
place which shows erratic distribution of this species. In London
it is very common and equally so at Toronto but in Guelph there
is not a single record, and I am not sure but that this condition
applies to the whole ot Wellington county in which Guelph is
situated, yet the bird is found much further north in western
Ontario. It does not seem that there is any lack of suitable
ground in the Guelph region. A raspberry thicket on the edge
of a field or hazel or thorn bushes in an half open woods are its
usual habitat and these combinations occur all over the country.

W. E. Saunders.
London, Ont., July 18th, 1906.

ii4 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August

REVIEW.

Mountain Wild Flowers of Canada. A Simple and Popular
Guide to the Names and Descriptions of the Flowers
that Bloom above the Clouds By Julia Henshaw,
Toronto, William Briggs, 190^, pp. 384.

When a book on Canadian wild flowers is prefaced by letters
of endorsation from Prof. Macoun and Dr. Fletcher, its excellence
may be taken for granted, but the most hurried glance through
" Mountain Wild Flowers of Canada" is sufficient to stamp it the
finest work of its kind that has been published in America. The
hundred full page half-tones reproduced from the best of many
hundred photographs of mountain flowers taken by the author
are in themselves worth far more than the price of the book. But
to one who knows and loves mountain flowers the chief value of
Mrs. Henshaw's work lies in the record of her own notes and
observations which follow the technical description of each
species. Many of the illustrations represent species which have not
before been figured, but descriptions and illustrations while they
make a b^ok useful and attractive cannot compare in value with
the record in simple beautiful language of the results of many
years study of the growing plants. What Mrs. Trail has done for
the wild flowers of eastern Canada, Mrs. Henshaw is doing for the
west and they stand alone.

Intended primarily as a help to the tourist or botanist who is
not familiar with alpine flowers, " Mountain Wild Flowers of
Canada " is in the attractiveness of its illustrations and the poetic
beauty of the author's notes so far beyond any other popular
botanical work that no lover of nature can afford to be without it
A few sentences extracted from the preface will indicate Mrs.
Henshaw's style: "Who can adequately describe the luxuriant
profusion of these alpine meadows ? Who can tell in mere words
of the glory and the glamour of such a scene ? All around one
the dazzling peaks in their frozen and pitiless beauty point long
slender fingers up to God ; cruel crevases spht the gigantic rocks
from tree-less top to pine-clad base where glaciers cling to the
cliff with sparkling tentacles, and lichened stone-slopes are graci-
ously clothed by the creeping juniper, and the pale green of
Lyall's larches.

5^lNo* a ••j/'v^

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. ^Lf. V

Vol. XX. OTTAWA, SEPTEMBER, 1906. No. 6

NOTES ON SOME LAND AND FRESH WATER SHELLS
FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA.

By J. F. Whiteaves.

(A.) Prom the vicinity of the International Boundary,
on and between the Similkameen River and the
Sumas Lake and Prairie ; collected by J. M.
Macoun and W. Spreadborough in 1905.

The specimens referred to in this list were collected by Mr.
Macoun in his capacity as Naturalist to the International Boundary
Commission, or by Mr. Spreadborough, who was his assistant.

Although the region that they collected in is part of the
country traversed by Mr. J. K. Lord, when naturalist to a similar
commission in i860, no specimens of Limncea Sumassi, Baird, or
of Physa Lordi, Baird, were detected or recognized in any of their
collections. In the case of the Physa, the water at the typical
locality for it (Lake Osoyoos) was so high when Mr. Macoun and his
colleague visited it, in June, that no fresh water shells of any kind
were obtained there. And, in this connection it may be mentioned
that good specimens of the large Physa from Meach's Lake, near
CheNea, that were long thought to be either P. Lordi, or a large
form of P. ancillaria, have recently been examined by Dr. Dall
and pronounced to be the latter. "These shells," he writes, in a
letter dated May 11th, 1906, " according to Tryon and Haldeman^
are typical Physa ancillaria, Say, except that they are larger than
usual. One of the middle sized specimens exactly agrees with
Tryon's figure."

The species with an asterisk prefixed to their names were
kindly determined by Dr. V. Sterki.

u6 The Ottawa Naturalist. [September

Pelecypoda.

Anodonta Oregonensis, Lea. (1838).
Anodonta cognata, Gould, 1850.

Small lake at Hope, aud Sumas Lake, W. Spreadborough ;
several living and adult shells from each of these localities.

Sphoerium tumiditm, Baird.

Sumas Lake, W. Spreadborough ; a fine series of living
specimens, in all stages of growth. This is the typical and only
known locility for this well defined species.

* ' Sphcerium ( Musculium ) Raymondi ? J. G. Cooper, :

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough, several specimens, most
of which are very immature. Specimens similar to the larger
ones, in the Museum of the Geological Survey of Canada, were
collected at ponds between Quesnel and Stewart lakes, hy the late
Dr. A. R. C. Selwyn in 1875.

* Pisidium proximum, Sterki.

Second summit west of the Skagit River, in a small pond at
an altitude of 6,000 feet, W. Spreadborough ; many fine and
adult living specimens.

* Pisidium Strcatori, Sterki. Vrar.

Third summit west of the Skagit River, in a small pond at an
altitude of 6,000 feet, W. Spreadborough ; nineteen specimens.

* Pisidium variabilc ? Prime.

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough ; six specimens.

Pisidium, sp. undetermined.

Peat bog near the Skagit River, J. M. Macoun ; eight
specimens.

Pisidium, sp. undetermined.

In a marsh, Lake House, Skagit River, J. M. Macoun ;
sixteen specimens.

Gasteropoda.

Ltmncea pahistn's, Muller.

Similkameen River, J. M. Macoun ; five specimens.

1906] Land and Fresh Water Shells. 117

Limncea desidiosa, Say. (Teste Dall.)

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough ; many specimens.

Limncea Vahlii? (Beck) Moller. Young.
Or L. lepida, Gould, young. Dall.

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough ; twelve specimens.

Planorbis ( Pierosoma) trivolvis ? Say.

Sumas Prairie, and small lake at Hope, W. Spreadborough ;
several immature specimens from each of these localities. These
specimens are probably referable to P. trivolvis, but they may be
young shells of P. fiinneyi, Tryon.

Planorbis ( Menetus ) opercularis, Gould.

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough ; several specimens.

Piano/ bis ( Menetus ) opercularis, Gould,
var. Centervillensis, Tryon. Teste Dall.

Peat bog near the Skagit River, J. M. Macoun ; four speci-
mens.

Planorbis ( Torquis ) vermicularis, Gould.

Marsh near Lake House, on the Skagit River, J. M. Macoun ;
several living specimens.

Physa propinqua, Tryon.

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough, seven specimens ; and
Similkameen River, J. M. Macoun, six specimens. This is the
Physa heterostropha of Baird, but apparently not of Say.

Physa gyrina, Say. Teste Dall.

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough ; several specimens.
Physa Nuttalli, Lea. Teste Dall.

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough ; thirteen specimens.
Zonitoides arborens (Say).

Peat bog near the Skagit River, J. M. Macoun ; five speci-
mens.

Euconulus fulvus (Draparnaud).

Peat bog near the Skagit River, J. M. Macoun ; one specimen.

n8 The Ottawa Naturalist. [September

Succinea Hawkinsi, Baird.

East bank of the Similkamee n River, J. M. Macoun ; four
rather small but living specimens.

Succinea retusa, Lea.

Sumas Prairie, W. Spreadborough ; several specimens. In
the Museum of the Geological Survey there are similar specimens
from Deer Park, B.C , at an altitude of 5,300 feet, collected by
Professor Macoun in 1890.

(B.) From Douglas, B.C., collected by W. Spread-
borough in May, jqo6.

Pelecypoda.

Margaritana margaritifera (L).

Campbell's Creek ; four perfect but rather small specimens.

* Pisidium " abditum,'''' or near.
Several specimens.

Gasteropoda.

Planorbis ( Menetus ) opercularis,
var. Centervillensis.

Several specimens.

Polygyra Columbiana (Lea).

Two living and adult specimens.

Circinaria Vancouverensis (Lea).

One fine adult and living specimen.

(C.) From various localities arid collections.
Pelecypoda.

Gonidea angu?afa (Lea).
Anodonta aiigulata, Lea. 1838.

This species has been recorded from British Columbia by
Simpson and Dall, presumably because it is included in one of the
lists of shells collected in that province by J. K. Lord in i860.
But, Mr. Lord's specimens are expressly stated to be from the
Columbia River at Fort Colville, which, he says, is " not strictly

1906] Land and Fresh Water Shells. 119

in British Columbia." It is not included in the Rev. G. W.
Taylor's " Preliminary Catalogue of the Marine Mollusca of the
Pacific Coast of Canada, with notes upon their distribution/' in the
Transactions of the Royal Society of Canada for 1895, though this
paper gives a list of the land and fresh water, as well as of the
marine shells of British Columbia, and quite recently Dr. Dall
writes that he can find no specific record oi Gonidea from that
province in the United States National Museum.

In March, 1906, however, two dead but characteristic and
separate valves, of shells that, in the writer's judgment, are clearly
referable to this species, were presented to the Museum of the
Geological Survey, by Mr. G E Winkler, of Penticton, who
writes that he had recently found them "in the Okanagan River,
near where it leaves Okanagan Lake, at Penticton." And, still
more recently, in August last, he has collected and kindly forwarded,
four perfect and adult, living but otherwise similar shells, from
the same locality. This would seem to be the first definitely
Canadian record for this well known California and Idaho species.

Pisidium Idahocnse, Roper.

In the Museum of the Geological Survey there are two speci-
mens, one perfect one and a single valve, of this species, which
were collected at Fort George, "at the confluence of the Fraser
and Nechacco rivers, B C," by Dr. G. M. Dawson in 1875. This
is a previously unrecorded locality for this apparently rather rare
species.

Gasteropoda.

Polygyra ptychophora (Brown).

Helix ptychophora, A. D. Brown, 1870.

In the same museum there are a few good specimens of this
species, from the following localities in British Columbia. Elk
River, in the Crow's Nest Pass, collected by J. B. Tyrrell in 1883 ;
Sproat, collected by Professor Macoun in 1890 ; and Trail, col-
lected by W. Spreadborough in 1902.

Dr. Dall writes that similar specimens from Mission Junction
(43 miles east of Vancouver, on the main line of the Canadian
Pacific Railway) have recently been received at the United States
National Museum.

I2o The Ottawa Naturalist. [September

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF THE LATE ROBT.

ELLIOTT.

(Continued from Vol XIX p. 178.)

Aug. 17. At edge of wcod opposite Mossey Cup Island I
found in a small rotten stub, nest of flying squirrel ; the female
and four young about half grown. Nest five feet from ground
in abandoned woodpecker's or blue-bird's hole, filled with fine
bark strips. The mother came out, passed to top of stub and
descended to foot of nearest tree. While I was examining young
she came close to hole but again crawled to the top and passed
away as before.

Aug. 29. Examined stomach of racoon ; killed abcut 10 P.M.
in corn patch. Contents 2-3 green corn, 1-3 insects, chiefly black
beetles, but some red-legged locusts. In addition there was
about 30 white worms, round, thickness of a knitting needle and
about 1 1-2 to 2 inches long. Preserved three. Order Rema-
tcidea.

Sept. 1. Fine, cloudless day- Saw alighting on dry,
ploughed ground about sixty golden plover. When they rose
and circled many times in the air, each time rising higher, they
formed an exceedingly beautiful sight, especially when in turning,
the sun was reflected in metallic opalescence.

Sept. 13. Found Botrychium hmarioides,, perhaps var..
obliquum, at Cough's. The Plover Mills Veronica is probably
V. agrostis but Gray says it is one to two seeded while this is
eight to twelve.

Nov. 14. At Foster's saw six grouse, one woodcock and one
quail. The last named is now quite scarce in this neighborhood.
Mr. F. gave me one egg of whippoorwill which he found in leafy
woods in June. There was another one which he left. This
one has rather small lavender spots upon a white ground. It is
somewhat abnormal on account of the spots.

Dec. 15. The bird shot by Mr. A. Ralph, of sixth concession,
Lcndon Township about Nov. 15th last is very probably the blue
goose, Chen caendescens (Linn). This is important and must
not be overlooked.

ujo6] Extracts from Diary of the Latf Robt. Elliott. 121

Jany. 3, 1899. R. James and Jos. Smith heard one frog in
swamp today. Very mild. I looked a great many places, un-
der rotten logs, etc. fcr salamanders but found no traces of them.

Jany. 8. Picked off a thorn tree remains of a vole, probably
left there by northern shrike.

Jany. 24. Hoar frost. Very warm today. Saw one

light colored shore lark on the road (First).

Jany. 31. H. Kami, near Embrc, in chopping a hollow tree
came across eleven coons (Procyon lotor) in the interior; eight
were killed, three escaping.

March 8. Saw J. W. digging two skunks out of a burrow in
sandy soil, in open woods near river. They were in a nest of dry
leaves about 2 1-2 feet from surface, male and female — the latter
smaller and fatter than the other. Examined the stomachs; that
cf the male contained two or three withered leaves, and mixed
with them, hairs of (probably) voles. There were also* a large
number of worms, parasites, numerous very small ones, and half
dozen or so larger ones, one inch long. The female's stomach
contained nothing but numerous small w< rms in mucous. W.
told me that the greatest number of skunks he ever found in a
burrow was eleven ; but said that a man he knew once ran a fox
into a hole and on setting a trap at the mouth he caught fifteen
full grown skunks in as many consecutive nights and on the six-
teenth he caught the fox. W. also stated that at cne time during
winter he dug a skunk out of a nest and found a woodchuck
close beside it in a nest of its own. The latter was curled up and
in a state of torpor, it awoke on the snow.

March 18. Saw a redtailed hawk and tiger beetle. Is
the water bear (Tardigrada) really a depauperate arachnidian? Saw
caddis fly larva for first time in same pool with Bnuicliippus
stagnalis. Pickering's tree toad croaking in pools for first.

March 19. Many Pickering's tree toads out. Saw two
small garter snakes! on dry knoll at edge of pool. Saw the first
Camberwell beauty at edge of wcods.

March 21. Saw a white-fcoted mouse in hole (natural scar)
of small green beech. Nest of thistledown. A large mass of
shelled beechnuts were lying at loot of tree. The margin of

122 The Ottawa Naturalist. [September

the hole on the outside was partly eaten away by (1 believe) some
larger mammal ; probably to get at the little white-foot It was
quite tame but would bite a little at a twig inserted and once
struck at it with its front feet.

March 25. At Model. *Skunk cabbage in full bloom. The
spathe is shell-like and very pretty, being variously streaked with
purple and yellow. The whole plant has a strong skunk-like
odor, no doubt a defense to the large tender plant in the strug-
gle for life in places overrun by herbivorous animals. The blos-
som precedes the leaves — and is very early — the cnly available
time the plant has found to catch the eye of the fertilizing bees.

March 28. Froze hard last night. Slight snow fall, quite
cold A. M. Birds hard put. P.M. sun out, snow melted.

April 1. Five or six inches of snow. Winter once more.
Birds are surely hard put.

April 3. Cloudy and mild. Snow disappearing. Saw

four or five killdeer running at a creek edge querulously calling.

April 4. Froze hard last night, rather mild today. Saw
at edge of muddy road what I took to be a Wilson snipe, al-
though apparently rather small. It lit on a rail fence and/ allowed
me to approach within thirty-five yards, then flew with the irre-
gular snipe-flight, and at the moment of rising uttered a charac-
teristic bleat.

April 5. Fine, A. M. Vesper sparrow singing for first time,
Saw phoebe at Crozier's Creek. P.M. Snowing heavily, and hign
wind from north. As I rode fifteen miles in the teeth of the
storm I had a clearer view of the struggle for existence.

April 6. Snow 6 inches deep on the level and high drifts be-
side. All this snow fell since yesterday noon. This morning
is calm and mild with a strong sun shining, and no doubt, the
snow will rapidly pass away, surely none too soon for the poor
birds. Saw part of the skin with a few feathers, of a small
bird on thorn at edge of side road. A shrike had dined well and

Note.— " The Model" to which Mr.^Elliolt refers so frequently in his
Diary was an abandoned farm with swampy woods and an old neglected
orchard which furnished the best possible ground tor the botanist and
ornithologist . With his gentle satire he christened it the " .Model harm.'"

1906] Extracts from Diary of the Late Robt. Elliott 123

si me little songster suddenly ceased to sing. Saw flicker in
maple at edge of orchard ; also another on ant hill eating a me-
dium-sized ant with brownish head and thorax, and black abdo-
men. Think of the storm last night and the hot sun today.
When the ant hill is bare of snow the inmates sally out, the hungry
flicker comes, and the great question is who is to live. How
eagerly the ants were working to clear away debris ! How pr
ty the flicker's plumage in the light of the western sun !

April 7. Watched pileated woodpecker digging its nest in a
high stub at 10 A.M. Noticed the bird at the same hole on
March 17; nest was well dug out at that time. Now, last year,
1 saw a hole in the winter which was afterwards used by the
pileated for an nest. Does this bird use the winter rocsting
place as a nest for the ensuing season, and are their nests occu-
pied for more than one season? The yellow-shafted flicker does
this.

April 8. Visited Cough's in the evening. Many signs ot
spring, the more notable being blossoms of Erigenia bu1bosa>
Claytonia and Hepatica. What delicate odors and most ex-
quisite tints these early nurslings of April show ! Near the spot
where the Harbinger of Spring starred the gray knolls, a male
chewink cheerfully sang ; another answered him from a neigh-
boring copse. Heard a W. R. shrike singing a feeble song on
top of a high elm.

April 9. Captured a specimen of the butterfly Grapta
j-album. Saw three individuals at different places and followed
one a long distance but owing to its very rapid flight it escaped.
How perfectly the under side of its wing assimilates with the
grey of decayed leaves and wood. When the wings are closed
it is very difficult to make it out among dead leaves, and no
doubt by this means it often escapes the notice of sharper eyes
than mine, viz: — those of the keen and hungry birds.

April 10. I walked one and half miles along the river from

Model to Plover Mills. It was very pleasant, the bright sun was

\ setting at the head of a long ravine, the mo; n overhead was slow-

^' Iv gathering light, and on the opposite side of the singing river,

half way up a wooded slope, a bright fire was burning in a sugar

124 The Ottawa Naturalist. [September

camp. What a restful rural sight ! The birds were fairly bubbling
over with melody, the sweet vesper sparrows, perhaps, carrying
off the palm.

April ii. Heard a brown creeper gaily singing as he wound
around a mossy ash. Saw two black squirrels chasing each
other round the dead top of a tall maple. A flying squirrel came
out of a hole and descended gracefully to a bass-wood stub
nearby. On striking the stub the squirrel went down to a brush
heap. On agitating this it crawled to the foot cf a beech and
going to the top, passed to the foot of its home tree and so back
to the nest.

April 14. Today Dirca doffs the brown fur cap he wore
throughout the winter and gaily shakes his golden forelocks in
the sun. Saw four red-backed salamanders. Hylas are in-
cessantly harping in the pool.

April 23. A ruffed grouse built its nest among beech leaves
in a brush pile, a hen had a nest four feet from it. The first
tgg laid by the grouse was accidentally destroyed by a person go-
ing to the hen's nest. The grouse then laid in the hen's nest
and they have laid five eggs apiece.

May 3. Saw ruffed grouse making its nest near the ridge.
May 6. Followed the "Peeper" -little tree toad, {Clioro-
philus triseatius.) Owing to some ventriloquial power the crea-
ture is hard to locate. I found this individual on the grass, on
the edge of a pool with its throat much inflated, peeping vigor-
ously, and occasionally uttering a gurgling trill of longer dura-
tion.

May 7. Exceedingly warm, quite like June, leaves bursting
on every side. Wha,t a keen delight is afforded the one who
takes a wood-walk today. Butterflies glancing and pirouetting
over the blossoms, bees on the Claytonias and Violets, the june-
berrv hanging her graceful leaves on the forest's skirts, squir-
rels chattering and birds bubbling over with song. An irresist-
able march onward of nature's various forces.

June 5. Father saw dead Procyon lotor (racoon) in pasture.
1 saw live Mephitis mephitica in woods. At sight of me it

retreated to burrow in a knoll and on my standing still it re-

icp6] Extracts from Diary of the Late Robt. Elliott. 125

turned near me and foraged assiduously among leaves and rub-
bish apparently for beetles. It frequently dug an inch or two
after its prey. No smell was noticeable. The most surprising-
thing connected with this animal in the woods is the enormous
size of its tail.

June 15. Visited the carp pond and on the trees around it
large numbers of Hyla versicolor were trilling musically. I cap-
tured four, three of them greyish and one greenish. I watched
them for an hour in the bottle and noticed that the greenish one,
(the largest) was the only one that trilled, the others merely of-
fering a soft chic, chic, chic. The greenish one was the only
one attempting to copulate with the other ones. It was certainly
a male and I presume the others were females. I am not aware
that sexual distinction is connected with the cclor of this very
variable species ; but there is a clear difference in the notes of
the sexes. This is interesting. I also noticed that after hand-
ling these viscid hylas and accidentally rubbing my eyes I felt a
smarting that lasted for twenty minutes or so. I suppose no
bird or mammal finds them at all palatable. I would like to
offer one to Procyon lolor, who greedily devours the Ranas.

June 19. The afternoon turning out fine I had the choice
of going to a picnic or to the Model. The winds whispered in
the beeches, and I went to the latter alone save for the buzzing
thoughts that hummed through my head. Splashing through the
swamp there, I came half unaware on a magnificent group of
Cypripedium spectabile, and I did not envy Wordsworth with his
heart dancing with the daffodils. Seventeen blossoms had opened
out, the peerless flowers all perfect as one could wish, purple and
pink fading invisibly into immaculate white — 'these boats floated
in the ethereal air waiting for some dainty Ariel to set a filmy
sail above them, and ready to waft them whither he wished. Or
indeed it may be (so dull are mortal senses) that they were moc-
dassins fashioned by the patient worker, Nature, for some fairy
Indian maiden, for her wedding hour by the light of the full
mcon this very midsummer night. Be all this as it may, a
portion of this beauty pierced deep through my eye and down to
my heart. A swamp sparrow brooded on her egg's near by, and
a veerv filled the woods with his clingle dangle, a silver bell

I26 The Ottawa Naturalist. | September

with a golden tongue. Coming down to Plover Mills with four
of the fairy boats what voyageur ever made a lighter portage?
There, R. V. had caught for me a Menobranchus and no stronger
contrast could be found in nature than was presented between the
burden of my right hand and cf my left, in one a glorious flower,
in the other a hideous amphibian.

The Menobranchus measured 1 1 3-4 inches ; it was rather
dark brown on the back with five lighter brown blotches and some
large very dark brown spots all over, the back and sides ; abdomen
yellowish brown with a few spots along the centre. The gill
tufts (three pairs) had dark brown ends with blood red bases at
the gill orifice ; four toes on each foot ; upper lip slightly overlap-
ping the lower ; many small teeth on palate, tongue large but
short ; head measured one and half inches in length ; body from
fold of throat to vent five and half inches ; tail 4 inches. Is this
lateralis or maculata ? It seems to be the latter but it is

lateralis that Dr. Brodie has. Dr. Gamier mentions another
species which he describes as rare, namely M. Huronense which
is said to be about one foot long, deep sooty brown en back,
lighter beneath, throat white, upper jaw hooked over the lower.
This seems to agree pretty well with mine. Concerning my
specimen I should ncte that it was caught on a hook baited with
earth worm; this was about 3.30 P.M. ; the water was very dirty
and the river high owing to recent rains.

June 28. At the head of Plover Pond I was looking at a red
squirrel at foot of maple and black squirrel close to a nettle tree.
The dog Dash made a run for the squirrels when I noticed a, great
blue heron rise from the shore ; and closer, and of much more in-
terest, a female merganser moving out into the water making a
quacking sort of a sound. She then flew south half a mile and
presently returned. While watching the squirrels I thought I
noticed something like a large bird fly down from a dead tree
close by the shore and the idea took hold that the bird may be
breeding there. This is worth attending to. I resume the
hooded merganser is the most likely species to be found here.

[9061 Bird Migration, 1905. 127

BIRD MIGRATION, 1905.

Observations Made on Sable Island, Nova Scotia.
By James Boiteiller.
Name of Species. When First Seen. Number Seen.

Ring-neck Plover . . April 23 One.

Common Arctic Tern ,, 27 \ few.

Flicker ,, 27 One.

Junco ,, 30 Several.

White-throated Sparrow May 3 One.

Red Phr.larope ,, 4 One.

Greater Yellow-legs ... ,, 6 About a dozen.

Least Sandpiper , 8 . One.

American Pipit ,, 12 One.

Roseate Tern ,, 13 In numbers.

Great Blue Heron ,, 18 One.

Henslow's Sparrow ,, 18 Several.

Spotted Sandpiper , , 22 One.

Red Phalarope ,, 22 In large flocks.

Spotted Sandpiper ,, 25 .In numbers.

White-crowned Sparrow ,, 25 In numbers.

Shore Lark ,, 25 One.

Pine Warbler ,, 28 One.

Wilson's Phalarope June 7 One First one

ever seen here.

Pine Siskin ,, 16 One.

Yellow Warbler ,, 25 One.

Crossbill, American ,, 25 One.

Greater Yellow-legs July 10 Two.

Wilson's Snipe ,, 13 Six.

Swallows Aug. 9 Four.

Yellow Warbler ,, 9 °ne'

Greater and Lesser Yellow-legs.. ,, 10 In numbers.

Pectoral Sandpiper ,, 10 Several.

Turnstone Plover ,, 10., In numbers,

White-rumped Sandpiper ,, 11 Several.

Black-bellied Plover ,, 20 In numbers.

White-rumped Sandpiper ,, 20 In numbers.

128

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[September

Name of Species.

Swallows

Golden Plover

Bartramian Sandpiper . . .
Buff-breasted Sandpiper. . . .

When First Seen.

. .. ,, 20

. . . ,, 20 . . .

...Sept. 8

12. . . .

Black and White Warbler . . .

Cedar Waxwing

Pipits

Flicker

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Chimney Swift

White-throated Sparrow ....

Osprey

Fox Sparrow

Kinglet

Rusty Blackbird

Myrtle Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler. .Oct.
Various Hawks and Sparrows .. ,,

Fox Sparrow .... ,,

Kinglet ,,

0>

o

c

—

o

0)

*

12
12

16
16
16

Black-throated Blue Warbler .

Junco

Fox Sparrow ...

Hermit Thrush

Killdeer Plover

Long-tailed Squaw ...

Black Creeper

White-winged Scoter

Baldpate

Woodpecker

Junco Nov. 12

Robin . ,, 22

'»

7

7

7

7

7
16

20

22

22

25
25

25

28

31

Number Seen.
In numbers.
. Several.
One.

One. First one
I have ever
noticed here.
.One.
.One.

, . In numbers,
.One.
In numbers.
.Several.
.One.
. Several.
. One,
.One
One.

. In numbers.
. In numbers.
..One.

. . In numbers.
. In numbers.
. Several.
. . One.
.Several.
. Several,
.One or two.
, One.

. .In numbers.
. .One.

. . In numbers.
. In numbers.
.One.
. . About a dozen.
. . Several.

* All came during N. W.
beginning- 30th September.

blow which lasted for two or three days

1905] Meetings of the Entomological Branch. 129

Name of Species. When First Seen. Number Seen.

Snowy Owl , , 25 About a dozen.

White- win. "fed Scoter . Dec. 1 In numbers.

Shelldrake ,, 22 In numbers.

Bluebill ,, 22 In numbers.

Northern Shrike ,, 22 One. Has been

here about a
month.
Shore Lark Jan 6 Three.

MEETINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH.

A good meeting of the Entomological Branch was held at Dr.
Fletcher's apartments on the evening of March 23, at which S
members were present. The chairman exhibited some rare but-
terflies taken in the Yukon Territory by Mr. Jos. Keele, and by
Mr. W. J. Wilson, both of the Geological Survey. Among those
taken- by Mr. Keele, the most remarkable were Erebia magdalena
and Eurymus boothii.

Mr. Harrington exhibited his collection of Dytiscidae, all of
which had been recently examined by Mr. J. D. Sherman,
Jr., of New York. This collection contains 50 species from Ot-
tawa and will be of great value to local coleopterists in naming
their specimens of this little-worked family. There were 7
species which could not be named.

Mr. Gibson showed a fine specimen of Sthenopsis thule taken
by him on July 6 last. This is the first authentic record of this
rare mcth ever having been taken at any other place than Mont-
real, the type locality. Mr. Gibson also showed a leaf of an Ixia
from the greenhouse at the Experimental Farm which was thickly
matted with the dead bodies of a species of aphis, every specimen
of which had been destroyed by a minute Chalcid parasite, and
read a note on the behaviour of the parasite when stinging its
victims.

Mr. Young exhibited a series of nine specimens of Eucosma
solandriana, showing a remarkable range of variation. These

130 The Ottawa Naturalist. [September

had all been taken by him about the lower branches of Ostrya
Virginica in July and August last.

Mr. Baldwin exhibited a specimen of the West Indian moth
Melipotis fasciolaris taken by him in Otawa last summer and read
a note upon its capture.

Mr. Metcalfe showed 13 species of orthoptera, all taken at
Ottawa.

Mr. Halkett showed some parasitized pupae cf various kinds
from his collection.

Mr. Wilscn gave an account of the country he was exploring
last summer in the Temagami district.

A copy of Dr. E. P. Felt's sumptuous memoir Insects Af-
fecting Park and Woodland Trees, Volume 1, was laid on the
table and was much admired by all present. — J. F.

Held at Mr. Gibson's, 20th April. Messrs. Halkett, Flet-
cher, Harringr.n, Keele, Metcalfe, Baldwin, Newman and Gib-
son present.

Mr. Halkett exhibited living specimens of the nymphs of
some May-flies and Stone-flies which he had collected from the
Rideau river. He said that he had found these in thousands,
near St. Patrick's Bridge, swimming up the river against the
current. He also showed one of the curious cases, with the larva
inside it, of a caddis-worm.

Dr. Fletcher spoke cf an interesting occurrence at Ottawa,
in very destructive numbers, of a tineid caterpillar. This min-
ute larva is at present working inside the tips of white cedars,
killing many twigs and giving the trees a very unsightly and un-
healthy appearance. Specimens of the work of this minute in-
sect were examined. Dr. Fletcher also showed some living
parasites, Pteromalus puparum, reared from the chrvsalids of the
Common White Cabbage Butterfly. Mr. Harrington mentioned
that he had found the cases of Coleophpra laricella in large num-
bers on wild trees of Larix Americana at several places in the Ot-
tawa district. A living specimen of Meloe niger, one of the first
insects to appear in the spring, was also shown by Dr. Fletcher.

19^6] Meetings of the Entomological Branch. 131

This species is as a rule rather rare in collections but is always
common at Ottawa.

Mr. Harrington exhibited a collection of 11 species of
Andrena taken at Ottawa and Toronto, which had recently been
critically examined and named by Mr. Yierick, of Philadelphia.
He also showed a perfectly fresh specimen of Scoleopteryx libutrix
which he had caught the day before. He was under the im-
pression that the specimen must have recently emerged from the
pupa. There was some discussion on the winter habits of the
species, which branched off into the abundance of some Vanes-
sians last autumn and this spring. There was reason to hope
that Vanessa j-album might this year be again abundant and all
members were urged to try and secure eggs of this species so
that the full life-history might be worked out.

Mr. Metcalfe showed some living larva? of Leucania com-
fnoides, and also one of a species of Crococa, as well as a small
collection of micros taken in Toronto and mounted by himself.

Mr. Baldwin exhibited a fine specimen each of Apantesis
celia and virgunciila, which had been taken by him during last
season. Both cf these moths are rare in this locality.

Mr. Newman spoke of the injuries by the larva? of Grapho-
litha inter stinctana to the clover seed crop in Ontario. He had
found the larva? very abundant in Victoria, Durham, Peterboro
and Prince Edward counties.

Mr. Gibson showed some specimens of a Coleophora found
this spring upon the heads of Yarrow and also some yellow
larva? of a moth hibernated in the Dry stems of Oenothera. Lar-
va? of Penthina hebesana, in the heads of mullein were also ex-
hibited.—Y. G.

CORRECTION.

On page 107 of the last issue of the Ottawa Naturalist
Pachystima Myrsinites and PacJiystima ?nacrophyllum were by the
printer marked " sp. nov." after the last proofs had left the
editor's hands The former of these species was described by
Rafine«que the latter by Miss Farr.

132 The Ottawa Naturalist. [September

REVIEW.

Mosses with a hand-lens and Microscope. A non-technical

HAND-BOOK OF THE MORE COMMON MOSSES OF THE NORTH-
EASTERN United States. By A J. Grout, Ph. D. Parts
I, II and III, published by the author, 360 Lenox Road,
Brooklyn, N.Y. $1.00 a part.

In his preface Dr. Grout says : " Mosses are indvidually so
small and inconspicuous that the effect which they have as a mass
in creating and enhancing the beauty of natural scenery is often
overlooked," and as he later points out many would have collected
and studied them had not the difficulties been so numerous and
hard to overcome. It is to lessen the number of these difficulties
that " Mosses with a Hand-lens and Microscope" has been pub-
lished. A short review of "Mosses with a Hand-bns" was
printed in The Naturalist a few months ago. Useful as that book
is to young students it cannot compare in value with Dr. Grout's
later and more exhaustive work. The same methods have been
used but the hand-lens being replaced by the microscope it has
been possible to refer to many microscopic distinctions that could
not be detected at all, or only with great difficulty, by a hand-lens.
Though purporting to be only a hand-book of the mosses of the
northeastern United States, nearly all eastern Canadian species
are included.

The first 46 pages of Part I are divided into (1) Introduction
(2) Classification and Nomenclature. (3) The Collection and Pre-
servation of Mosses. (4) How to mount Mosses. (5) Methods of
Manipulation. (6) Life-History and structure of the moss plant-
(7) Illustrated glossary of bryological terms. The description of
species and the characterization of genera and orders is so exact
that any one familiar with moss terminology should have little
difficulty in determining the species he collects.

Heavy coated paper, new type and illustrations without num-
ber add to the value as well as the appearance of what must be
considered the most important work that has yet been published
on American mosses. No oth/er book will bj needed by any moss-
student except the speciaB$^^___^j< y\

^/£o° ^fevV^ John Macoun.

©1

,<>~»

***!£

THE OTTAWA ItATURALIST.^

Vol. XX.

OTTAWA, OCTOBER, 1906.

No. 7

NOTES ON CYRTOCERAS CUNEATUM.*

By J. F. Whiteaves.

Cyrtocetas cuneatum, A. Side view of the type and
only known specimen of this species, in outline only.
B. Smaller end of the same, also in outline. Both
figures are of the natural size, and in both v is the
venter.

This species was based upon a single specimen from the
Silurian rocks at Stonewall, Manitoba, collected by Mr. D. B.

'Communicated by permission of the Director of the Geological Survey
Department.

134 The Ottawa Naturalist. [October

Dowling in 1902, and now in the Geological Survey of Canada.
It was described by the writer in the fourth and last part of
the third volume of " Palaeozoic Fossils," recently published by
the Survey, but it was not illustrated, as the type and only known
specimen was unfortunately mislaid.

This missing- and previously unfigured type has since been
found, and it is now practicable to give two illustrations of this in-
teresting specimen, and to slightly amend the original description
of the species.

In regard to the two foregoing text figures of C. cuneatum,
the explanations given below them may be supplemented by the
following remarks. The specimen is a cast of the interior of part
of the septate portion of the shell, with sixteen of the chambers
preserved, and of a small piece apparently at the commencement
of the body chamber. Figure A shows both the arcuate contour
of the fossil, and the widely and shallowly concave lobe ot each of
the sutures, as viewed laterally. Figure B, on the other hand,
shows the lateral compression, the ovate cuneate transverse sec-
tion, as seen in an end view of the smaller end of the specimen,
the narrow venter, and the apparently eccentric position ot the
siphuncle.

The original description of the species may be slightly and
briefly amended, so as to read as follows :

"Shell widely arcuate, strongly but rather obliquely com-
pressed, very narrow on the periphery or venter, much wider but
narrowly rounded on the dorsum, the outline of the transverse
section being ovate cuneate. and the lateral diameter to the dorso-
ventral about as three to five.

" Septa averaging about six millimetres apart laterally, the
sutural lines being shallowly concave on both sides and produced
into a narrow pointed saddle on the venter." Test unknown.
Shape and position of the siphuncle not very clearly defined in the
only specimen collected, though at the smaller end thereof there
are indications that it was eccentric ar;d placed a little on the
ventral side of the centre, as represented in figure B.

The shell is "evidently not a true Cyrtoceras, but a probably
new generic type, which there is not yet sufficient material to
define satisfactorily."

igo6] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 135

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANADIAN BOTANY.*

By James M. Macoun, Assistant Naturalist, Geological Survey of Canada.

XVII.

Since the last of these papers was published a great many-
species have been added to the list of those known to occur in
Canada ; the distribution of others has been greatly extended and
a large number of notes worthy of publication have accumulated
in our herbarium. Much of this material will be utilized in publi-
cations which will be issued from this Department at an early date
but it is hoped to print from time to time in The Ottawa
Naturalist records that might not find a place elsewhere. Some
of these records have appeared in other publications, but as these
notes are intended primarily for Canadian workers not all of whom
have access to current botanical literature, and in nearly every
case new information as to distribution has been added, it has
seemed best to make the record as complete as possible by includ-
ing some matter that has been published elsewhere.

DlCKSONIA PILOSIUSCULA, Willd.

In sandy woods, Courtland, Norfolk Co., Ont., 1901.
[John Macoun.) Rare in western Ontario.

Asplenium Ruta-muraria, L.

On limestone rocks, north end of Manitoulin Island,
Georgian Bay, Ont. Collected by Dr. Scott of Southampton,
in 1 go 1. New to Canada.

Adiantum pedatum, L. , var. Aleuticum, Ruprecht.

A. pedalum, Cat. Can. PI., II : 263 in part.

Represented in our herbarium by four sheets of speci-
mens, all collected on Mt. Albert in the Shickshocks, Gasp£,
Que. Two of these sheets were collected by Prof. John
Macoun in 1882, and two by Messrs. Collins and Fernald in

I905- •

*Published by permission of the Direclor of the Geological Survey of
Canada.

136 The Ottawa Naturalist. | October

Equisetum laevigatum, Braun.

Roadsides at Windsor, Ont., 1902. No. 66,396, {John
Macoun.) Not recorded from eastern Canada.

Sparganium fluctuans, (Morong) Robinson, Rhodora. vn : 60.
S. androcladum, var. fluctuans, Cat. Can. PI., 11 : 70.

The only Canadian locality cited by Dr. Robinson is Lake
Memphremagog, Que. Our specimens are from Campbelltcn,
N.B., No. 28,052*, (Chalmers), Lake Mistassini, Que., No.
28,053, (J. M. Macoun) nnd Great Opeongo Lake, Algonquin
Park, Ont., No. 22,562. {John Macoun). It was reported by
J. M. Macoun from Severn River, Keewatin.

