(m-f/ 1908. VOL. XXII. 1909 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST, Being Vol. XXIV. of the TRANSACTIONS OF THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS' CLUB. Organized March, 1879. Incorporated March, 1884. OTTAWA, CANADA: The Rolla L. Grain Co. Limited, Printers 1908 ^be ©ttawa Jricl^^1Waturali0t0^(Ilub, 1908^=1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. prestDent: A. E. Attwood, M.A. -' , \t)ice=lpre0iOentg: A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xibrarlan : C. H. Young. Secretary: treasurer: T. E. Clarke, B.A. Arthur Gibson, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm). Committee : Mr. L. H. Newman. Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. McNeil. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. JluOltors: R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. Standing Committees ot Council: Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soiries: H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, A. Gibson, A. Halket, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaDers : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. W^ilson. So/OM)'.- J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D.A.Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology:T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil THE OTTAWA NATURALIST JEDitOt: James M. Macoun, (Geological Survey of Canada), associate BOitorS: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeon- tology. Dr. J as. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany& Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St.— Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalist", $1.00 per annum LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE Ottawa Kield-Natiaralists' Club April, 1908 Adams, Prof. F. D., M.Sc, Ph.D. (Montreal). ^ Ami, H. M., M.A., D.Sc, F.G.S., F.R.S.C. Ami, Mrs. H. M. Ami, S. T. Anderson, Miss Constance. Anderson, James R. (Victoria, B.C.) i^ Anderson, Lieut. -Col. W. P. C.E. v' Attwood, A. E., M.A. Baker, R. M. Baldwin, J. W. Ballantyne, James. Bangs, J. S. Barber, H. G. Barlow, A. E., M.A., D.Sc. F.G.S.A. Bate, Miss Marjorie. Bate, Miss Morna. Beaupr^, Edwin, (Okotoks, Alta). Bell, Robert, B.A.Sc.,M.D,L.L.D. F.R.S., F.R.S.C, F.G.S.A. Bell, George. Belliveau, A. H. Bennett, Miss K. E. Bennett, L. H., (Regina). Billings, C. M. Billinss, W. R. Blackadar, Dr. E. H. Blackadar, Lloyd. Blackball, John, (Toronto). Borden, Hon. Sir F. W., M.D. Bowen, Miss Alice, (Quebec). Bradshaw, G. H. (Morden, Man.) Brainerd, Dwight, (Montreal). Brennan, Mrs. H. H. Brewster, W. (Cambridge, Mass.) i/Brock, R. W., M.A. Brown, Mrs. R. D. Brown, W. J. (Westm un', Q.) Bruce, L. (Rossland, B.C.) , Bryce, P. H., M.D.. V Burgess, T. J. W.. M.D., F R.S.C . (Montreal). Burman, Rev. W. A. (Winnipe;)- Calder, Alex. (Winnipeg). yCameron, E. R., M.A. V Cameron, Roy. Camsell, C, B.A. Carter, J. J. Carson, W. H. Casson. Rev. C. W. / Campbell, D. A., B.A. Campbell, A, M. Campbell, J. S. (Magog, Que.) Campbell, R. H. Clark, G. H., B.S.A. Clarke, T. E., B.A. Cobbold, Paul A. (Hailevbur\ , Ont.) Cooper, H. W. Cole, H. W. Cole, John (Westboro', Ont.) Cole, Mrs. John (Westboro', Ont.) Collins, J. Franklin (Providence, R.I.) CoUins, W. H. Connor, M. F., B.Sc. Cot6, J. C. Courtney, Harold D. i/^ Craig, Prof, "ohn (Ithaca, N.Y.) Criddle, N. (Treesbank, Man.) Currie, P. W. Currie, Miss E. E. Dawson, S. E., C.M.G.. Lit.D., F.R.S.C. Dearness, J., M.A. (London, Ont.) Deam, C. C. (Blufifton, Ind.) Dempsey, J. H. C. (Hamilton). Denny, J. D. Dewar, Miss Ethel. Director, Christian Brothers' Academv. Dixon, F. A. Dixon, Miss M. F. Doherty, T. Keville. Dowling, D. B., B.A.Sc. Dulau & Co., (London, Lng.) Dunne, J. P. Dwight, Jonathan, Jr.,.y.D. (New "^Eifrig, Rev. G. York). Ells, R. W., LL.D., F.G.S.A., F.R.S.C. Evans, Jno. D., C.E. (Tr nton, Ont.) ./"Ewing, W. ('., M A. Ewart, D. Farlev, Miss J. E. Farlev, F. L. (Red Deer, Alta.) Farr, Miss E. M. (Philadel])hi;i\ Finn, J. P., B.A. Fisher, Hoii. Svdnev. FitzHenry, W.' (Mvrtlc, Man.) Fitzpatrick, f^on. ("has. Fleck, A. W. Fleming, J. H. (Toronto). Fleming, R. F. Fleming, Sir Sandford, K.C M.G. C.E., F.R.C.L, F.R.S.C. 1908] List of Members i/ Fletcher, J., LL.D., F.L.S., F.R.S.C. Fraser, Geo., (Ucluclct, B.C.) Gallup, A. H. \^ Gibson, Arthur. Gibson, J. W. (Kingston). Gilbert.son, Miss B. Glashan, J. C, LL.D., F.R.S.C. Gorman, Al. J., LL.B. Graham, W. Grant, .Sir]. A., K.C.M.G., M.D., F.R.C.S. Edin. F.R.S.C, F.G.S Grisdale, J. H., B..Agr. Grist, Henry. Grist, Miss Mary L. •/^Halkett, Andrew. Hamilton, Mrs. F. L. H. Hampson, E. Hann, H. A. (Summit, X.J.) Harcourt, Geo. (Edmonton, Alta.) Hargrave, Miss I.(Sherbrooke, Q ) Harmer, Miss G. (Mosgrove, Ont.) v^Harrington, W. Hague, F.R.S.C. Harrison, Edward. Harvey, R. V. (Victoria, B.C.) Hay, George, Sr. Hay, G. U., D.Sc, M.A.,Ph.B., F.R.S.C. (St. John, N.B.) Hayes, J. A., (Calgary). Hennessey, F. C. Herriot, W. (Gait, Ont.) Hewit, H. O. Hodge, C. F., Ph.D. (Worcester, Mass.) Hodson, F. W. Hope, James. Houghton, J. A. (Bennington, \'t). Ide, Wm. Irwin, Li'nit.-Col. D. T. Jackson, Miss Oueenie. Jacobs, Miss C. M. (Hamilton, Ohio). y Jacombe, F. W. H., M.A., M.F. James, C. C. M..\. (Toronto). James, H. C. Jenkins, S. J., B.A. Jennings, O. E. (Pittsburg, Pa.) Johnston, W. A., B.Sc. 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. y^ Kingston, A. G. Klotz, Dr. Otto. Klugh, A. B. (Kingston). Labarthe, J. (Trail, B.C.) Laidlaw,G. E., (Victoria Rd.,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. Leavitt, T. W. H. (Toronto). Lee, Miss Kath. (Clinton, X.Y.) Lees, Miss V. Lemieux, E. E. Letourneau, Jos. A. Lewis, J. B., C.E. Leyden, Miss M. Liebner, E. O., B..A. (Brampton. Ont. t^Lochhead, W., B.A., M.Sc. (St Anne de Bellevue, Qae. Lvman, H. H., M.A. (Montreal). McCready, Prof. S. B. (Guelph). McDougall, Miss J. C. McDunnough, Jas. (Berlin, Ger- many) . McElhinney, M. P. McElhmney, Dr. M. G. McGiU, A., B.A., B.Sc. McGillivray, H. Mcllmoyle, Miss. Mclnnes, Wm., B.A. MacLaughhn, T. J. McLeod, Miss M. F. i/'McXeil, Alex. McVeigh, Miss K. MacCraken, John L, B.A. MacKay, A. H., LL.D., B.Sc. F.R.S.C. (Halifax). JVIacnamara, C. (Arnprior). '^Macoun, Prof. John, M.A., F.L.S. F.R.S.C. v^Macoun, J. M. 28 Balance 197 24 «844 55 ARTHUR GIBSON, Treasurer, Examined and found correct, R. B. WHYTE, I , ... ^ F T SHUTT I ^"O"0rs. Subscriptions for the new club year are now due, and should be paid at once. It is to be hoped that members will carefully examine the advertise- ments in this volume of The Ottawa Naturalist, and make a point of dealing with those firms who thus help the Club. 16 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April THE DRAGONFLIES (ODONATA) OF THE OTTAWA DISTRICT. By E. M. Walker, B.A., M.B., Toronto During the past year several small collections of Odonata or Dragonflies from the Ottawa district have been sent to the writer for determination, and at the request of Dr. Fletcher, from whom most of the material has been received, the follow- ing notes upon the species examined have been prepared, and are offered as a basis for future work in this field on the part of collectors in this locality. To aid the novice in the determination of his captures, brief mention is made of the characters by which the various families, genera, and species may be most easily recognized, and figures of the characteristic parts are given where these are deemed preferable to verbal descriptions. At the same time the student is reminded that determinations made from such brief descriptions should not be considered final. They may enable him to classify his specimens in a preliminary way, but for accurate and reliable diagnoses