Panicum Philadelphicum, Bernh.

P. capillare, L., var. flexile, Gattinger.
P. flexile, (Gatt.) Scribner.

On sand, southern point of Pelee Point, Lake Erie, Ont.,
July 28, 1892. Referred at the time to P. capillare; by
marshes, Sarnia, Ont., Herb. No. 26,332, and on Birch
Island, Lake Huron, No. 26,331. (John Macoun.) Pelee
Point, Lake Erie, Sept. 7th, 1905, growing among Juniperus
Virgin iana. (A. B. Klugh.)
Trisetum melicoideum, (Mx.) Vasey.

Gtaphephorum mclicoides, Cat. Can, Plants 11 : 228 in part.

Woodstock, N.B., No. 22,687 ; Madeline River, Gaspe\
Que., No. 29481. (John Macoun.) Aroostook River, N.B.
(Williams, Collins and Fernald.) Ste. Anne des Monts River,
Gaspe, Que (O. D. Allen.)

TristeCM m^icoideum» (Mx.) Vasey, var. Cooleyi, (Gr. )
Scribn., Rhodora, vm : 87.
Graphephorurn melicoides, Cat. Can. Plants 11 : 228 in part.

Little Cascapedia River, Que. (Collins, Fernald and Pease.)
River de Brig, Anticosti, Que., No. 29,479; Chelsea, Que.,
No. 61,297 ; Hastings Co., No. 29,482 ; Johnstone's Harbour,
Lake Huron, Ont., No. 26,222. (John Macoun.) Gait, Ont.
(W. Herriot.) Fishing Islands, Lake Huron, Ont. (/. Bell.)

^Specimens have been distributed from the herbarium of the Geological
Survey under these numbers.

igoo] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 137

A vena striata, Michx. forma albicans, Fernald, Rhodora, vn: 244.

A. striata, Cat. Can. PI. 11 : 213 in part.

Distinguished from the species only by its pale, straw-
colored glumes. Collected on Mount Albert, Gasp6, by John
Macoun in 1882, No. 30,085. Described from specimens
found at the same place and at Bic, Que., by Messrs. Fernald
and Collins in 1904 and 1905.

Bromus Japonicus, Thunb.

B. patulus, Mert. & Koch.

Collected at Toronto, Ont., by Mr. W. Scott and called
B. squarrosus to which it is very similar. Mr. Scott's speci-
mens differ from typical B. Japonicus in their short-rayed
panicles. Introduced. New to Canada.

Scirpus validus, Vahl.

S. lacustris, Cat. Can PI., 11 : 99 in part.

Sable Island, N.S., 22,633. {Macoun.) Campbellton,
N.B., 32,359. {R. Chalmers.} Ottawa, Ont., 7,541 ; Chelsea,
Que., 61,187 I Niagara Falls, Ont., 34,583 ; Algonquin Park,
Ont . 21,906; Lake Nipigon, Ont., 32,357. {Macoun.) Ed-
monton, Ont., 25,344. (fas. White.) Grassy Narrows, Lake
Winnipeg, 32,356. (/. M. Macoun.) Brandon, Man., 16,407 ;
Sage Creek, Sask., 16,410 ; Cardston, Alta., 68,933 J Cypress
Hills, Alta., 16,409. {Macoun.) An abundant and widely dis-
tributed species not represented in our herbarium from west of
Alberta.

Scirpus occidentalis, (Watson) Chase, Rhodora, vi : 68
6". lacustris, Cat. Can. PI. 11 : 99 in part.
S. lacustris, var. occidentalis, Wat.; Cat. Can. PI. 11 : 100..

Brackley Point, P.E I , 32,360 ; Annapolis, N.S., 32,358;
Grand Narrows, Cape Breton Island, N.b., 20,772 ; Sarnia,
Ont, 34,582. {Macoun,) Toronto, Ont. ( IV. Scott.) Skull
Creek. Crane Lake, Sask., 7,540; Prince Albert, Sask.,
16,408 ; South Saskatchewan River, 32,3^1 ; Kananaskis,
Rocky Mountains, 32,362. {Macoun.) Canoe River, head of
Columbia River, Rocky Mts , 20,773. (JV- Spreadborough.)
Widely distributed in British Columbia but seldom collected.

138 The Ottawa Naturalist. [October

S. occidentalis is distinguished from £ validus by achenes x/$
larger, by scales ^ — JA longer than the achene and nearly
twice as long as the scales of S. validus, viscid-pubescent,
overlapping l/& their length or more ; by the cylindric more
densely fruited spikelets in capitate clusters ; and by the
denser umbels and harder culms.

Scirpus heteroch,btus, Chase, Rhodora, vi : 70.

Distinguished from £. validus and 5". occidentalis by the
3-cleft style, by the triquetrous achene, by the fragile bristles,
fewer and shorter. An apparently rare species in the United
States and not yet recorded from Canada. Mr. Ezra Brainerd
found the three species growing in Lake Champlain where S.
occidentalis begins to ripen seeds about six weeks later than
S, validus ; S. heterochcetus flowers there at a d^te midway be-
tween the two.

Rhvnchospora capillacea, Torr. , var. l^eviseta, Hill.

In bogs at Southampton, Ont,, Aug. 20th, 1901, No.
34,573. [John Macoun.) Wet sand along the shore of Lake
Huron at Oliphant, Ont. (A. B. Klugh.)

Carex Katahdinensis, Fernald, Rhodora, 11 : 171.

Collected by Prof. Ezra Brainerd at the "Grand Dis-
charge" of Lake St. John, Que., Aug., 1901.

Juncus bufonius, L. var. halophilus, Buch. & Fernald,

Rhodora, vi : 39.

Mr. Fernald records this variety from Riviere du Loup,
Que., New Carlisle, Que., Bonaventure River, Que., and
from Tracadie Beach and beach near Summerside, Prince
Edward Lland. Our only herbarium specimens are from
Grand Narrows, Cape Breton Island, N.S., 20,708, {John
Macoun), and mouth ot Dartmouth River, Gaspe" Co., Que-
(Collins, Fernald and Pease.)

Allium recurvatum, Rydb.

Confounded with A. cemuum of the east Differs from
A. cemuum in the leaves, the more slender, ridged scape,
the larger involucre and the more distinct midveins of the

1906] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 139

perianth segments. In A. cemuum the leaves are almost flat
and more or less keeled. In A. recurvation there is no keel
and the channel is rounded as well as the back. The leaves
of A~. cemuum are also much wider, the flowers are generally
much paler in that species and the perianth segments have an
indistinct midvein. A. recurvation is common in the Rocky
Mountains and British Columbia.

Habenaria macrophylla, Goldie.

This species is much rarer than H. orbiculata with which
in recent years it has been confounded. H. orbiculata ranges
from the Atlantic to the Pacific and north to Alaska. H.
macrophylla has not been found west of Wisconsin. Our
specimens are from Newfoundland, 13,771, (B. L. Robinson
& H. Schrenk), and Muskoka, Ont., 27,223. (JV. Spread-
borough.) Many specimens of both species have been ex-
amined by Mr. Oakes Ames ; the spur of H. orbiculata was
found to be from 16 to 27 mm. long, while that of H.
macrophylla ranged from 32 to 43 mm. in length. The flowers
of the latter species are also much larger.

Salix chlorolepis, Fernald, Rhodora, vn : 186.

Meadows at the headwaters of Ruisseau au Diable, Mt.
Albert, Gasp6, Que. (Collins and Fernald.)

Salix macrostachya, Nutt.

Along the Kettle River at Cascade, B.C. In flower, June
26th, 1902, No. 68,128. (/. M. Macoun). New to Canada.

Salix serissima, (Bailey) Fernald, Rhodora, vi : 6.
S. lucida, Cat. Can. PI. 11 : 450 in part.

Mr. Fernald gives no other Canadian localities for this
species than " north shore of Lake Superior." Our herbarium
specimens are from the mouth of Albany River, James Bay,
Hudson Bay, No. 62,628. [W. Spreadborough) ; Salt Lake,
Anticosti, Que., No. 24,584. (John Macoun); Gait, Ont , No.
63,120. (JV. Herriot) ; Nipigon, Lake Superior, Ont., No.
24.583. (John Macoun) ; Severn River, Keewatin, No. 2,028,
Beren's River, Man., No. 24,618, and Muskeg Island, Lake

140 The Ottawa Naturalist. [October

Winnipeg, Man., No. 24,619. (Jas.M. Macoun); Grattan Creek
west of Battle River, Alta. ; Edmonton, Alta., No. 24,621,
and Bow River at Morley, Alta., No. 24.620. {John Macoun).

Salix lucida, Mahl., var. intonsa, Fernald, Rhodora, vi : 11.

Recorded by Mr. Fernald from St. John River and tribu-
taries, Maine, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Our specimens
are from Montmorency Falls, Que., Nos. 68,782 and 68,783.
{John Macoun.')

Salix lucida, Muhl., var. angustifolia, Anderson.

Grand Lake, N.B., No 24,586. {John B Attain) ; bank of
Exploit River. Newfoundland, No. 13,674. {Robinson <2r>
Schenk.)

Humulus Japonicus, Sieb. & Zucc

In waste places at Wakefield, Que., 1903. {John Macoun.)
Naturalized.

Comandra Richardsiana, Fernald, Rhodora, vn : 32.
C. umbellata, Nutt, in psrt.

So far as shown by our specimens C. umbeliata does not
occur in Canada, everything so called being the recently des-
cribed C. Richardsiana.

POLYGONUM NUTTALLII, Small.

P. intermedium, Macoun, Cat. Can. Plants, 11 : 352.

Grassy banks, Middle Creek, Chilliwack River. B C. No.
54-74°- (/ M. Macoun) Not recorded from mainland of
B.C.

Polygonum punctatum, Ell., var. leptostachvox, (Meisn.) Small.
Low ground near Sumas Lake, B.C. No. 54,752 (/.
M. Macoun ) New to Canada. Abundant, but perhaps in-
troduced.

Polygonum bistortoides, Pursh.

A common species at an altitude of between 5,000 and
6,000 feet on mountains in the Chilliwack and Skagit valleys,
B C, near the International Boundary. {JM. Macoun.)

1906] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 141

Chenopodium Boscianum, Moq.

Sandy thickets, Pelee Point, Lake Erie. No. 54,724.
{John Macoun.) New to Canada.

Aquilegia Columbiana, Rydb., Bull. Torr. Bot. Club, xxix : 145.

This species is somewhat intermediate between A.formosa
and A. truncate and has been mistaken for both. It has the
habit, spur and sepals of the former and the short truncate
lamina of the latter. From Banff to Alaska.

Delphinium Brovvnii, Rydb., Bu'.l Torr Bot. Club, xxix : 148.

This is most nearly related to D. glaucum but differs in the
puberulent leaves with narrow segments, the lax raceme with
more erect pedicels and the darker flowers. Described from
specimens collected at Banff in 1893 by Addison Brown. A
common plant in that region.

Ranunculus alleni, Robinson, Rhodora, vn : 220.

R. affinis var. leiocarpus, Cat. Can. PI 1 : 18.

First collected by Mr. J. A. Allen on Mt. Albert, Gaspe,
Que , in 1881, the next year by John Macoun at the same
place, No. 1,015, and in 1883 on Table Top Mountain not far
from Mt Albert by |ames Porter, No. 68,678. Other localities
cited by Dr. Robinson are : Okkak, Labrador, and Rama,
Labrador.
Ranunculus glaberrimus, Hook.

Pentivton, Lake Ot<anagan, B.C., April 12th. 1903 No.
59,519. ( Ji r. Spreadborough.) Not recorded from that region.

Ranunculus Yukonensis, Britt.

Near Peace River Landing, Atha.. No. 59,521. June Sth,
1905. (/. M. Macoun.) Recorded before only from the
Yukon district.

Caulophyllum thalictroides, Mx.

In woods along the Assiniboine River near Portage La
Prairie, Man. In flower, May 31st, 1906. ( W. Herriot.)
Western limit in Canada

L

5*

!^2 The Ottawa Naturalist. | October

Lepidium draba, L.

Waste places at Trail, Columbia River, B.C. No. 67,986.
( /. M. Macoun.) Not recorded from B.C.

Lepidium spinosum, L.

Near the "ball grounds," Toronto, Ont., 1904. (IV.
Scott ) New to Canada. A native of the Orient and of
Greece.

Sisymbrium officinale, Scop.

Rare in Canada, our specimens being from Niagara,
Ont., No. 33,859. [John Macoun); Wingham, Ont., No.
2,110 ( /. A. Morton), and Esquimauit, Vancouver Island,
B C, No. 2,109. {John Macoun). The inflorescence and pods,
even at full maturity, subtomentulose.

Sisymbrium officinale, Scop. var. leiocarpum, DC.

This variety as pointed out by Dr. Robinson (Rhodora,
vol. vii : 102) is the common form in North America being
represented in our herbarium by specimens from Baddeck,
Cape Breton Island. N.S., No. 18,039, (John Macoun) ;
Ottawa, Ont., No. 2,113, (John Macoun) ; Wakefield, Que.,
Nc. 59,813, (John Macoun); Belleville, Ont, No. 2,114, (John
Macoun); Nelson. Kootenay Lake, BC, No 2,111, (John
Macoun); Sicamous, BC,, No. 2,112, (John Macoun); Nanai-
mo, Vancouver Island, B.C., No. 2,115, (John Macoun) ;
Chilliwack River, B.C., No. 33,860. (J . M . Macoun) . The
inflorescence nearly smooth ; the pods entirely glabrous or
with a few scattered hairs.

Radicula clavata, (Rydb.) Bull Torr. Bot. Club, xxix : 235.
Nasturtium palusrre, DC. var., Macoun, Cat. Can. Plants,
11 : 300 in part.

Port Heney and Agassiz, B.C., 1889. (John Macoun.)

Dentaria tenella, Push.

Harrison, B.C., 1902 No. 63,504. (IV Spreadborough.)
Eastern limic in Canada.

1906] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 143

Draba McCall.*:, Bull. Torr. Bot. Club, xxix : 241.

Moose Mountain, Elbow River, Alta., No. 18,139, x^97 >
Summit of Pipestone Pass, Rocky Mt. Park, No. 64,442,
1904. [John Macon n.) Described trom specimens collected
by Mr. W. C. McCalla at Banff in 1899. This species belongs
to the D. incana group but differs from that species in the
elongated peduncle, long pedicels, short pubescent pod and
large petals.

Arabis Collinsii, Fernald, Rhodora, vii: 32.

"Quickly distinguished from A. Holboellii by the loose
hispidulous pubeseuce of the stem and pedicels, the smaller
flowers and the very slender aculish pods." Collected on dry
limestone conglomerate ledges, headland in the harbour of
Bic, Rimouski Co , Que , July 18, 1904. (/. F. Collins &
M. L. Fernald.)

Drosera rotundifolia, L, var. comosa, Fernald, Rhodora, vnrg.
A dwarf variety of the common sundew with crimson or
roseate instead of white flowers ; the petals are sometimes
foliaceous and the carpels are developed in maturity into
green, glandular broadly obovate or oblate petioled leaves.
Collected in abundance near the mouth of Grand River, Gaspe
Co., Quebec, in 1904 by Messrs. J. F. Collins, M. L. Fernald
and A. A. Pease. An examination of a large series of speci-
mens of D. rotundifolia in our herbarium shows nothing
approaching this variety.

Saxifraga hieracifolia, Waldt and Kit.

Pond's Inlet, Lat. 720 45', Cockburn Island. Aug 20th,
1904. ( Dr L. E. Borden.)

144 The Ottawa Naturalist. [October

THE SPRING MIGRATION OF BIRDS AT OTTAWA OF

THE YEAR 1906, COMPARED WITH THAT

OF OTHER SEASONS

By C. W. G. Eifrig.

The winter of 1905-06 was in several respects a remarkable
one. There was less snow and fewer days of severe cold weather
than for many preceding- winters. It was more open and mild,
than for many past seasons. All this was somewhat changed at a
time when one expects to see the end ot winter come in earnest,
in March. There was more snow and cold then, than apparently
had heen in the previous wintei months combined, or as someone
told the writer : Winter only commenced in March. That such
unusual weather conditions would naturally tend to modify biolo-
gical conditions in the plant and animal kingdoms, was to be ex-
pected. All nature-lovers, the botanists, entomologists, etc ,
therefore eagerly looked forward into the now sadly retarded
spring, to see how this would be made manifest in their several
lines of observation. In no class of biota, however, would the
effect of such unusual climatic conditions be more noticeable than
in the birds, as that fascinating, mysterious natural phenomenon
of their migration is in many species greatly dependent on the
weather. The ornithologist therefore was especially on the alet
this spring to see how the coming of his feathered friends had been
affected by the queer ending of the winter and beginning of the
vernal season.

One somewhat unexplainable fact was noted by them already
in winter. One would think, that in such a mild winter as the last
was for its greater part, there would be more of our usual perma-
nent residents amongst birds," or of the erratic Canadian winter
birds seen, or at least as many, as in the more severe winters.
But the reverse was true While in the severe winter of 1903-4
pine grosbeaks were plentiful here all winter, and 1904-5 Canada
jays and sharpshinned hawks, together with, as the appended list
shows, occasional downy woodpeckers, pine siskins, redpolls,
brown-breasted nuthatches, and the everpresent jolly little chikadee,
these and similiar birds were last winter conspicuous by their ab-
sence in the silent wintry woods.

1906] Migration of Birds at Ottawa. 145

Quite a number of the birds included in this list are irrelevant
to the scope of this article, but are included for completeness'
sake, to show about when they may be looked for and what birds
come this way at all. Such birds that do not show anything- in this
connection are e. g. the redpoll, pine siskin, brown-breasted nut-
hatch, crow, blue jay, etc., because they may be considered per-
manent residents, or because they do not follow any apparent rules
in their coming- and going, their presence or absence. Other such
erratic birds are the pine grosbeak, Canada jay, evening grosbeak,
arctic-three-toed woodpecker, etc., which are here omitted. Others,
such as the ducks, rails, herons, hawks are not quoted to prove
much in this connection, because they are not easily observed or
are rare, so that they may be for days or even weeks in their chosen
haunts, before the ornithologist, who can not always go to such
difficult places, may see them.

The effect that we would expect the severe outgoing of the
winter and incoming of the spring to have upon the migration of
birds, is that the birds would be retarded to a greater or less
extent. And this is what the following list shows. The first
commonly observed migrant in our parts is the prairie horned
lark. That comes at the end of February. Now, because last
winter up to that time was unusually mild, the coming of this little
bird was earliet than usual, Feb 20, or at least no later. Then
came the snowy and cold March, the effect of which can be seen
by the lateness of arrival of such birds as the purple finch, robin,
bronzed grackle, song sparrows, red-winged black bird, bluebird,
and junco, which here are the first of the real and regular migrants.
These were this year kept back for a time of from several days to
two weeks. Then came warm, May-like weather in Apri!. which
made the date of arrival of the species falling into this month
again normal, or may have even accelerated it with some, whereas
the somewhat raw weather of the first half of May again had the
contrary effect. It ma> be said, that a single, dejected-looking
robin was this year seen as early as March 9th in a garden along
the Rideau, and again on the 17th, but the real robin migration
did not begin before the date given.

I must also state that much material in the line of dates has
been furnished to me by other members of the Ornithological sec

146

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[October

White-breasted Nuthatch April 4

Meadovvlark April 5

Blue Heron f ' vulgo Crane) April 5

Junco April 6

Hooded Merganser April 7

Sparrow Hawk April 7

Cowbird April 8

Downy Woodpecker April 8

Tr^e Swallow April 8

Black Duck April 7

Wood Duck April 7

Phoebe April 9

Tree Sparrow April 9

Red-tailed Hawk April 9

Marsh Hawk April 1 2

Golden-crowned Kinglet April 14

Hermit Thrush April 14

Brown Creeper April 15

Vesper Sparrow April 15

Savanna Sparrow . April 15

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker April 15

Chipping Sparrow April 1 5

Flicker ( Colaptes auratus ) April 16

Migrant Shrike April 16

Killdeer April 1 6

Kingfisher April 16

Mar. 28
Mar. 1
Apr. 17
Mar. 19
Mar. 27
Mar. 18
Mar. 24
Mar. 24
April 10
April 24
April 4
Feb. 28
April 3
April 27
Mar. 23
April 17
April t8
Mar. 29
April 1 1
April 3
April 13

April 8

Mar. 24

April 25

April 1

April 8

April 10

Mar. 30

April 12

April 1 1

April io

April 12

April 10

Mar. 30
Mar. 28

April 8

1904.
Jan. 3
Mar. 3
Mar. 7
Jan. 14

tion, by the Messrs. G. and E. White, Kingston and Gallup, and
by Mrs. R. D Brown and Miss Lees of Ottawa East.

1906. !9°5-

Sharp-shinned Hawk Feb. 18

Crow Jan. 28 Feb. 18

Prairie Horned Lark Feb. 20 Feb. 28

Brown-breasted Nuthatch Mar. 10 Mar, 1

Great Gray Owl '. Feh. 1

Cedar Bird Mar. 17

Purple Finch Mar. 29

Golden-eye ( ' Clangula Am. ) . . Mar. 29

Robin Mar. 3 1

Bronzed Grackle April 2

Song Sparrow April 2

Red-winged Blackbird April 2

Bluebird April 3

American Herring Gull April 3

Red-shouldered Hawk April 1

Canada Goose April 4

May 26
May 4
Jan. 4
Mar. 24
Mar. 28
Mar. 24
Mar. 25
Mar. 24
Mar. 24
April 25

Jan. 30
April 5
April 18
Mar. 26
April 14
April 21
Mar 30
Jan. 14
April 8

Mar 28

Apr

Apr

Apr

Apr

Apr

Mar

Apr

Apr

Apr

Apr

Apr

Apr
Apr

May

1 15
I 15

1 >7
1 >4
1 ,4

1 '5
1 iS

1 9
1 23
1 18

1 6

1 8

5

1906 J Migration of Birds at Ottawa 147

1906. '905- 1904.

Bittern April ;6 May 24 May 3

Blue Jay April 16 , Feb. 18 Mar. 17

Goldfinch April 17 Mar. 13 May 26

White-throated Sparrow April 15 April 23 May 7

Osprey, Fish Hawk April 18 April 17

Winter Wren April 18 April 27

Swamp Sparrow April 18 May 8 April 26

Wilson's Snipe April 20 May 4 April 14

Pied-billed Grebe April 20 April 29

Barn Swallow April 21 April 25 April 26

Hairy Woodpecker April 2 1 May 5 May 17

Loon April 21 ......

Purple Martin April 22 April 23 April 16

Chimney Swift April 30 May 2 May 7

Ruby-crowned Kinglet May 1 April 27

Brown Thrasher May 1 May 6

Whippoorwill May 1 May 1 3 May 5

House Wren May 2 April 28 May 5

Spotted Sandpiper May 2 May 4 May 5

Myrtle Warbler May 2 May 1 May 4

Black-and-white Warbler May 4 April 28 May 4

Fox Sparrow May 4 Arpil 27

Yellow Warbler May 4 May 1 May 7

Bobolink . May 5 May 2 May 7

Connecticut Warbler May 5

Cooper's Hawk May 6 Feb. 16

Warbling Vireo May 6 May 10 May 12

Veery May 6 May 6 May 7

Blai k-throated Green Warbler May 7 May 1 May 10

Parula Warbler May 7 May 10 May 7

Nashville Warbler May 7 May 7 May 10

Pine Warbler May 7 May 6

Black-throated BJue Warbler May 7 May 10 May 16

Kingbird . May 7 May 5 May 7

Rusty Grackle May 7 April 10 April 18

Sora May 8 May 26

Blackburnian Warbler. May 10 May 1 May 7

Cliff Swallow May 9 May 17

Waterthrush May 1 1 May 8 May 26

Great Crested Flycatcher May n May 12 Ma}- 7

Yellow-throated Vireo May ) 1

Least Flycatcher, Chebec May 1 1 May 5 May 6

Woodcock May 11 ..... May 26

Maryland Yellowthroat May 1 1 .May ,1 May 10

148

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[October

1906.

Cape May Warbler May 1 2

Rose-breasted Grosbeak May 13

Olive-backed Thrush May 1 3

Chestnut-sided Warbler May 13

Ovenbird May 1 3

Baltimore Oriole May 13

Bank Swallow May 13

Yellow Palm Warbler May 14

Grey-cheeked Thrush

Red-eyed Vireo May 1 5

Blue-headed Vireo May 15

Catbird May 15

Redstart May 1 5

Hummingbird May 15

Bay-breasted Warbler May 16

Magnolia Warbler May 16

White-crowned Sparrow May 16

Night-hawk May 1 6

Tennessee Warbler May 17

Scarlet Tanager May 17

Wood Pewee May 1 7

Solitary Sandpiper May 18

Mourning Warbler May 19

Canadian Warbler May 19

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher May 19

Alder Flycatcher May 19

Least Sandpiper May 21

Blackpoll Warbler

May 21

Wilson's Warbler May 21

Red-headed Woodpecker May 26

Olive-sided Flycatcher May 28

Broad-winged Hawk May 28

Philadelphia Vireo May 30

I ndisfo Bird

1905.
May 22
May 1 1
May 16
May 7
May 6
May 6
May 18
May t
May 14
May 6
May 7
May 6
May 5
May 1 1
May 19
May 10
May 6
May 14
May 24
May 14
May 4

May 12

May 12

May 23

May 24

May 17
May 19

May 24

April 25
May 17
May 24

1904.

May 10
May 10
May 8

May 1 2

May 7

May 12

May s

May 23
May 10
May 10
May 1 1
Ma}- 23
May 21
May 1 7
May 12
May 23
May 26

May 23
May 26
April 26
May 26

May 26

1906]

Nature Study — No. 37.

149

NATURE STUDY No XXXVII.

The Cecropia Emperor Moth (Samia cecropia, Linn.)

By Arthl'R Gibson, Assistant Entomologist, Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

BT~"

Cecropia Emperor Moth and Cocoon, reduced in size.

Among1 our native insects, probably none attract greater
attention from those who have made no study whatever of ento-
mology than the large Emperor Moths, the caterpillars of all ol
which are true silk-worms. These moths are the largest we have
in North America, and, being of such a size and also of striking
beauty, they always command admiration. Unlike many other
moths, their mouth parts are aborted and consequently they are
unable to eat. In their caterpillar state, however, they are very
voracious eaters and during that period of their existence will con-
sume many times their weight ot food. When full grown these

-*w

150 The Ottawa Naturalist. [October

large, heavy caterpillars are found hanging on the underside of
leaves and twigs, but on account of their green colour they are
rather difficult to detect.

The Cecropia Emperor Moth, the subject of this article, is the
largest and one of the most beautiful insects found in North
America. When the wings have been spread this magnificent
moth measures from five to seven inches across. The figure*
given herewith, which has been reduced in size, shows the moth
which is doubtless known to many of our readers. The four
wings are of a rich brown and all are crossed with conspicuous
band*. The band on each front wing is dull red, more or
less edged within with white, while that on each hind wing
is a brighter red, almost crimson in some specimens, edged
distinctly inside with white. In the figure, which is from a
photograph, only the white portions, of course, of these transverse
bands show. The front wings are dusted with gray towards and
along the upper margin, and through that portion of each wing
beyond the transverse band. Near the centre of the wing, and
also towards the base, reddish patches are present in most speci-
mens. All the wings have, near the middle, a large nearly
kidney-shaped mark which is white shaded more or less with red,
and margined with black. The eye-like spot towards the tip of
each front wing is black with a bluish white crescent, and the
curved band near the base is white and black. The outer edges
of all the wings are paler, and there is present on each front wing
a wavy black line which on each hind wing is replaced by a double
band of the same colour. The upper side of the body is dull red,

as are also the legs. Just behind the head there is a wide white
band. The abdomen in most specimens is reddish-brown, the cross
bands of white being very conspicuous Both sexes are similar
in appearance, the female only differing from the male in
the larger abdomen and much smaller antennas, or feelers

It is often difficult to understand an author's reason for select-
ing the name by which a species is to be known, and much dis-
cussion among naturalists has taken place regarding Linnasus's
application of the name of ihe ancient city of Athens, to this moth.
The late Dr. Asa Fitch in his- third report on the Noxious and

*From Fourth Annual Report of the Entomologist of the State Experi-
ment Station of the University of Minnesota, kindly loaned bv Prof F. L.

7/

Washburn.

1906J Nature Study — No. 37. 151

other Insects of the State of New York, gives the following
explanation : — " The idea which was present in the mind of
Linnaeus, when he named this splendid moth, we think is suffi-
ciently evident. The Athenians were the most polished and
refined people of antiquity. The moths are the most delicate and
elegant of insects ; they are the Athenians of their race. Cecrops
was the founder, the head of the Athenian people. When names
of men were bestowed upon cities, ships, or other objects
regarded as being of a feminine gender, classical usage changed
these names to the feminine form. The moths (Phalsena) being
feminine, and the name of Cecrops being more euphonious in this
form, probably induced Linnaeus to change it in the manner he
did. The name thus implies this to be the leader, the head of
the most elegant tribe of insects, or in other words, the first of all
the insect kind. What name more appropriate can be invented
for this most sumptuous moth ? "

The cocoon of this insect, shown beneath the moth in the
above figure, is the largest and best known of the cocoons found
in this country. It is about three inches in length, an inch or
more in width at its widest part, and tapers to both ends. Some
specimens, of course, are larger than this ; we have examples
that measure four inches long and two inches wide at the
centre. In colour the cocoon is a rusty gray, or brownish. If one
is cut into with a sharp knife, or a pair of scissors, an inner, oval
cocoon will be found. Within this is a large, black pupa, to one
end of which is attached the head of the caterpillar and the cast
skin of its body. This inner cocoon will he noticed to be
much more closely woven It is interesting to watch the
caterpillar making its cocoon. From the time it begins to spin
it never ceases until its work is completed, and the whole cocoon
is spun in one continuous thread. In the case of the American
Silkworm, Telea poiyphemus, L., it has been stated by Trouvelot
that this caterpillar in making its cocoon, will have moved its head
to and fro, in order to distribute the silk, 254,000 times, the length
of time taken to complete this operation being from three to five
days.

During the past season the caterpillars of the Cecropia Em-
peror Moth have been more than usually abundant in eastern
Canada. It is altogether likely, therefore, that many cocoons
will be found on apple, maple, plum, and other trees during
the coming winter. The moths emerge in the latter end of
May and early in June, and if any of our members would
like to experience the pleasure oi watching one of these large
Emperor Moths escaping from its cocoon, it is only necessary
to collect one or two of the cocoons, and keep them in an

152

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[October

out-building throughout the winter, bringing ihem into the
house next May. The cocoons, of course, should be put into a
box with rough sides, so that when the moths emerge they can
hold on while their wings are expanding. It will be noticed that
one end of the cocoon is spun very loosely, and it is from this end
that the moth emerges. The head first appears, then the front
pair of legs, and soon the other pairs of legs, the heavy body, and
the undeveloped wings. As soon as it has attached itself to a
nearby object, these latter soon expand and in less than an hour
the two pairs of wings attain their full size.

The caterpillars of the Cecropia Emperor Moth hatch from
whitish eggs laid in June. The}' moult, or cast their skins, four
times before reaching full growth. At first they are black, chang-
ing in the next stage to a deep orange, and in the third stage to
yellowish green. In the next and also in the last stage the colour
is more of a bluish green. In all the stages the bodv bears
tubercles the colours of which are different after each moult.
When full grown the Cecropia caterpillar is from three to four
inches long, and is about as thick as a man's thumb. On segments
2 and 3, the tubercles are large and of a bright coral red colour ;
the other tubercles on the back are smaller and yellow, except-
ing those on the first and last segments which are blue, as are
also the smaller tubercles along the sides. These caterpillars
although so beautiful and striking in appearance, from their great
size and conspicuously coloured tubercles, are considered very dis-
gusting creatures by many, and this oi' course is but natural. It
would not be human nature if everyone had the same likes and
dislikes — it takes all kinds of people to make a world.

The caterpillar of this moth is a very general feeder and over
fifty differed* plants have been recorded upon which it has
ibeen found feeding. In Canada the favourite food plants are
apple, maple, birch, cherry, plum and willow. Although this
caterpillar has a very voracious ;ippetite, it is seldom that it rea ly
does very much harm, as it is unusual to find more than two or
three larva? on the same tree, and when their presence is noticed
they can easily be removed by hand.

This grand insect occurs in Canada in Ontario, Quebec and
the Maritime Provinces, and specimens may every year be collected
or seen flying around electric lights. In certain seasons, however,
their numbers are greatly reduced by natural parasites, the most
important of which are the Long-tailed Ophion, Ophion macrurum,
L , which form> a single close cocoon inside that of its host, and
Cryptus extrematis, Cresson, of which several occur inside a
single caterpillar, and when this latter has spun its winter resting
place they emerge and entirely fill the space with their own cocoons.

THE OTTAWA f(ATURALISlSJL>

Vol. XX. OTTAWA, NONEMBER, 1906. No. 8

ANIMAL COLORATION.

By Professor Edward E. Prixce, Dominion Commissioner of Fisheries,

Ottawa.

Many years ago I delivered the opening lecture in a course of
scientific addresses in the University of Toronto. I chose as my
subject the colors of animals, and the same theme has been dealt
with by me on several subsequent occasions. Apart, however,
from a short article, entitled " Spots and Stripes," in the London
" National Observer" and a brief notice in The Ottawa Natural-
ist in 1893, I have not published my views on this subject.

It is a subject of general interest ; and many authorities,
Poulton, Beddard, Eimer, Garstang, and others, have treated it
more or less fully ; but as Professor Mcintosh, in the "Annals of
Natural History " last year, pointed out, very many of the theories
offered are wholly inapplicable to some of the most familiar and
striking iases of animal coloration

My own conclusion is that pelagic animals, the small colorless
creatures abounding at the sea's surface, are primitive. All
animal life was originally colorless and possibly transparent, like
glass. The first colors appearing in animals were due to vegetable
food, or to parasites, especially " plant commensals " ; but by-
products, resulting from digestive and other processes, also pro-
duced animal colors. Colors of a brilliant prismatic character
appeared, no doubt, in jelly-fishes and other transparent animals
in the seas of the early world. These rainbow tints may be due
to " thin plates" as discovered by Sir Isaac Newton in the soap-
bubble, and seen also in the wings of the house-fly, elytra of
beetles, scales on butterflies' wings, &c, or may be produced by
minutely grooved or striated surfaces, producing lustrous tints as in

154 The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

mother-of-pearl, feathers of tropical birds, insects and shells. Sir
David Brewster found that the wax impression ot a pearl showed
rainbow colors like the original pearl. These "interference'
colors, due to striations on the surface, or to prism-like transparent
parts of animals, illustrate some of the most gorgeous effects
observable in living things. The silvery color of many animals is
not due to pigment or color, but to glistening smooth surfaces,
and thus must be classed merely as " specular reflection."

Ancestral Coloration. — The ocean is, as August Weissmann
declared, the original birthplace of all animal life. The simple
protozoan animals, and larval stages of higher forms, abounding
in the sea, are in most instances, of a colorless transparency, at
any rate in the earliest period of their lives. Even in such highly
organised creatures as the fishes, the minute embryos, at a very
early stage of development, are colorless and translucent. Further,
the body is not only colorless, but it is wormlike, segmented, or
metameric. Annelids, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, ascidians,
fishes, reptiles, nay even birds and the highest animals, may exhibit
a colorless metameric body.

When color spots first appear in these, they are grouped
serially, thus forming transverse patches or stripes from the head
to the tail. This metameric coloring is very prevalent in the
young of all classes of animals.

If the segmented body be ancestral, then there is strong pre-
sumption that repeated stripes and spots are ancestral also. They
persist even though their use and meaning may have gone. Like
the two buttons on a dress coat which served to hold up the sword-
belt when our forefathers were accustomed to carry swords ; but
are now of no use, though, thanks to the tailor, they still persist,
so we find transverse stripes, still appear as the first coloration in
a vast number of animals.

A larval cod, a week or ten days after hatching out from
the egg, exhibits a series of black stripes, and the young salmon
and trout shew cross bars, or "parr marks," which may be readily
derived from the striped condition just referred to. Now, in some
young flat-fishes the bars along the sides of the body divide into
spots or large patches, four rows of them, and still preserving the
metameric or serial succession from the head to the tail. Thus

1906] Animal Coloration. 155

from successive cross-stripes, the spots arise, and these surface
arrangements of color appear to continue long after the internal
organs, the muscles, &c, have wholly altered their original
anatomical arrangement. Further, the successive series of spots
may unite later as longitudinal stripes, and such stripes we find in
the post-larval ling (Molva). We thus have a key to the arrange-
ment of color in a vast number of animals. Wild pigs, though
uniformly tinted when adult, exhibit when young a spotted skin,
says Mr. Alfred Tylor, and later become striped. The dark tapir
shows white spo*s, like the Virginian deer, when young. The
Canadian lynx is striped with dark reddish lines along its deep
brown body, as described in 1883 by Mr. Montague Chamberlain,
who henc^ deduced that it must be related to the Ocelot group of
the Felidae. Chickens, ducks, and other birds are similarly
striped, quite unlike their parents. No doubt the repeated spots,
bars and patterns, seen in caterpillars and many larval insects, are
really ancestral. Weissmann held that these stripes have come
down from a geological time when jointed reeds, and ribbed
grasses preponderated ; but this is apparently not a primitive
cause ; but like the zebra's and tiger's stripes they were ancestrally-
metameric and utility explains their persistence, and modification.
The striped tiger is practically invisible in his haunts among the
yellow sword-grasses of the jungle, while a troop of zebras on the
African plain, moving as they do in the moonlight, are practically
invisible, owing to their remarkable arrangement of colors. Many
young birds, like the gannet, may be of a dull brown color until
their third year, possibly a case of blurred spots or stripes, which
disappear and give place in the species named to a creamy white
plumage. The dark bars of the yellow perch (Perca) and of tropical
fishes like the Chaetodons. aid in obscuring these creatures
amongst aquatic weed-blades. On the other hand, spots of color
may be so modified as to resemble staring eyes, and may serve as
Poulton suggested, to direct the attention of enemies to non-vital
parts. The effect may, however, be the opposite and the eye-like
spots may so suddenly strike the attention of enemies and startle
them as to frighten them away.* The peacock butterfly ( Vanessa lo),

* The eyelike spots on some larvae of Lepidoptera may have this effect,
e.g. the larva of the Elephant Hawk Moth (Chcerocampa elpenor.)

l5& The Ottawa Naturalist. | November

the Emperor moth, nay even the Polypectron, the gorgeous
Malacca pheasant, the ocellated turkey with a row of eye- like
spots at the end of the tail, may thus find explanation. Many of
:the small shore fishes, like the Gobies, and the Skulpin {Callwny-
jnus), exhibit in the dorsal fin one or more shining eye-like spots,
softer) explained as due to sex-selection, as the males usually bear
these ornaments ; but they may be of a warning character.