recourse should be had to some of the more complete treatises on the group, of which the following will be found the most useful to the beginner: — Calvert, P. P. Catalogue of the Odonata of the vicinity of Philadelphia, with an introduction to the studv of this group of insects. Trans. Am. Ent. Soc. 1893, XX, p. 152a-272. Kellicott, D. S. The Odonata of Ohio (a posthumous paper, completed and edited by J. S. Hine) Ohio State Acad. Sci., special papers, No. 2, 1889. Williamson, E. B. The Dragonflies of Indiana. Dept. Geol. and Nat. Resources of Ind., 24th An. rep't., 1900, p. 233-333. Needham, J. G. Aquatic Insects in the iVdirondacks, Odonata. N.Y. State Museum, Bull. 47, 1901, p. 429-540. Needham, J. G. Aquatic Insects in New York State. N.Y. State Museum, Buh. 68, Ent. 18, 1903, p. 218-279. The collections which form the basis of the present paper were made by the following gentlemen: Dr. James Fletcher, Messrs. Arthur Gibson, J. Letourneau, W. H. Harrington, and C. H, Young, and the Rev. G. W. Taylor. Dr. Fletcher tells me that no systematic attempt has been made to collect all the species inhabiting the Ottawa district, but that the material consists chiefly of odd specimens picked up from time to time by the various collectors, while seeking specimens of other orders. This being the case the list, which embraces 47 species, 1908] Dragonflies of the Ottawa District 17 is a fairly good one, and the species comprising it indicate a great variety of aquatic environment. Species inhabiting the larger lakes and rivers, ponds, sluggish creeks and rapid streams are all represented. Of these 47 species 42 range southward throughout Ontario, or have been taken in neighboring parts of the United States at moderate elevations. Seven or eight of these are more common in the upper Austral Zone, and probably do not range far into the Canadian Zone. The remaining five are more or less characteristic of the Boreal Zone. The Dragonflies (order Odonata) are readily separable into two large groups or sub-orders, the Zygoptera or Damsel-flies, and the Anisoptera or Dragonflies proper. The damsel-flies are mostly small deUcate forms, with a slender abdomen and comparatively feeble powers of flight. They are easily known by the somewhat hammer-shaped head with its wideh^ separated eyes, and by the fact that the two pairs of wings are similar in form, and in repose are held together in the vertical plane or only half spread. The Anisoptera, on the other hand, are generally larger and more robust than the Zygoptera ; the hind wings are broader than the fore pair, and are held in the horizontal position. The eyes are commonly larger and closer together frequently touch- ing one another above. Sub-order 1. ZYGOPTERA. This sub-order contains but one family, the Agrionidag, although Calopteryx and its allies are placed by some authors in a separate family. Genus Calopteryx, Leach. Comparativelv large species with bright metallic green bodies and broad rounded wings, which, unUke those of our other damsel-flies, are partly or entirely clouded with dark brown or black. They frequent woodland streams, flitting along the banks like butterflies, or chasing each other over the water. Two species occur in Ontario, and both have been met with at Ottawa. 1. Calopteryx maculata (Beauv.), Burm. Ottawa, Hull, 3 males, 3 females (Gibson, Letourneau, Harrington, Young). Length of body male, 46 mm., female, 52 mm. Length of hind wing . . " 32 mm., " 36 mm. Width of hind wing.. . " 10 mm., " 10 mm. This is the commoner of our two species of Calopteryx, and ranges throughout the southern part of the province and 18 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April northward at least 30 miles beyond the Soo. The male is easily known by its deep brown or black wrings, those of the female being lighter brown, each with a white spot on the costal margin near the tip. 2. Calopteryx .??quabilis, Say. Ottawa, Hull, 2 males, 2 females (Gibson, Letourneau, Harrington, Young). Length of body male, 50 mm., female, 52 mm. Length of hind wing . . " 32 mm., '" 36 mm. Width of hind wing. . . " 9 mm., " 10 mm. As seen from the measurements this is a larger insect than C. maculata, and has relatively narrower wings. In the male these are clear with the apical fifth or less of the front pair, and about three-fifths of the hind pair black or dark brown, the depth of color as in the preceding species deepening and becom- ing better defined with age. In the female the whole wing is more or less stiffused with Ijrown, the apical portion only faintly deeper than the rest, except in old specimens where the contrast may be fairly well marked. While often found in company with the preceding species, cequahilis prefers the larger streams, and is considerably warier and swifter of flight than its congener. Genus Lestes, Leach. The members of this genus are easily recognized in life by their habit of resting with the wings half spread. The genus is separated from the remaining genera of Agrionidae by the position of the median sector, which arises nearer the arculus than the nodus (Fig. A). The superior appendages of the male form a pair of curved forceps, toothed along the inner margin, and these together with the inferior pair offer the best characters for the separation of the different species. These are mostty dark bronze-green or brown forms, the males having the last two joints of the abdomen and the space between the wings covered with a bluish w^hite dust. The females of the different species are not readily separated, but can generally be recognized in the field by their associating with males of their own species. 3. Lestes congener, Hagen. Fig. B. Hull, September 14th, 1907, 1 male (Letourneau). This is rather smaller than the other species of Lestes belonging to our fauna, and is somewhat local in its occurrence. It was common in Algonquin Park in 1903-04, and I have taken it at Nepigon and in Niagara Glen. Its appendages resemble those of L. eurimis, which probably also inhabits Ontario, in that the inferior pair is not more than 1908] Dragonflies of the Ottawa District 19 half as long as the superior, but curinns is a large metallic .green insect, while congener is small and dark bronzy-Vjrown in color. 4. Lestes unguiculatus, Hagen. Fig. C. Ottawa, July 15th, 16th, 1907, 1 male, 5 females, all teneral except 1 male, (Gibson). July 30th, 1907, 4 males, 1 female (Gibson, Letourneau); 2 males, 2 females (Fletcher, Harring- ton); Clark's Bush, July 11th, 30th, 1907, 3 females (Letourneau). Widely distributed in the United States and in Canada, ranges from Nova Scotia at least as far west as Regina, Saskat- chewan. The males are easily known by the sigmoid curve of the inferior appendages (Fig. C). 5. lyESTES uncatus, Kirby. Fig. D. Ottawa, June 26th, 1906, July 9th, 11th, 15th, 16th, 30th, 1907, 15 males, 4 females (Fletcher, Gibson, Letourneau, Taylor, Young); Clark's Bush, 1 male, July Uth, 1907, (Letourneau). This appears to be the most abundant Lestes at Ottawa, though less so than the next species in most parts of the province of Ontario, where I have collected. It is a widespread species, and is very common in the Canadian Northwest. It is a rather robust metallic green form, and is easily distinguished from the other members of the genus by the broadly expanded apices of the inferior appendages of the male. The female is known by the robust form, metallic coloration, and the very narrow humeral thoracic band. 6. Lestes disjunctus, Selys. Fig. E. Ottawa, August 1st, 1907, 1 male (Letourneau); 2 females (Fletcher). This seems to be the commonest Lestes in Ontario, judging by my own experience in