Trophic Coloration. — Food is frequently potent in color pro-
duction. Translucent young fishes may have a bright pink color
over the abdominal area, due to Copepods, &c, undergoing di-
gestion, while Salpae often owe their yellow color to diatoms
swallowed as food. N. Chautard found that green chlorophyll re-
mained unchanged in color when taken in by animals. Examples
are green oysters among Mollusks. and the green Cantharides
among insects. Medical men are familiar with the effect of digest-
ing colored materials. Young children may be brilliantly tinted
over the head, face, arms and skin after accidentally swallowing
aniline dyes, and bird-fanciers, who give young canaries Cayenne
pepper in their food, can deepen the yellow plumage, as the fatty
Triolin of the pepper (not the Capsicin as often stated) passes to
the feathers. Sauermann's experiments with white hens showed
that the Triolin colored the breast feathers most markedly, but
the head remained perfectly white. Red, in plumage, is often a
very fleeting color, and Moseley found a South African stork
whose brilliant rose-color was all washed out by a heavy shower
of rain ! The seasonal red-color of the crossbill, the brown linnet
and red pole disappears, changing to a greenish yellow in the bird
first-named, while the carmine breast and forehead of the latter fades
away altogether, like the dark blueof the Indigo bird's feathers, which
assume a dingy brown color for the winter. Trophic colors, or
tints due to food have been as yetlittle studied although the Cochi-
neal insect is of great commercial value, owing to the red color of
the food s'ored up in the body of the wingless female, of which
70,000 dried specimens, I am informed, go to make 1 lb weight ot
the dye material. The caterpillar of Bryophila is yellow when it
feeds on Lichen juriiperinus\ but grey when subsisting on the grey
Lichen saxatilis. Such instances undoubtedly exemplify trophic co-
lorr.tion. Allied to trophic coloration and yet distinct from it, is

1906] Animal Coloration. 157

that which may be distinguished as "Physiological" coloration.
Thus the transparent colorless embryo bird acquires a pale pink
tint, when red blood first begins to circulate through the rudi-
mentary body. Red blood as in the Chironomus larva imparts co-
lor, as also does red blood and green blood in many Annelids. Doubt-
less the Chlorocruorin in the green blood has a physiological func-
tion similar to the Tetronerythrin in yellow sponges. Tetronery-
thrin converts oxygen into ozone. Oddly enough it is the subs-
tance to which the feathers of many birds owe their orange color.
The Gephyrean Bonellia and the Coelenterate Hydra viridis owe
their color to minute plant-like bodies filled with green chloro-
phyll granules. In many Planarians the same green particles occur
and Professor Geddes proved that by them oxygen was liberated
as indeed Dr. Joseph Priestley, towards the end of the eighteenth
century, had discovered, finding that the carbondioxide in sun-
light was broken up and the oxygen given off.* Some colors are
" Morphological" or due to features in the anatomy of animals.
Many shrimps appear patched with color. A dark patch in the ce-
phalothorax is produced by the liver; and their viscera appear
as color-masses. The longitudinal dark stripe down the back of
the zebra follows the course of the spinal cord, while the white
stripes on the (ace of the tiger coincide with the branches of the
infra-orbital nerves.

Closely allied to physiological coloration is that which may be
called "Pathological.'" White animals such as white crows, hawks,
peacocks, i: moles, eels &c, are abnormal, and known as albinos.
Usually the eyes are red owing to the absence of pigment in the
retina, as in the rest of the body, though white cats may have
blue eyes, are usually deat, as Darwin found out, and as a rule are
tom-cats as Lawson stated. A white hedgehog {Erinaceus) i. e.
one with the usually brown acuminate spines as white as ivory, was
found to lack the normal integumentary nerve twigs. Albinos
are evidently abnormal in regard to their peripheral nerve supply.

* Brandt regards such green particles in animals as parasitic plants in
the tissues, or rather commensals supplying oxygen to the host.

% The surface of the feathers in the white peacock shows the ' eyes ' and
usual pattern just as a black horse shows a dappled pattern or glistening
spotted appearance. V v a

158 The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

The white or yellowish eels, occasionally found, owe the dis-
appearance of color to nervous causes due to sex, and the enlarge-
ment of the eyes is connected with the same cause, of a nervous
and emotional nature.

Psychological or, as I prefer to distinguish them " Emotional"
colors, are apparently due to intense temporary nervous states,
recalling the "pallor, "or the "redness"in the human face due to fear
or to anger respectively. The cuttle-fishes rapidly change color,
becoming red, green, or yellow under different emotional states,
which influence the nerves affecting the chromatophores or large
pigment spots, and iridescent plates in the integument A captive
Octopus when annoyed by a goad assumes a deep crimson color
as though red with rage. Many fishes assume the most varied,
often extremely beautiful colors, when dying. The large moon-
fish or opah {Lampns luna) exhibits flitting rainbow tints, while
the 3-spined stickleback (the male at least) acquires a deep scarlet
tint about the throat, and the sides glisten with golden green.
The 10-spined stickleback (G. pungitius) becomes inky black about
the throat and abdomen, paler on the sides, before death. Sex
coloration may be included under the heading "emotional" and
what is called "sexual selection" is probably wholly secondary
and subordinate in spite of Darwin's famous observations on the
subject. Some of the most gorgeously-tinted male animals known
to me do not support Darwin's view. Certain Pacific salmon, for
example, notably the sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) coming in
from the sea are of a steel-blue color ; but the males change to a
bright rose pink or madder on approaching the spawning grounds.
For hundreds of miles countless numbers of these brightly tinted
fish may be seen crowding the great rivers of the West. In the
shallow upper waters tens of thousands occur in the Fall like
struggling armies of "gold fish," 200 to 1,000 miles from the sea.
Swiftly through the water foaming over the pebbly shallows, the
crowded male fish speed, and fight and kill each other, and the gor-
geously colored victors assume greater brilliance under the excite-
ment. Anyselection by the more sober-tinted female fish is out of the
question in the terrible turmoil and rush. Like the antlers of deer
and other seasonal out-growths in various animals, the colors
referred to are the physical and visible expression of emotional

1906] Animal Coloration. 159

excitement. Seasonal colors are of a different character. Thus
the stoat, Alpine hare, Arctic fox, &c, change from the sombre
summer hues to snowy white, the tail or ear-tips remaining black
in some instances, The beetle, Carabus auratus, is dusky in
winter, but green in summer, while the spring and summer broods
of one butterfly, a Vanessa, are in great contrast as regards color,
&c. The winter pupa emerges in spring as Vanessa levana, while
the second brood emerging in summer is distinguished as Vanessa
prorsa, the contrast in coloration being attributed mainly to
temperature, just as melanism, or the appearance of dark forms
of certain species is said to be due to temperature and moisture.

If animals have appreciation of colors as is certainly the case,
there are types which must be classed as "Aesthetic" implying
delight in or preference for certain tints and arrangements of
color.

Lord Avebury proved that bees prefer blue colors and Pro-
fessor Poulton has found other instances. Darwin satisfied him-
self that female birds prefer brilliantly tinted male birds ■ but this
' ' sex selection " is only a particular form of '■ aesthetic preference. "
Aesthetic coloration affords some of the most enchanting examples
known to the naturalist, and perhaps the acme is reached in the
gorgeous male Nicobar pigeon, a native of Java and Sumatra,
which glitters in the serried hues of emerald, gold and metallic
blue, surpassing the wondrous colors of the parrots and birds of
Paradise.

Parasitic colors are due to parasitism, and are usually sombre
for protection's sake like some of the bird ticks ; but the horse and
deer ticks (Trichodectes) and others are striped down the dorsum.
Many parasites especially entoparasites are opaque white, having
lost all coloration, from their mode of life in the interior of their hosts.
Their surroundings are dark like the cave animals. En-
vironmental colors are a form of mimicry and ensure the safety
of the possessors. They may be classed as passive or procrpytic,
the various flounders and shrimps, which most accurately resemble
the sandy bottom, are examples. Others are active or anticryptic
colors like those of the tiger, which is concealed by its stripes and
thus able to spring unobserved upon its prey. Spiders and many
predaceous creatures show anticryptic coloration.

i6o The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

Warning coloration, called sematic by Poulton, implies dis-
agreeable features disguised, it may be, under a very beautiful
exterior. The strikingly colored skunk can be mistaken for no other
mammal, the wasps, and similar offensive insects and many gor-
geous larvae; repel animals, which might by mistake attempt to
prey upon them, and be stung or poisoned. Many brilliant tropi-
cal fishes are said to be poisonous and unsuitable for food. Their
coloration, as Mr. A. R. Wallace expresses it, is "an outward sign "
of their non-edibility.

Recognition colors no doubt aid animals to readily detect their
own kind The white tail of the rabbit is believed to direct the
young to follow their parents to safety when danger looms.

Mimicry involves not only protective colors, but also protec-
tive shape or form. The lappet moth, the stick insect, the leaf
insect are familiar cases of color combined with striking form-
resemblance. The mimicry is perfect.

It is clear that these types ofcolor otten overlap. Thus aesthetic
and sex coloration may combine in the same examples. It may
be that in some cases the coloration has as its end the destruction
of the individual in the interest of the tribe. Thus the brilliant
color of the male sockeye must attract the attention of bears, fish-
hawks and other enemies. As a rule the number of males
is excessive, their reduction is a benefit, hence they not only fight
most fiercely and thus perish, but are exposed to numberless
dangers by reason of their striking colors.

A vast series of examples of animal colors, must at present
be classed as indifferent. Like the bright tints of marble or
agate, or the colors of the diamond, they seem to serve no purpose.
The gorgeously tinted Nemerteans living in similar surroundings
are of the most various hues. The rose pink of the Arctic Pterpods
serves no apparent end, lor they are most tempting food for many
animals. I have found Copepods of a rich emerald color, while
others are reddish or brown. The solitary frog has a rich topaz
eye, the young Coitus shows a St. Andrew's cross over its
iris, and all these instances are difficult to explain. The palate of
the orang outan is black, while that of the chimpanzee is bright

igo6] Animal Coloration1. 161

pink*. The gall-bladder is often emerald green, the peritoneal
membrane, as in certain fishes,! is silvery, bespangled with
yellow, black and red stars. It is difficult to understand these
internal colors and there are multitudes of inexplicable examples
of external color too, which offer problems for biologists to solve
in the future.

BOTANICAL NOTE.

Fruit and Seed.

In Botany the word fruit signifies the enlarged and matured
ovarv, whatever its substance may be and whether fit to eat or
not. It is sometimes difficult to decide when speaking of the
small fruiting organs of some plants whether these are fruits
or true seeds. In the Butercup, Sunflower, Borage, and
Mint families, the seed-like bodies are really fruits, while in
the Mustard, Pink, Pea and Evening Primrose families, they
are true seeds. All of these are usually spoken of as seeds
which is the term commonly used by seedsmen, farmers and
others. Dr. L. H. Grindon, the eminent English botanist, in
his " British and Garden Botany," makes the following concise
distinction: "There is an infallible distinction between a fruit
and a seed, however much they may resemble each other : The
fruit always has two scars, one at the base, showing where it was
attached to the peduncle, and another upon the summit, indicating
the former presence of the style or stigma; but the seed has never
more than one scar, indicating the point at which it was connected
with the pod that contained it."

J- F.

* No less inexplicable is the curious fact, mentioned by Darwin, that in
the hornbill, B. bicornis, the inside of the mouth is black in the male ; but
flesh-colored in the female.

1'For example Gastrosteus.

1 62 The Ottawa Naturalist. | November

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANADIAN BOTANY.*

By James M. Macoun, Assistant Naturalist, Geological Survey of Canada.

XVIII.

Mitella diversifolia, Greene.

Near Trail, Columbia River, B C, May 19th, 1902. No.
64,574.1 ( W. Spreadborough.) New to Canada.

Heuchera flabellifolia, Rydb., N. A. Fl. xxn : 115.

H. parvifolia, Cat. Can. Plants 1 : 158 & 526.

All the Canadian specimens referred to H. parvifolia in
our herbarium prove to be H. flabellifolia. They are from
Milk River Ridge, Alta. No. 10,560; Cypress Hills, Alta.
No. 8,514, and Crow Nest Pass, Rocky Mts. No. 20,167.
(fohn Macoun.) Milk River Ridge, Alta. No. 8,515. {Dr.
G. M. Dawson. )

Heuchera Columbiana, Rydb., N. A. Fl. xxn : 116.

H. cylindrical var. alpina, Cat. Can, Plants, 1 : 526 in part.
H. cylindrical var. oval/folia, Contr. Can. Bot. No. 6, p 5,
in part.

Crow Nest Pass, Rocky Mts. No. 8,500. {Dr. G. M.
Dawson.) Waterton Lake, Reeky Mts. No. 10,561 ; Eagle
Pass, C. P. Ry., B.C. No. 8,503. {John Macoun.) Trail,
Columbia River, B.C. No. 64,571. ( /. M. Macoun.) Re-
ferred to H. glabella by Rosendahl, but apparently a good
species.

Saxifraga rufidula, (Small).

S. occidenlalis, Cat. Can. PI.. 11 : 321 in part.
Micranth.es rufidula, Small, N. A. Fl., xxn : 140.

Well characterized by the red-tomentose under-surface of
the leaves. Described from specimens collected by Prof.
John Macoun on Mount Finlayson, Vancouver Island, May

*Published by permission of the Director of the Geological Survey of
Canada.

tSpecimens have been distributed from the herbarium of the Geological
Survey under these numbers.

1906] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 163

17th, 1887. Collected July 17th, 1887, on Mount Arrow
smith, V.I., and May 19th, 1893, on Parson's Mountain near
Victoria, V.I., by Prof. Macoun. The specimens collected in
1887 formed part of the material upon which Watson based
his S. occiden talis.

Saxifraga lata, (Small.)

S. occidentalism Cat. Can. PI., 11 : 321 in part.
Micrantlies lata, Small, N. A. Fl., xxn : 145.

Described from specimens collected by Prof. John Macoun
at Lytton, B.C., April 16th, 1890. Not rare west of the
coast range. j

Ribes oxycanthoides, L. var. calciola, Fernald, Rhodora, vn: 155.

This variety resembles the species " but young branches,
petioles and lower leaf surfaces permanently and densely white-
tomentose." Collected or noted growing in calcareous soils
in Bonaventure and Gaspe counties, Quebec, by Messrs. Col-
lins, Fernald and Pease at the following places : Carlisle,
Tracadigash Mt., mouth of Bonaventure River, New Rich-
mond, Grand River, Perce, Little Cascapedia River and Dart-
mouth River. This variety was collected on " the island "
Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, N.S., by Prof Macoun in 1898,
Herb. No. 19.102. An intermediate form was collected on
Cape Breton Island, the same same year at Grand Narrows,
No. 19,100, and Big Intervale, Margaree, No. 19,101.

Crataegus Brunetiana, Sargent.

A common species about Quebec. Our specimens were
collected in fruit near Quebec in 1902 by Dr. Robt. Bell.

Spir.^a sorrifolia, L.

Escaped from cultivation and well naturalized on the
bank of the Gatineau River at the railway station, Wakefield,
Que., 1903. (John Macoun J

Geum pulrchum, Fernald, Rhodora, viii : 11.

Known in Canada only from specimens collected by
Williams. Collins and Fernald, in boggy meadows by the St.

tThe Geographical limits given in these papers refer to Canada only.

164 The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

Lawrence River at Bic, Quebec, but will probably be found
elsewhere. Characterized by its " large, wide-spreading
crimson calyx, deep claret-colored styles and the strongly
contrasting broadly obcordate bright yellow petals " ; sug-
gesting Geum macrophyllum in the outline of the leaf only.

Medicago denticulata, Willd.

Toronto, Ont. ( W Scott.) Not recorded from Ontario.

Vicia vii.losa, L.

Camlachie, Ont, June 18th, 1901, No. 34,280. (John
Macoun. ) New to Canada, rare in North America. Intro-
duced.

Geranium pratense, L.

Roadsides and pasture fields, Wakefield, Que., 1903.
(John Macoun )

Linum catharticum, L.

On the left side of the entrance road, Beechwood Ceme-
tery, Ottawa, Ont., 1903 (John Macoun.) Not before
recorded from Ontario.

Empetrum nigrum, L. , var. andinum, DC.

Distinguished from E. nigrum by its red fruit and tomen-
tose or lanate young leaves This plant was sent us from
Newfoundland many years ago and was named E. rubrum.
Mr. L. Fernald has shown (Rhodora, vol. iv : 147-15 1) that it
is apparently identical with the Andes plant described by De
Candolle.

Rhus Vernix, L.

R. venenata, Macoun, Cat Can. Plants, 1 : 100 and 505.

Abundant by the little lake west ot East Templeman,
Que., 1903. (John Macoun.) Not recorded east of S. VV.
Ontario.

Impatiens noli-me-tangere, L.

On Kent street, Ottawa, Ont. Noticed there for several
years previous to 1901, whern flowering specimens were col-
lected in September. y^O* -— - /

1906] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 165

Malva Alcea, L.

Common by roadsides in Masham township near Wake-
field, Que., 1903. (John Macoun. )

Anthriscus Cerefolium, Hoffm.

Roadsides at Cap a L'Aigle, Que. No. 67,994. (John
Macoun. J New to Canada.

Cicuta Douglasii, (DC.) C. & R.

In marshes, Chilliwack Lake, R.C. No. 44,480. (J. M.
Macoun. ) New to Canada.

Santcula Nevadensis, Wats.

Revelstoke, B.C., 1902. (W. Spreadborough.) Eastern
limit in Canada.

Monotropa fimbriata, Gray.

In woods near Trout Lake, B.C. (E. Wilson.)

Gaultheria humifusa, (Graham) Rydberg.
C. Myrsinites, Hook.

Mountains at Lake Agnes, No. 66,473, ar>d at Pipestone
Creek, No. 66,474, Rocky Mountains, 1904. [John Macoun.)
Not recorded from Rocky Mountains since Drummond's
time.

Glaux maritima, L. var. obtusifolia, Fernald, Rhodora, iv: 215.
G. maritima, Cat. Can. PI. 1: 315 in part.

With the exception of a single specimen from Assinaboine

L Rapids, Man., (John Macoun), our herbarium specimens of

this variety are from either the Pacific or Atlantic coasts. In
the east it is represented in our herbarium by specimens from
Brackley Point, Prince Edward Island, No. 15,982 ; Grand
Narrows, Cape Breton Island, N.S., No. 19,849; Salmon
River, Que., No. 68,641, and Murray River, Que., No.
68,642 (John Macoun) ; Oak Island, Mahone Bay, N.S.,
No. 23,060 (Dr. C. A. Hamilton) ; Campbellton, N.B.,
No. 15,986 (Dr. R. Chalmers) ; Bathurst, N.B., No. 60,463
(Williams and Fernald); Cacouna, Temiscouata Co., Que.,
No. 67,057 (Collins and Fernald). From the Pacific coast,

1 66 The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

Chase River, Vancouver Isiand, No. 15,981 ; Comox,
Vancouver Island, No. 635 ; Burrard Inlet, B.C., No. 15,979
(John Macoun) ; Lacomb Island, Portland Canal, B.C., No.
11,978 (J. McEvoy) : Renfrew District, Vancouver Island,
No. 41,413 {Rosendahl and Brand).

DODECATHEON PUBERULUM, (Nutt. ) Piper.

Grassy slopes, Penticton, Lake Okanagan, B.C. No.
61,247. (JV. Spreadborough.) Damp spots at Trail, Columbia
River, B.C. No. 66,531 ; west of Sophie Mt., B C. No.
66,532. (/. M. Macoun.)

Cynanchum Vincitoxicum, R. Br.

Escaped from cultivation at Niagara Falls, Ont., 1904.
(W. Scoti.)

Nemophila breviflora, Gray.

Very abundant on damp grassy slopes at an altitude of
5,000 feet, Sophie Mt., S.W. of Rossland, B.C. No. 66,614.
(/. M. Macoun.) New to Canada,

Polemonium elegans, Greene, Pittonia. in : 305.
P. confertum, Cat. Can. PI., 11 : 330.

Summit of South Kootenay Pass, Rocky Mountains.
No. 16,221. {Dr. G M. Dawson.) Summit of Sheep Moun-
tain, Waterton Lake, Rocky Mountains. No. 11,807. {John
Macoun.) Second summit west of Skagit River, near the
International Boundary. Alt. 7,000 ft. No. 68,716. (/. M.
Macoun. )

Cynoglossum boreale, Fernald, Rhodora, vn : 249
C. Virginicumt Cat. Can. PI. 1 : 335 and 567.
C. occidentale, Cat. Can. PI. 1 : 567, and 11 : 344.

This species is not uncommon in Ontario and eastward
throughout the Maritime Provinces, but west of Lake Superior
it is very rare. In our herbarium we have no specimens from
the wooded country north of the prairie region, where it was
collected by Drummond, nor have we any specimens from the
Rocky Mountains. Our herbarium material from British
Columbia is represented by specimens from Donald in the
Columbia valley and from Vernon near Lake Okanagan.

i goo] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 167

ASPERUGO PROCUMBENS, L.

Waste places at Banff, Alta., 1903. (iV. B. Sanson.)
Not recorded west of Ontario.

Verbena bracteosa x stricta.

A Verbena^ evidently a hybid between V. bracteosa and
V. stricta was found growing very abundantly on dry sandy
ground near Pt. Edward, Ont, Aug. 20, 1903. {C.K. Dodge.)

Mertensia oblongifolia, Don.

Common on hillsides around Trail, Columbia River,
B.C. Nos. 66,567 and 66,568. (/. M. Macoun.) New to
Canada.

Mertensia ciliata, Don.

South fork of Salmon River, near Idaho boundary. No.
66,56b. 1902. ( IV. Spreadborough.) New to Canada.

Teucrium littorale, Bicknell.

Along the shore below Mahone Bay, N S. {Dr. C. A.
Hamilton.) New to Canada.

Scutellaria nervosa, Pursh.

Dry open woods, Cedar Creek, Arner, near Kingsville,
Ont. No. 54,679 {John Macoun ) New to Canada.

Mentha arvensis, L. var. lanata, Piper, Bull. Torr. Bot. Club,
xxix : 223.

Size and habit ot var. Canadensis, Briquet {M. Can-
adensis, L.) but the calyx, stem, petioles and often the whole
underside of the leaf-blade densely lanate-pubescent.

Dry bed of torrent, Middle Creek, Chilliwack River, B.C.
No. 54,657; bank of Chilliwack River, B.C. No. 54,656.
{J. M. Macoun.) New to Canada.

SOLANUM CAROLINENSE, L.

Very abundant at Point Edward, Lake Huron. No.
54-531- [John Macoun.)
Physalis pruinosa, L.

Streets of Southampton, Ont, No. 54,524. {John
Macoun.) New to Canada.

x68 The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

Verbascum Lychnitis, L.

Roadsides at Sandwich, Ont. No. 54,510. {John
Ma conn.)

Ch^xorrhinum minus. (L.) Lange.

Linaria minor, Desf. ; Macoun, Cat. Can. Plants, 1 : 353.
Contr. to Can. Bot. Pt, xil.

Kincardine, Ont. (W. Scott.) Point Edward. No.
54,467, and Sarnia Ont. No. 54,466 ; along- the railway at
East Templeman, Que., 1903. {John Macoun.)

Penstemox pulchellus, Greene.

Rocky summits, alt. 6,000 ft., Tnmi Hy Mountain, Chilli-
wack \ralley, B. C. 1901. (Jus- M. Macoun.) New to
Canada. Probably not a good species but only a form of
P. procerus.

Penstemox Digitalis, (Sweet) Nutt.

Another lo.ality for this species is Farm Point, four
miles from Cascade, Que. It is not easy to account for the
occurrence of this plant as though generally treated as a
garden escape it is found where there is no record of its having
been cultivated.

Castalleja suksdorfii, Gray.

Abundant on sub-alpine slopes between the Chilliwack
River and Mount Cheam, B.C., alt. 4,000 ft. Nos 54,442
and 54,443. (J. M. Macoun.) Not recorded from Canada.

Plaxtago aristata, Michx.

Gait, Ont. [W. Herriot.) Roadsides nejr Windsor,
Ont. No. 54,701. {John Macoun.) Introduced from [the
west, now well established.

Plantago media, L.

Roadsides under the shade of the maples along the
YVhortley Road, near London, Ont. (/. Dearness.) Of very
rare occurrence in Canada.

1906] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 169

Galium bifolium, Wats.

Abundant on clay banks along- the Dewdney Trail, west
of Sophie Mt., B.C. Alt. 5,000 ft. No. 64,890. (/. M.
Macoun.) New to Canada.

Anaphalis margaritacea, B. & H. var. occidentals, Greene.

Characterized by its bright green leaves, glabrous above.
Confined in Canada, apparently, to the vicinity of the Atlantic
and Pacific coasts where it is rare. We have no specimens
from the interior.

Xamthium glabratum, (DC.) Britton.

In ditches by roadsides and along streams near Sarnia,
Ont. (C. K. Dodge.) New to Canada. Mr. Dodge has
also collected X. Pennsylvania um at Port Huron, Mich., just
opposite Sarnia.

Xanthium Canadense, Mill.

Typical specimens of X. Canadense were collected by
Prof. Macoun by the mill at Blue-berry Point, near Aylmer,
Que., in 1903. During the same summer he collected X.
cchinatum, Murr. , at Wakefield, and Ar. Pennsylvanicum,
Wall, near St. Patrick's Bridge, Ottawa.

Galinsoga parviflora, Cav.

Toronto, Ont, 1904. ( W. Scott.) First collected in
Canada by J. Dearness iu north London, Ont. in 1901 and
more recently in the southern part of that city.

Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, L.

Typical C. Leucanthemum as represented in our herbarium
seems to be confined to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts our
only specimens being from Newfoundland, No. 10,955,
{Robinson and Schrenk) ; Boylston, N.S., No. 22,830, {Dr. C.
A. Hamilton) ; Big Intervale, Margaree, Cape Breton Island,
N.S., No. 19,672, {John Macoun) ; New Carlisle, Bonaventure
Co., Que., No. 69,071, {Williams and Fernald)\ Montmorency
Falls, Que., No. 68,327, {John Macoun) ; Cedar Hill, Van-
couver Island, B C, No. 14,503, {Jo/in Macoun.) The var.

ijo The Ottawa Naturalist. | November

subpinnatifidum, Fernald, Rhodora, V : is abundantly repre-
sented in the herbarium of the Geological Survey by speci-
mens from Labrador to British Columbia.

Artemisia biennis, Willd.

Near the mouth of Albany River, James Bay, 1904.
(IV. Spreadborough.) Probably introduced.

Arnica Gaspensis, Fernald, Rhodora, vn : 148.

Described from specimens collected on ledges of a hill
near Ste. Anne des Monts, Gaspe, in 1881, by Mr. J. A. Allen.

Arnica plantaginea, Pursh.

Described from specimens collected in Labrador and
recorded from several stations there. Re- described by Mr.
Fernald, Rhodora, vn : 247.

Arnica Sornborgeri, Fernald, Rhodora, vn : 147.

Bank of a mountain brook at Rama, Labrador. ( /. D.
Sornborger.)

Carduus nutans, L.

In the pasture on the Peche River above the schoolhouse
at Wakefield, (Que., 1903. (John Macoun.) Not recorded
west of the Maritime Provinces.

Cirsium arvense, Hoffm. var. setosum, Ledeb.

In a second-growth woods about 200 yards from the
Grand Trunk Railway at Lachine, Que., 1905. No. 67.797.
(Dr. Robt. Campbell.)

Cemtaurea Jacea, L.

Waste places at Owen Sound, Ont., 1901. Herb. No,
26,445. (John Macoun.) New to Fastern Canada.

Lejntodon hispidus, L.

Moist meadows, Gait, Ont., 1902. (IF. Ifcrriot.) New
to Canada.

SONCHUS ARVENSIS, L.

Albany, James Bay. 1904. (W. Spreadborough.)

1906] Contributions to Canadian Botany. 171

Lactuca pulchella, DC.

Mouth of Albany River, James Bay, 1904. {IV. Spread-
borough.') Not recorded from that region.

Prenathes race.mosa, Mx.

The Beacon, mouth of Moose River, Jani2s Bay, 1904.
(W. Spreadborcngh.) Not recorded from that region.

Agoseris altissima, Rydb.

Prairies near Old Wives' Lake, north of Peace River,
Atha., 1903. No. 61,242. (/. M. Macoun.) Known before
only from type locality in Montana.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO.

At the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of
Ontario held at the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, on the
10th and 11th October, three of the local members of the Club,
Messrs. Fletcher, Gibson and Young presented papers, and, Dr.
Fletcher, was honoured by being elected President of the Society
for the ensuing year. Other members of the Club who contributed
papers during the convention were Mr. J. D. Evans, of Trenton,
Mr. H. H. Lyman, of Montreal, Prof. Wm. Lochhead, of the
Macdonald Agricultural College, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Que., Mr.
C. W. Nash, and Mr. J. B. Williams, of Toronto, and the Rev.
Professor Bethune, of Guelph. Among the exhibits shown was a
beautiful collection of exquisitely mounted tineid moths, collect-
ed and prepared by Mr. C. H. Young, of Ottawa. Mr. Young
has been most energetic in the collection of these interesting little
insects and during the past two years has mounted upwards of
four thousand specimens. We hope, as Mr. Young is getting his
material identified by the well known specialist, Mr. W. D.
Kearfott, of Montclair, N. J., that he will publish in the Ottawa
Naturalist, at an early date a list of the species he has found in
the Ottawa district. One of the important features of the meet-
ing was a full discussion on the habits of the Codling Moth and
the best methods of controlling it. Mr. Paul Hahn of Toronto

1 72 The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

delivered the popular lecture on "An Entomological trip to
Algonquin Park" — This was illustrated by lantern slides from
photographs taken during the trip.

A. G.

LIMN^A MEGASOMA.

Limncea megasoma is undoubtedly the finest of the pond

shells of North America. In the vicinity ot Ottawa it is found

only in Meech's Lake, where it is least rare in a sheltered bay

about two hundred yards north of the Tilley Cottage. The

species occurs in many of the lakes of northern Ontario. It is

abundant in both the outlets of Lake Temagami and is doubtless

to be found in every bay of this beautiful lake. At the mouth of

the French River and in the northwest arm of Lake Nipissing, it

is quite common. But nowhere does it appear in greater numbers

than in the centre of the new silver district— Cobalt Lake. Here

with unnumbered millions in value of precious mineral surround

ing it, L. mcgasvna flourishes, despite the large quantity of

arsenic present in the water, and many of the mature shells pre

serve the rich brown tints which constitute the chief beauty of the

young of the species.

F. R. L.

NOTE.

The undersigned would ask all members of the Field
Naturalists' Club, who are so inclined, to send notes on birds
which have been observed— where there is no doubt as to the facts
given — as well as specimens for identification, and especially old
nssts of this year, together with data of the species that built it,
in what location it was, etc, in to him. Bv co-operation of this
kind much valuable information can be accumulated, which can
afterwards again be made use of for the benefit of the whole club.

&£££

C. W. G. ElFRIG,

210 Wilbrod Street,

Ottawa.

1906] Nature Study — No. 38. 173

NATURE STUDY No. XXXVIII.

School Exhibits of Pressed Plants.
By James Fletcher, Ottawa.

Largely as an outcome of the Nature Study movement, much
attention has recently been given in rural schools to the formation
of collections of various Natural history objects. The apprecia-
tion of the value of this work has found expression in the efforts
made by the authorities of local Fairs and Exhibitions to encour-
age the teachers and scholars of their several districts, by offering
prizes to be competed for under stated conditions. It cannot be
doubted that the small expenditure involved has in the main been
amply justified by the results. There are, however, some features
of this work which may be advantageously considered by the
teachers when themselves entering upon these competitions or
persuading their scholars to do so. In this, as in every other kind
of work, the first consideration should be: Is it advisable? If
this is decided in the affirmative, then some definite idea should be
formed beforehand as to the educational use the effort is to be put
to and the way it is to be carried out. The writer has had many
opportunities during the past ten years of examining and judging
collections of plants, native woods and seeds, etc., which have
been entered for competition at various Exhibitions. In most
cases, there has been evidence of much energy, patience and care
in making and preparing the specimens for exhibition ; but there
have also been signs that the makers of some of the collections
have not quite understood the main principles involved in making
a collection at all, or ot making it educationally valuable. Most
of the short-comings seem to have been due to a lack of know-
ledge of what the results of long experience, gathered from many
different students, have shown is the best way to make a repre-
sentative collection of natural history objects. It is with the hope
of helping my many friends among the teachers and scholars of
our country that I write this note. 1 believe that the encourage-
ment of these natural history competitions, extended by Exhibi-
tion Associations, is a very wise one : — from their own point of
view in the first place, the large number of visitors who invari-

i74 The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

ably crowd around these exhibits, bears testimony to the great in-
terest in the subject, not only on the part of the friends ot the
exhibitors, but also among the general public; and, besides, it is
highly commendable, because they are stimulating the study of
branches of knowledge which are now acknowledged to be of the
utmost importance, in finding simple means for preventing loss in
the crops of the country and thus increasing enormously its reve-
nues, as well as, at the same time, the prosperity and happiness of
the individual cit'zen. Teachers and students may therefore feel
quitejustified in giving the necessary time and thought required
in trying to learn the true nature of some of the common natural
history objects around them. These to most minds will be
found on closer acquaintance to be so attractive that they will sti-
mulate further study and engender a craving for more knowledge
concerning all similar objects. This will bring with it increased
powers of observation and comparison, in short, a scientific atti-
tude of mind which strives to see things in their true light, to
think correctly, and to understand what is being considered. To
do this will require much patience and mental self control, as well
as great care to avoid jumping to hasty conclusions. It may be
claimed, then, that this work is certainly useful, not only from an
educational point of view because it demands close observation and
thought, which train the mind and form character ; but also be-
cause the actual knowledge acquired is of use in the ordinary
walks of every day life. A nature study may be defined as an edu-
cational exercise consisting of a careful observation of some com-
mon natural history object, together with a conscious mental ef-
fort to learn as much as possible of its nature and uses : — what it
is, what it does, why it does it, how it does it, and what its rela-
tion is to man or more directly to the observer himself. In such
an exercise it is convenient and often necessary to preserve speci-
mens both of the objects under consideration and of similiar and
allied forms, so as to have these at all times easy of access for
study and comparison. This means to make a collection. In
doing this, it is soon noticed that each kind of plant has its own
habitat or special locality where it finds conditions most suitable
to its highest development, and that, to find it in the best state
for study, it must be sought for in those localities. For the

1906] Nature Study — No. 38. 175

thorough understanding' of a species, it is necessary to know the
plant in all its parts and in all its different stages ot development.
Specimens should he collected illustrating all these points, and
should be chosen, first of all, with an idea of presenting the ave-
rage development and typical form of the species. Dwarfed or
gigantic specimens should be shown only as indicative of the range
of variation. There seems to be a tendency with beginners to col-
lect specimens with unusually large leaves or flowers, which spe-
cially strike them, or dwarfed or imperfect specimens, "chips,"
which are easy to preserve and mount, but which give little in-
formation when referred to in a collection. Separate leaves or
plants without flowers or fruit should not be included, unless these
parts are otherwise shown. Each species should be represented,
if its average size will permit of this, by a specimen showing the
root, the stem, the leaves both from the root and on the stem, the
flowers and the fruit. In large plants, as in the case of coarse-
growing herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, portions must be se-
lected illustrating the various parts. In order that the collection
may be of the greatest use, it is necessary to label carefully and
neatly every specimen, giving the name, the habitat or nature of
the place where found, the exact localrty, so that if necessary fur-
ther specimens may be collected, and the date of gathering, so
that the time of flowering and seeding may be known. Valuable
additions to a collection of plants are specimens of the seeds and
ot seedlings showing the seed leaves. In the matter of mounting
and labelling, neatness and uniformity are very essential. Speci-
mens should be dried quickly, so as to preserve the colour as much
as possible, and in a natural manner, so that the tlowers may
take the same positions as when the plant was growing, and so
that the undersides of some of the leaves may be seen. In pre-
serving a plant, it should be neatly arranged, when first pressed,
between the folds of a single sheet of thin paper, once folded.
This should then be placed between driers of absorbent paper,
which for a few days must be changed every day, and dry sheets
substituted, without disturbing the plant in its folder. On the
second day the specimens should be examined to see that all the
characters of the plant are shown, and, if they are not, parts may
be moved a little to improve the arrangement; but after that the
specimen should not be disturbed until it is quite dry, when it may
be taken out and mounted permanently on paper thick enough to
allow of examination without breaking the specimen. Each plant
should have a separate sheet to itself, and all the mounting paper
in a collection should be of the same size and labelled in the same

176 The Ottawa Naturalist. [November

place. The specimens may be attached to the mounting paper
either by narrow strips of paper neatly stuck over the stems, or
with liquid glue placed at several points on the firm parts of the
underside of the specimen. The different sheets should be placed
together in their botanical families in accordance with some
recognized list. The " Catalogue of Canadian Plants" by Pro-
fessor John Macoun, our highest authority, is universally followed
in Canada. This catalogue can be procured from the Geological
Survey Department at Ottawa. The sheets should always be kept
separate and for a reference collection for a school, after being dis-
played at the local exhibition, should be carefully put away in a
neat box made a little larger than the size of the mounting sheets.
Specimens of plants should never be put in bound books, nor
should the sheets be caught together at the edges, with cords as
is sometimes done. In both of these ways, the specimens are easily
broken, there is no way of interpolating in their proper places
species subsequently collected, it is inconvenient to examine and
compare the species, and, when the collection is required for an
exhibition, it cannot be displayed in an attractive manner, which
is an important point with the exhibition authorities.

In order that these collections may be of the greatest educa-
tional value, the specimens should be gathered as much as pos-
sible by the students themselves, and the name of the collector
should appear on the label. The teacher should merely help in
identifying and comparing the plants with related forms and also
in showing how to prepare the collection for exhibition.

Collections of the seeds of weeds make an attractive and use-
ful exhihit. Owing to the good work of the Seed Branch of the
Department of Agriculture under the direction of Mr. G. H. Clark,
great interest has been recently developed in recognizing the
various weed-seed impurities in crop seeds offered for sale. Far-
mers are now alive to the importance of knowing the appearance
of the seeds of these enemies which in the past they so often
carried on to their land, mixed with the seed they sowed for crop.
All of the weed seeds have characteristic shapes, colours and
markings, by which after a little practice they are just as easily
recognized as the crop seeds among which they occur. In making
collections of weed seeds, the appearance of those of the worst
pests is soon learnt, and the boys and girls of Canada have a
grand opportunity of using their sharp eyes to the advantage of
their fathers, by examining the seeds bought for sowing and find-
ing out whether any weed seeds are included.