the field, but in the Ottawa district it would appear to be far outnumbered by L. uncatus and unguiculatus, if the relation between the numbers of specimens of these different species in the collections examined approxi- mates that which obtains in life. L. disjunctus is somewhat smaller and more slender than either of the other two forms mentioned, and the male is easily separated from them by the - form of the appendages. The inner margin of the superior ones bears two acute teeth of nearly equal size, and the inferior pair reach beyond the second tooth, and are straight and scarcely at all dilated apically. This species is somewhat difficult to separate from L. for- cipatus, which may possibly also occur in the Ottawa district. In the male of forcipattis the second tooth of the upper appendage 20 The Ottawa Naturalist [April is much smaller than the first, the inferior appendages are some- what more dilated apically, and the antehumeral band is broader. It is also larger than disjunctus, as seen from the following measurements: L. disjunctus, length, oi abdomen, male 27-30.5 mm., female 26-29 mm. L. jorcipatus, length of abdomen, male, 30-35 mm., female, 28-34 mm. (Calvert). Two other Lestes, L. rectangularis and L. vigilax, are likely to be met with about Ottawa, and a third, L. in(equalis,niay perhaps occur there. L. rectangularis, which is common in Algonquin Park and generally distributed throughout most of the Province, may be known in the male sex by the exceed- ingly long attenuated abdomen, the brown color and form of the appendages. L. vigilax is a large slender metallic green species, the male of which has inferior appendages very straight and slender. The superiors are less curved than irr our other species, and have but a single basal tooth. Genus Argia, Rambur. Of the three species of Argia known from Ontario two are found at Ottawa. In these the spines of the tibiae are about twice as long as the spaces between them. In the remiaining genera they are always shorter than this, generally shorter than the spaces between them. 7. Argia putrida (Hagen), Selys. Ottawa, 4 males, 5 females (Fletcher, Harrington, Taylor) ; July 21st, 1907, 1 male (Young); Meach Lake, July 21st, 1907, 1 male, 1 female (Gibson); Sand Hill, Rideau River, Juty 2nd, 1906 (Fletcher). On account of its large size this species is not likely to be mistaken for any other member of our fauna, unless it be a Lestes, from which it differs in the characters given. The males are at once known from those of Lestes by the appendages, which are very short and not forcipate as in tha^t genus. .4. putrida is at first a dull brown or clay-colored insect, but the old males are quite conspicuous on accoiirit of the bluish-white dust which covers most of the body. Unlike our other Agrionidae, which prefer quiet marshy haunts, putrida inhabits exposed rocky shores, piers, etc., often where there is considerable wave action. It is probably common about all the larger bodies of water in the Ottawa district. 8. Argia violacka (Hagen), Selys. Ottawa, 3 males, 1 female (Tavlor) ; Meach Lake, Julv 21st, 1907, 1 male, 1 female (Gibson);' HuU, July 13th, Mth, 1907, 9 males, 3 females (Gibson, Letourneau). Apparently a common species in the Ottawa district, 1908] Dragonflies of the Ottawa District 21 though elsewhere in Canada it is known only from Algonquin Park. The violet color of the males distinguishes them from all our other Agrionidae, and the species is further distinguished from A. puirida by the smaller size and shorter pterostigma, which surmounts but one cell, that of putriJa covering H cells or more. In habitat violacea resembles the species of Lestes, Enal- lagma, etc., rather than our other Argias, being found about the marshy borders of slow streams and lakes. Genus Chromagrion, Needham. 