Seed collections should be exhibited in small bottles, all of the
same size, neatly labelled in the same place on each bottle. Well
cleaned seed, as well as some in the husk should be shown.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.

Vol. XX. OTTAWA, DECEMBER, 1906. No. 9

THE CRVPTOGAMIC FLORA OF OTTAWA.*

By John M ACOUN, Xaturalist, Geological Survey of" Canada.
(Continued from The Ottawa Naturalist, Vol. XXI, p. 100.)

MUSCI.

2. Sphagnum Girgensohnii, var. hygrophilum, Warnst.
In wet woods at Casselman, Sep. 16, 1898.

7. Sphagnum cuspidatum, var. submersum, Schpr.

Ditches in the Mer Bleue at Eastman's Spring's, June 16,
1892 ; also at Blackburn Station, June 20, 1902.

17. Weisia viridula becomes W. rutilans, Hedw.

And the references with it.
ija. Weisia rutilans var. Ganderi, Juratzka.

On earth on old stumps subject to flood, by Lake
Duchesne above Britannia, Oct. 27, 1900.

427. Trematodon ambiguus, Hedw.

On wet earth at Casselman and South Indian, June,
1898 ; in fine fruit on the road that passes along- the north
side of Beechwood Cemetery, Oct. 10, 1900.

428. Dicranella souarrosa, Starke.

In wet springy places south of the canal and along the
railway west of Duws swamp. July 6, 1900.

'Published by permission of the Director of the Geological Survey of
Canada.

I The numbers above 426 are in continuation of the list. The references
under smaller numbers are to species already listed.

178 The Ottawa Naturalist. [December

429. DlCRANUM LONGIFOLIUM, Hed\V.

On boulders at the head of Meach Lake, on the west side.
Sept. 23, 1893.

430. Dicranum Drummondii, C. Muell.

In fine fruit in a cedar swamp a little east of Stittsville.
June 10, 1903.

431. Fissidens adiantoides Linn, var. instatus, Kindb.

On old stumps subject to flood along Lake Duchesne
above Britannia. Oct 27, 1900.

432. Fissidens subbasilaris, Hedw.

On cedar bark at the base of a tree in old woods at
Carleton Place. May 12, 1900.

433. Fissidens Gabberi, Lesq. & James.

On earth on old stumps, subject to flood along' Lake
Duchesne above Britannia. Oct. 27, 1900.

434. Barbula subulata, (Linn.)

Crevices of limestone rocks near^Governor's Bay, Rock-
cliffe Park. May 16, 1900.

435. Grimmia pseudo-rivularis, Kindb.

Our rocks at the Cascades and at Paugan Falls on the
Gatineau River.

435a. Grimmia pseudo-rivularis, sub. sp. lancifolia, Kindb.
On rocks at Meach Lake. Sept. 23, 1893,

436. Grimmia conmutata, Hueben.

On rocks along the Gatineau River above the Cascade
Rapids. June 22, 1900.

437. Bartramia glauco-viridis, C. M. & Kindb.
On Meach Lake, Que. Sept. 23, 1893.

72. Philonotis fontana, Brid.

By springs along the railway, south of the railway and
west of Dow's swamp, July 6, 19 >o ; also in the swamp by
the Beaver Meadow, Hull, Que. June 21, 1900.

1906] The Cryptogamic Flora of Ottawa. 179

438. Webera cruda, Schimp.

On rocks in cuttings of the Gaiineau Railway above
Chelsea ; on rocks at Cascade, Gatineau River. June 22, 1900.

439. Brvum Ferchelii, Funck.

On rocks near the water above the old mill at Cascade,
Gatineau River. June 23, 1900,

4jo. Mnium glabrescens, Kindb. var. chlorophyllosum, Kindb.
On wet rocks in a brook emptying- into the west side of
the north end of Meach Lake, 4 miles above Old Chelsea,
Que. Sept. 23, 1893.

441. Mnium riparium, Mitten.

On wet rocks by the small brook in Rockcliffe Park.
April 16, 1899.

442. Atrichum angustatum, Bruch & Schimp.

On sandy and damp earth by the roadside on the north
side of Beechwood Cemetery. Nov. 2, 1899.

100. POGONATUM BREVICAULE, BeailV.

On a damp sandy bank on the north side of Beechwood
Cemetery, in fine fruit. Oct.. 10, 1900.

101. POGONATUM ALP1NUM, Rcehl.

Crevices of rocks at Meach Lake, Sept. 23, 1893 ; also
amongst rocks near Wakefield, Que. July 20, 1803.

443. Fontinalis hvpnoides, Hartm.

On trees subject to flood along Lake Duchesne above
Britannia. Oct. 27, 1900.

132. Pterogonium brachypterum, Mitt.

On ironwood trunks near Hemlock Lake, Beechwood.
May 16, 1900.

444. Anomodon platyphyllus, Kindb.

On trees in the swamp west of Fairy Lake, Hull, Que.
Oct. 20, 1902.

i8o The Ottawa Naturalist. [December

445. Pylaisia polvantha, Br. & Schimp, var. rupestris, Best.

On a boulder in woods on the east sid; of the Beaver
Meadow, Hull, Que. May 3, 1902. New variety.

446. Pylaisia pseudo-platygyrium, Kindb.

On old log's at Leamy Lake, near Hull, Que. Nov. 9,
1896.

Entodon Macounii, C. M. & Kindb.

On an elm log- in swampy woods Billings' Bush (Rideau
Park), April 28, 1900 ; on earth near Hogsback, Rideau
River. May 2, 1897.

Thuidium Virginianum (Brid.) Lindb.

On old logs west of Hull, and east of Beaver Meadow*
Que. April 30, 1902.

449. Thuidium Philiberti, Limpricht.

On the bases of trees on the hills west of Cascade,
Gatineau River. June 23, 1900.

450. Thuidium pseud-abietinum, Kindb.

On earth on a swamp at Britannia. Sept. 11, 1890.
Referred in No. 139 to J. Blando'wU.

142. Brachvthecium digastrum, C. M. & Kindb.

On rocks by the Gatineau River above Cascade, Que.
June 23, 1900.

451. Brachythecium cyrtophyllum, Kindb.

In holes in elm trunks in old wood at Carleton Place.
May 12, 1900.

452. Brachythecium l^evisetum, Kindb.

On the bases of trees, Blueberry Point, Aylnier, Que.
April 17, 1900.

453 Brachythecium albicans, Br. & Sch.

On earth in woods, by Leamy Lake, Hull, Que. Nov.
9, 1896.

1906] The Cryptogamic Flora of Ottawa. i 8 i

454. Brachythecium harpidioides, C. M. & Kindb.

On earth in woods at the head of Hemlock Lake, near
Beechwood Cemetery. May 16, 1900.

455. Brachythecium Hillebrandi, Lesq.

On old logs in old woods, Carleton Place. May 12, 1900.

456. Brachythecium biventrosum, Muell.

On old logs in old woods at Carleton Place. May 12,
1900.

457. Brachythecium calicareum, Kindb.

Abundant on flat limestone rocks in Rockcliffe Park,
Oct., 1892 ; May, 1899 and June, 1900.

458. Eurhynchium subscabridum, Kindb.

On limestone rocks on the west side of the Beaver
Meadow. May 16, 1896.

211. Plagiothecium brevipungens, Kindb.

On old logs, Johnstone Lake, North Wakefield, Que.,
June 2, 1898 ; also on old logs, in old woods at Carleton
Place. May 12, 1900.

459. Amblystegium pseudo-confervoides, Kindb.
On flat limestone rocks north of the Experimental Farm,

April 16, 1893 ; on limestone rocks west of the Beaver
Meadow, Hull, Que., April 25, 1899 ; also on the same
habitat along the railway a little south of Carleton Place.
May 12, 1900.

460. Hypnum longinerve, Kindb.
In pools in woods, west of Victoria Park and north of the

Parry Sound Railway. June 19, 1900.

461. Hypnum perich.^tiale, Br. Eur.
On boulders in woods near Hemlock Lake. Sept. 29

1891.

462. Hypnum nemorosum, Koch.
On earth by Leamy Lake, Hull, Que. Nov. 9, 1896.

182 The Ottawa Naturalist. | December

212 Hvpnum Richardsoni (Mitt.) Lesq. & James.

In a bog, Johnstone Lake, near North Wakefield, Que.
June 2, 1898.

463. Hypnum cuspidatum, Linn.

In a springy place along the railway south of the canal
and west of Dow's swamp July 6, 1900.

HEPATIC^.

260. Pellia epiphvlla, Corda.

On earth by a brook below South Indian. June, 8, 1900.

463. Nardia crenulata (Smith) Lindb.

On earth by the discharge of Leamy Lake, Hull, Que.
Sept. 16, 1883.

232. Lophozia Helleriana, (Nees.)
Cephalosia divaricata. Dumort.

On old logs in a swamp north oi the Experimental Farm.
April 16, 1892.

463a. Odontoschisma denudatum, (Nees.)

On an old log in woods at Navan Station. Apr. 17, 1902.

464. Scapania irrigua, (Nees ) Dumort.

In the north side of the Mer Bleue below Blackburn
Station on the C.P. R. June 20, 1902.

465. Porella pinnata, Linn.

On the bases of trees subject to flood, shore of Lake
Duchesne above Britannia. Oct. 27, 1900.

222. Cololejeunea Biddlrcomi^, (Aust.) Evans.
Lejeuuea calcarea, Libert.

On the bark of white cedar in a swamp west of Fairy
Lake, Beaver Meadow, Hull, Que. Oct. 20, 1902.

LICHENES.

466. Ramalina calicaris, (Linn.) var. fraxinea, Fr.

On balsam fir at Stittsville. May 16, 1899.

1906] The Cryptogamic Flora of Ottawa. 183

467. Parmelia cetrata, Ach.

On an elm trunk in a swamp at Carleton Place. May 12,
1900.

468. Physcia tribacia, (Ach.) Tuckerm.

On black ash trees along Lake Duchesne above Britannia-
Oct. 27, 1900.

469. Physcia obscura var. endochrysea, Nyl.

On black ash trees south of Cowley Farm. April 18,
1895,

470. Leptogium myochroum, Ehrh. Tuckerm.

On rocks, McKay's woods, April 16, 1891, and on King's
Mountain. May 22, 1897.

471. Placodium cerinum var. pyracea, Nyl.

On old cedar trunks in Dow swamp. May 2, 1896.

472. Placodium vitellinum var. octosporum, Nyl.

On rocks near Hogsback, four miles from Ottawa, May
2, 1896 ; on bark of cedar rails south of Beechwood Cemetery.
April 14, 1897.

473. Lecanora subfusca, var, distans, Ach.

On bark of beech trees, McKay's woods, Ottawa. April
16, 1 89 1.

474. Lecanora subfusca var. minor, Branth.

On limestone rocks near the Hogsback, four miles from
Ottawa. May 2, 1896.

475. Lecanora varia var. polytropa, Nyl.

On limestone rocks, Blueberry Point, Aylmer, Que.
April 25, 1900.

476. Lecanora cenisia, Ach.

On limestone rocks, along the Rideau River, near Hogs-
back, four miles from Ottawa. May 2, 1897.

477. Lecanora cinerea, (Linn.) Sommerf.

On limestone rocks, alon^f the Rideau River, near the
Hogsback. May 2, 1897.

184 The Ottawa Naturalist. [December

478. Lecanora gibbosa, Nyl.

On flat limestone rocks, Blueberry Point, Aylmer, Que.
April 25, 1900

479. Lecanora calcarea, (Linn.) Sommerf.

On limestone rocks along- the Rideau River below Hogs-
back. May 2, 1897.

480. Lecanora laxa, Branth (Ms.)

On limestone rocks along the Rideau River below Hogs-
back. May 2, 1897.

481. Lecanora tuscata (Schrad.) Th. Fr.

On limestone rocks along the Rideau River at Hogsback.
May 2, 1897.

482. Rinodina sophodes var. exigua, Fr.

On limestone rocks in Rockcliffe Park, April 17, 1895 ;
also along the Rideau River at Hogsback. May 2, 1897.

483. Pertusaria pustulata, (Ach.) Nyl.

On old cedar rails on the road to Kingsmere north of
Aylmer, Que. May, 22, 1897.

484 Biatora coarctata, (Nyl.) Tuckerm.

On limestone rocks at Britannia. April 20, i?95-

485. Biatora rivulosa, (Ach ) Fr.

On bark of living beech trees in Rockcliffe Park and at
Billings' Bridge. April iq, 1898.

486. Biatora atropurpurea, (Mass.) Hepp.

On beech bark near Hemlock Lake, near Beechwood
Cemetery. Sept. 6, 1891

487. Biatora cyrtella, (Nyl.) Tuckerm.

On the bark of Alnus incana near Hogsback, May 2,
1897 ; on young maples in Billings' Bush, April 28, ic^oo.

488. Biatora globulosa (Floerk ) Hepp.

On poplar bark in Stewart's Bush, Ottawa. April 13,
1895.

i goo] The Cryptoi;amic Flora of Ottawa. 185

489. BlATORA MICROCOCCA, Koerb.

On old cedar rails {Thuya occidentalis) west of the old
toll-gate, Aylmer Road, Hull, Que , Oct. 6, 1898.

490. Biatora mel.ena (Nyl.) Tockerm.

On old and charred cedar rails along- the Richmond
Road, west of Ottawa, April 18, 1896.

491. Biatora Beckhausii, (Koerb.)

On old fence rails west of the old toll-gate on the Aylmer
Road, west of Hull, Que., Oct. 6. i8q8.

492. Lecidea pruinosa (Smith) Flot.

Quite common on granite boulders in many places
around Ottawa, April, 1897.

493. Lecidea lapicida (Ach) Nyl.

On limestone shingle near Hogsback by the Rideau River,
May 7, 1897 ; quite common on limestone rocks everywhere
around Ottawa.

494. Lecidea contigua, Fr.

On limestone rocks, Blueberry Point, Aylmer, Que.,
April 25, 1900.

495. Lecidea enteroleuca, Fr.

On small limestone pebbles at Britannia, April 25, 1S95 ;
also on pebbles, Blueberry Point, Aylmer, Que. April 25,
1900.

496. Lecidea enteroleuca, Fr. var. pilularis, DC.

On limestone rocks along the Rideau River below Hogs-
back, May 2, 1897 ; on limestone shingle, Blueberry Point,
Aylmer, Que. April 25, 1900.

497. Lecidea planetica var. perfecta, Kckfeldt.

On limestone shingle at Britannia, April 20, 1895.

498. Buellia spuria, (Schaer.) Arn.

On limestone rocks in woods near Hull, Que. April 24,

1897. v^^'^iV

/

\^ V r*T J^

1 86 The Ottawa Naturalist. [December

499. Buellia PETR/EA (Flot.) Tuckerm.

On granite boulders near Governor's Bay, Rockcliffe
Park, Ottawa, April 17, 1895.

500. Buellia obscurata, (Ach.)

Quite common on limestone and other rocks around
Ottawa ; also at Blueberry Point, Aylmer, Que. April 25,
1900.

501. Opegrapha vulgata, Ach.

On ash bark near the Rideau River, at the Hogsback ;
also at Leamy Lake, Hull, Que. May 7, 1897.

502. Graphis scripta, var. serpentina, Ach.

On bark of Juglans cinerea in woods west of Hull, Que.,
April 24th, 1897.

503. Calicium pusillum, Flcerke.

On old rails along the road leading from Aylmer to
Kingsmere, Que. May 22, 1897.

504. Sagedia Cestrensis tuckerm.

On the bark of young maples at Ottawa ; also on Kings'
Mountain above Chelsea, Que. May 22, 1897.

505. Verrucaria rupestris, Schrad.

On limestone rocks on the cliffs along the Ottawa, Rock-
cliffe Park, Nov. 11, 1896.

506 Verrucaria epidermidis forma punctiformis, Branth.

On living alder stems along the Rideau River, near
Hogsback, April 30, 1897.

507. Pyrenula patellaR/EFOrmis, Eckfeldt.

On the bark of living black ash in Billings Bush, April
19, 1897.

508. Pyrenula leucoplaca (Wallr. )

On bark of young maples in woods near Hull, Que.,
May 5, 1897.

509. Pycnides versimilide, Branth.

On black ash bark in Billings Bush, April 19, 1897.

igo6] A Visit to Duck Island. 187

A VISIT TO DUCK ISLAND.

The glorious sun of a September afternoon shone warmly on
a group of club members who recently visited Duck Island, the
metropolis in the vicinity of Ottawa of the elusive unionidae,
vulgarity called clams. The weather was delightful. The water
was very low and unruffled and collecting was consequently easy
and rapid. The many sand bars which project from the centre of
the i»land towards Templeton wharf yielded the first fruits in fine
specimens of Unto occldens and Unto borealis. A little lower
U complanatus was fouud in abundance. Few however of the
specimens were of the very large, rayed form, for which the local-
ity is particularly noted. But certain of the shells procured quite
equalled the first found in 1881, which for a quarter of a century
have increased in loveliness, and form the chief glories of the
writer's cabinet. The heavy, inflated, unrayed form of complana-
tus, not occurring elsewhere than at the island, was very numer-
ous, and some fine shells were selected from the thousands whose
circular tracks furrowed the sand in every direction, always how-
ever with an uultimate trend to deep water. U. ellipsis, of small
size was oommon, but there were few mature shells. This species
is known in the Western States as "the nigger toe-nail", and is
much used in the pearl button industry. Another shell of econo-
mic use, which occurred sparsely, is U. rectus, called by pearlers
the "black sand-shell."

U. gibbosus was not uncommon, but not one afforded a mate
for the fine pearl found six years ago in a shell of this species
collected at the foot of the island. Several large U. gracilis were
noticed, and a few shells of medium size saved. Of our only
other winged shell, U. alatus, a single fine specimen was obtained.
U. alatus and U. rectus are remarkable among North American
unios for their extensive range — Quebec to Manitoba, and south-
ward far into the Mississippi Valley — and for their constancy of
form, under the widely differing conditions of their environments.
A tew specimens of Anodonta undulata were found, and a single
fine A. BenedictiL — the third living shell noted in more than
twenty years. The others were found at the mouth of Brigham's
Creek. Of the Margaritanas but one was noticed — M. uftdulata.

1 88

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[December

The shells of this species found at Duck Island are far more beau-
tiful than any shells of the kind found elsewhere. But to U. Occi-
dent, the prize of Paris must be given. Never probably in any
place were so many beautiful fresh water shells obtained in the
same brief time as were found on that September afternoon.
There were thousands of U. occidens to select from, and many of
those left to increase and multiply were abandoned w ith some-
thing of the regret one would feel who was compelled to leave fine
pearls behind because one could not carry more away. Red occi-
dens— huitres rouges — of our boatman, were very numerous, and
from this deep and prized tint the changeful species ran the chro-
matic scale through every shade of orange, yellow and lemon,
diversified always with deep green rays, now broad, now narrow,
sometimes sparsely, oftener closely set.

The results for the day were upwards of six hundred selected
shells of the following species : —

Unio complanatus, Sol.

U. borealis, A. F. Gray.
U. occidens, Lea.
U. ellipsis, Lea.
U. alatus, Say.
U. gracilis, Barnes.
U. rectus, Lamarck.
U. gibbosus, Barnes.
Margaraitana undulata, Say.
Anodonta undulata, Say.
A. Benedictii, Lea.

No attempt was made to secure A. fluviatilis from the pond
on the island, nor were any of our smaller shells collected.

F. R. L.

THE FULVOUS TREE-DUCK.

In September, 1905, Mr. J. S. Rollins saw eleven fulvous
tree-ducks, (Dendrocygna aufumnalis) on the fiats near New
Alberni, Vancouver Island and shot five of them. One specimen
is in the provincial museum at Victoria. This is the first record
for this bird in Caunda. W. Spreadborough.

Victoria, B. C.

[906] Manitoba Warblers — Cecropia Emperor Moth. 189

AN ADDITION TO OUR MANITOBA WARBLERS.

While in the woods on the afternoon of October the 17th, on
the lookout for the last individuals among- birds moving- south I
observed a stranger which the white patches at the base of the
primaries enabled me to recognize at once as a Black-throated
blue warbler {Dendroica ccerulescens) young male. It was flying
about near the ground among tall aspens and was afterwards fol-
lowed into thickish willows. In company with it were three
golden-crowned kinglets and a couple of slender-billed nut-
hatches. This warbler was very active in spite of the coldness of
the day and lateness of the season — it was also rather shy.

The black-throated blue warbler is not uncommon in most
parts of eastern Canada where it breeds, but it has not hitherto
been recorded for Manitoba, though from the bird observed being
a young one it might be inferred that this species breeds in the
province or further north.

In Chapman's "Color Key " the range of this species is given
as "Eastern North America, breeds from northern Connecticut,
mountains of Pennsylvania, southern Michigan and northern
Minnesota, north to Labrador and Hudson Bay region ; winters
in Central and South America".

Norman Criddle.
Treesbank, Manitoba,

October 30th, 1906.

CECROPIA EMPEROR MOTH.

I have been shooting for many years at the "St. Clair Elats",
Kent County, Ontario, but it was only about fourteen years ago
that the cocoons of the above moth were first seen in great num-
bers at St. Ann's Shooting Preserve, which lies between the
E'Carte and Johnston's Channels. A very few willow trees and
bushes grow on the ridges out in the marsh and on'some of these
I found the cocoons. In one instance there were about fifty (50)
on one willow, of about 14 inches diameter in the trunk and at
another time I found about thirty-five on a small swamp willow
bush about 6 feet high, and also attached to the marsh or prairie
grass under or near said bush. Our club house is situated about

igo The Ottawa Naturalist. [December

three miles out in the Marsh and surrounded by a grove of large
willow trees but I have never been able to find a cocoon on any of
them.

In iooo they were particularly abundant and I sent to Ottawa
a box of the large cocoons which were spun among the grasses
around the base of a small willow tree. Regarding the food of
Cecropia, neither I, nor my friend the late Mr. Warren, who used
to accompany me on my shooting trips, could find any plants in the
neighborhood with berries on them, such as we knew this cater-
pillar to feed upon, so we came to the conclusion that the food of
the caterpillars must be the leaves of the willows and other small
bushes in the neighborhood,

Since the time when I sent the cocoons, the insect seems to
have deserted the locality altogether, for I have hunted the same
places on the St. Clair Flats, and particularly on the willow trees
but have been unable to secure even a single specimen.

I was much pleased with the interesting Nature Study article
by Mr, Gibson in the October number of the Ottawa Naturalist.
Such articles do much to draw the attention of many people who
want to know about them, to these beautiful and common things
which make excursions into the country so charming.

John Maughan, Toronto.

Note. — The cocoons sent by Mr. Maughan were of remark-
able size: They were for the most part spun among the loose
grasses at the base of the willows and many of them measared 4
inches long by 2 inches wide. — J. Fletcher.

NOTE ON THE " TEAL WEED " OF ST. CLAIR FLATS.

By John Maughan, Toronto.

This plant which has been identified as the Common Floating
Pond-weed, Potomogeton nutans, is to be found in all sections of
Ontario, and grows in Urge quantities in the bays, channels and
ponds in the St Clair Flats, County of Kent, in water from six
inches to s,ix feet in depth. Among duck shooters this plant goes
by the name of "Teal Weed " from the fact that the Green Winged
Teal, Anas Carolinensis, the Blue Winged Teal, Anas dtscors, the

1906] Review. igi

Baldpate, Anas Americana and the Pintail, Dafila acuta, all known
as Marsh Ducks, feed on the seeds. The soft portion of this root
and the small bulb which torms at the extremity of the roots of the
Arrow- leaf {Sagittaria) are favorite foods of the Canvas-back,
Ay thy a valUsneria, and of the Redhead, Aythya Americana. These
ducks dive in quite deep water to get the roots and tubers they
feed upon, for this reason they are known as River Ducks. The
Redhead and Canvas back feed also on what we call the Black
rush, by which I mean the round green rush that grows in deep
water. Thev take hold of the rushes and pull them out, thus se-
curing the ripe brown seeds. They then leave the rush without
breaking it. In the fall season quite a lot of the remains
of the weeds which the ducks have pulled up may be found
floating about and lying against the adjacent shores, where
portions are eaten by other ducks and water hens. The River
Ducks seem to seek the Arrow-leaf roots just as eagerly as they
do those of the so-called "Wild Celery" {Valtisneria), both being
excellent food for the birds.

REVIEW.

Studies of Plant Life in Canada, by Catherine Parr Trail,
pp. 219. William Briggs, Toronto, Ont., $2.00.

This long-expected re-print of Mrs. Trail's fascinating book
was received too late for a full review in this issue of the Ottawa
Naturalist, but its appropriateness as a Christmas remembrance
from one Nature lover to another is such thai the attention of our
members should be drawn to it at this time. Mrs. Trail spent the
greater part of a long life in the backwoods cf Canada and,
always a lover of flowers, she has included in her book a record of
all that she found most interesting or attractive in them. Mrs.
Chamberlain's exquisite drawings with which the work is illus-
trated in half-tone and color add much to its beauty and value.
The original edition was revised and edited by Dr. James
Fletcher, and in preparing the present edition for the press Mrs.
Chamherlain has had advice from both Dr. Fletcher and Prof.
Macoun.

ig2 The Ottawa Naturalist. December

THE OTTAWA FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB
PROGRAMME OF WINTER SOIREES, 1906-7.

1906.

Dec. 6th— The President's Address.

Address by Dr. J. F. White, Principal of the Normal School.

An Entomological Excursion in the Selkirk Mountains— by J.
Chester Bradley, Berkeley, Cal., presented by Dr. James
Fletcher, (illustrated by lantern slides).

Demonstration Exhibition— \n Zoology, Ornithology, Entomology,
Botany, and Geology, in charge ot Prof. Prince, Rev. C. G.
Eifrig, Dr. James Fletcher, Prof. John Macoun, Dr. H.M.
Ami, and others. (In the Normal School).

1907.

Jan. 8 — Demonstration on the Physics of the Atmosphere — By D. A. Camp
bell, B. A. (In the Hall of the Carnegie Library).

Jan. 22 — The Relation of Climate to Health -By Dr. P. H. Bryce, Chief
Medical Officer of the Department of the Interior. (In the
Hall of the Carnegie Library).

Feb. 12 — The Physical Conditions of Life in the Deep Seas — By Dr. R. A.
Daly. (In the Hall of the Carnegie Library).

Feb. 26— The Macdonald College -By Dr. Jame> W. Robertson. (In the
Normal School).

.Mar. 12- -The Forestry Problem in Canada —By Elihu Stewart, Esq., Super-
intendent of Forestry. (In the Normal School). Illustrated.

Mar. 19— Annual Meeting

Reports of Branches. Election of Officers and transaction of
business. (In the Hall of the Carnegie Library).

All the Lectures are Free and Open to the Public.

0$^h

1906] Nature Study — No. 39. 193

NATURE-STUDY No. XXXI X.

Agencies for the Promotion of Nature-Study in Canada.
By Prof. \Y. Lochhead, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Que.

It may appear strange to some that the Nature-Study Move-
ment should be able within a few years to gather the strength
and take the hold that it now has in many of the provinces.
While there are many persons opposed to assigning to Nature-
Study the most prominent place in the time-table of the junior
classes in our public schools, there are but few who oppose the
study of nature by the children.

It may be truly said in the first place that the time was ripe
for such a movement. For generations the natural sympathies of
the child towards nature were smothered ; and as a result he saw
but little that was beautiful in the world about him. For genera-
tions the child was educated as a thing apart from his surroundings.
Educationists had forgotten, or were ignorant of, several
pedagogic principles, viz: — the senses are the avenues to the mind,
and the sense perceptions give rise to definite knowledge in the
mind — Nihil in intelleclu quod non prins in sensu — new thoughts
can be comprehended only by the help of old thoughts ; the
greater the stock of ideas possessed by the child, the greater the
progress the child will make in the acquisition of knowledge or
new ideas ; the best development is self-development, by the
encouragement of the activities of the child in the investigations
of the problems presented to it ; and education does not consist
in the imparting of information by the teacher and its reception by
the pupil. According to the modern idea it is all important that
the child should have clear percepts of the things that constitute
its environment, for these percepts form the basis for thought and
further educational development.

But, while the schools were doing unsatisfactory work, there
were several agencies in operation, which, unconsciously in some
instances, were performing important educational service by en-
couraging many to undertake the study of natural history. The
first of these were the Natural History and Field Naturalist Socie-
ties— the Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, Wellington, being perhaps

i94

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[December

the most energetic, — and the Entomological Society of Ontario,
with its branches in Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Guelph and
Vancouver. The influence of these Societies was quite marked, as
many of the members were persons of note in their respective
districts, and many young men received their first impetus to
study nature at their meetings. Besides, the annual reports of
some of these Societies, containing illustrated articles, were dis-
tributed freely throughout the country, diffusing much useful
nature knowledge among the people.

While the Natural History Societies were quietly diffusing
useful knowledge among the masses, and inspiring many persons
with a desire for the study of nature, the Science teachers of the
High Schools and Academies were also opening the eyes of their
pupils to the wonderful things of Nature. For many years, it is
true, the biology course as laid down in the syllabus for high
schools did not tend to make nature students ; but in later years
the courses were more rational, and many young persons were
roused to take anjnterest in natural history. The great majority
of the Science teachers are enthusiastic nature students, and are
doing much to encourage the newer movement by their personal
work and influence.

The Normal Schools have for many years given courses in
Science, but perhaps with too little emphasis on the biological
side, with the result that the teachers on graduation were but
slightly interested in the great nature-world around them. For
the last five or six years, however, more attention has been given
to Nature-Study, and most of the new teachers now begin their
work with a high opinion of its educational value. To such men
as Dearness, Elliott, Scott, Sinclair, and Brittain of the Normal
Schools we are indebted for the development of the pedagogical
side of Nature-Study, and for their efforts in demanding the right-
ful place for Nature-Study on the school curriculum.

One of the most potent agencies for the spread of the Nature-
Study idea throughout the country was the Ontario Agricultural
College. For more than 30 years it has stood for a careful study
of Nature and Nature's processes as an essential factor in success-
ful agriculture, and it has strenuously insisted that such a study
is one of the very best foundations for general culture. The

1906] Nature Study — No. 39. 195

course of study there not only developed the intelligence, stimu-
lated the imagination, widened the outlook, and gave the students
scientific, practical and sympathetic interest in the world about
them, but it also made them, as free citizens of a rising nation,
take greater interest in civic affairs, and showed them the value of
co-eperation and collective action.

The Macdonald Institute at the Ontario Agricultural College,
which stands for Nature-Study, Manual Training, and Domestic
Science, as an integral part of the education of every child,
should claim much credit for the evangelistic work it has accom-
plished during the past four years under the leadership of Mul-
drew and McCready. Its class-rooms have been thronged sum-
mer and winter by teachers from all parts of Canada anxious to
learn more about the things of nature, so that they might bet-
ter direct the children how to study the simple commonplace
things that lie at their door.

Directly also, the College, by means of bulletins on many
topics of general interest, set the people reading and thinking
about the wonderful secrets of nature and the importance of a
knowledge of these secrets ; so that when the Nature-Study
Movement was started the people were responsive. Indirectly,
the Farmers' Institutes, which were really an extension system
of the Agricultural College, did much to interest the farmer in
improved methods of dealing with the soil, plants and animals,
injurious insects and noxious weeds. By means of the Institutes
scientific knowledge was popularized and applied to practical
agriculture.

Nature-Study has no better champions and advocates than
the staff of the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. Dr. James
Fletcher has done as much probably as any man in Canada to
further the movement. His public addresses and articles are
most admirable and always carry conviction.

In some counties the Inspectors of Public Schoels encouraged
the teachers under their charge to undertake nature work, and
brought the matter to the attention of the School Boards of their
inspectorate. By appeals and helpful suggestions to teachers the
Nature-Study Movement got a start before it was officially recog-
nised by the Education Departments.

!q6 The Ottawa Naturalist. [December

In some of the provinces the Superintendents of Education
were men of scientific attainments, who saw the importance of the
study of nature as a means^of maintaining and developing that
sympathetic attitude towards nature that characterizes the child
before he attends school, of fostering the habit of close observation,
and of creating that scientific spirit of enquiry in the effort to get at
the truth. The influence of such men as Dr. MacKay in Nova Scotia,
and Dr. Seath in Ontario, at the heads of the Departments of
Education, did a great deal to pave the way for the new Move-
ment in their respective provinces, at a time when their ideas were
in advance of legislative opinion.

The last agency to which I shall refer, is the Macdonald
Rural Schools Fund, supplied by Sir William C. Macdonald of
Montreal, and administered by Dr. James W. Robertson, now of
the Macdonald College, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. The
improvement of rural schools was the main object of this Ennd.
The means adopted were : (i) The building and maintenance of a
large consolidated school in each of the four eastern provinces, as
object lessons ; (2) The training of a certain number of teachers
in Nature-Study, Manual Training, and Domestic Science for
service in rural schools ; and (3) The maintenance of a group of
school-gardens in each of the five eastern provinces, with a travel-
ling instructor for each group, and all in perfect harmony with
the education Departments of the provinces concerned.

The school-garden is now recognised as a most potent factor
in the education of the young by begetting habits of close observa-
tion, thoughtfulncss and carefulness. Properly used, the garden
is "a means to an end, not the end itself, — the end being the
symmetrical education of the child. The school-garden seeks
education through utility and utility through education".

The teachers trained at the Macdonald Institute, Guelph, on
their return to their schools have preached strenuously the doc-
trines of the new Movement.

Besides these direct results of the Macdonald Rural Schools
Fund, the indirect results have been very marked. While many
persons have been unable to see the Macdonald Consolidated
Schools and school-gardens, there are very few persons who have
not read about them and learned the object of their establishment.
The object of the Fund has been achieved both directly and indirect-
ly. The Consolidated Schools have performed most excellent ser-
vice in showing better types of school buildings and in providing
more efficient teachers and more effective teaching for rural-4-ffev

■

&

^ UBRhRY 3

iO

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.

Vol. XX. OTTAWA, JANUARY, 1907. No. 10

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

W. J. Wilson, Ph. B.

The Ottawa Field Naturalists Club was formed I take it to
study the Geology and Natural History of Ottawa and vicinity.
This seems on the face of it to be a praise-worthy object, yet we
are constantly met with the question — What is the good of it all ?
Only a few days ago I was asked if I thought it was worth while
for a busy man or woman to spend his or her time in working for
the Club. I naturally answered the question in the affirmative,
and in the five minutes at my disposal this evening I will give
some of the reasons why 1 think it is worth while.

It seems to me that a good knowledge of the botany of the
district is in itself a good thing and the same may be said of the
insects, birds, fossils, rocks and every other subject^ which we
study. Some of these studies are of considerable economic im-
portance. We frequently see crops in fields largely reduced in
value owing to the abundance of weeds, which if the owner under-
stood he might either destroy or largely reduce. It is a case
where ignorance is not bliss. The study of the life history of
insects has enabled our entomologists to point out the best and
most effective way of destroying those that are injurious to plant
life, and in this way have saved large sums to our farmers,
gardeners and fruit growers. It is very useful to the contractor
to know the quality of the rocks in his immediate neighborhood
and where he can get the best material to use in sthe 'construction
of buildings, etc. Now the detailed work that our members have
an opportunity of doing year after year enables them to study these
and kindred questions to the best advantage, and the Club has

198 The Ottawa Naturalist. [January

unquestionably added materially to the sum total of our knowledge
of local natural history and geology. I do not, however, wish to
emphasize the material advantage particularly, as I think we are
too apt to view everything in the light of dollars and cents. I
believe our chief claim for the support and sympathy of the people
of Ottawa rests on the much higher plain of educational work.
While collecting information in regard to natural history and
geology we keep in view the developing of a love of Nature Study
especially among the younger members. It is not the purpose of
the Club to make profound scientists of its members, but rather to
lead them to observe and take an intelligent interest in the com-
mon things about them, thus giving an additional interest to every
ramble through field and forest.

The name of the Club suggests its greatest usefulness, that is
the field work. We are FiELD-Naturalists and our out-door
excursions afford us the opportunity of doing our best work. This
part of cur work has often been referred to, but it cannot be too
frequently reiterated. It is now generally recognized by colleges
and educational institutious that the study of Nature from text
books alone is useless, and many of them have gone to great
expense to fit out laboratories in which the most practical instruc-
tion is given by bringing the student and the thing he studies
directly together. This is what we do in our field-excursions.
Those who join these excursions have an opportunity of studying
the objects as' they occur in nature and are led by suggestion
rather than direct statement to find out all they can about them.
The pleasure derived from the study of natural history objects
is real and lasting. For instance, the sight of a plant will
recall the first time you found it, and the time when book in hand
you sat down and studied it till you found out its name, and all
vou could learn about it. Every season as you see it again it is
like meeting an old friend.

Another important benefit the Club offers its members is the
stimulus afforded by associating with those engaged in similar
work. It requires a great supply of energy, enthusiasm and love
for a study to keep on plodding along year after year. We have
all seen students start out in the most commendable way and do
good'work for~a_short time ; then the novelty having worn off

1907] President's Address. 199

they began to tire of it, and soon if left to themselves drop it alto-
gether. The Club in its special meetings of branches, soirees and
excursions supplies the very thing that is needed in such a case and
keeps up the interest till the work becomes a habit hard to break
away from. I am quite sure with many members such a habit has
been formed and it would be a difficult matter to keep them from
following their favourite studies. These are some of the [reasons
why I think we are amply repaid for any work we do for the Club.
People have of course the right to criticize our actions and ask
such questions as I referred to at the beginning, and these
criticisms and questions are no doubt productive of good.

If time permitted I would like to enlarge on some of the work
that might be profitably taken up by the Club, but I will only say
that no one need think that all the information possible has been
gleaned in any one subject. Those best acquainted with the dis-
trict will tell you that the opportunity of finding an abundance of
new material at least in some branches, is almost as good as ever,
and an exhaustive study of these offers a splendid field for our
younger members.

In conclusion I wish to acknowledge the Club's indebtedness
to the citizens of Ottawa for the generous support they have at all
times given it.

A new edition of Prof. John Macoun's Catalogue of Canadian
Birds is now being got ready for the press by the author. This
edition will be published in one volume instead of in three parts as
before, and the author will incorporate in the new edition any
notes on extension of range, breeding habits, etc., that may be
sent him.

library"

200 The Ottawa Naturalist. |January

DESCRIPTION OF EUPITHECIA FLETCHERATA, A

GEOMETRID MOTH FROM OTTAWA,

NEW TO SCIENCE.

By Geo. W. Taylor, Wellington, B.C.

This moth is one of many interesting Geometridae that have
been sent to me by Mr. C. H. Young, and I propose to describe
it as a new species in the Naturalist in order that the attention
of the Ottawa entomologists may be directed to it, and that the
record of Mr. Young's success as a collector ot rare species ot
Geometridse may stimulate others to activity in this somewhat
neglected field. The Ottawa list in this family is growing apace
by reason of Mr Young's industry, and every box he sends me
contains some surprise in the shape of species that have not before
been taken in the district.

EUPITHECIA FLETCHERATA, n. Sp.

This is one of the broad-winged, medium-sized species of
Eupithecia, in wing shape much like Eupithecia latipennis Hulst
(which is quite common in Ottawa in the month of June), but is
a trifl i smaller. Expanse, 21 mm.

Palpi of moderate length, rather bushy, very dark (nearly
black), with the extreme tips white. Front dark grey, with a fine
black transverse line in front of the base of the antennae.

Thorax grey, darker in front ; a small white posterior tuft.
Abdomen dark smoky grey ; last segment darker, but in the male
with a tuft of snow-white hairs seen only when the last segment is
exserted ; dorsal tufts black ; a black lateral line.

Beneath, the pectus is white; the abdomen pale except the
last segment which is dark grey ; the legs are pale, except the
tibia? and tarsi of the 1st pair, which are dark with pale rings. Fore
wings rather dark grey, with blackish cross lines enlarged on the
costal margin.

The basal and intradiseal lines, with at least two intervening
lines, are parallel to each other ; they leave the costa at a sharp
angle, turning at right angles when they reach the cell and run-
ning in an almost straight line to the inner margin ; they are all
farther from the base at the inner margin than at the costa.

1907J Description of Eupithecia Fletcherata. 201

The median line, which is double, takes much the same direc-
tion, including in its angle the distinct, oval, black, discal spot,
and continuing in a wavy line to the inner margin.

The extra discal line appears as a large black blotch on the
costa ; it then runs in a regular outward curve to vein 3, then
parallel to the median line to the inner margin ; this line is em-
phasized by a series of eight black dashes on the veins.

Between the extra-discal and the submarginal lines are three
dark lines, showing only as spots on the costa.

The submarginal line is faint, white, showing most plainly in
a white dot between veins 3 and 4, and another between 1 and 2,
Marginal line faint, black, broken at the veins. Fringe, basal half
darker ; dusky spots at the ends of the veins.

Hind-wings dark grey ; the lines indistinct, but apparently all
the lines of the tore wings are continuous, the most evident being
the extra-discal and the submarginal ; the first-named consists of
black dashes on the veins (as on the fore wing) and so appears
broader than the other lines.

Discal dot black, distinct. Fringe as on the fore wings.
Beneath, fore wings bright grey. Costa with black marks show-
ing the commencements of basal, median and extra-discal lines,
and with another dark blotch in advance of the faint white sub-
marginal line.

The extra-discal line and a dark shade beyond it are traceable
across the wing to the inner margin, but the other lines can only
be followed for a very short distance trom the costa.

Marginal line distinct ; base ot fringe pale, otherwise as

above.

Hind wings pale with 3 intra-discal lines marked on the costa
and again on the inner margin.

There are also 2 extra-discal lines composed of distinct dots
on the veins.

The outermost of these is parallel to the outer margin; the
other runs in a straight line from the inner margin, in the direction
of the discal dot, to vein 3, then in a regular curve to the costa.
These two lines are therefore not parallel, being rather close
together on the costa and farthest apart on vein 3. This is a
peculiarity that I have not noticed in any other eastern Eupithecia.

202 The Ottawa Naturalist. [January

Three or four dots on the veins indicate another line between the
two just mentioned.

Discal dots distinct on all wings.

Described from two specimens collected by Mr. C. H. Young
and labelled respectively Ottawa 3. viii. 06 and 10. ix. 06, and
named in honor of Dr. James Fletcher, of Ottawa.

One of these specimens is in my cabinet, thanks to the
generosity of Mr. Young, the other is retained in his own
collection.

ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH.

The first winter meeting (1906-07) of the Entomological
Branch was held at Dr. Fletcher's house at the Evperimental Farm,
on the evening of the 7th November ; six present.

The Chairman suggested that the same plan of managing the
meetings as had been followed in previous seasons should again
be adopted this year, viz : asking each member present to speak
for a short time, either upon specimens brought for exhibition or
upon work done during the past season.

Mr. Arthur Gibson exhibited the cases of Tiger Moths ot the
genus Apantesis in the Experimental Farm collection, drawing
attention to the rarer species and giving notes on the life-histories
of many which he had reared from the egg. Twenty-six different
species and varieties from all parts of Canada were included in
this collection.

Mr. Andrew Halkett showed specimens of Aleyrodes vapor-
ariorum an insect allied to the plant lice but with the appearance
of very minute moths. This insect has been exceptionally abund-
ant and destructive to garden plants during the past season. Dr.
Fletcher stated that it had been sent in from many parts of
Canada and had been particularly troublesome in gardens where
bedding plants which had been propagated in greenhouses were
used. Specimens had been received from Edmonton, Port Arthur
and many places in Ontario, and also from Montreal.

Mr. J. W. Baldwin showed a box of noctuid moths which were
selected from a collection he had made at sugar on two nights at
Graham's Bay, Britannia. Among the most interesting were a

i9°7] Entomological Branch.

203

nice variety of Paragrotis ochrogaster, Xylina signosa, Hadena
?nodica and a very handsome specimen of Bomolocha baltimoralis.
Mr. W. H. Harrington spoke of some insects observed during
the season. He had noticed specimens of Heodes hypophleas fly-
ing at Meach Lake in the last week in October. He also described
and enquired if any other members had noticed a large pocket gall
on the upper side of the leaves of the American Hornbeam. No
one present had seen this gall.

Mr. C. H. Young reported that he had also noticed a late
occurrence of the small Copper referred to by Mr. Harrington and
that he had also found the larvae of Feniseca tarquinius and of a
Syrphus fly feeding on the Woolly Aphis of the Alder on Oct. 3rd
last.

Dr. Fletcher showed some insects from the Holy Land and

again referred to late occurrences of insects. He had a brood of

the larva? of Euvanessa anliopa, which he had collected in the

Arboretum of the Experimental Farm on the 27th Oct. The

larvae were on a willow tree most of the leaves of which had been

frozen, and they were themselves much numbed by the cold at the

time they were collected, the thermometer being almost at freez-

I ing point, and there had been several sharp frosts some nights

^before. Specimens were also shown of the Asparagus Beetle

* reared from larvae collected this year for the first time at Ottawa.

"Several were found late in the season at the Experimental Farm,

the beetles emerging Oct 30.

Mr. Halkett spoke of seeing the Tiger Swallow-tail in
enormous numbers up the St. Agathe line of the C. P. R. early in
June. He also spoke of :he remarkable abundance of Rheumaptera
hastata during the past season, and also of Pteromalus paparum,
the parasite of the White Cabbage Butterfly, in pupae found at
Picton, Ont. These occurrences were discussed fully by those
present.

Dr. Fietcher showed three fine cases of Plusias belonging to
the Entomological Division and drew attention to those of rarest
occurrence. He also exhibited Dr. Folsom's " Entomology" and
spoke of it in flattering terms. The value of Dr. Smith's " Glos-
sary of Entomological Terms" was also pointed out.

J. F.

204 The Ottawa Naturalist. [January

Meeting- held at Mr. Gibson's on 20th November, eight mem-
bers present, including Mr. T. N. Willing, of Regina, Naturalist to
the Province of Saskatchewan.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read.

Mr. Halkett showed a specimen of Dytiscus harrisii, female,
which he had kept alive for some time in an aquarium.

Mr. Harrington exhibited a collection of the most striking local
species of Dytiscus as well as some rare species of Coleoptera from
Vancouver Island, including Calopus aspersus, Chariessa elegans,
Buprestis adjecta and Ischalia Vancouver ensis.

Mr. Young showed a beautiful collection of micro-lepidoptera
of over 2,000 specimens, nearly 200 of which had already been
named by Mr. Kearfott, and which included several species new
to science. The remarkable neatness and skill shown in mount-
ing were much admired by all present.

Mr. T. N. Willing spoke of the work which is being done in
natural history in the North-west Territorities and of his
efforts to establish at Regina reference collections. Considerable
progress had already been made and he hoped that in the near
future much more would be done than had been possible in the
past Mr. Willing showed several boxes of insects which he had
taken in the West. Insects injurious to crops were not as yet
very noticeable in the West, but with the increase of mixed farm-
ing and with more land under cultivation these would doubtless
appear.

Mr. Baldwin showed a neat cabinet case which he had made
himself, including the compressed cork. This was well filled with

a fine series of Catocalas, and other moths taken at sugar at
Graham's Bay, Britannia. The specimens were in perfect con-
dition, and no less than 34 good specimens were taken covering
six species of Catocala.

Mr. Metcalfe told of his experience in using the floating
water net for aquatic insects, which had been very unsatisfactory,

Dr. Fletcher showed a sample of flour badly infested by the
beetles and larvae of Ptinus fur . This is an occasional pest only
of cereal foods but had been sent in three times this autumn. He
spoke of the destruction of the seeds of the Silver Maple by a
small Nitidulid, Epurcea rufa, which had been very abundant at

1905) Infusorial Earth near Lake Windermere, B.C. 205

Ottawa last spring, every seed containing- over a dozen of the
larvae. A fine melanic Bombus from the West was shown, but
the species could not be recognized. Specimens of Galernca
externa, collected by Mr. Norman Griddle at Aweme, Man , were
also shown.

Mr. Gibson showed an inflate of the larva of Ecpantheria
deflorata which had been found feeding on violets at Niagara Glen,
Ont., by Mr. J. B Williams, of Toronto, and also exhibited
samples of currants and walnuts infested by the larvae of Plodia
interpunctella.

A. G.

INFUSORIAL EARTH NEAR LAKE WINDEMERE, B.C.

At a meeting of the Natural History Society of British
Columbia held at Victoria, on the 19th November, Mr. Ander-
son exhibited specimens of infusorial earth taken from beneath the
surface soil of a dried-up lake about three miles west of Lake
Windemere. Prof. Shutt and he were asked last September,
whilst travelling through the Upper Columbia Valley, to visit the
place which is owned by a Mr. Eilis and partner. On reaching
the place, it was found to be in a long valley the lower end of
which was shut off by a natural dyke some twenty feet in height,
and from forty to fifty feet wide at its base. The extinct lake was
immediately above the dyke, fifteen to twenty acres in extent,
the valley containing some six hundred acres, they were told. The
lake site from all appearances, had been comparatively recently
covered with water, as the surface was thickly covered with water
plants resembling moss, probably a species of Myriophyllum, in a
semi-dried state. Ploughing had been attempted, but owing to
the nature of the plants alluded to, it was found impossible to do
so ; discing was then tried, but with equally poor success. On
account of the damp state of the vegetation, burning was also
found to be impracticable. Mr. Ellis expressed the belief that only
way to get rid of the trouble was to rake it all up and stack it.
Interspersed amongst the vegetation, and covering the ground,

206 The Ottawa Naturalist. [January

and to a depth of at least six feet, were fresh water shells innumer-
able, of all sizes, such as are to be seen in the specimens exhibited.
Mr. Ellis had dug down for about six feet, but realizing that there
was a danger of striking a subterranean water course which might
rise and inundate the land, he desisted Flowing into the valley
and past Mr Ellis' house, is a small stream which loses itself
lower down, but reappears some distance below the natural dam
alluded to. The land below the dam is considerably lower than it
is on the upper side, giving a good opportunity for drainage, so
Mr. Ellis and his partner are running a tunnel through the dyke
in order to ensure safety against possible flooding ; a very wise
precaution. Crops of different kinds had been attempted on parts
of the land ; some parts gave good results whilst others showed
acidity. There was a rank growth of weeds belonging to the
Cenopodium family, growing on portions of the site of the lake.
Oats in places grew rank but the straw showed lack of phosphoric
acid and potash and were in patches quite stunted. It was reported
that within the memory of some of the inhabitants in the vicinity
the lake site had been covered with water but of that no definite
information was obtainable.

Among the most recent additions to the library of the Geo-
logical Survey is the "Nature Library" in ten volumes. This
great work published by Doubleday, Page & Co., covers the
whole natural history field, and though perhaps to be classed
among "popular" rather than "scientific" books, every volume
has been written and edited by a specialist.

1907] Nature Study — No. 40. 207

NATURE STUDY, No. XL.

MANUAL TRAINING— THE MECHANICAL HOBBY.

By Mark G. McElhinney, L.D.S., D.D.S., Ottawa.

What appears to be a reasonable definition of the word
Hobby is, a pursuit followed for its own sake, a result of certain
mental activities requiring- expansion. Upon the ordinary pur-
suit become a hobby, there falls the spirit of art — work for the
work's sake and the reward to the soul of the worker. To hob-
bies may be traced many great inventions and not a few of out
most useful institutions. The very use of the term as indicating
an enthusiastic devotion to one subject instead of a perfunctory
performance of daily duty is a keynote to the whole subject. It is
only when a pursuit becomes a hobby that it develops beyond the
level of mediocrity. There is nothing to prevent one's hobby and
one's vocation from being identical, or to their running on parallel
lines. Happy is he whose vocation and hobby are inter-relative,
because knowledge gained in one may be applied to the better-
ment of the other. Every successful man has his hobby ; the in-
dividual that cannot become enthusiastic on some one subject in
life is never likely to rise above the average in anything. Even
the enthusiasm apparently wasted in a thoroughly unpractical
hobby is not really lost, for the data accumulated in its cause may
become available for many purposes. The introduction of Manual
Training to our educational system is a happy indication that we
are awaking to the fact that our methods in the past have been one-
sided. The old methods overlooked one of the most important of
faculties, that which contains the incentive to do things. It is
good to know things — it is better to be able to do things. While
to know may produce a useless pedant — to be able to do develops
a thinking and self-reliant character.

Under our methods of education, manual labour has fallen
somewhat into disrepute. There has been too great a rush into
professional and commercial life, because, to put it plainly, the
trades are not considered so respectable, and the greatest ambi.

The Ottawa Naturalist. [J

anuarv

i of the mediocre intellect is to be thought respectable — at anv

- >:

Why it should be thought more honourable to draw a plan
For laying bricks than to lay them ; why the carpenter and the
machir st si . cons idered ess honorable than thr physician

and the lawyer s hard to understand except as an effect of false
educat:. ::

In i88o William Morris, the best pupil of John Ruskin, and

himself an 0 ::an, said : " We no longer believe in a class

tha r set apart. Every man has a divine call to mike

hip- - to bis riows and the ha . a that some are

ed to ( g g . advice, will soon fade away. Indus-

.iucation is both moral and sp ritual. The man who fails to

se s body eve in a certain amount oi manual labor is a

the State and a danger to his inmosl self. Safety lies

in -. st ba sen - .i and b

. - cause keniog as it does that

reft r will come vithin. I quote President Eliot, who recently

said in a speecli e the Indepe it ■ t Club of Buffalo : " I

shall r. "il one half the curriculum at Harvard is

stead of talkiog about them."

a of manual training into our schools will do

- -ation of the dignity of labour. It is not the

;rmed that should measure the standing of an

i :ne mar. . - which the d is performed.

Her. s le ethical value of a mechanical hobby applies. It

_ ror inJ s here and there what manual

g ei ieavors tc . le - It s imulates the

ual to attain ex:.- le ce r its satce and such an effort

le reflecte reg ?n.

The g le Me;hanical Hobby during the past 20

rapid and v 5 is strated by the

for am a:.- irs - , few and
dealers in su: - pplies .-e numerous and
to cater to the re. j rTients of the amateur
he amateur requires can be obtained quickly

jfuBRARY] s

4907] Nature Study — No. 40 aog

Professional men and men in sedentary occupations are the
principal buyers, and the result must be that there shall be a draw-
ing- together ot the various classes and the formation of a bond of
sympathy between them which cannot fail to benefit both

The handicraftsman shall reap a value in respect ar.i consign-
ation and progress made in the direction of that goal toward which
Tolstoi looks so earnestly. However little I may regard Tolstoi
the mystic, 1 have a large respect tor Tolstoi the humanitarian.

It has been said that the Mechanical Hobby trains the fact;
of observation and stimulates the desire for kc: rle* ge, and I am
convinced that the reason for the poor work turned out by
average artizan is not so much low wages and the desire for cheap
goods on the part of the public as it is to carele--r.r— the "
of the workman.

The workman who studies carefully the requirements and
observes closely the best examples c: : done in his own line

cannot fail to improve as a workman and will succeed proportion-
ately.

The workman who can and does turn out the best that is in
him can always find those who are willing and able to pay for his
product

The Mechanical Hobby is a quiet but powerful spirit working
out the salvation of character and opposed strong :o the prevail-
ing commercialism which is madly given to measuring all things
e en men, by the sordid standard of dollars and cents.

In hundreds of (actor es, the js .nds of workmen turn c.
of thousands oi chairs daily.

Down in his cellar or up in his garret or out in his -

the Amateur Mechanic will make an oak chair in six men:
working at odd moment*, putting his time, his labour, his th
his individual self into that

He knows each piece of wood, each joint, each screw — es
each scratch that refused sc stubbornly to be rubbed out.

What are the tens of thousands of fat chairs along-

side of this ore .-

It may be inferior, it may be who execrable — it matters r.
The valuable element lies in tne spirit in which the work was dc

sio The Ottawa Naturalist. [January

The workman is bettered by the effort — his ultimate product may
be a masterpiece.

This is the true inwardness of the Constructive Hobby.

Carpentry is one of the primitive arts and although the
earliest implements that have come down to us are of stone and
bronze, I believe that their survival is due to the permanent nature
of their material and that wooden implements were made in times
long preceding those of stone and bronze.

The first primeval savage who made anything, probably
fashioned a war-club.

He looked at the product with pride, repeated that formula still
so dear to the amateur " I made that myself", and immediately
the real ascent of man began.

The next time that savage looked about him, things took on a
new aspect and the design argument was born.

Of course the reasoning of this primeval man was founded
upon a fallacy — he had created nothing, simply changed the form
and the making of the club was as natural a part of the evolution
of man as the putting forth of a bud is of the growth of a tree but
he was some thousands of years in finding that out. What we
are thankful for is that he did something and endeavored to find a
reason and was no longer a beast on all-fours.

Carlyle defines man as the "tool-using animal." The great
phrase maker discovered a greater truth.

The history of the use of tools is the history of the material
progress of the race, and only under conditions of satisfactory
material progress can the intellectual and ethical developments
reach their highest attainments.

Carpentry is an art which has reached a most useful and
beautiful development.

The tools required are comparatively few and inexpensive,
and as a Hobby it well repays its votaries.

Dependent upon the skill and taste of the craftsman it can
show a great variety of useful and ornamental products ranging
from a pine wood box to a mahogany piano case.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.

Vol. XX.

OTTAWA, FEBRUARY, 1907.

No. 1 1

A SWARM OF BUTTERFLIES.

By George H. Bradshaw, Morden, Man.

About the twentieth of August of this year the writer, in com-
mon with many others in this district, had the opportunity of see-
ing" a rather unusual and certainly an interesting- sight. Whether
interested in such matters or not, one could not help noticing one
dav countless numbers ot a lar^e fiery-rust-colored butterfly —

which I have since learned from Dr. Fletcher was the Milkweed
Butterfly, Anosia plexippus — that came over-night, or at least
seemed to come over-night, for there they were one bright morn-
ing hanging on the trees and shrubs, in such numbers and so
closely together, that the trees on which they had settled were
simply a blaze of red.

Apparently they liked the early morning sun, for they were

212

The Ottawa Naturalist.

| February

gathered on the sunny side of the trees and basked in the warmth
of the sun till between eight and nine o'clock, when they suddenly
determined to set about their day s work, or whatever they were
in quest of, for they began to flit about in all directions and in
such numbers that the air seemed full of them. During the after-
noon they did not appear so plentiful.

1 cannot recall the exact date when they first made their
appearance in such large numbers, but it must have been about
August 20th, and they remained for probably ten days. To give a
better idea of the great number in this swarm, I may say that they
appeared in equally large numbers over a distance of twelve miles,
to my knowledge, and how much more I cannot say.

They seemed to settle down whenever night overtook them,
if in an open field among the grass or grain, and if in a bush they
gathered as close together as they could get on tree or shrub.
They seemed, I think, to /*

prefer the elm trees to any
others, for there appeared to
to be far more on them than
on any other kinds.

There had been odd indi-
viduals of these butterflies
flying about as early as a
month before the coming of
the main bodv and odd ones
remained behind for pro-
bably a month longer; but
the great swarm came sud-
denly one day and disappeared with equal suddenness. They
seemed a sleek and well conditioned host and looked as though
they fared well, but what they lived on I cannot say.

During the early morning one could go out and gather them in
any quantity, but as soon as they were on the wing they would
ead one a merry chase.

The weather during the time of the swarm was fine, bright
and warm, with southerly and westerly winds prevailing.

The district they visited was along the base of the Pembina
range of hills.

1907] The Fulvos Tree-Duck in British Columbia. 213

The above interesting note by Mr. Bradshaw refers to a well
known habit of the Milkweed Butterfly (also known as the Mon-
arch). This habit of collecting in large numbers resembles very-
much the similar habit among birds, when gathering together in
large numbers just before migrating. The Milkweed Butterfly is
one of the few insects which migrate in large flocks. It is almost
certain that none of the insects in these great swarms pass the
winter in Canada. Although exceedingly common in many years,
all the parents of the vast numbers sometimes seen sailing over
clover fields or gathering nectar from various flowers, in late sum-
mer and autumn, fly up into Canada from the south. The cater-
pillars are very restricted in their food plant and are not known to
feed upon anything except the various species of Asclepias or milk-
weed. The excellent figure given above of the butterfly and the
smaller woodcut representing part of a swarm at rest on a dead
branch, have been kindly lent by the Editor of the Canadian
Entomologist, and were used in an article by Mr. J. Alston Moffat
in the Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario for
1899, where an occurrence of these handsome butterflies similar to
the one now recorded from Manitoba, which was observed neai
London, Ont., is described. — J. Fletcher.

The Fulvous Tree-Duck in British Columbia.
In the Canadian Naturalist and Geologist, Vol. VI, 1861, p.
334, there is what must stand as a good record of the fulvous tree-
duck in British Columbia. In an article entitled " Recollections of
the Swans and Geese of Hudson Bay" Mr. George Barnston savs :
"Two small species of southwest habitat, the Dendrocygna
fl;;/?//;»;«//5 and Z). /«/;'« never come north, as far as I know. It
have never seen the first, but have shot one out of a
pair of the latter on the banks of the Columbia above Okanagan.
This I daresay is usually its limit to the north, and I believe it
has never been seen to the eastward oi the great stony ridge.
Neither of these elegant little geese ever visit Hudson Bay."
This record is of additional interest in view of the recent occurence
of this species in British Columbia as given in the December num-
ber of this journal.

Toronto, Ont. James H. Fleming.

214 The Ottawa Naturalist. [February

NOTES ON THE SKELETON OF A WHITE WHALE OR
BELUGA, RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN PLEIS-
TOCENE DEPOSITS AT PAKEN-
HAM, ONTARIO.

By J. F. Whiteaves.

In August, 1849, portions of the skeleton of a small cetacean
were discovered in stratified clay of pleistocene age " on the line
of the Rutland & Burlington Railroad in the Township of Char-
lotte " (Vermont) " about twelve miles south of Burlington, and a
little more than one mile eastward of Lake Champlain." These
remains were described and figured by the late Professor Zadock
Thompson, in the American Journal of Science and Arts for March,
1850, under the provisional name Delphinus VermohMniis, which
he changed to Beluga Vermontana, in 1853, in an Appendix to the
" History of Vermont." But it is now quite clear that they
belong to the genus Delphinapterus, Lacepede, of which Beluga,
Rafinesque, is a synonym.

More or less complete skeletons of this small whale have
since been found in marine deposits of pleistocene age, at Montreal
in 1858; at Riviere du Loup (en bas) in 1864 or 1865 (detached
bones only); at Cornwall, Ont., in 1870 ; and on the Jacquet
River, N. B., in 1874. By far the most perfect of these is the fine
specimen from Cornwall in the museum of the Geological Survey
of Canada. It is a nearly perfect skeleton of an adult individual,
which, as now mounted, is a little more than twelve feet in length,
though a few of the vertebrae are missing. These Canadian speci-
mens, and especially the Cornwall one, have led to the conclusion
that Thompson's Beluga Vermontana is probably identical, both
specifically and generically, with the common White Whale or
Beluga (Delp/unapterus leucas) now so abundant, in a living state,
in the lower St. Lawrence and North Atlantic. In his latest list
of the fossils Df the pleistocene of eastern Canada (Canadian Ice
Age. 1893, P- 2°8) Sir J. W. Dawson says: "there seems no
good reason to believe that the B. Vermontana of Thompson, from
the pleistocene of Vermont, is distinct from B catodon," Gray,
which, it may be added, is another well known synonym of

i9o7[ Notes on the Skeleton of a White Whale.

2Is

3

D. leucas. Beddard.in his " Book of Whales," published in 1900,
says that " both Sir W. Flower and Mr. True concur in allowing
but one species of White Whale " (D, leucas), and it certainly
seems most likely that the names Delphinus Vermontanus and
Beluga Vermontana will have to be added to its already rather
lengthy synonymy.

On the 5th of September, 1906, a skeleton, which is obviously
that of a very young individual of this same White Whale or
Beluga, was found by Mr. Patrick Cannon, while digging a well
on his farm, on lot 21 of the nth concession of Pakenham, Lan
ark Co., Ont. The Rev. J. R. H. Warren, of the village of
Pakenham, informs the writer that this skeleton was embedded
in blue clay, fourteen feet below the surface, and that only a por-
tion of it was dug out. In digging the well, he adds, some depth
of blue clay was first bored through, then a mixture of clay and
shells, in which the skeleton was found, was struck, and the ex-
cavation ended in more blue clay. The well has since been
incased or lined with stone, and now contains a considerable depth
of water, so that it may be somewhat difficult to dig out the re-
mainder of the skeleton.

The bones that have been exhumed so far, from this excav.
ation, with samples of the mixture of clay and shells in which they
were found, have been kindly lent to the writer by Mr. Cannon-
The former consist of a nearly perfect skull (with only a few of the
teeth missing) and one of the tympanic bones, with most of the
cervical vertebrae and three of the dorsals with some of their
epiphyses. Or, as interpreted more definitely by Mr. L. M. Lambe,
ot the skull, the left tympanic, the atlas, axis, third, fourth and
fifth cervical vertebrae, and the second, third and fourth dorsal,
with some of their epiphyses.

Apart from their obvious immaturity, this Pakenham skull,
and the vertebrae immediately adjoining thereto, seem to be essen-
tially similar to the corresponding parts of the skeleton of the
Beluga from the Cornwall pleistocene, and of that of a recent
specimen ot the White Whale, from Metis, in the Museum of the
Survey.

The discovery of this skeleton at Pakenham is of special

216 The Ottawa Naturalist. [February

nterest, as no remains of Cetacea of the genus Delphinapterus
had previously been found in the pleistocene deposits of the Ot-
tawa valley.

Samples of the clay, with shells, in which this skeleton was
found, contain numerous specimens of Macoma Balthica (L.).
This little tellinid is the Venus fragilis of O. Fabricius (1780) ; the
Psammobia fusca of Say (1827), and Sanguinolm'ia fusca of Conrad
(1831); and the Telina Groenlandica of Beck (1839). It is exi
tremely abundant in the pleistocene sands and clays at many loca-
lities in the St. Lawrence and Ottawa valleys. It is also common,
living, in very shallow, brackish or salt water in the estuary and
Gulf of the St. Lawrence, and elsewhere on the Atlantic coast of
Canada It is said to be the most abundant shell in the clay in
which the original type of Beluga Vermontana was found in Ver-
mont, the other species found with it being Mya arenaria, Saxi-
cava rugosa, and Mytilus edulis.

Ottawa, Jan. 15th, 1907.

A friend of mine out hare-shooting on Jan. 28th, about fifteen
miles from Montreal found a partridge with its feet and the end of
its tail feathers frozen into the ice crust. It was under a thick
hawthorn bush (a lot of dead leaves on the bush, but not a sign of
a berry or any other food around), and though in a weak condition
was able to flap its wings, in fact that was what drew my friend's
attention to it. He had kicked at the bush and heard a noise but
seeing no hare run out he looked under the leaves and found this
bird, which he liberated. It ran a short distance and then flew
away. All naturalists are familiar with the fact that partridge often
dive into deep snow and sleep there but how often are they known
to roost on the ground (or snow) as this bird was doing?

• Gfo. A. Dunlop.
Montreal. Jan. 29th, 1907.

1907 1 Some Notes Winter Birds. 217

SOME NOTES ON WINTER BIRDS.

By C. W. G, Eikrig,

By our Canadian winter birds are meant certain birds of
several different families, which in their coming and going- show-
marked inexplicable anomalies or eccentricities, so to speak. To
them belong- primarily birds like the pine grosbeak, the Bohemian
waxwing, the evening grosbeak, and secondarily birds like the
hawk, snowy and Richardson's owls, the Canada jay, and to some
extent the redpoll, pine siskin, snowflake and goshawk. These
birds are not real migrants, i. t\, birds that come and go to and
from their breeding places at nearly the same time each season,
and in the same general direction and to the same general destin-
ation, so that their winter habitat is well known ; nor are these
Canadian winter birds real permanent residents at their breeding
localities. They indulge in, what seems to us to be more or less
of an aimless wandering about the country, most of them not
going much farther south than our southern boundary, if that tar,
at all. What induces them to wander over the country in this
way, showing up here in numbers one winter and then not coming
again for several seasons ? Is it the low temperature prevailing in
their northern habitat ? No, because other seasons, severer than
the present one here, they remain in their higher latitudes. That
also does away with the idea that some people have, that these
birds have a certain premonition of an impending serious winter,
a certain vague premonitory-barometric sense, allowing them to
diagnose the weather in advance, and escape coming hardships !
Is it on account of a failure in their food supply ? Although this
is undoubtedly a better reason than the first, it does not: explain
all. They indulge in such wanderings when their food supply is
not short in their homes to the north. When the Canada jay came
here two winters ago, and went in great numbers as far south as
Toronto — a thing that had not occurred for about fifty years —
their usual food supply, the kitchens of the lumber camps, the off-
al from the farm-houses, were there as usual. Neither can it be
assumed that when the snowy owls make their phenominal period-
ical incursions into southern territory in such vast numbers, that

218

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[February

their usual food supply, i. t\} small mammals and birds, have
in those seasons been swept off the face oi' the earth or at least of
their habitat— so, what is the reason for their wandering- ? No
one seems to know. Ernest Thompson Seton in one of his books
says that the little chickadees on certain days in the year get
"crazy " spells, during which they act very queer, as though they
had lost their "birdsense." And the same has been observed o*
other birds, e. g:, the capercailzie and the blackcock in Germany,
etc. Perhaps some ot this queer, eccentric feeling on the part of
these birds is responsible for some of their wanderings too !

Neither does the appearance of some of these birds at Ottawa
this winter make the matter any clearer. A hawk owl (Surnia
ulula caparocK) which breeds in Newfoundland, Labrador and the
Hudson Bay country, was shot here on Oct. 9 last, and another
seen at that time. Mr. Henry the taxidermist had two more.
Usually they come later, if at all. At that time it was very mild
here.

A very unusual migration of the American goshawk (Accipiter

atricapillus) took place last October and beginning of November.

While a few birds are seen here most winters, they are nearly

always in the immature plumage, and rather rare at that, but at
this time a regular migration of them took place, mostly composed
of adult birds in the finest plumage. That is certainly remarkable.
On Oct. 18 a fine large female was shot by a farmer near East
Templeton in the act of carrying away a good-sized plymouth rock
rooster. On Nov. 3, a boy shot a nice male near the rifle range,
which had just put himself on the ou.side of a ruffed grouse ( par-
tridge.) Mr. E. G. White noticed a pair together near Pembroke,
one also in the act of devouring- a grouse. The taxidermist got
several more from this vicinity, and all save one in the finest blue
plumage. At Kingston this flight was still more noticeable. Mr.
E. Beaupre of that city writes me, that he never saw so many
goshawks together as this year, /. e., ia.ll of 1906. There were
regular flights of them passing over the city. He saw them al-
most every day in October, but during the first week in November
they were most abundant. He saw seven flying at one time. One
he approached quite closely while tearing up a hairy woodpecker.

1907] Some Notes on Winter Birds. 219

Another tried to make a meal of a wooden decoy duck. Manx
were brought to local taxidermists.

The pretty pine grosbeak [Pinicola emicleator lencurus) is
repeating his performance of three winters ago and is paving us a
visit in numbers. They put in an earlier appearance than usual.
The first ones were seen Nov. 3rd near the rifle range and on
Nov. 5th one was found dead on the Experimental Farm. At the
same time and before, they were extremely abundant near Pem-
broke, and from then until now they have remained with us,
right in the city. They frequent the many mountain ash trees'
upon which they gorge themselves on the berries. They -do not,
however, eat the pulp so much as the seed. The old males are
of a gorgeous rose- red, the female and young are ashy gray, with
greenish yellow on the crown and rump ; the wings are crossed
by a white bar. The females and young greatly predominate in
numbers. They are, as a rule, very unsuspicious of man, and
allow a very close approach, and this unsuspiciousness is often
their undoing at the hands of boys, who should be restrained. On
Jan. 21st, I noticed a flock of ten on a mountain ash tree near the
corner of Bank and Oueen sts. Some of these would flv down or\
the sidewalk and street to eat the fallen berries and would hardly
move away for the passers-by. They should be protected, and, if
necessary, fed to keep them here. Other articles of food of which
they are fond are sumac berries and the buds aud tips of twigs of
evergreen trees. Broken nuts and suet will attract most birds to
the house in winter.

The snowflake [Plectrophenax nivalis) also put in an early
appearance. The first were seen Oct. 27th on Kettle Island.
Great flocks of them were common for several weeks around the
city, when they just as suddenly disappeared.

A single specimen of the beautiful Bohemian waxwing or chat-
terer {Ampelis garruius) found its way into the city on Dec. 2. It
took up its stand in a little mountain ash tree on Russell Avenue,
right over the sidewalk, and if passers-by became too numerous
would shift its headquarters to another tree of the same kind
across the street. Here it remained, all alone, save the pesky
sparrows, for six days. At first it would almost allow itself to be

220 The Ottawa Naturalist. [February

touched, later on it became a little shyer. It would utter a soft

musical twitter, much like the 'beady" song' of its congener,
the cedarbird.

The snowy owl [Nyctea nyctea) seems again to have given
Ottawa a wide berth, whereas further south many are reported.
I have seen one only, which had been shot about Nov. 15th near
Farrellton.

Of the rare great grey owl {Scotiaptex cinereum) another
inhabitant of the fur countries of the far north, I have seen and
heard of four so far this winter, all ot which found their way into
the hands of Henry the taxidermist. *

At the same place I found a specimen of the rare Richardson's
owl {Cryptoglaux tengmalimi richardsont) which had been shot
here on Nov. 16th.

The'beautiful evening grosbeak {Coccoth-thraustes vespertinus)
has not put in an appearance so far, much as his presence is de-
sired. He is one of of the most irregular birds in his movements.
He may come at any time in winter, beginning or end, and stay
for a day or a month at a place, and then not be seen there again
for years, or perhaps come for several years in succession.

Neither has the comical Canada jay {Perisoreus canadensis,)
the clown amongst our northern birds, deigned us worlhy of his
visit this winter. Instead he prefers to steal meat from the shanty-
kitchens in our northern words. Redpolls {Acanthi's ////aria) and
pine siskins [Pi/ins spirvus) may be seen in fovorable localities all
winter. They come and go without pretense to any regularity.

Who can solve the riddle of the coming and going of these
birds ?

THIS YEAR'S AWARD OF THE LVELL MEDAL.

The many friends of Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, palaeontologist and
zoologist to the Geological Survey of Canada and one of its assist-
r.nt directors, will be pleased to learn That he has been awarded
the " Lyell Medal" by the Geological Society of London. The
presentation of this medal is made at a most appropriate time, as
Dr. Whiteaves has just completed the fiftieth year of his scientific
work.

1907] This Year's Award of the Lvell Medal. 221

Born at Oxford, England, in 1835 his first paper, entitled
" On the Land and Fresh-water Mollusca inhabiting the neighbour-
hood of Oxford " appeared in 1857 in the Proceedings of the Ash-
molean Society, and was followed by others, printed in a number
of scientific journals, on palaaontological and zoological subjects,
whilst yet in England.

Dr. Whiteaves visited Canada for the first time in 1861 ;
returning to this country in 1862 he resided in Montreal and in the
following year was appointed recording secretary of the Natural
History Society of Montreal and curater of its Museum, in which
position he remained for twelve years, publishing during this inter-
val valuable palasontological papers, as well as reports on the re-
sults of deep-sea dredging operations conducted by him in the
Gulf of St. Lawrence.

In 1875 Dr. Whiteaves first became connected with the Geo-
logical Survey, and in the following year succeeded the late Mr.
E. Billings as Palaeontologist to the Survey. With the acceptance
of this position Dr. Whiteaves had opened to him an enlarged
field for work of which he has taken full advantage as his long
list of papers and official reports published during the last thirty-
two years fully testifies. His reports, both palasontological and
zoological, have gained for him a world-wide reputation and have
placed him in the front rank of eminent men of science whilst they
have brought Canada more than ever forward in the scientific
world. His writings are noted for their accuracy and for the suc-
cinct and terse language used in all descriptions. His recently
issued Part IV of Volume III of ' Palaeozoic Fossils" reveals a
descriptive power perhaps surpassing that of any of his previous
publications, an augury it is hoped of many more years of industry
and zealous work to be performed, work rendered increasingly
valuable with the accumulation of data and a rich, ever widening
experience.

Sir William Dawson and Professor Frank Adams the

only other recipients of the " Lyell Medal" in this country. Pro-
fessor John Morris was the first to receive it in 1876 and in the
list of awards ct later dates are the names of Dr. Joseph Leidy,
Professor Henry A. Nicholson, Professor Rupert Jones, Dr. A.

<

222 The Ottawa Naturalist. [February

Smith Woodward and more than a score of other distinguished
geologists and palaeontologists who have been similarly honoured.
We extend to Dr. Whiteaves our hearty and sincere con-
gratulations on having received this well-merited recognition of
the value of his scientific work from such a high source as the
governing body of the Geological Society of London as a "mark
of honorary distinction " under the consideration that he has
•' deserved well of the Science."

L. M. L.

Soirees.

The openiing soiree of the Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club,
held on the evening of December 6th in the Assembly Hall of the
Normal School could hardly have been more successful. The
attendance was large and the programme one of the best ever
provided by the Club.

The president, Mr. W. J. Wilson, presented an able paper
dealing with the aims of the Club, the nature and scope of its
work, and the advantages afforded to its members. His address
was printed in the last issue of the Naturalist.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher read a paper prepared by Dr. J. Chester
Bradley of the University of California on "An Entomological
Excursion to the Selkirk Mountains." Illustrating the paper was
an exceptionally fine set of lantern slides. The views differed
from the ordinary photograph taken by tourists ; for besides bring-
ing out scenic effects such as the characteristic skyline of the
Selkirks, their glaciers, waterfalls, rivers and lakes, they show in
the foreground features of especial interest to the naturalist
These included the characteristic plants of the different zones, from
the lower valleys with their gigantic trees and dense undergrowth
to the stunted firs of the tree limit and the alpine meadows of the
higher slopes There were some particularly fine views of these,
meadows showing their great extent and the remarkable size and
profusion of the flowers. Dr. Fletcher made the views doubly in-
teresting by observations and incidents drawn., from his own
experience in the Selkirks. /i£v^

1907] Sub-Excursion to the Beaver Meadow. 223

Rev. C. G. Eifrig gave a practical demonstration about the
study of birds, using colour as a means of identification suitable for
beginners. Mr. Eifrig made use of mounted specimens, a field
glass, and popular books on birds as a person might actually do
in the field. He drew attention to the number of illustrated books
which make the study of birds more interesting and much easier
than it was some years ago, and referred to Ottawa as a city par-
ticularly favored by the birds. Among the books recommended
by Rev. Mr. Eifrig were :

Bird Life, by Chapman; Bird Neighbors, by Blanchan ; Birds
of Ontario, by Mcllwraith : Bird Guide, by Reed.

As is customary at the opening soiree there were exhibits of
specimens illustrating the branches of natural history in which the
Club's members are specially interested. A fine collection of liv-
ing turtles, a young alligator and several batrachians exhibited by
Mr. Andrew Halkett attracted much attention. Mr. Eifrig had
brought from his private museum many sheets of beautifully pre"
pared botanical specimens and birds ; Mr. W. T. Macoun exhibit"
ed specimens of plants and Messrs. Fletcher, Gibson, Young and
Baldwin insects of great beauty and variety. Geology was repre-
sented by fossils and specimens of ore from Cobalt shown by
Messrs. Ami and Collins. A very fine series of colored plates of
Canadian weeds and the seeds of these plants in bottles were
exhibited by Mr. Miller and a collection of photographs of scenery
on the LieVre by M. Lemieux.

SUB-EXCURSION TO THE BEAVER MEADOW, HULL,

FEBRUARY 2nd, 1907.

It has not in the past been customary for the Ottawa Field'
Naturalists' Club to hold winter excursions, but this year it was
thought best to give them a trial and the first one, which took
place on Saturday, February 2nd, proved quite a success, although
the number which attended was not large, doubtless owing to the
threatening state of the weather, the day being very mild and
promising rain. The party met at the toll-gate on the Aylmer
Road at 3 o'clock, and the route taken was up the Beaver Meadow

224 The Ottawa Naturalist. [February

and back through the woods. To a naturalist there are many
things of interest to be found in the woods in winter, and many
objects attracted the attention o^ the part)-. The leaves being off
the trees in winter, the birds' nests are more easily found now
than they are in the summer, and may be taken without compunc-
tion, although some young ladies who were passing made the
remark that it was " a shame to rob the poor birds' nests," think-
ing, perhaps, as we are afraid too many do, that the birds use the
same nest two years in succession. It is true that some birds do
this, but very few of those which are seen about Ottawa. Nests
of what were taken to be the least flycatcher, Maryland yellow
throat, and one of the vireos were among those seen. A tew
chickadees were the only birds observed duringf the afternoon.
The beauty and usefulness of the climbing bitter-sweet — Celastrus
scandens — was impressed on the members of the club by the fine
appearance of the scarlet berries which were seen in great abund-
ance and still in good condition. This is one of the best climbers
to plant about a house, as the foliage is seldom injured by insects
during the summer, and is of an attractive shade of green and the
highly colored fruit, which remains on the plants all winter, makes
the home look quite cheerful. The red, white and black ash \v;re
all observed among many other trees, these three being easily dis-
tinguished by the color of the wood and the buds. An apple tree
was found growing wild among the forest .trees. Chance apple
seedlings are not so common in this part of Ontario as they are
further south and west.

The eggs of the tent caterpillar were found on the choke
cherry, a favorite food of this insect. The finding of these eggs
there and elsewhere this winter shows that the tent caterpillar is
again on the increase.

After a very enjoyable outing, which was a welcome change
to those who have to be in offices all week, the party reached
Hull about 5.30 p.m. W. T. M.

1907] Naturb Studi — Ho. 4.1. 225

NATURE STUDY. No. XLI.

Manual Training II. The M

By Mark G. McEi L.D.S 5.. -.^a.

Perhaps the most interesting of all trades ec

as some prefer tl 5 that of the mad

There is a fascination about the cutting- and shaping
steel and brass that is [resistible. The stubborn nature
materials, the permanence of the produc: the accnrac
called forth and above all the perfection ant
machines and tools required, all proT. ride elecn=
joy of the worker.

Take for examp k the modern 1 g : -

mentc: - rrete mathematics It : an add
divide with unal: e riicate ang es 1

sm?. k - to less

the tb part of an inch. The ti _ led

the K g Tc - It is the great c en tral ~z
ica'. development. Witt

s, that poten: : er,

; impossible. T h e e

has solved me re r — - "--.-_

philosophies, all the is a pei

preceding age

7 . - t . -r _

the mc st potent Under its

broadening influe ;. ul science and teratnre

. BfOOC . - ~ . .

nation, grasp ed his far off arothe
near future to become the

Ler us now consider brief
the production of a steam-engine.

First there si chose - -

marine or locomot e - — r e ream

turbine. Next comes the gene design - ; _ r

in its finished state with its description and . tens as T
each separate part must have a drawing in detail, groin g . rate
measurements of each, with d ros regard ig nates um fin-

226

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[February

ish, so that when the individual parts are finished they will fit
accurately together and form one harmonious whole. When these
drawings are completed, patterns must be made for the parts to be
cast in iron or brass.

In making the patterns the amateur must have some know-
ledge of the moulder's trade in order to make the proper allowance
for drawing the patterns out of the sand, for the contraction of the
metals in cooling and for coring the hollow parts The shapes of
hollow parts cannot be made in ordinary sand, which would not
stand up ; but core boxes must be constructed in which are made
the hard baked sand cores which are knocked out of the holes after
the casting is done. The steel forgings are made directly from
the drawings and do not as a rule call for patterns. To do this
the amateur must be somewhat of a blacksmith.

After the castings and forgings, comes the machining of the
parts, which falls to the lathe, sharper, or drill, as required. In
addition to this there is a certain amount of bench work such as
scraping, filing, tapping for screws and general fitting. It will be
seen that in these manipulations the amateur has been in part a
draughtsman, pattern-maker, moulder, blacksmith and machinist,
and if he complete the engine and run it he will learn some of the
duties of a fireman and an engineer. He will have acquired an
'ncreased respect for each of these arts and for the men who prac.
tice them well.

One of the chief benefits of the mechanical hobby to the indiv-
idual is the training of the faculty of accuracy.

To work to definite measurements, to be able to perceive the
relations of things in the material world, is just that kind of educa-
tion which this age and in fact all preceding ages have lacked.

The perception of relations between things in the concrete is
the only basis on which to train the mind to compare ideas in the
abstract. The lack of this basis is responsible for much of the
loose thinking of the present day.

If our truly heroic efforts in the line of education are to have
any real results, we must begin upon a sound basis, and we may
well rejoice at the adoption of manual training in our schools, for
that is the very element best fitted to bring about the desired
result.

1907] Nature Study — No. 41. 227

I have often been struck, in many conversations with machin-
ists and engineers of the better class, by their terse and pointed
methods of reasoning-. If upon such a basis there could be erected
the superstructure of a liberal education, the results should be
ideal. Manual training should furnish this basis and go beyond it by
awakening the incentive towards the getting of further knowledge.

To awaken this incentive is the highest lruit of an educational
system, for in the last analysis we find that each individual must
educate himself and herself or forever remain a mere repository of
useless knowledge.

The old methods of education were merely encyclopedic. The
new method should make of each fact a living and working truth-

Artistic and Scientific Hobbies.

As an example of an artistic hobby, Amateur Photography
stands out pre-eminently. It has many valid claims to our atten-
tion. It develops the artistic sense, trains the judgment, acquaints
one with some of the laws of chemistry and optics and above all
brings its votaries into close communion with the beauties of
nature. It has an amusing side, I was almost going to say a
pathetic side, as well. The considerations of light, time and posi-
tion, as well as the often totally irresponsible action of developers
and other items, keeps one continually interested and incidentally
adds to one's knowledge in many directions.

It most certainly offers continual exercise in training one's
patience and self control ; but who will say, who has conquered the
A,B,C, and obtained a few successes, that the result is not worth
the trouble. Like all really valuable hobbies, it is difficult to
attain proficiency therein, and there are ever widening and allur-
ing fields opening up ahead.

My first camera, back about 1887, was a black box with a
pin-hole through a piece of ferrotype plate stuck in the front.
This did for a few weeks. Then I read up the article on Photography
in an encyclopedia and made a sliding box camera with an old
opera glass lens. Its productions in the architectural line were
more wonderful than the leaning tower of Pisa.

Then a real lens costing about $3.50 was purchased and a
more ambitious attempt was made — beliows, shutter and all.

228 The Ottawa Naturalist. [February

In the three years following 1887 I made six cameras of varying
efficiency. Then 1 bought a No. 5 folding Kodak for films but
soon gave up films and took to plates again. At presen
I use a 4 x 5 Premo. B., for plates, which serves my very
ordinary attainments and requirements in this line very well.
One contracts the habit of having a camera at hand, especially
on the water or in camp, and does not feel fully equipped with-
out it. It adds not a little to the pleasure of living to have these
pictorial records, to say nothing of their value in substantiating
our stories of what we catch and shoot.

Regarding scientific hobbies I shall be brief.

Previous to that time when governments recognized the true
value of purely scientific work, nearly all investigation was carried
on along the lines of the hobby.

Astronomy, microscopy, scientific farming, histology and
many other lines of investigation were developed in the spare time
of earnest men who either could afford the leisure or earned their
bread by other means. It was long before the world learned that
purely scientific research had any commercial value.

Even now, amongst the ignorant can be heard sneers at the
men of theory and not a few farmers laugh at scientific farming —
as a scythe might have one day laughed at a reaping machine.

To-day, however, things of this nature are getting on to a dif-
ferent plane — we have government astronomers, government his-
tologists, geologists, botanists, entomologists, horticulturists, a
fish commissioner and a host of others. In our Geological Survey
and our Experimental Farms we have the spirit of the hobby
made flesh ; and not only do we derive certain theoretical benefits
from the same, but the advantages can be measured in those big
round dollars which to so many people represent the standard of
utility.

Were it possible to unscrew the skull cap of any of these men
in the Geological Survey or on the Experimental Farms there
would be found a live healthy hobby, a hobby in the real sense of
work for work's sake : — an altruistic hobby, for they work early
and late, and their contributions to the welfare of the nation aft
large, out of all proportion to the reward which they receive for
their services. /^$CA?\

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. &

Vol. XX.

OTTAWA, MARCH, 1907.

No. 12

SOME CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT FISHES.

(Based on an address delivered before the " Unity Club.")
By Andrew Halkett.

The subject of this article is : certain strange facts concern-
ing- the habits and structure oi' fishes. A goodly sized volume
might be devoted to this subject to do it justice ; therefore a few
singular facts only are given here, under distinctive headings.

Fishes That Can Live for a Prolonged Time Out of Water.

The November, 1901, issue of the Ottawa Naturalist con-
tained a short article of mine, entitled: "An African Dipnoid
Fish " treating of a group of fishes distinguished from all others
by " the double character of the respiratory organisation: these
remarkable fishes breathing not only under water by gills, but at
times when the waters dry up, atmospheric air by rudi-
mentary lungs " ; and a succinct account of this dipnoid group is
contained in that article.

Bat the lung-breathers are not the only kind of fishes which
can live for a longer or shorter time out of water. There are
others whose gills are provided with accessary organs for retain-
ing water, so that those fishes are supplied with oxygen during
their sojourn on land. A well-known instance of this is the
Climbing Perch of India, a fish which leaves the water and walks
by the aid of its spines over land. It even climbs trees : a fact
alluded to by Herbert Spencer in his " Principles of Biology," and
Daldorf in a memoir communicated long ago to the Linnean

j jo The Ottawa Naturalist. [March

Society mentions having taken a climbing perch in the act of
ascending a palm-tree which grew near a pond. " The fish had
reached a height of five teet above the water, and was going still
higher."* Furthermore, Drs. Parker and Haswell in their '"Text-
Book of Zoology " state that the climbing perch l> has become so
thoroughly a land animal that it is drowned if immersed in water."

There are also certain gobies of the Indo-Pacific which move
about over the ground at low tide in search of their food, and take
rapid leaps to escape danger. It has been asserted ot these also
that thev would drown if forced for an indefinite time to remain
under water. One of those gobies I have myself seen resting on a
moist object in its aquarium.

Whilst engaged in some Fisheries matters, at the Trent
River, Ontario, a few years ago I had same fishes boxed up and
expressed to Ottawa. On opening the box on my arrival I found
some of the mud-pouts still alive and when replaced in water they
were soon themselves again ; and whilst turning over moist stones
along the shore at the west side of Vancouver Island I was sur-
prised to find numerous little frisky, elongated, and compressed
fishes which were there awaiting the return of the tide.

Fishes with Both Eyes ox the Same Side of the Head.

There are instances of distortion in nature. I mean by this
term not some individual freak, but a distortion brought about by
a modification of structure permanently affecting a whole group of
creatures. The flat-fishes, which are very compressed, are an
instance of this. When the newly hatched halibut, or the plaice,
or the flounder, has left the egg, it is essentially just like any other
fish, with an eye on either side of the head. Very soon, however,
the eye of one side, in certain kinds the right in others the lelt,
moves around to meet its fellow, thus leaving one side of the fish
eyeless and blind. The jaws also undergo distortion, and the
eyeless side remains whitish like the under parts of other fishes,
whilst the eyed side becomes covered with pigment coloring sub-
stance. The fish then lies on the blind side, which serves the
same purpose as the under part of fishes in general.

*Dr, Gunther : 'An Introduction to the Study of Fishes,' p. 516.

1907] Some Curious Facts About Fishes 231

Electric Fishes.

There are three kinds of fishes, unrelated to each other, which
possess electric functions : that is, they are capable of giving
electric shocks. They are the Torpedoes, or Electric Rays ; the
Electric Eel ; and the Sheath-fishes, or Electric Cat-fishes. There
are others, the names of which need not be mentioned, which
possess elementary or pseudo-electric organs. The electric mus-
cular substance is differently adjusted in the three kinds enumer-
ated. In the Torpedoes the batteries lie on either side of the head;
in the Electric Eel they are longitudinal bodies in two pairs, im-
mediately below the skin ; and in the Sheath-fishes they extend
all over the body, being thickest on the abdomen.

I had once an opportunity to test the powers to give electric
shocks which two of these three kinds of fishes possess. Being
invited by the keeper of the aquarium of the Zoological Gardens
in London to receive a shock from an Electric Eel, I placed my
hands upon the fish and received it, but it was slight, a circum-
stance probably due to the fact that the eel was not at home in its
changed environment. Shortly afterwards Dr. Forbes, who kindly
escorted me through the aquarium of the Liverpool Public Museum
asked if I would like a shock from an electric cat-fish. I
remembered the slight shock which the eel had given, and there-
fore readily placed my hands on the side of the fish, but the shock
it gave was so violent that I would not again care to repeat the
experiment.

Fishes which Take Care of their Progeny.

The vast majority of fishes, of which there are some 13,000
known species, take no care whatsoever oi their progeny. The
eggs are deposited, and then immediately fecundated, and the
parents never see their young, unless they should afterwards
encounter them, as they might other fishes, and perhaps devour
them. A comparatively few, however, do take care of their young.
In some such as the black bass and certain cat-fishes both parents
do. In a few only the female does. The females of the cat-fishes
of the genus Aspredo, of Guyana, press the eggs into a spongy

232 The Ottawa Naturalist. | March

integument of the skin by lying- over them, and then carry them
about until hatched.

But in most fishes which take care of their young- the filial
duties, strange to say, devolve upon the males. A very singular
instance of this is some of the Pipe-fishes, upon the males of which
devolves the duty of caring for the young. On the ventral side o^
the male is a long groove : the opening of a pouch which is
suspended from the fish, and in which the eggs and hatched-out
young ones are carried about ; whereas the female does not
possess any such pouch, and after depositing the eggs she takes
no further care of them.

Again, the male Stickleback constructs a little nest of weeds
or other material, which has an entrance at one side. According
to Costa, who made a close study of the habits of sticklebacks,
and upon whose observations these remarks are in measure based,
he then goes in search of a female, whom he conducts to the nest
where she lays some eggs. Then she makes her exit by the
opposite side of the nest, so that it now has two openings. Next
day or so he goes again in search of a female finding perhaps, the
same one, or perhaps another, who a second time is escorted to
tha nest ; and each day this is repeated until the nest contains a
goodly number of eggs. Then he assiduously guards them from
intruders, including the very female sticklebacks. Nor do his
duties cease until the eggs are hatched and the young are able to
look out for themselves.

The males of the cat-fishes of the genus Arius have another
way of taking care of the eggs. The eggs of these fishes are pro-
portionately very large, so that the females lay only a compara-
tively few. These the male of some, if not all, of the species,
carries about in his mouth, or rather in his capacious pharynx ;
until hatched.

How the Knottv Question as to the Propagation of the Eel

was Solved.

Since Aristotle's time the mode of propagation of the eel has
been one of the most knotty questions which has engaged the
attention of ichthyologists Aristotle himself qfave the subject con

1907] Some Curious Facts About Fishes. 233

siderable attention, but whilst in many respects the descriptions of
that great observer in connection with animals in general would
be worthy of a modern zoologist, the nonsense he wrote in en-
deavouring to solve the intricacies as to the propagation of the eel
is hardly worthy of notice ; yet his opinion swayed the minds of
naturalists for ages.

As late as 1880, or twenty-six years ago, Jacoby wrote as
follows in treating of the eel : —

To a person not acquainted with the circumstances of the'case it must
seem astonishing-, and it is certainly somewhat humiliating- to men of science,
that a fish which is commoner in many parts of the world than any other fish,
the herring perhaps excepted, which is daily seen in the market and on the
table, has been able, in spite of the powerful aid of modern science, to shroud
the manner of its propagation, its bi>"th, and its death in darkness, which even
to the present day has not been completely dispelled/

Since then more light has come to the students of fishes as to
its propagation, and experts have sought to solve the problem, by
approaching it along several paths.

More than two hundred years ago a group ot ribbon-shaped
fish-like creatures were discovered, all the known kinds of which
are marine, and it has been proved, within the last two decades,
that these are the larval forms, or what we may call the juvenile
forms, of different species of eels.

The discovery of ripe eel eggs is due to the researches ot
Raffaele and Grassi, and dates no further back than 188S. or 18
years ago.

Since 1900, or six years ago, Carl H. Eigenmann, of Bioom-
ington, Indiana, following in the paths opened out of these, and
other investigators, has further pursued the subject, and in a
pamphlet entitled : "The solution of the Eel question " sums up
his conclusions as follows : —

We now know, (i) that eels, both male and female, migrate to the ocean
during October to January ; (2) that these eels probably deposit the eggs that
are found on the surface during the following August to January ; (3) that the
eels do not ripen in shallow water, but the female, according to Grassi, at a
depth of five hundred meters ; (4, that the eggs of the eels float, according to
Grassi, at a great depth ; according to Raffaele and Eigenmann at the sur-

*Carl H, Eigenmann: ' The Solution of the Eel Question.' Re-printed
from ' Transactions of the American Microscopical Society,' Aug., 1901, p. 5.

234 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March

face ; (5) the development of some eels for the first fifteen days and that the
resulting creature is different both from the adult eel into which it will develop,
and from the larva of the eel ; (6) the Leptocephalus of the eel'and the process
of its metamorphosis"through"a Hemichthys stage into the young eel as it is
found entering the streams ; (7) [the young eels enter the streams during
spring about two years'after their parents have entered the sea. t

Whether they ever do, or do not breed in fresh water is a

question still unsolved : and in this connection Eigenmann says : —

The question whether or not the eel ever breeds in fresh water has been
answered in the affirmative by several observers. There is nothing that
would indicate the adherent impossibility of eels becoming land-locked and
breeding in fresh water The evidence is, however, so far inconclusive. No
one has yet taken eel eggs or larval eels, or younger eels than those that
>rdinarily ascend streams i'rom the ocean in any tresh water. The statement
that they must breed, because we know of no other way in which the supply
ot eels is being maintained in land-locked basins is not conclusive evidence
that they do breed in these basins. %

It would seem, at first thought, incredible that eels from far
inland lakes should ever make their way to the sea, (and in the
case of the young, vice versa, from the sea to the lakes), but their
instincts lead them that way at the approach of the spawning
time ; and doubtless thousands perish in the attempt ; but we must
bear in mind their serpentile form, their wriggling movements,
and the fact that they can live for a considerable time out of water,
so that they are enabled to make their way through obstacles
utterly insurmountable to other fishes.

They go to the sea when about four years old and are said
never to return ; the young ones taking their places by ascending
the streams in incalculable millions, a comparatively few ever
reaching the upland lakes and rivers, but the overcomers make use
of swollen tributaries, flood-gates, and even moist places between
shut off waters, in getting to the limits of their extensive geo-
graphical range.

Brilliant Hues of Fishes of the Coral Reefs.

Naturalists are well acquainted with a phenomenon known as
protective coloration in animals. In other words various animals

+ Carl H. Eigenmann : I bid : p. 16.
*Carl H. Eigenmann : Ibid: p. 17.

1907] Some Curious Facts About Fishes. 23s

so resemble their surroundings as to be disguised either front
their enemies or from their prey. According to conditions the hue
may be sombre or brilliant. A partridge for instance resembles
the dried leaves among which she has her^nest, and green parrots
resemble the foliage of the trees among which they dwell. Among
fishes there are instances both of sombre and brilliant coloration,
whereby, in either case, they are concealed. Instances of the
latter are certain fishes ot the coral reefs. Were these of dull
colors, they would readily be seen whilst they moved about among
the beautiful flower-like zoophytes ; therefore they are singularly
ornamented with colors of surpassing beauty. Incidentally were
one asked the question whether a bright red or a jet black object
would most readily attract attention, the answer would naturally
be the bright red of course. But that .depends on conditions. If
a scarht cloth were hung upon the wall, and an object similiarly
colored placed against it, it would not readily catch the eye ; but
if a jet black object were placed against the red cloth, it would
readily be seen. For the same reason, evidently, such beautiful
fishes as the tropical chaetodons, and other forms which abound
among the coral mounds, are embellished in gorgeous reds, blues,
yellows, or greens : colors ordinarily conspicuous, but which offer
concealment, more or less, to those fishes amid their natural
environments.

The Angler or so called Fishing Frog.

A case the opposite to the above is the so called Fishing Frog
or Angler. This fish is not readily detected because it is of the
sombre hue of its surroundings, and has moreover the power to
change its color according to the character ot the surroundings.
The Angler lurks at the bottom of its retreat with its great gaping
mouth ready to devour its prpy. A long filament issues from the
back of its head, which the angler waves about like a fishing rod.
This fi am ent terminates in a bait like lappe', and some unwary
little fish which does not see the angler comes to nibble at it, and
is a once engulfed in the great gape of this wily creature. r

^(library! »

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[March

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE PASSENGER PIGEON.

James H. Fleming, Toronto, Ont.

The disappearance of the passenger pigeon in Ontario dates
•back at least forty years, though as late as 1870 some of the old
roosts were still frequented, but the incredible flocks, of which
so much has been said, had gone long before that date, and by.
1880 the pigeon was practically exterminated, not only in Ontario,
but over the greater part of its old range. There are, however,)
occasional records of birds taken, for some years later, an imma-
ture bird taken Sept. 9, 1887, in Chester county, Pennsylvania
is said to be the last for that part of the state, (1) a bird also im-
mature is in my collection taken in December 1888, at Montreal^
Quebec ; there are other Montreal records of the same date (2) but
with the exception of one taken at Tadousac, July 20, 1889, (3)
these are last Quebec records of birds actually taken. In Ontario
two were taken at Toronto in 1890, on September 20, and October,
11, both immature females, the latter is in my collection, as is
an adult female taken by Mr. Walter Brett, at Riding Mountain.
Man., May 12, 1892, one of a pair seen. I also have an aduLt.
male taken at Waukegon, 111., Dec. 19, 1892. I was in New
York in the latter part of Nov. 1892 and was then assured byj
Mr. Rowland, a well known taxidermist, that he had recently
seen several barrels of pigeons that had been condemned as unfit
for food, they had come to New York from the Indian Territory (4)
and I believe had had their tails pulled out to permit of tighter
packing. Mr. Wm. Brewster has recorded the sending of sev-
eral hundred dozens of pigeons to the Boston market in December
of the same year, and in January, 1S93; these were also from
Indian Territory ; these are the last records we have of the pas-
senger pigeon as any thing more than a casual migrant. The

(1) Proceedings of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, II, 1898, 17.

(2) Wintle, Birds of Montreal, 189A 51.

(3) In collection of Dr. J. Dvvight, Jr.

(4) Minot, Birds of New England, 1895, 395-

[ g o 7 ] The Disappearance op the Passenger Pigeon. 737

records ceased after this till 1898 when three birds were taken at
points widely apart, an adult male at lake Winnipegosis, Man.>
on April 14, (5) an immature male at Owensboro, Kentucky, on
July 27, now in the Smithsonian Institution, and another imma-
ture bird taken at Detroit, Michigan on September 14 (5) is ia
my collection, these are the last records that can be based on
specimens. (6)

In 1903, I published a list (5) including sight records one as
late as May 1902, this latter is possibly open to doubt, but th*
ones I gave for 1900 are, I feel confident, correct, as the b:rds.
wer»e seen more than once and by different observers. For all
practical purposes the close of the nineteenth centuary saw the
final extinction of the passenger pigeon in a wild state and there
remained only the small flock, numbering in 1903 not more than
a dozen, that had been bred in captivity by Prof. C. O. Whitman1
of Chicago. These birds the descendants of a single pair, had.
long before that ceased to breed and it was in an effort to obtain
fresh blood for; this flock that I started a newspaper enquiry
that brought many replies none of which could be substantiated
as records of the passenger pigeon and many referred to the
mourning dove. I am aware that there has been lately widely
spread and persistant rumours of the return of the pigeons, but'
no rumour has borne investigation, and I feel that Prof. Whit-
man's small flock now reduced in 1906 to five birds arje the lasb!
representatives of a species around whose disappearance mystery
and fable will always gather.

(5) Auk, XX, 1903, 66.

(6) There is a mature female in the collection of the Carnegie Institutior
of Pittsburg- Pa. marked "Pennsylvania" August 15th 1898 but without furthen
locality.

/J0°$^

238 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March

CORRESPONDENCE.

London, Ont. , Thursday, Feby. 14, 1907.
To the Editor of the Ottawa Naturalist:

In your issue of May, 1902, I published a notice of the)
capture of the Longtailed Jaeger at Rondeau. Mr. J. H. Flem-
ing, Toronto, inquired from me about this bird,e stating that it
was probably the Parasitic Jaeger, not the Lonktailed. After aj
good deal of correspondance with him and study over the matter-
I met him recently in Toronto and we went over all the spccimans
carefully together and as a result I am convincel that he is quite,
correct and that all the characters upon which stress is laid in1
the books for the separation of these two species are unre'iable.

My birds answer to these characters but the important point?
which is not mentioned in any of the American books is the color/
of the primary shafts, the Parasitic Jaeger having white shafts
throughout and the Longtail having only the first two or three
white and the rest dark.

All the remaining characters seem to vary with indiv'dualsl
to such an extent that they become absolutely worthless for
diagnosis. Mr. Howard Saunders, London, England, who is]
considered the great living authority on the gull family, supplied.
Mr. Fleming with his information and after the careful examina-
tion which he and I made of all the available matter, I am not^.
only satisfied that Mr. Fleming is correct but feel that he shouldj
be congratulated on such careful work. When the authorities
make mistakes it takes exceptional care to find it out.

W. E. SAUNDERS.

1 907 J Notes on Some Fresh Water Shells 239

NOTES ON SOME FRESH WATER SHELLS FROM

MANITOBA.

By J. F. Whiteaves.

In June, 1906, Professor Macoun collected a few fresh water
shells at two localities in Manitoba. The species represented in
these collections are as follows, those to which an asterisk is pre-
fixed having been kindly determined by Dr. V. Sterki.

A. Frjm a small lake four miles and a half dice west of Hamiota.

Pelegypoda.

* Sphoerium (Musculium) allied to S. securis, Prime.
Several specimens.

* Pisidium Roperi, Sterki.
Several specimens.

Gasteropoda.

Segmentina (Plaiiorbula) Christyi, Dall.

Six adult and perfect, but dead specimens. This species,
which was first described and figured by Dall in
1905, in volume xiii of the " Harriman Alaska
Expedition " Reports, was based upon seven speci-
mens, from "High Bluff, Manitoba, (R. Miller
Christy) " and " Fort Smith, Mackenzie River (E.
A. Preble)." in the United States National Museum.
The small lake from which Professor Macoun col-
lected his specimens, is about 104 miles west of
High Bluff.

Planorbis ( Torquis) parvus, Say.
Ten specimens.

Physa gyrhia ? Say.

Four very young specimens.

240

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[March

B. — From a small lake in the sand hills west of Pine Creek,
aud north east of Carberry.

Pelecvpoda.

* Pisidium Roperi, Sterki.

Several specimens,

* Pisidium. variabile, Prime.

Several specimens

* Pisidium medianum, Sterki.

Four specimens.

* Pisidium venlricosum, Prime.
Several specimens.

* Pisidium noveboracense, Prime, var. ; (or near).

Three specimens.

* Pisidium, resembling P. milium, Held.
Several specimens.

* Pisidium, near P. pauperculum, Sterki.

Several specimens.

Gasteropoda.

Planorbis (Menetus) exacuius, Say.
Several specimens.

Planorbis {Armiger) crista, L.

One specimen, since broken.

Ottawa, Feb. 9th, 1907.

1907]

Meteorological Observations.

241

H oO

o .re

re >

tJ 3 -

2 cr*5
re n> c
re -s ^
»— " — ■

~§ I

-. *: q.
O c/j
ST «.■*»

D. ST c-

5; re p

DHH1
c 3" 3" re
-i re re p

3- re 3" "•
re %% g

o 3 ? <

< ^ -2 £L

-• re T3 —
3 i t

^i33

5-0^
^ i 3/

£"£

"> 3 -2
- c^
w 3 re

5 o -

3- -*>

" ps
m <-<

ON Cfl

vb <

o 2.

re re
w o

«••§!

r P

r. 1— •

if

•u -
&•' <
-I — •

re n

?> n -1

X C - M

fC T C _r_

p re n ^

y: re 3-
§ Bg-g

3 ^W c/i

3- re S o

E73
re s»

pj o

?Lre'

3 2

g»E

3
O

- 3 3

~

M2o

U>

ax 3

^< X gf

uo - /

~

a-t <

re

c S <

3.&S

3 to

re

re

xqGr.NO
>N b*

0*

re

n_ 3 0

a

—

~ re £T

Gn r, c

a 2^

P 3 x

v; cr~

" re „

="n^

3 cc Si

35 •

ft 5.

3 'o

w 3
re o

■a 3

re £•

3 7:

a* "

re

3-

00

r.

3-

a

re

0)

a

3

c
-1

<—
3

3

</Q

01

NO

CC

0

Q

Oi

p

v:

Q.

w

ON

to

ON

h
o

a o r, i! = ,- : j) - 1 « :
re < C-^OK) vj = £, 2. q a- g

5 2 §■» g • • rq.2 5

re re 2,
2 2 re

O

H

M O) 'Ji vl 00 X^I CNCn Co to
O a 3>/Ji 4- laMJ- 4- O tn

to —
00 to

aou gono tv 00 - c^
a\+- 4- 00 -1- o co go go

Mean of
Maxima.

to Oo -£- Gn Gn Gn 4- Co

W u In M ^1 ON 00 O 4-

to Go O

to OOOOGOO OVO - 00 GO 10 -
Go -^J ON ON^l 4- 0^4- On ~J ON^t

Mean of
Minima.

xMtotototototo
•^14^ O OOONONG0+-

to —
to -4

GO

4- *• Gr\

ON O G»

O NO to GO GC ONO O On
O CN^D ~-i O CO On to -

Range of
Means.

4- ON-~J ON ONGn
O' — O \D Oi tj

On - 4^- VO

vO O - GO'_n

O^^t i^J ONCyi

- GCGn - GO to vo
00^0 4- sO Gn t- to

General
Mean.

Go Oi ^> O NO ^D CO X

MO tn to ONU) \p NO

b 0 "00 b on b^ b

J 4- 4^ 4i

- ^t ON GO

GC ON b

o 0

Highest.

- --to0o--tototo

Gn to 4* to vO 10 r> CCNO NO — GO

Date.

Gn ^t

to -L Gn

to Go 4^
i- to Go

GO (O — 1 N —
ON CC^t GO - *•

W'ji to OnGOO tv CC+-

Lowest.

CCGn to Gn Vi Gn

to O

Date.

o - u 10 10 » f - p p 0 0 ..

CO b Gn Gn 4- Gn 00 CC-^I NO On to ?
4^ - ON Go Go OOGn 00 CO 00 On On

to

- -1 ! ' ! ! ! ! r "^ "^ ^P -•

-^I^l. • • ■ M tn VI N ?

Grt Gn Gn 0 Gn Gn

go - go to to — [■ r ? r r r -

O M 'ji On 4- (ji CCCCNO^t+. - ?

— CC ONGo W CCGn CCGn to Go 00

\Q — o vno 0OCCG>tto 0 to4-

Kainfall.

Snowfall.

Total

Precipitation

Number of

days

Precipitation

o 0

-00-00000

Gn ONtoGn^J 0N04- to^GnGO
Gn — to 0^4- to Gn 'Ji vD to O Gn

Heaviest
in 24 hours.

to tOtvGO M — to4" —

Oi P OMC O O Kin O vl CO
to
Gn

Date.

-

S3

"1

ro

(D

3

V

63

O

r-r

_-

p*

5

3-

0

D

n

rt-

n>

(— ■

"1

-

&2

»"■*

r-r

3"

M

a

r-r ■

2

0

3

m

-^

re

H

0

3

M

n

P3

O

C
— .

CD

-

O

-t

3

r
O

a

O

G£_

O

n

O

>

^

r

n

-

P

O

3

03

— 1

C>0

X

pa

9

3

<

O

r*

>

?

3,

H

-^

£L

O

■*

3

Z

-
3

3

C>0

a

3

—t

c

O

3

-

-■*

"3

»

-1

D

IT

Q.

n

"3

3

1— t

n>

^

p

t-r

3

O

r^-

3

to

3

~

"3

M

P

c

rf

0

c

cr

"1

242

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[March

Rainfall, Snowfall, and Total Precipation from 1890 to 1905,
also, the Total and the Yearly Average Precipitation for the
17 years.

1S90.

■ 891

1892.

1893.

.894.

1895.

1896.

.897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1 90 1 .

1902 .
1903.
1904.
1905.
1906.

Years.

Total for 17 years

Yearly average for 17 years.

Rainfall.

Snowfall.

Total

Precipitatio

24-73

64.85

31.22

30.19

73-5°

37-54

23.78

105 00

34.28

3i 79

72-50

39 -r4

23-05

7'-5°

30.20

27.01

87.50

35-76

2i-53

99-75

3i-5o

24.18

89.00

33-o8

24-75

112.25

35-97

33-^6

77-25

4'. 63

29.48

108 00

40.27

29.21

97-25

38.9.

25-94

101.75

36.10

26.43

85.00

34-92

25-95

108.75

36.79

23-71

87-25

32.42

21.36

55-75
1 ^96. 85

26.90

446.95

596-53

26.29

88.05

35-Q9

RECORD OF SUNSHINE FOR THE YEAR 1906.

Month.

January . .
February
March . .

April

May

June . . . .

July

August . . ,
September
October. .
November
December

Number of
days with
Sunshine.

20
21
22

27
26
28
3'
3'
29

25
•9
20

Number of

days without

Sunshine.

7
9
3

5
2
o
o
1

6
1 1
1 1

Total

hours

Sunshine.

87.5
132.3

!63-7
200.8

201.8

224.0
272.4

273-7
215.8

138.0

95-8
72.6

Average
Sunshine
per day.

2.82

4 72
5.28
6.89
6.50
7.46
8.80
8.82
7.19
4-47
3- '9
2-34

WILLIAM I. ELLIS, Observer.

1907] Entomological Branch 24;

ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH.

Meeting No. 3, held at Mr. W. Simpson's house, Jan. 24,
1906: ten present. At the request of Mr. Simpson, Dr. Fletcher
acted as Chairman.

Mr Harrington gave an account of the chief characteristics
of the Lampyridae, reading extracts from Dr. Sharpe's article on
the subject in the Cambridge Natural History. The phemonenon
of luminosity was discussed and several present spoke of having
observed this in larval forms. The different groups were con-
sidered, and Mr. Simpson exhibited his collection in which most
of the Ottawa species were represented. Mr. Harrington read
extracts from an article in the January "Entomological News" by
Dr. W. A. Rilev, giving an account of the remarkable process of
polyembryonv of Litomastix truncatellus as discovered by Prof.
Filippo Sylvestri, of Portiei, Italy. A most striking feature
of this process is that from a single egg there originate in the
parasitized larvae over a thousand individuals of two different
types of larvae, one thousand being of the normal form ; and in
addition there are about one hundred vermiform asexual larvae,
which lack all trace of circulatory, respiratory, or genital systems
or of malpighian tubes. They are, however, provided with
stronglv developed mouth parts adapted for tearing, and their
special function seems to be the breaking down of the organs of
the parasitized caterpillar and thus preparing them to serve as
nutriment for the sexual forms.

Mr. Gibson exhibited a case containing complete series of
inflates illustrating the life histories of Gluphisia severa, Smer-
inthus cerysii, var. ophthalmicus, and Crocigrapha normani, all
of which had been reared from the egg, and larva' preserved of
each stage. Mr. Gibson also read a short article on the Great
Leopard Moth, Ecpantheria deflorata.

Mr. Young showed a case of 130 different species of geo-
metrida? which he had taken at Ottawa and specimens of all of
which had been through the Rev. G. W. Taylor's hands for
identification. The most interesting species were pointed out
and some facts of their occurrence stated.

244 ^HE Ottawa Naturalist. [March

Mr. Keele gave an account of his last summer's work in the
Klondike country proper, which he explained was not as good a
locality for insects as that where he was working in 1905. He
showed some most interesting photographs of the country and
of animals, which had been taken during the expedition. Some
pictures of Dall's Big-horn, a cow moose protecting her two
calves, a Canada Lynx, a percupine, and a group of ptarmigan
on a mountain side, were much admired. Mr. Keele related some
interesting incidents with regard to each picture.

Mr. Nelles, of the Alaska Coast Strip Survey, explained the
nature of the country where he was working last summer. A
large number of insects had been taken by Mr. Theo. Bryant, an
enthusiastic entomologist who was one of the party.

Mr. Baldwin showed the galls of Eucosoma scudderiana, a
common gall on the Canada Goldenrod, and also the moths, and
several parasites. Dr. Fletcher spoke of the checkered history
of this species, which by mistake was thought to have been reared
by Walsh from willow galls and was originally described under
the specific name saligneana for this reason. It had been referred
to two or three genera at different times but was for the present
resting in the genus Eucosoma. Mr. Baldwin also exhibited a
large specimen of the West Indian Spider usually spoken of as
the Banana Tarantula, on account of the frequency with which
it is introduced with bunches of that fruit.

Mr. Simpson showed living specimens of the small red lady-
bird beetle, Adalia bipunctata, and spoke of the enormous
abundance of these insects at the present time in the Dominion
Astronomical Observatory and during the past summer on the
Experimental Farm. This was attributed to the great abundance
of plant lice of all kinds in the early part of the season, the
lady-bird beetles feeding upon the plant lice and performing a
most useful part in the balance of nature. Soon after midsummer
it was noticed that the pupae of the Adalias were infested by
minute hymenopterous parasites to such an extent that probably'
not more than two or three per cent of the pupae produced
beetles.

Dr. Fletcher showed a photograph by Mr. E. A. Carew-

1 907 J Entomological Branch. 245

Gibson, of oak trees in the vicinity of Victoria, B.C., which
were draped with the silken webs of Ellopia somniaria, the Van-
couver Island Oak-looper. This photograph was taken in the
evening, and the defoliated trees were so hidden by webs made by
the caterpillars when letting themselves down from the trees to
pupate, as to give the appearance of being looked at through a
fog. Specimens of the larvae and moths were also shown. A
paper by the Rev. G. W. Taylor, on some geometers taken at
Ottawa between May 24 and June 2, was read, and also a paper
by Mr. W T. Ellis, giving a resume of the Meteorological Ob-
servations taken at the Central Experimental Farm, Otlawa,
during 1906. Both of these papers were prepared for the Ottawa
Naturalist. J. F.

No. 4, held on Thurday, Feb. 7, 1907, at the residence ol
Mr. Harrington.

Present :— Messrs. Halkett, Gibson, Fletcher, Eifrig, Bald-
win, Young, Metcalfe and Harrington.

Rev. Mr. Eifrig exhibited some lepidoptera from Indiana,
consisting of six species of butterflies, including Papilio ajax, var.
marcellus, Terias nicippe, and two species of moths. He also
showed pupa cases of one of the large dragon flies (Cordulia sp.)
and also a number of specimens of ants, Cai)ipo>iotiis pictus,from
the stomach of a Pileated Woodpecker shot at Eganville. Dr.
Fletcher stated that he had examined the contents of the crop of
a ptarmigan, for Mr. Eifrig, and found them to consist entirelv
of the tips of twigs of willows.

Mr. Baldwin exhibited a box of lepidoptera captured the
previous summer, containing 24 species, among which were
Grapta faunus, Caripeta divisata, Nisoiiiadcs lucilius, Pamphila
metacomet, Crambus agitatelhis and Lencania phragmatidicola.

Dr. Fletcher showed a small collection of butterflies made
by Mr. Lawrence M. Lambe of the Geological Survey, near Kam-
loops, B. C. Of the five species secured, one fritillary was ap-
parently a new species found by Mr. C. DeBlois Green of
Osoyoos, B. C, some years ago but not yet described. He also
exhibited an example of the Riker method of mounting insects in
glass-topped boxes; the speciments illustrated being Limneria
Guignardi, Prov., bred from Gidetnasia concinna, and a spruce
twig showing the characteristic galls of Chermes abietis, which

246 The Ottawa Naturalist. March

had been very abundant for the past two seasons in Western.
Ontario.

Mr. Halkett read an extract from Wallace on variability in,
insects, which lead to some discussion on the well known mimic-
king- of certain butterflies by others of different genera.

Mr. Metcalfe reported that he was continuing his work of
preparing a list of hemiptera of the locality and exhibited a few
species including a very young Ranatra and a winged example of
Coriscus subcoleoptratus. He also exhibited a female Pnonus
Calif ornicus, which was taken by him on July 31, 1905, at
Grierson's Wharf on the Ottawa River about 25 miles from
Ottawa. The insect was in flight when observed and captured.
It was suggested by Mr. Harrington that the beetle must have
come east on one of the train of the C. P. R., which runs down
along the Ottawa river. The specimen was compared with ex-
amples from Vancouver Isd. and seemed to be identical.

Dr. Fletcher drew special attention to a curious beetle, re-
ceived from Mr. J. W. Cockle ,of Kaslo, B. C. , in a box of very
interesting coleoptera, but was unable to furnish the name, as
even the genus was unknown to him and to Mr. Harrington. It
was thought to belong to the Cupesida?, as it had many of the
characteristics of that family.

Mr. Gibson, showed a good example of the work of a Mega-
chile, the Rose-leaf-cutter Bee, in which several of the cells were
visible. He also spoke of a collection of lepidoptera which had
been determined for Mr. John Russell, of Digby, N. S. Air.ong
the most interesting specimens were the following : — Theclalceta,
Semiophora yoiingii, Mamestra rubefacta, Hadena minuscula,
Hadena bridghami, Catocala coelebs and Grapta satyrus, var.
marsyas. A specimen was also exhibited of the Lesser Magpie
Moth, Enrrhypara urticata, collected at Milton, N. S., by Mr.
W. H. Moore. This was the first American record for this
European insect, which was stated by Dr. Fletcher to have been
also taken by Mr. W. Mcintosh at St. John, N. B., where it was'
not uncommon.

Air. Young exhibited Vol. VI of Sir George Hampson's
catalogue of the Phalaenae in the British Museum. The exquisite
plates accompanying the volume were much admired by the mem-
bers and were specially interesting from the many moths figured,
which had been found in Canada. A large number credited to
Colorado in this volume have also been taken in Manitoba, the
North-west Provinces and British Columbia. Several of the
members availed themselves of the opportunity of examining
Mr. Harrington's collections and entomological library.
X^M^X W. H. H.

1907 Nature Study — No. 42. 247

NATURE STUDY, No. XLII.

The Relation of Sparrows to Agriculture.
By L. H. Newman, B.S.A., Ottawa.

The relation of Sparrows, as a Class, to Agriculture is very
little known, and people have some very erroneous ideas regard-
ing this relationship.

In the first place, the fact that there are several species of
sparrows in this country, is known by comparatively few, and
thus the inroads committed by the numerous English Sparrows
upon our garden and field crops condemn, to a large degree, the
whole class.

Now it is evident that a group of birds so abundant, so
widely distributed, and in such constant association with farms
and gardens must play an important part in rural economy, and
that a through investigation of their food habits would be use-
ful. The results of such an investigation are embodied in this
paper and amply demonstrate the value of the different birds to
the agriculturists. — "A value", says Judd, "greater than that
of any other group of birds whose economic status has thus far
been investigated."

In order that the different kinds may be easily distinguished,
and thereby to assist in preventing the reckless slaughter of
beneficial species in mistake for the more injurious English
Sparrows, I shall give the chief characteristics of some of the
common birds which are known generally as Sparrows.

The following species are common in all parts of Ontario :
the English Sparrow; the Chipping Sparrow; the Vesper Spar-
row ; and the Song Sparrow.

English Sparrow (Passer domesticus).

The well-known English, or House Sparrow, is found in al-
most all parts of the United States and Canada. There is a
marked different in the appearance of the males and females
but both are well known to all. The note of these birds is any-
thing but musical.

Throughout its range, the English Sparrow abounds chiefly
in towns and villages, along roadsides, and about farm build-
ings, it is seldom found in the open fields, except during the
harvest.

The spot chosen for the nest is some hole or crevice in a wall
or chimney. Sometimes it is built in tree tops. The nest is very

24b The Ottawa Naturalist. [March

bulky, and is composed largely of straw and grass. The interior
is lined with feathers and other soft material.

The eggs vary in number from four to six, are grayish-
white in colour, and are more or less covered with oblong gray-
ish black spots.

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella socialis).

The Chipping Sparrow is the smallest of all our Sparrows,
and may be easily recognized by its red-capped head, a conspi-
cuous light stripe over the eye, and its slate-coloured breast.
It may also be identified by its incessant metallic chirp, as it
hops about in the grass or hedge-rows, looking for seeds and
insects, as well as by its monotonous little song chippy-chippy-
chippy, many times repeated.

This species is plentiful in Ontario. The female builds its
neat little home in low trees near the habitation of man, and, in
fact, often in the vines on his porch. The nest is constructed of
grass and is beautifully lined inside with horse hair. The eggs
are of a delicate robin 's-egg blue, spotted at one end with dark
purple. There are two broods of from two to five each year.

Vesper Sparrow (Pooccetes gramineus).

The Vesper Sparrow is abundant throughout all parts of
North America. Fields, grassy hillsides, and open valleys are
its places of resort. It is a shy, timid little bird, resembling to
a considerable extent the Song Sparrow ; but is of grayer brown
with a bay-brown patch on each shoulder and the outside
feathers of the tail white. It is also known as the Bay-winged
Bunting, Ground Bird and Grass Finch. In winter, according
to Nuttall, these birds flock together in great numbers in the
Southern States ; and, mingling with other species, line the road-
sides and straggling bushes near the plantations. But no sooner
does early spring arrive than they seek out again their nesting
regions of the Northern States and Canada. When disturbed,
they flit up from the ground, spread their white-bordered tails,
and alight a short distance away, to resume their work. This
trait is sufficient to identify this species. Their characteristic,
attractive song may also be heard during the summer, especially
in the late afternoons and evenings.

The female builds her nest on the ground, sheltered by some
grassy tuft. The four to six eggs are of a, grayish-white, thickly
covered with dull, reddish-brown spots.

Song Sparrow (Melospha melodia).
The Song Sparrows is one of our earliest summer visitor to

1907] Nature Study — No. 42. 249

appear in the spring, and it is fitting that this, one of our most
musical birds, should be so called. Its bright, canary-like lay is
one of the most attractive voices of the spring, and is familiar
to many who do not know the identity of its author. In habit, it
differs from the Chipping Sparrow, — it is not so often met with
in the open country or in the garden, but is generally found in-
habiting the borders of rivers, meadows, swamps, and other
watery places. I have found it, however, in company with the
English Sparrows hopping about the barnyard. It seeks its food
on the ghound, hopping along through grass and weeds in a
peculiar, mouse-like manner.

It is a plump little bird, with dark-brown streaks over its
head, and along its sides. The breast is light in colour, boldly
streaked with dark-brown and with a conspicuous dark patch in
the centre. The beak is stout and dark-coloured. The Song
Sparrow resembles the Vesper Sparrow considerably ; but is
much darker and of a ruddier brown. Its tail is longer and lacks
the two white feathers which are such a striking feature of the
Vesper Sparrow. -

The female generally builds her nest on the ground in a little
elevated tuft of grass, or other vegetation. It is composed of
fine, dry grass, and is lined with horse-hair and other material.
It lays four to five eggs of a bluish-white colour, thickly covered
with large reddish-brown spots.

Economic Value of Sparrows.

Some years ago in an effort to arrive at the true relation of
these common birds to agriculture, I undertook a rather extensive
investigation of the food consumed by the four above named
sparrows during one summer. For this purpose of course it was
necessary to kill a few specimens each week, throughout the
summer, and a most careful examination was made of the
stomach, the crop and the gullet of each. From this investiga-
tion the following conclusions were drawn regarding the eco-
nomic importance of each species.

The English Sparrow is almost exclusively a grain and weed-
seed eater. Nearly all the insects found in the stomachs of those
examined were of a kind practically neutral in their effects on
Agriculture.

Now, although it is true that they consume a considerable
amount of weed-seeds, yet the fact that they limit their weed-
seed eating largely to the barnyard and the immediate vicinity
of buildings, lessons to a great degree the benefit which they
would otherwise confer upon the farmer.

250 The Ottawa Naturalist. | March

During harvest, when they can get grain easily, they leave
the shelter of buildings and, by thousands, pillage the fields,
causing great damage. At this time, very few weed-seeds were
found in their stomachs, grain being evidently preferred to weed-
seeds when available.

It appears, therefore, that there is little to he said in favour
of the English Sparrow. Its weed-seed eating habits are credit-
able, as far as they go, but they are insignificant because the
damage done to grain far overbalances the benefit derived from
weed-seed destruction. Adding to this the injury it does about
buildings by its filthy habits, and the fact that it drives away
other birds beneficial in their habits, there is no escape from the
conclusion that this bird is a serious pest, the extermination of
which would be an unmixed blessing.

The Chipping Sparrow is not so well known generally as
the English Sparrow, but is of much greater benefit to the farmer.
Much service is rendered in destroying weed-seeds, but the
greatest utility of the species is shown in its animal food, the
greater part of which consists of noxious insects. Practically
no grain was found in the stomachs examined, although the
birds were shot in grain-fields. This, therefore, proves con-
clusively that they are not injurious to our grain crops.

The Vesper Sparrow, like the Chipping Sparrow, is also
very beneficial. Its diet varies with the season. During spring
and Fall, when insects are scarcer, its food consists to a large
extent of weed-seeds, but during the summer months, its work
as a destroyer of injurious insects is very great, measured by
the sparrow standard.

Unlike the English Sparrow, it feeds farther out in the field,
and hence the weed-seed consumption is a direct benefit. Its
value to the farmer is beyond question, and should secure for it
the fullest protection. It may be easily distinguished from the
injurious English Sparrow by the 2 white feathers in the tail,
and it is hoped that people will soon learn to distinguish these
two birds, and thereby save many of these useful little songsters
from an untimely death.

The Song Sparrow also, taking the food habits as a whole,
this bird does much more good than harm, and is worthy of pro-
tection and encouragement. Its food is composed chiefly of in-
sects, the greater part of which are injurious ; it is, however,
also a weed-seed destroyer, particularly in autumn. .

Experience has also shown that while this bird will not re-
fuse grain during harvest, yet the injury .cau&eri~in this way is
inconsiderable. ^jA^'w^/X

LIBRARY] sol

INDEX

TO THE

OTTAWA NATURALIST, VOL. XX, 1906-7.

Page
Ami, H. M-, Notes on Fossil

Fruits from Vermont 15

Anderson, J. R., Curious Natural

Freak 81

Animal Coloration 153

Antennarias, Some Canadian . . 72
Ar/iic.x Louiicaaa, Farr 109

Bather, F. A., The Species of

Botryocrinus 94

Beluga, Notes on the Skeleton

of a 214

Bird Migration on Sable Kland,

'905. I27

Birds, A May Morning with .... 22

Migration of 33

Records of rare in Mari-
time Provinces 88

Some notes on winter . . . 216
The Spring Migration of,
at Ottawa compared
wi'h oth.~r seasons . . 144
Botany, Contributions to Can-
adian 1 35, 1

Botryocrinus, The Species of . .
Boutelier, James, Bird Migration

on Sable Island in 1905 .... 127
Bradshaw, Geo, H., A Swarm of

Butterfli es 212

Brittain, John, The Foundations
of Chemistry as seen in Na-
ture Study 89

Brown, W. J.. Richardson's Mer-
lin 112

Prairie Horned Larks 40

Butterflies, A Swarm of 212

Caribou of Queen Charlotte

Islands 73

Cement Sidewalk, A .... 45

Page

Chemistry, The Foundations of,

as seen in Nature Study. ... 89
Chrysanthemum Leiicanthemum,

L 55

Coloration, Animal 153

Council, Report of 7

Criddle, Norman, The Golden-
winged Warbler in Manitoba 112
An Addition to our Manitoba

Warblers 189

Crow, A Sagacious 49

Cryptogamic Flora of Ottawa .. 177

Cyrtoceras cuneahim, Notes on.. 134

Duck Island, A visit to 187

Dunlop, Geo. A., Note on a Par-
tridge 216

Eifrig, C. W. G., Migration ot

Birds . .. 33

Some notes on Winter Birds . 217
The Connecticut vs. the Ken-
tucky Warbler . 78

The Great Gray Owl 79

The Spring Migration of Birds
at Ottawa compared with

other years T44

Ellis, Wm., Meteorlogical Obser-
vations 241

Elliott, Robt., Extracts from the

Diary of 120

Emperor Moth, The Cecropia (49, 189
Entomological Branch, Report of 82

243

Reports of Meetings 1 29, 202

En' omological Society of Ontario 1 7 1
Eriophorum, The Ottawa Species

of 41

Eriophorum C/iamissonis and E.

rtisseolum, The identity of. . 62

55489

252

The Ottawa Naturalist.

[March

Page
E/iophrorum russeolum vs. E.

Chamissonis 62

Ettpithecia Fletcher 7, Description

of 200

Excursions, Repon of 43, 66, 86, 223

Farr, Edith M., Some new Plants
from the Rockies and Sel-

kirks . 105

Fernald, M. L , The Identity of
Erioplwrum Chamissonis and

E. russeolum 62

Field Sparrow, Note on 1:3

Fishes, some Curious Facts about 229
Fleming", James H , Note on
the Fulvous Tree Duck in

British Columbia 213

The Disappearance of the Pas-
senger Pigeon 236

Fletcher. James, Fruit and Heed 161
School Exhibits of Pressed

Plants 173

Fossil Fruits from Vermont .... 15
Fresh-water Shells, Notes on,

from British Columbia 115

Notes on, from Manitoba . . . 239
Notes on, from Ontario and

Keewat.n .... 29

Freak, Curious Natural 81

Fruit and Seed, Definition of. . . . 161

Fulvous Tree-duck 188

In British Columbia 213

Garden, The Gait Park Wild-
flower ... 67

Garrett, P., Notes on the Eggs

of the Solitary Sandpip r 53

Gallup, Asa. A Sagacious Crow. 49

Gibson, Arthur, The Cecropia

Emperor Moth 149

Golden-winged Warbler in Mani-
toba 112

Greene, Ed. L. , Some Canadian

Antennarias 72

Halkett, A., Some Curious Facts

about Fishes 229

Hamilton, R. S., The Gait Park

Wildflower Garden 67

Hieracium Albertinum, Farr. ... 109
Holm, Theo., On 'he Structure

of Rcots 18

Eriophorum russeolum, vs. E.

Chamissonis ..... . 62

Page

Infusorial Eanh near Lake

Windeonere, B.C 205

Ivy Poisoning and its Treatment 77

Jaeger, Long-tailed 238

Parasitic 238

Johnston, J. A., The Chambord

Meteorite 51

Kelts, XV. L., Nesting of Wilson's

Snipe 55

Land Shells, Notes on, from

British Columbia 115

Larks, Prairie Horned 40

Latchford, F. R., Note on Lim-

ncpa megasoma 172

A Visit to Duck Island 187

Limnoea megasoma 172

Lochhead., W. , Agencies for
Promotion of Nature Study

in Canada 193

Lyell Medal, The Year's Award

of 220

Macoun, James M. , Contributions

to Canadian Botany. . . . 135, 162
Ivy Poisoning and its Treat-
ment 77

Note on Spergula arvensis .... 24
Note on Chrysanthemum Leu-

lanihemum 55

The Ottawa Species of Erio-
phorum 41

Macoun, J -hn, The Cryptogamic

Flora of Ottawa— Musci ... . 177

Manual Training 207, 225

Maugfhan, John, Cecropia Em-
peror Moth 189

Note on the " Teal Weed " of

St. Clair Flats ... 190

McEhiinney, Mark G., The Me-
chanical Hobby 207

Manual Training — The Mach-
inists Art 225

McCready, S.B. A Cement Side-
walk 45

Members, List ot 4

Merlin, Richardson's Hi

Meteorite, The Chambord 5r

Meteorological Observations at

Ottawa 241

Migration ot Birds 33

At Ottawa in Spring of 1906 as
compared with other years.. 144

'luraryi

15- '

*9°7]

Index.

;3j

Page
Moore, W. H., A May Morning
with the Birds ol New Bruns-
wick 2 2

Records of Rare Birds in the

Maritime Provinces 88

Moth, The Cecropia Emperor 149, 189
Musci, Ottawa 1 77

Nature Study, Agencies for Pro-
motion of, in Canada 193

Definite Problems in 25

Papers, 25, 45,67,92, 114, 149,173,
193, 209, 225, 247
The Foundation of Chemistry

as seen in 89

New Brunswick, A May Morning

with the Birds of , 22

Newman, L. H., The Relation

of Sparrows to Agriculture.. 247

Owl, The Great Gray 79

Partridge Caught in Ice Crust. . 216

Pochystima Kraittteri, Farr .... 108

macrophyllum, Farr 107

Myrsinites, Ral 107

Schcefferi, Farr 108

Pigeon, The Disappearance of

the Passenger 236

Plan t s , School Exhibits of

Pressed 1 73

Some new from the Rockies

and Selkirks 105

Prairie Horned Larks 40

President's Address 198

Prince, Ed. E., Animal Colora-
tion 153

Programme of Winter Soirees .. 192

Reviews 44, 114, 132, 191

Richardson's Marlin 1 1 1

Roots, On the Structure of 18

Sable Island, Bird Migration on. 127

Sandpiper, Notes on the E ergs of

the Solitary . 52

Saunders, W. E , Note on Field

Sparrow 113

Note on Long-tailed and Para-
sitic Jaegers 238

Shells, List of Fresh-water from

Ontario and Keewatin 29

Notes on some Land and Fresh-
water from British Columbia 115

Page
Shells— Continued.

Notes on some Fresh water

from Manitoba 239

Sidewalk, A Cement 45

Sinclair, N.B,, Definite Problems

in Nature Study 25

Snipe, Nesting of Wilson's ... 53

Soirees, Programme of 192

Reports of 222

Sparrow, Note on Field 113

Earl)' Nesting of Vesper ^2

Sparrows, Relation of, to Agri

culture 247

Spergula arveiisis, L 24

Spreadborough, W., Note on Ful-
vous Tree-duck 1S8

Taylor, Gao. W. , Description of

Eupithecia Fletcheri 200

Teal Weed of St. Clair Flats,

Note on 190

Treasurer's Statement 14

Vesper Sparrow, Early Nesting

of 32

Warblers, An Addition to the

Manitoba 189

Warbler, The Connecticut vs.

the Kentucky 78

The Golden-Winged in Mani-
toba " " " " 112

Whale, Notes on the Skeleton of

a White 214

Whiteaves, J. F. , List of Fresh-
water Shells from Ontario

and Keewatin 2q

Notes on some P'resh-water

Shells from Manitoba 239

Notes on Land and Fresh-
water Shells from British

Columbia 115

Notes on Cyrtoceras cuneatum 134
Notes on the Skeleton of a

White Whale 214

YVildflower Garden, The Gait

Park 67

Wilson, W. J,, President's Ad-
dress 198

Wilson's Snipe, Nesting of. ... 53

Zoological Report 56

APRIL, 1906.

VOI,. XX, No. i

THE

OTTAWA
I NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CO NTE NTS.

Page

r. Officers of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club 3

2. List of Members of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club .... 4

3. The Report of the Council of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists'

Club for the year ending March 20, 1906 7

4. Treasurer's Statement for the year ending March 20, 1906 14

5. Notes on an Interesting Collection of Fossil Fruits from

Vermont, in the Museum of the Geological Survey of
Canada, by H. M. Ami .... .... .... .... 15

5. On the Structure of Roots, by Theo. Holm 18

7. A May Morning with the Birds in New Brunswick, by

W. H. Moore. ... .... .... .... ... 22

3. Spergula arvensis, by Jas. M. Macoun ... 24

9. Nature Study— No. 33, by S. B. Sinclair. 25

(ISSUED APRIL 16, 1906.)

OTTAWA, CANADA.

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited).

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Poit Officeas second class matter.

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

T A T\ /I HO d^\i^ I I \f\Jr Bookseller, Stationer and Publishei
J A IVl ELO KJKJ 1 L- V Y 5 63 Sparks Street

U
0

C
h
0
0

2 *

* 2

si

V o

H

o

Ul

■I

CO
0

CM

JARVKS'

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY

at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

R. A. MeCORMICK,
Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

D

9

Lnmndedo

SLEEPING
BAG5

O'S^MkWJL- Q&W&&J&.

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

a. s©:f»:esoi-<&.:ijITY

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

— TAIIyORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

Insure in-

MUTUAL LIFE OF GnNflDfl! R H KENNY & Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents

in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

GO TO...

Ottawa Printing go., Eta.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,

OTTAWA.

A few complete sets of

The Ottawa Naturalist

are still for sale.
APPLY TO THE LIBRARIAN.

KutGlllllll & GO.,

SPORTING 52, 54, 56

GOODS BANK STREE

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

TAB 0TTJ1W.H P.HLNT WORKS,

Telephone 595.

OTTAWA, ONT,

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every gla^s comes in a
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS, Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57 59 SPARKS ST.

■-■ -i—/ ^"^^ ■?■'■;%;■ JHS§?

When inwant of High-grade Furniture9call and see our stock

We are sole ag-ents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWHRT & e©„

34 RIDEATJ ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office- 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO. MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

Stores- 54 Sparks St. Telephones- Day '793-

Mores. ^ Bank gt< leiepnones. N;&ht ^g

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

THE SMITH PREMIER
& The Worlds Best Typewriter j&

E- R- McNEILL, Agent. 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA.

LIGGBT & CLEGH0RN

-.eading C;
and Curtain House

' Leading Carpe! 36 & 38 O'Connor Street

MftPS ©F OTTHWS F©R SALE

To members of the O-F.N.C. 5 cents each ;
to non-members, 10 cents.
Apply to the Treasurer.

WHEN DEALING WITH OUR
ADVERTISERS, MENTION

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST

WE DEAL. WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

JameS Hope & SonS, Booksellers, Stationers, t=|

SPARKS St., Ottawa. Bookbinders, Printers. t=5=3

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

The G. C Bay Company, Limited

COAL

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H, THORBURN

Books and Stationery.

BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

8o Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .
106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

The Bank of Ottawa.

Heart Office aud Main Ri*aneh.
Wellington Street. Ottawa.

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street".

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

At each of the above named offices
saving's accounts may be opened, with
a deposit of $1. and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

BRYSON, GRAHAM & 60.

Sell Every thing.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-112 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

MASSON'S

1040 De Kalb Av.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price 10 cts.

Patrons v. ill receive List mailed free
of charge.

SHOES

72 SPARKS ST . OTTAWA.

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used :
would not be without them. G. F. SALTON, Pastor Dom. Church."
Corner BANK & NEPEAN STREETS.

Mr. A. G. Kingston.
Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

THE, OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president t

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

Dice=lpresiDents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

librarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

(470 O'Connor Street.; (Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.
Miss R. B. McQuesten.

Buoitors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Stanoing Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. W

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions: H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirdes : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Xeaoers :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Bota?iy : John Macoun, D. A Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archceoloqy : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA^ NATURALIST.
JEoitor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate JEottors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada.— Dept. of Paleontology.

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm.— Botany and. Nature Study.

HON. F. R. Latchford.— Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. of Entomology.

MR. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department— Dept. of Ornithology.

t Rof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology.

DR. OTTO Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Membership Fee to O.t-N.C, with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1.00 per annum

THE

MAY, 1906.

VOI,. XX, No. 2

OTTAWA
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTENTS,
i. List of some Fresh-water Shells from North-Western

Ontario and Keewatin, by J. F. Whiteaves ....

2. Early Nesting of the Vesper Sparrow, by W. J. Brown

3. The Migration of Birds, by Rev. C. W. G. Eifrig

4. Bird Notes, by J. W. Brown .... ... ....

5. The Ottawa Species of Eriophorum, by Jas. M. Macoun
'6. Sub-Excursion to Blueberry Point, by K. H

7« IxCVlCW •••• •••■ •••■ •••• ••••

8. Nature Study — No. 34, by S. B. McCready, B.A . . . .

V

Page

29

32

33
40

4i
43
44
45

(ISSUED MAY 8, 1906.)

OTTAWA, CANADA.

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited).

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Pott Office'** second class matter.

A

WE ORAL WITH 0DR ADVERTISERS

JAMES OGILVY,

Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.

63 Sparks Street

JAR VIS5

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY

at advertised price.-, (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

0

OflUMtel

SLEEPING
BAGS

OTTAWA, OAJMAA.

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

<A. SPECIALITY

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONEY & COOPER I A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

— TAII/ORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

Insure in-

MUTUAL LIFE OF GftNftDfl

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents

in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

GO TO. ...

Ottawa Printing go., Ctd.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,
OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY 8c Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

A few complete sets of

The Ottawa Naturalist

are still for sale.

APPLY TO THE LIBRARIAN.

Ketoini & Go.,

SPORTING 52, 54, 56
GOODS bank street

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

TJIE OTOTOM ?A\m WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder strap.

H.NRYBIRKS&SQNS,Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57 59 SPARKS ST.

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stuck

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART & e©.,

34 RIDBAU ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office-201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Car J System, Vertical Filing and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

0i <?4 Sparks St. ~, . , Day I7Q-?.

Stores: q d ^ c Telephones: m- -V. r>

285 Bank St. r Night 425B.

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive {Schemes of Decoration

THE SMITH PREMIER
& The Worlds Best Typewriter -^

E- R McNEII/T., Agent 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA.

LIGGET & eLEGHORN

Ottawa's Leading Carpet
and Curtain House : :

36 & 38 O'Connor Street

MAPS ©F ©TTHWa F©R SALE

To members of the O.F.N. C. 5 cents each ;
to non-members, 10 cents.
Apply to the Treasurer.

WHEN DEALING WITH OUR
ADVERTISERS, MENTION

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

James Hope & Sons,

SPARKS St., Ottawa.

Booksellers, Stationers, t^l

Bookbinders, Printers. 1 ^"i

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.
Has uo Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

The G. G. Ray Company, Limited

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

BRYSON, GRAHAM & Go.

Sell Every thing.

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.
GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price io cts.

Patrons will

receive List mailed free
of charge.

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H, THORBURN

Books and Stationery.
BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

8o Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .

106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

OTTAWA

The Bank of Ottawa.

Head Office ami >i;iin Branch,
Wellington Street* Ottawa.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts may be opened, with
a deposit of $ 1 . and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-112 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

SHO

72 SPARKS ST.. OTTAWA.

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia, Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used ;
would not he without them. G. F. S ALTON, Pastor Dom. Church."
Corner BANK & NEPEAN STREETS.

THE, OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

ltMce*fl>residents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

librarian :

J. W* Baldwin.

Secretary :

T. E. Clarke.
1(470 O'Connor Street.,)

Mr. A. G. Kingston.
Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

T. Shutt, J. VV

treasurer ;

Arthur Gibson.
("Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. .Matthews.
Miss R. B.'McQuesten.

auditors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F.

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirdes : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Xeaders :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archeology : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
Editor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

Bssoctate Editors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Paleontology.

Dr, A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford.— Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology.

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Membership Fee to O.F-N.C, with " Ottawa Naturalist, " $1.00 per auuuiu

JUNE.1906.

VOI,. XX, No. 3

THE

OTTAWA
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CO NTE NTS.

i. A Sagacious Crow, by Asa A. Gallup ...

2. The Chambord Meteorite, by R. A. A. Johnston

3. Notes on the Eggs of the Solitary Sandpiper, by P. Garrett

4. Nesting of Wilson's Snipe, by Wm. L. Kells ....

5. Note on Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, L., by J. M. M.

6. Zoological Report— 1905-6 ...

7. Eriophorum russeolum, Fr. versus E. Chamissonis, C. A

Mey., by Theo. Holm. ... ... .... ....

8. The Identity of Eriophorum Chamissonis and E. russe-

olum, by M. L. Fernald .... .... .... ...

9. Sub-Excursions ... ...

10. Nature Study — No. 35, by R. S. Hamilton, Gait, Ont. . . .

Page

49
5i
52
53
55
56

62

62
66
67

(ISSUED JUNE 4, 1906.)

OTTAWA, CANADA,

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited),

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Post Officers second class matter.

[at

fo ■**<*&** Vi

t

LIBRARY)*

\*.

^

s&

^

^

WE PEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.
63 Sparks Street

JAMES OGILVY,

JARV1S'

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY
at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist.

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

9

Omfedl

SLEEPING

—BAGS — Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONEY & COOPER

— TAIXORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

Insure in-

MUTUAL LIFE OF 6ANADA

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents
in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

GO TO...,

Ottawa Printing go., Eta.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,
OTTAWA.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL

OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY 8c Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

A few complete sets of

The Ottawa Naturalist

are still for sale.

APPLY TO THE LIBRARIAN.

KBtciium & GO.,

SPORTING 52. 54, 56

• GOODS BANK STREET

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

THE 0™WJI ?J\\m WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

ISE

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and "
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS, Ltd. J"

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57 59 SPARKS ST.

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART & ee„

34 RIDBAU ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

Stores- 54 Sparks St. Telephones • Day I793-

stores. 2g5 Bank gL 1 eiepnones . Ni&ht ^

sB.

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

THE SMITH PREMIER
&r The Worlds Best Typewriter j&

n. R. McNEILI<, Agent. 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA.

LIGGET & eLEGHORN

Ottawa's Leading Carpet
and Curtain House : :

36 & 38 O'Connor Street

MAPS ©F OTTAWA F©R SALE

To members of the O.F.N.C. 5 cents each ;
to non-members, 10 cents.
Apply to the Treasurer.

WHEN DEALING WITH OUR
ADVERTISERS, MENTION

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

JameS Hope & SonS, Booksellers, Stationers,

SPARKS St., Ottawa. Bookbinders, Printers.

H

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

The G. C Ray Company, Limited

COAL

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

BRYSON, GRAHAM & 60.

Sell Every thing.

55 Stnyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. PRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price io cts.

Patrons will receive List mailed free
of charge.

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H, THORBURN

Books and Stationery.

BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

8o Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. MeGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .
106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

The Bank of Ottawa.

Head Office and Main Branch,
Wellington Street. Ottawa.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts may be opened, with
a deposit of $1. and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-112 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

IN'S

SHO

73 SPARKS ST.. OTTAWA.

MUSGRO VE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cores all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thine I ever used
would not he without them. G. F. SALTON, Pastor Dom. Church."
Corner BANK & NSPKAN STREET^.

THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

©resident :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

li)tce=ipresioents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

Xtbrarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary :

T. E. Clarke.

1(470 O'Connor StreetJ

Mr. A. G. Kingston.
Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

treasurer ;

Arthur Gibson.
("Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.
Miss R. B. McQuesten.

Buottors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. W

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirtfes : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

XeaDers :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archceoloqy : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
Boitor : -

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate Boitors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada.— Dept. of Paleontology.

Dr, A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm.— Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. of Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology.

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Membership Fee to O.F.JJ.C, with " Ottawa Naturalist, " $1.00 per annum

\

THE

JULY, 1906.

VOI,. XX, No. 4

TTAWA
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTENTS.

Some Canadian Antennarias— III. by Edward L. Greene.

The Caribou of Queen Charlotte Islands ....

Ivy Poisoning and its Treatment .... • • • •

The Connecticut vs. The Kentucky Warbler, by G. W. G
Eirrig .... .... .... .... .... •

5. The Great Gray Owl, by G. W. G. Eifrig

6. Curious Natural Freak, by J. R.Anderson., ....

7. Report of the Entomological Branch, 1905

8. Sub-Excursions.. ... .... .... • ••

9. Records of rare birds in the Maritime Provinces, by Wm

H. Moore .... .... •• .... ...

10. Nature Study — No. 36, by James Brittain

n. Ottawa Summer School of Science. . .... ....

(ISSUED JULY 5, igo6.J

Page
71

73

77

78

79
81

82

86

«8

89

02

OTTAWA, CANADA,

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited).

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Pat Officers second class matter.

WE DEHL WITH 0UR flOVERTISERS

I a n/inn f~\f~* I I \/\>r Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.

J A1V1 Ho kJIj ILv i, 63 Sparks Street

0

c

u

0

0

JARVIS'

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY

at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTAWAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

R. A. MeCORMICK,
Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

9

Lninmftedlo

SLEEPING
BAGS

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

-A. SFEOIALITY

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONBY & COOPER

— TAILORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

Insure in-

MUTUAL LIFE OF CANADA

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents

in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

<30 TO...

Ottawa Printing Co., Eta.

3 & 5 Mosg-rove St.,
OTTAWA.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY & Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

A few complete sets of

The Ottawa Naturalist

are still for sale.
APPLY TO THE LIBRARIAN.

KeiGhum & Go.,

SPORTING 52, 54. 56

GOODS BANK STREET

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. A>k your dealer for it, and
shou'd he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

THE 0TTJ1WJ1 -PJ1I.NT WORKS,

Telephone ,95.

OTTAWA, ONT,

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in ;i
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder st rap.

WNRYBIRKS&SONS.Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57 59 SPARKS ST.

When in wen! of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are s- le agents" for the celebrated
CRl-X PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART & 60.,

34 RIDBAU 8T , Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing anJ various office

devices.
Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

Stores: 54 Sparks St. Telephones: ^1793

285 Bank St. K Night 425B.

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

THE SMITH PREMIER
^ The World's Best Typewriter j&

n. R. McNJSILX, Agent. 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA.

LIGGET & eLEGHORN

Ottawa's Leading Carpet
and Curtain House : :

36 & 38 O'Connor Street

MAPS ©F 0TTHW3 FOR SALE

To members of the O.F.N. C. 5 cents each ;
to non-members, 10 cents.
Apply to the Treasurer.

WHEN DEALING WITH OUR
ADVERTISERS, MENTION

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

JameS Hope &- SonS, Booksellers, Stationers,

SPARKS St., Ottawa. Bookbinders, Printers.

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H. THORBURN

Books and Stationery.

BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

80 Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

The G. G. Bay Company, Limited
ooa m,

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .

106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

OTTA"WA

The Bank of Ottawa.

Head Office anil Main Branch.
Wellington Street. Ottawa.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

BRYSON, GRAHAM & 60.

Sell Every thing.

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts may be opened, with
a deposit of $i. and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-113 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

MASSON'S

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just Out, price 10 cts.

Patrons will receive List mailed free
of charge.

SHO

72 SPARKS ST.. OTTAWA.

^

1=1

r

m

r

slS

00

?

w

»

3
to

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used
would not he without them. G. F. SALTON, Pastor Dom. Church."

fnrnpr RANK Jte NKVPEAN STREETS.

THE, OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' GLUB, 1905-1906.

lPatron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

Dice=fl>residents :

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

Xlbrarf an :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

((470 O'Connor Street.) ("Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. G. Kingston.
Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.
Miss R. B. McQuesten.

auditors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees ot Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. VV

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions: H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirees : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

^Leaders :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archceoloqy : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
Editor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate Editors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada.— Dept. of Paleontology.

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

DR. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm.— Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford.— Department of Co?ichology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. of Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department— Dept. of Ornithology.

PROF. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology \

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Membership Fee to O.F-N.C, with " Ottawa Naturalist, " $1.00 per annum

AUGUST, 1906.

THE

VOL. XX, No. 5

OTTAWA
NATURALIST

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTENTS.

i. The Species of Botryocrinus, by F. A. Bather ....

2. Some New Plants from the Canadian Rockies and Selkirks,

by Edith M. Farr .... .... .... .... ....

3. Richardson's Merlin, by W. J. Brown. .

4. The Golden Winged Warbler in Manitoba, by Norman

\_^ I ILlUlc •••• •••• • • • « •*•• • * - ■ #••••

5. Correspondence, by W. E- Saunders . . ....

\j • Ax C VIC W •• • • • • •••■ • » • •••• ■ « « • ••••

Page

93

in

112

"3
"4

( ISSUED AUGUST 75, igo6.)

OTTAWA, CANADA,

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited).

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Pat Office' as second class matter.

&SS&

WE UHrtL. W l i n

- - nflrA /-vrvfl X/X/ Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.
J AM ES OGl LV Y , 63 sparks Street

c

u
0

u

jarvis;

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY
at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

9

LnmnHedlo

SLEEPING
BAGS

QOT&wa*, QAMMOA,

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, '

-A. SPECIALITY

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONEY & COOPER

— TAILORS —

^Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

Insure in-

MUTUAL L1FE0F CANADA

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents
in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

GO TO....

Ottawa Printing Co., Eta.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,
OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY & Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

A few complete sets of

The Ottawa Naturalist

are still for sale.

APPLY TO THE LIBRARIAN.

KuttlHim & GO.,

- c

SPORTING 52, 54, 56

GOODS BANK STREET

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

RL>OOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

T.HE 0™VM PJILNT, WORKS,

Telephone 595.

OTTAWA, ONT,

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a field,
there is no s^lass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS, Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57 59 SPARKS ST.

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWHRT & CO.,

34 RIDEAU ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing- and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

SfnrPs- 54 Sparks St. Teleohones • Day l793>

Stores. 28s Bank st. leiephones. Night 42sB-

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

THE SMITH PREMIER

&r The Worlds Best Typewriter j&

E- R. McNEII/L, Agent. 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA.

LIGGBT & CLEGH0RN

Ottawa's Leading Carpet
and Curtain Rouse : :

36 & 38 O'Connor Street

MAPS ©F ©TTHWH FOR SALE

To members of the O.F.N.C. 5 cents each ;
to non-members, 10 cents.
Apply to the Treasurer.

WHEN DEALING WITH OUR
ADVERTISERS, MENTION

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

JameS Hope & SonS, Booksellers, Stationers, g

SPARKS St., Ottawa. Bookbinders, Printers.

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

I Publisher of Views of Ottawa.
C. H. THORBURN

Books and Stationery.
BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

So Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

The G. G. Bay Company, Limited

COAL

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

TBE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .

106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

OTTAWA

The Bank of Ottawa.

Head Office ami M aiii Branch,
Wellington Streets Ottawa.

BRYSON, GRAHAM & Go.

Sell Every thing.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts ma)' be opened, with
a deposit of $1 . and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-112 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

MASSON'S

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price 10 cts.

Patrons will

receive List
of charge.

mailed free

SHO

72 SPARKS ST.. OTTAWA.

■=a

r

h

p

DO

1
«

w

Si

©

3

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used
would not be without them. G. F. S ALTON, Pastor Dom. Church."
Corner BANK & NEPEAN STREETS.

THE, OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS* GLUB, 1905-1906.

ff>atron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

j

\Dice=presioents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

librarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : {Treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

,f47o O'Connor Street.; (Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. G. Kingston. Mr. A. Halkett.

Mr. J. M. Macoun. Miss M. McK. Scott.

Mr. W. T. Macoun. Miss A. L.^Matthews.

Dr. H. M. Ami. Miss R. B. McQuesten.

Buoitors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. W

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
SoirJes : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Xeaoers :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Co?ichology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archceology : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
Editor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

Bssociate Editors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palceontology.

Dr, A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford.— Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. of Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology.

Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology.

Mcmbcraliip Fee to O.F-N.C, with " Ottawa Naturalist, " $1.00 per annum

SEPTEMBER, 1906.

THE

VOI,. XX, No. 6

OTTAWA
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTENTS.

i. Notes on some Land and Fresh Water Shells from British
Columbia, by J. F. Whiteaves ....

2. Extracts from the Diary of the late Robt. Elliott (Continued

from Vol. XIX p. 178) . . .... .... .... ...

3. Bird Migration, 1905, by James Bouteiller

4. Meetings of the Entomological Branch, . .

5. Correction . . .... .... .... .... r

6. Review. . .... ....

• • • •

Page

"5

120

127

130

131
132

(ISSUED SEPTEMBER 75, i9o6.)

OTTAWA, CANADA.

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited).

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

En'.ercd at the Ottawa Post OQice'as second class matter.

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

a n/r ¥-"•<-> /~\r>l \ /X/ Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.
JAMES UUlLVY, 63 Sparks Street

U
0

C

*
0

0

2 *

5: ■
0 j

% aa
J-6

« 0

H

Q
Ul

-1

0)

0

CM

U]

J AR V IS'

.THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St.. stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY
at advertised prices {with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

R. A. MCCORMICK,

Prescription Druggist

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

9

Oimnltedlo

SLEEPING
BAGS

9ff4W4,

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

• .A. SPECIAIjITY

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONEY 8c COOPER

— TAILORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

Insure in

MUTUAL LIFE M CANADA

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents

in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

GO TO...

Ottawa Priming Co., Ltd.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,
OTTAWA.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY & Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

A few complete sets of

The Ottawa Naturalist

are still for sale.

APPLY TO THE LIBRARIAN.

KMum & 60.

SPORTING 52, 54, 56

GOODS BANK STREET

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

TJ1E OTOWil PJlIcNT WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far afield,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a
-ci! id leather carrying
ease, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS,Ltd.

Goldsmil hs and Silversmiths,
57-59 SPARKS ST.

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS F.URN1TURE

STEWART & ea,

34 RI OBAU ST., just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO. MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing- and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

Stores- 54 Sparks Si. Telephones- ^ '793-

Mores. 2g5 Bank St< leiepnones. Night ^_B

Choice flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

THE SMITH PREMIER
&r The Worlds Best Typewriter j&

E- R. McNEII/L, Agent. 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA.

LIGGET & SLEGHORN

Ottawa's Leading Carpet
and Curtain House : :

36 & 38 O'Connor Street

MAPS ©F ©TTftWH FOR S3LE

To members of the O.F.N.C. 5 cents each;
to non-members, 10 cents.
pply to the Treasurer.

WHEN DEALING WITH OUR
ADVERTISERS, MENTION

THE OTTA W A N ATUR A LIS I*

WE DEAL. WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

>
>

JameS Hope & SonS, Booksellers, Stationers, g

SPARKS St., Ottawa. Bookbinders, Printers.

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

The G. C Ray Company, Limited

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H. THORBURN

Books and Stationery.

BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

8o Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. MeGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .
106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

The Bank of Ottawa.

Ilend Office and Main Branch,
Wellington Street. Ottawa.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Ridea.11 Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts may be opened with
a deposit of $1. and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

BRYSON, GRflttflM & 60.

Sell Every thing.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-112 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

— 1 ■ mum wmu Mil ——^^■~[1WI^^"^^'*^~*~***~^'~~

MASSON'S

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price 10 cts.

Patrons will

receive List mailed free
of charge.

SHO

72 SPARKS ST.. OTTAWA.

*4

CO

MUSGBOVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cores all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used
would not be without them. G. T. S ALTON. Pastor Dom. Church ."
Corner BANK A NEPKAN STlfRlETR

THE, OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

Wice=fl>resloents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

Xibrarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : {Treasurer ;

T E Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

t(47o O'Connor Street. J ("Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. G. Kingston.

Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.
Miss R. B. McQuesten.

Suoitors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees of Council:

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. VV

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirees : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Heaoers :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archceoloqy : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.

Boitor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate jEoitors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geoloqy.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palceon/otogy.

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. ot Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology.

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

McmiH'i'sliiti Fee to O.v-N.c, with " Ottawa Naturalist, '*. $i.<K> per annum

OCTOBER, 1906.

VOI,. XX, No. 7

THE

OTTAWA
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTE NTS.

Paoc

i. Notes on Cyrtoceras cuneatum, by J. F. Whiteaves 115

2. Contributions to Canadian Botany, by James M. Macoun 135

3. The Spring Migration of Birds at Ottawa of the year 1906,

compared with that of other seasons, by C. W. G.

Erf 11 I 1 <i^ i ■ • • * •••• • • • « • • # a •••• •• ft *\ *\

4. Nature Study — No. 37 — by Arthur Gibson.. ... 149

(ISSUED OCTOBER 75, igo6.)

OTTAWA, CANADA,

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited).

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Poit Officers stand class matter.

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.
63 Sparks Street

JAMES OGILVY,

J AR V IS'

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY
at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

O§o LSiMtedl

SLEEPING
BAGS

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

-<a. SPECIALITY

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONBY & COOPER

— TAIXORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.
Your patronage solicited.

Insure in

MUTUAL LIFE OF 6nNflDfl

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents

in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

GO TO...

Ottawa Printing Co,, Eta,

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,

OTTAWA.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY 8c Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

. .Boston millinery Parlors, .

MRS. BYFIEI<D, Manager.
132 Bank St. - Ottawa.

KetGlHim & Go.,

SPORTING 52, 54, 56

GOODS BANK STREET

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

TAB 0TTJ1WJ1 ?J\\m WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far afield,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS, Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57-59 SPARKS ST.

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART & e©.,

34 RIDEATJ ST , Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing- and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

Stores: fg^g^ |J; Telephones: Sfght^B.

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive ^Schemes of Decoration

Clcghorrv (SL Seattle

spcrKBsoBs to_ LIGGET & GLEGH©RN

fn"a cuAa^aHnoLcearf e : 36 & 38 O'Connor Street

OOOO :XXX) X5000000 OOOOOOOo XXXJOOOOJOOCuOOOOOOOjOOO

I AN ENORMOUS PLANT g

8 The growth of the Singer Plant, which is now more than 50 §

g years old, has been something marvelous. Its product is O

Q used in every civilized country and the demand for it Q

5 throughout Canada alone has become so great that a factory §

Q covering 45 acres of ground has been established at St. y

g Johns, P.Q. S

FOR SALE AT SINGER STORES
ALL OVER THE WORLD

Store in Ottawa, Ontario,—

149 Sparks Street, tyjj^p 5

§ SOLD ONLY BY _» 8

I Singer Sewing Machine Co. §

OC)OGOOCOCKX500000C)OOOOCKX)00000000 OOC OOOO DO<y OOOO

WE DEAL. WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

James Hope & Sons,

SPARKS St., Ottawa.

Booksellers, Stationers,

Bookbinders, Frinters.

C/3

3

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.
Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

The G. G. Ray Company, Limited

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H, THORBURN

Books and Stationery.
BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

8o Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .

106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

OTTAWA

The Bank of Ottawa.

Heart Office and .Main Branch,
Wellington Street, Ottawa.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

BRYSON, GRAHAM & Go.

Sell Every thing.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

At each of the above named offices
saving's accounts may be opened, with
a deposit of $ 1 . and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-113 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price 10 cts.

Patrons will

receive List mailed free
of charge.

MASSON'S

SHOES

72 SPARES ST.. . OTTAWA.

PI

§

H

ST

o

09

H
a

n

SB

3 >-

0

z

m

r
r

00.

>

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia, Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever usvd
would not be without them. G. F. SALTON, Pastor Oom. Church."
Corner BANK & NEPEAN STREETS.

THL OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' GLUB, 1905H906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

Dice=presfoents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

librarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : {Treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

kf47o O'Connor Street.; (Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. G. Kingston. Mr. A. Halkett.

Mr. J. M. Macoun. Miss M. McK. Scott.

Mr. W. T. Macoun. Miss A. L. Matthews.

Dr. H. M. Ami. Miss R. B. McQuesten.

auditors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. W

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirees : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Xeaoers :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archceoloqy : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
JEditor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate Boitors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeontology.

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. ot Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

PROF. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology .

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Membership Fee to O.F-N.C, willi " Ottawa Naturalist, " $1.00 per annum

NOV

THE

MBERS 1906.

VOI,. XX, No. 8

TTAW
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTE NTS.

i. Animal Coloration, by Professor Edward E. Prince . .

2. Botanical Note ... ...

3. Contributions to Canadian Botany, by James M. Macoun,

4. Entomological Society of Ontario ....

5. Limnaea megasoma . . .... ... .... ...

g. Note, by C. W. G Eifrig. . .... .... ....

7. Nature Study — No. 38 — by James Fletcher

Page

153
l6l
l62
171
172
172
173

(ISSUED NOVEMBER 6, igo6.)

OTTAWA, CANADA.

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Pat Office as second class matter.

LIBRARY

WE DEAL WITH 0DR ADVERTISERS

JAMES OGILVY,

Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher,'
63 Sparks Street

U
0

C

U
0

o

0 3

«fi
V 0

H

Q

-J

CO
0

CM

J AR V IS'

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY
at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

W00D

9

Limited]

SLEEPING
BAGS

OTTAWA, @MM&W>M~

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

-A. SPECIALITY

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONEY 8c COOPER

— TAILORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

Insure in-

MUTUAL LIFE OF CANADA

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents

in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

GO TO...

Ottawa Printing go., CM.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,
OTTAWA.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY & Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

—■phi — — —■— 1— — — — — — — — — —

j. .Boston millinery Parlors. .

i o ^gf-^T>

MRS. BYFIEI/I>, Manager.

I132 Bank St. - Ottawa.

K616HU1D & GO.,

SPORTING 52, 54, 56

GOODS BANK STREE1

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

T.HE 0TTJ1WJ1 PJIIHT WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

g^jjp

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a-field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS, Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57-59 SPARKS ST.

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART & 60.,

34 RIOBAU ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

0t 54 Sparks St. ™ , , Day i7q^.

Stores: JA d i c. 1 elephones : NT. J.. '^° „

285 Bank St. r Night 425B.

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

Cleghorn (®L Beattie

spc€BSS»BS t» LIGGET & CLEGHORN

SM^ThS^ 36 & 38 O'Connor Street

OCXX)CX>OOC>OOOCX)OOC>OOOC>C^^

I AN ENORMOUS PLANT §

O The growth of the Singer Plant, which is now more than 50 §
2 years old, has been something marvelous. Its product is O
used in every civilized country and the demand for it 0
throughout Canada alone has become so great that a factory
covering 45 acres of ground has been established at St.
Johns, P.Q.

FOR SALE AT SINGER STORES
ALL OVER THC WORLD

Store in Ottawa, Ontario,—

149 Sparks Street.

g SOI/D ONI,Y BY -

I Singer Sewing Machine Co.

00000000 0000 000000000000 00000000 00000000 0000 0000

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

James Hope & Sons,

SPARKS St., Ottawa.

Booksellers, Stationers,

Bookbinders, Printers.

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

The G. C Ray Company, Limited

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

BRYSON, GRAHAM & 60.

Sell Every thing.

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.
GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price to cts.

Patrons will receive List mailed free
of charge.

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H. THORBURN

Books and Stationery.
BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

So Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .
106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

The Bank of Ottawa.

Head Office ;ui<l Main Branch,
Wellington Street* Ottawa.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts may be opened, with
a deposit of $1 . and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

no-iia Sparks St., - Ottawa.

MASSON'S

SHO

73 SPARKS ST.. OTTAWA.

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used
would not be without them. G. F. SALTON, Pastor Dom. Church."
Corner BANK & NEPEAN STREETS.

THE, OTTAWA FlElMftTURftLlSTS^ GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

tDice=lpresioents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

^Librarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

,(470 O'Connor Street J (Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. G. Kingston.

Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.
Miss R. B. McQuesten.

auditors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. W

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirdes : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Xeaoers :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archeology : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E; Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
Boitor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate Boitors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeontology

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford.— Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. ot Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Membership Fee to O.F-N.C, wltU " Ottawa Naturalist," $1.0« per annum

DECEMBER, 1906.

THE

VOI/. XX, No. 9

OTTAWA
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTE NTS.

i. The Cryptogamic Flora of Ottawa, by John Macoun

2. A Visit to Duck Island, by F. R. L

3. The Fulvous Tree-Duck, by W. Spreadborough . ...

4. An addition to our Manitoba Warblers, by Norman Criddle

5. Cecropia Emperor Moth, by John Maughan....

6. Note on the " Teal-Weed " of St. Clair Flats, by J. Maughan

7. Review .... .... ....

8. Programme of Winter Lectures ... ....

9. Nature Study — No. 39 — by Prof. W. Lochhead ....

Page
177

I87
188
189
190
I90
191
192
193

(ISSUED DECEMBER 3, igo6. )

OTTAWA, CANADA,

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

\ Entered *t the Ottawa Pott Office as second class matter.

msh

WE DEAL WITH QDR ADVERTISERS

Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.
63 Sparks Street

JAMESOGILVY,

U
0

C

u

0

U

u w

* 2

n c
« 0

Q
UJ

0)

0

CM
UJ

v 1 s

•» 5

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY
at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

9

Omitted

SLEEPING
BAGS

OTTAWA, 0&SMUD.&.

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,
Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares
Write for Particulars.

ROONBY 8c COOPER! A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

— TAILORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

Insure in-

MUTUAL LIFE OF CANADA *• H. KENNY & Co.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents
in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

For neat printing |. .Boston millinery Parlors, .

go to.... J - . sgy-.--

Ottawa Printing go., Ltd.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,

OTTAWA. S132 Bank St.

MRS. BYFIEI,D, Manager.

Ottawa.

0

&

SPORTING 52, 54, 56

., GOODS BANK STREET

AUTOMOBILES AMD GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
shou'd he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

THE 0TTJ1WJI PJ1IUT WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

'

.

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a

— ■ solid- leather carrying

case, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS, Ltd.

j, Golilsmiths-and.. Silversmiths,
57 59 SPARKS ST.

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CRIsX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART St 60.,

34 RI l)EAU ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO. MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filhig and various office

devices.
Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

Stores- 54 Sparks St. THeofibneT D <y ' 7q3-

stores. 2g5 Bank St< iciepnones. ^.^ ^.g

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

ClegHorn. <3L Beattie

gpc« rasoBs to _ LIGGET & CLEGHORN

°nda cuAa^r HnoBuscearf e • 36 & 38 O'Connor Street

OOOOOQOO OOCXDOOOO CXXXDOOO-CXXJOOOOOOOOC OOOOOOOOoOOo

8 AN ENORMOUS PLANT jj

The growth of ihe Singer Plant, which is now more than 50 8

years old, has been something marvelous. Its product i> g

used in every civilized country and the demand for it o

throughout Canada alone has become so great that a factory 5

covering 45 acres or ground has been established at St. Q

Johns, P.Q. g

FOR SALE AT SINGER* STORES
ALL OVER THC WOULD

Store in Ottawa, ntario,—

149 Sparks Street.

SOLD ONI,Y BY -

Singer Sewing Machine Co.

>OOCOOOODOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO XXX30000DOOTOOOO

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

JameS Hope Si, SonS, Booksellers, Stationers,

SPARKS St., Ottawa. Bookbinders, Printers.

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

lias no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

The G- 0. Ray Company, Limited

Best quality, lowest price .
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H, THORBURN

Books and Stationery.
BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

8o Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. MeGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .
106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

The Bank of Ottawa.

H«.h! Office and Main Branch,
Wellington Street, Ottawa.

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

BRYSON, GRAHAM & Go.

Sell Every thing.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts may be opened with
a deposit of $ 1 . and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-112 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.
GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price 10 cts.

Patrons v.il

receive List
of charge.

mailed free

MASSON'S

SHO

72 SPARKS ST,. OTTAWA.

C/3

3

PS

Pi

H

©

to

03

A

to

H
«<

T3

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia, Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used
would not be without them. G. F. SAI/TON. Pastor Dom. Church."

P

IS

as

>

Ht+-

THE, OTTAWA FlELD-NftTURftLlSTS' GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B. • ,

Uice=ipresi Dents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

^Librarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : {Treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

(■470 O'Connor Street.; (Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. G. Kingston.

Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L.. Matthews.
Miss R. B." McQuesten.

2luoitors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Stanoing Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. W

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soire'es : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Xeaoers :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Bo/any : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archceoloqy : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.

JEDitor :
James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate Boitors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palceontology

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Membership Fee t© O.F-X.C, -with " Ottawa Naturalist, " $1.0« per aimnni

JANUARY, 1907.

THE

VOI,. XX, No. 10

OTTAWA
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTENTS.

i. President's Address, by J. W.Wilson.... ....

2. Description of Eupithecia Fletcheri, by Geo. W. Taylor

3. Report of Entomological Branch, ....

4. Infusorial Earth near Lake Windemere, B. C

5. Nature Study — No. 40 — by Mark G. McElhinney . ...

Pagb

197
200
202
205
209

(ISSUED JANUARY 16, 1907.)

* . OTTAWA, CANADA,

' Ottawa Printing Company (Limited
3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Pat Office as second class matter.

i&tfc

X

WE OEHL WITH 0DR ADVERTISERS

JAMESOGILVY,

Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.
63 Sparks Street

U
0

C

u

0

0

£ •

0 0

<4 P9

3*

Q
III

i

JARVIS'

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY

at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

9

Lnmmnltedl

(0
0

CM

SLEEPING
BAGS

QFET&VrAkm ©&JEMW&A.

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

-A. SPECIALITY

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

&OONBY & COOPER

— TAIXORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

Insure in-

MUTUAL LIFE OF CANADA! R- H KENNY & Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents

in Sparks St., - Ottawa

■■BHM^Da^HMMBBBnsnniBHHBaBHIHin^HBi

For neat printing

GO TO...

Ottawa Priming go., in.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,
OTTAWA.

.Boston millinery Parlors. .

MRS. BYFIEI,!), Manager.
I132 Bank St. - Ottawa.

KetGhum & Go

SPORTING 52, 54, 56

,, GOODS BANK STREET

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

tub o™vm ?mm WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS, Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57-59 SPARKS ST.

When inwant ot Hiah-arade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART & e©.,

34 RIDBAU ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

0, c;4 Sparks St.

Stores : - o d , cj.
285 Bank St.

Telephones :

Day 1793.

Night 425B.

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

ClegHox-n <&.

LIGGET & ©LEGHORN

36 & 38 O'Connor Street

SUCCESSORS TO

Ottawa's Leading Carpet
and Curtain House : :

OOOOOOOOC>C>OOOOOOOOC>OOOO^C>C>OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOaOOO

jj AN ENORMOUS PLANT §

o

o

The growth of the Singer Plant, which is now more than 50
years old, has been something marvelous. Its product is
used in every civilized country and the demand for it
throughout Canada alone has become so great that a factory
covering 45 acres of ground has been established at St.
Johns, P.Q.

FOR SALE AT SINGER STORES
ALL OVER THE WORLD

Store in Ottawa, Ontario,—

15

>I,B ONLY BY

149 Sparks Street

§ Singer Sewing Machine Co.

OOOO OOOOOOOCOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO X5OO0O0O0OOO00O0

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

James Hope & Sons,

SPARKS St., Ottawa.

Booksellers, Stationers,

Bookbinders, Printers.

C/3

3

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H. THORBURN

Books and Stationery.
BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

So Sparks St., Ottawa. Phone 902.

The G. C Ray Company, Limited

COAL

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .

106 Sparks St. 24 Rideau St.

OTTAWA

The Bank of Ottawa.

Head Office and Main Branch,
Wellington Street; Ottawa.

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

BRYSON, GRAHAM & 60.

Sell Every thing.

in ions go.

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. FRANK, Manager

At each of the above named offices
saving's accounts may be opened with
a deposit of $1. and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS *

110-113 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

MASSON'S

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price 10 cts.

^b

Patrons will receive List mailed free
of charere.

SMOcS

72 SPARKS ST.. OTTAWA.

"0

PJ

H
n

©

go

oa
»

GO

H

1 n

\

SB

re •

P

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used
■would not be without them. G. F. SALTON, Pastor Dom, Church."
Cornar BANK & NEPEAN STREETS.

7>

* 0

r

1?

>

HP
>'

>

THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURftUSTS^ GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

HMcesftresioents:

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

^Librarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

(•470 O'Connor Street.J (Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. G. Kingston.

Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.
Miss R. B. McQuesten.

auditors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees of Council:

Publishing ; A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. W

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
SoirSes : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Headers :

Geology .-»H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A, Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archeology : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, J no. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.

Editor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate Editors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Paleontology

Dr, A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford.— Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. of Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Membership Fee to O.F-N.C, with " Ottawa Naturalist, " $1.80 per aunum

FEBRUARY, 1907.

THE

VOI,. XX, No. ii

OTTAWA
NATURALIST.

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTENTS.

i. A Swarm of Butterflies, by Geo. H. Bradshaw

>. Note* on the Skeleton of a White Whale, by J. F. Whiteaves

3. Some Notes on Winter Birds, by C. W. G. Eifrig

4. The Lyell Medal

5. Soirees

6. Excursion

5. Nature Study— No. 41— by Mark G. McElhinney

• • • •

Pac*

211
214

217
220
222

224

225

(ISSUED FEBRUARY 75, i9o7.)

OTTAWA, CANADA,

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

E*Und at tkt Ottawa Pat Office as second class matter.

/t

WE DEHL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

f A 1\ IX f?0 f\f** ¥ I \ f\f Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.
JAM fc-b UUILV Y , 63 sparks Street

J A R V I S '

THE BOOKSTORE

Bank St., Stationer. Phone 732.

BOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY
at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. Ottawa.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist.

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

0

Lnmmnttedlo

OTTAWA, ©AIT A2©A»

Wholesale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

-A. SSI'IEOI.A.IjITY—

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONEY & COOPER

— TAILORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

Insure in-

MUTUAL LIFE OF GflNflDfl

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents

in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

OO TO ....

Ottawa Printing go., Dl

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,
OTTAWA.

A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY 8c Co.

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., '- OTTAWA.

EHaawHaniHBHMHi»nn»ii^i^nnBKatwni«MBKanMH

. .Boston millinery Parlors. .

MRS. BYFIEX,B, Manager.
I132 Bank St. - Ottawa.

KeiGhum & Go.,

SPORTING 52, 54, 56

GOODS BANK STREET

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

RJUOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

T.HE OTTJIWI PJH.NT WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

FIELD GLASSES'

If you would look far a- field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every glass comes in a
solid leather carrying
case, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS, Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57-59 SPARKS ST.

— «

i 4

1
1

*2

me

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents .for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART & e©„

34 RIDBAU ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office- 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

Stores: Jj Sg^£ |j; Telephones: ^ht^I?.

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

Cleghorrv (®L Bestttie

spccessoks T»m LIGGET & 6LEGH0RN

an"3" urtiir KogusCearr : 36 & 38 0'COIHIOr Street

OOOO OOOO OOOC OOOO OOOO OOOv^ OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO

jj AN ENORMOUS PLANT |

Q The growth of the Singer Plant, which is now more than 50 g

g years old, has been something marvelous. Its product is g

O used in every civilized country and the demand for t Q

O throughout Canada alone has become so great that a factory 5

§ covering 45 acres of ground has been established at St. $

g Johns, P.Q. g

FOR SALE AT SINGER STORES
ALL OVER THE WORLD

Store in Ottawa, Ontario,—

149 Sparks Street

SOI/D ONI,Y BY -

Singer Sewing Machine Co.

XXX^OOOOOOOOCKDOOOOOOCKXXDOOOOOOOO XXXDOOOO OOOO OOOO

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

1 *.
1 t

James Hope & Sons,

SPARKS St., Ottawa.

Booksellers, Stationers,

Bookbinders, Printers.

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.

Has no Equal.

86 SPARKS ST.

The 0. G. Ray Company, Limited

COAL

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H. THORBURN

Books and Stationery.

BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

So Sparks Si.. Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .
106 Sparks St. 24 RiDEAU St.

The Bank of Ottawa.

Head Office and Main Branch,
Wellington Street, Ottawa.

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

BRYSON, GRAHAM & 60.

Sell Every thing.

55 Stuyvesant A.ve.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. FRANK, Manager

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts may be opened with
a deposit of $1. and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-112 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price 10 cts.

Patrons will receive List mailed free j
oi' charge.

72 SPARKS ST . OTTAWA.

3

*0
PS

PJ

3

S
p"

MUSGROVE'S Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used

H

ST

»

O
-*

a-

on
OS

0)

H

■o
»

3"

\

(4

IP

~©

t

r

0©
>'

I HE, OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' GLUB, 1905H906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

president :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

ll)ice=ipresioents :

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.R.S.C.

Xibrarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary : treasurer ;

T. E. Clarke. Arthur Gibson.

(470 O'Connor Street.; (Central Experimental Farm.)

Committee :

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.

Mr. A. G. Kingston.
Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

Miss R. B. McOuesten.

auditors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Standing Committees ot Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F. T. Shutt, J. W

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions : H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirees : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

^Leaders :

Geology : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Keele, W. H. Collins.
Botany : John Macoun, D. A Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B. Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : j. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. W.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archaeology : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell.

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
Boitor :

James M. Macoun. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate Bettors :

Dr. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeontology

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latchford.— Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. ot Entomology.

Mr. A. G. Kingston, Public Works Department— Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

w*mb^r*i»i|> i>r to O.FrN.C, wit* " Ottawa Naturalist, " *!.«• per a*»«m

MARCH. 1907.

THE

VOL XX, No. 12

OTTAWA
NATURALIST

Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club.

CONTENTS.

Pac;e

i. Some Curious Facts about Fishes, by Andrew Halkett . . . 229

2. The Disappearance of the Passenger Pigeon, by J. H. Fleming 236

3. Correspondence, by W. E. Saunders ... .... ... 238

4. Notes on some Fresh- Water Shells from Manitoba, by J.

F. Whiteaves ... .... ... .... .... 239

5. Meteorological Observations at Ottawa, by Wm. Ellis .... 241

6. Report of Entomological Branch .... .... 243

7. Nature Study — No. 42 — The Relation of Sparrows to Agri-

culture, by L. H. Newman .... 247

(ISSUED MARCH 22, 1907.)

@®*£x

OTTAWA, CANADA,

Ottawa Printing Company (Limited

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.

Entered at the Ottawa Pat Office as second class matter.

WE DEAL WITH OIK auVbKnsbKS

JAMES OGILVY,

Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher.
63 Sparks Street

U
0

C

u

0
0

2 *

09 S3

Q

s

CO

0

CM

Uj

s

J AR V

THE BOOKSTOd E

Bank St.. Stationer. Phone 732.

HOOKS ORDERED PROMPTLY

at advertised prices (with few exceptions)

A. G. PITTA WAY,

...PHOTOGRAPHER,

58 Sparks St. OTTAWA.

r. a. Mccormick,

Prescription Druggist,

75 Sparks Street,
Phone 159. Ottawa.

0

hfamk

m0

SLEEPING
BAGS

O^^JkWJU QMM^nJx,,

Whole-ale Manufacturers,

Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies,
Outfitting Survey Parties,

Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind,

We have complete lines of Tents, Tarpaulins, Flags, Clothing,

Footwear, Snowshoes, Axes, Pipes and Smallwares.

Write for Particulars.

ROONEY 8c COOPER f A- ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD.

Jewellers and Opticians,

-TAILORS —

(Ladies' and Gentlemen's)

67 Sparks St., - - Ottawa.

Your patronage solicited.

GOLDSMITH'S HALL
OTTAWA.

Insure in

MUTUAL LIFE OF GnNftDfl

H. MOONEY & SON

General Agents
in Sparks St., - Ottawa.

For neat printing

GO TO....

Ottawa Printing go., Etd.

3 & 5 Mosgrove St.,

OTTAWA.

R. H. KENNY & Co

High Class Tailors

96 BANK ST., - OTTAWA.

.Boston millinery Parlors. .

MRS. BYFIEI,^, Manager.
J132 Bank St. - Ottawa.

KeWliOffl & Go.,

56

SPORTING 52, 54,

GOODS BANK STREET

AUTOMOBILES AND GASOLENE LAUNCHES

FLOOR PAINT

Lion Brand Floor Paint wears well, is easily put on, and dries
quickly. It's a good paint for floors. Ask your dealer for it, and
should he not have it, ask us, and we will advise you where it can

be procured.

TJiB OTOVM PJILNT WORKS,

Telephone 395.

OTTAWA, ONT.

FIELD GLASSES

If you would look far a field,
there is no glass so powerful,
so accurately adjusted, and
so compact, as a Birks' Stereo
Binocular.

Every gla=s conies in a
^oliil leather carrying
ease, with shoulder strap.

HENRY BIRKS&SONS. Ltd.

Goldsmiths and Silversmiths,
57 59 SPARKS ST.

When in want of High-grade Furniture, call and see our stock

We are sole agents for the celebrated
CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE

STEWART & CO.,

34 RIDBAU ST., Just below the Bridge

LIBRARY BUREAU OF CANADA.

Head Office— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT.

BRANCHES-TORONTO, MONTREAL & WINNIPEG.

Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing- and various office

devices.

Special Insect Cases and Natural History Cabinets made to order.

THE WRIGHT FLORAL Co., Ltd.

Stores- 54 Sparks St. Teleohor.es • Day !'93-

btores. ^ Bank Su lelepnones. Night ^^

Choice Flowers and Plants. Exclusive Schemes of Decoration

Cleghoriv (®L Seattle

spcckssohs to LIGGET & ©LEGHORN

a„"a curta^HoL^T • 36 & 38 O'Connor Street

CXXX>OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOC OOOv^OOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOQOOO

jj AN ENORMOUS PLANT jj

X The growth of the Singer Plant, which is now more than 50 §

2 years old, has been something marvelous. Its product is g

Q used in every civilized country and the demand for t Q

O throughout Canada alone has become so great that a factory 5
2 covering 45 acres of ground has been established at St.
g Johns, P.Q.

FOR SALE AT SINGER STORES
ALL OVER THC:WORLD

Store in Ottawa, Ontario,—

149 Sparks Street

SOU> ONIyY T*v

Singer Sewing Machine Co.

OOOG DOOOCXXX)0O000OO000O00CXX)00O0 000000000000 0000

WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS

JameS Hope & SonS, Booksellers, Stationers,

SPARKS St., Ottawa. Bookbinders, Printers.

G/3

3

J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co.

All-Rail Scranton Coal.
llns no K<|ii;il.

86 SPARKS ST.

The G. G. Ray Company, Limited

COAL

Best quality, lowest price.
58 Sparks St. Phone 461.

THE TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS

CORPORATION

Administers the estates of deceased
persons who have left no will, at such
rate of Commission as the Court allows,
or as may be agreed upon with the in-
terested parties.

No bonds required, as in the case of
private administration. No unnessary
expense. Family solicitor retained.

Publisher of Views of Ottawa.

C. H, THORBURN

Books and Stationery.

BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY.

So Sparks St.. Ottawa. Phone 902.

R. McGIFFIN,

. . . MEN'S FURNISHINGS . . .
106 Sparks St. 24 Ridkau St.

The Bank of Ottawa.

Head Office atiri Main Branch,
Welliiiglou Street = Ottawa,

Local Branch Offices

Cor. Bank and Gloucester Streets.

Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave.
Rideau Street.

Somerset Street.
Main Street, Hull, Que.

JAMES DAVEY, Manager

OTTAWA BRANCH

Cor. Sparks and Elgin Streets

BRYSON, GRAHAM & Go.

Sell Every thing.

AIB lOilOML CO.

55 Stuyvesant Ave.,

BROOKLYN, N. Y.

GEO. FRANK, Manager

Dealers in insects, entomological

supplies. Manufacturers of insect cases

and boxes. Metal cases for Schmitt

boxes, and the A. E. Co. insect pins.

The only genuine Schmitt insect box.

List No. 6 just out, price 10 cts.

Patrons will receive List mailed free
of charge.

At each of the above named offices
savings accounts may be opened, with
a deposit of $1, and upwards, on which
interest will be allowed.

Henry J. Sims & Co.

FINE HATTERS

110-112 Sparks St., - Ottawa.

ASSON'S

SHOES

72 SPARKS ST.

OTTAWA.

*8
SO

2

H
XT
n

©
05

A
0)

H

re •
C/)i

1
0

re

2

00.

>

MUSGROVE'3 Grip and Headache Capsule, Cures all forms of Grip, Nervous
Headache and Neuralgia. Price 20 cents. " The most efficacious thing I ever used
would not be without them. G. F. SAJLTON, Pastor Dom. Church."
Corner BANK & NEPEAN STREETS.

i

THE, OTTAWA FlEm-NATT^lST^_ GLUB, 1905-1906.

patron :

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY,

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA.

Ipresioent :

W. J. Wilson, Ph.B.

Wice=lpre6ioents :

A. E. Attwood, M.A. Frank T. Shutt, M.A.. F.R.S.C.

librarian :

J. W. Baldwin.

Secretary :

T. E. Clarke.

(470 O'Connor Street .)

Mr. A. G. Kingston.
Mr. J. M. Macoun.
Mr. W. T. Macoun.
Dr. H. M. Ami.

T. Shutt, J. W

treasurer ;

Arthur Gibson.

(Central Experimemal Farm

Committee :

Mr. A. Halkett.
Miss M. McK. Scott.
Miss A. L. Matthews.
Mis* R. B. McQuesten.

Buoitors :

R. B. Whyte. A. H. Gallup.

Stanoing Committees of Council :

Publishing : A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. M. Ami, F,

Baldwin, Miss M. McKay Scott.
Excursions: H. M. Ami, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, A. G. Kingston, T. E.

Clarke, Miss R. B. McQuesten, Miss A. L. Matthews.
Soirees : F. T. Shutt, W. T. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, Miss R. B. Mc-
Questen, Miss A. L. Matthews.

Xeaoers :

GeoTogy : H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, D. B. Dowling, J. Kecle, W. H. Collins.
Botany: John Macoun, D. A Campbell, A. E. Attwood, S. B.Sinclair, T.

E. Clarke.
Entomology : J. Fletcher, W. H. Harrington, C. H. Young, A. Gibson, J. \\.

Baldwin.
Conchology : F. R. Latchford, J. F. Whiteaves,J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien
Ornithology : G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup.
Zoology : E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux.
Archeology : T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne.
Meteorology : Otto Klotz, Jno. Macoun, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell. "

THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.
Boitor :

James M. MACOUN. (Geological Survey of Canada.)

associate Boitors :

i>R. R. W. Ells, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology.

Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeontology

Dr. A. E. Barlow, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Petrography.

Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany and Nature Study.

Hon. F. R. Latcheord.— Department of Conchology.

Mr. W. 11. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. ot Entomology.

Mr. A. G. KINGSTON, Public Works Department — Dept. of Ornithology.

Prof. E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries tor Canada. — Dept. of Zoology

Dr. Otto Klotz— Dept. of Meteorology.

Ue4ii»><iMii|t,,|><- to O.F.N.C, with "Ottawa Naturalist, " *!.«• l*r auuum

f:

1