9. Chromagrion conditum (Hagen), Needham. Fig. F. Ottawa, 2 males (Harrington); Hull, June 6th, 1903, 1 male (Harrington); July 17th, 1907, 1 male (Letourneau). This pretty damsel-fly can be recognized by the form of the male appendages and the coloration. The thorax is light blue wnth more or less ^^ellow on the sides and below, and has a broad irregular mid-dorsal black band, but no lateral bands. The abdomen is, for the most part, black, w:ith interrupted blue basal rings, v.^hile segments 8 and 9 are almost entirelv blue. It is a somewhat longer and more slender insect than Argia violacea v/hich it otherwise resembles in size. It does not appear to be very common, although sometimes numerous locally. Genus Nehalennia, Selys. 10. Nehalennia irene (Hagen), Selys. Ottawa, 1 male, 1 female (Fletcher); June 3rd, 1903, 1 female (Harrington). A very sm^all delicate metallic-green species, with a blue- tipped abdomen and narrow yellow or blue interrupted basal rings on segments 3-6. The only other species in our fauna with which it might be confused is A'', gracilis, whicl; we took last summer in sphagnum logs at Go Home, Georgian Bay, Ont. The tVv'O species are extremely similar in appearance, but in gracilis the last two segments of the male are entirely blue; in ireiie there is some bronze-green on the sides. The third margin of the prothorax of the female is bilobed in gracilis, trilobed in irene. N . i'-ene is generally abundant v/here it occurs, but on account of its small size, green color and lov/ flight, it is usually overlooked l)y the genr-rrl collector. 11. Amphiagrion saucium (Burns), Selys. Ottawa, June 20th, 1894, 3 males, 3 females (Fletcher). 22 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April The red colour of this little species serves to distinguish it at once from all other members of the Zygoptera in our fauna, except perhaps the orange female of Ischniira verticalis, from which it differs in the alisence of the two round spots on the back of the head, the reduction of the black markings of the abdomen (Seg. 1-5 in the male entirely red), and the uniform colour of the dorsum of the thorax, which is dull black in the male, reddish-brown in the female (striped in verticalis). This species occurs throughout the United vStates, and in Canada has been reported from Quebec. Ontario, and British Columbia. Genus Exallagma, Charpentier. To this genus belong the familiar little black-banded blue • species that are so abundant about ponds and streams through- out the summer. The males of most species are readily separated by the form of the abdominal appendages, but the females are often impossible to determine with cei'tainty. Their coloration is usually very different from that of the male, greenish or reddish yellow being the prevailing ground color of our species. Enallagma is separated from Ischnura bv the following venational characters. (See Fig. A). In the former the nodal sector arises near the fifth postcubital in the front wings and near tiie fourth in the hind wings; in Ischnura it arises near the fourth postcubital in the front wings and near the third in the hind wings. 12. Exallag.ma Hagexi (Walsh), Selys. Fig. G. Ottawa, July 23rd, 1907, 1 male (Gibson). It is rather surprising to find but one specimen of this abundant species in the collection, although some of the females placed under E. ebriiim may belong here. It is our most common and generally distributed Enallagma. Apart from the differences in the abdominal appendages of the male, this insect approaches the next verv closely. 13. Enallagma ebrium Hagen. Fig. H. Ottawa, 17 males, 19 females (some of the females may belong to E. Hageni); June 7th, 17th, 1899, 2 males; June 3rd, 1903, 1 female (Gibson); July 7th to 23rd, 1907, 7 males, 7 females ; August 1st, 1907, 4 males. 1 female (Gibson, Letourn- eau) ; 3 males, 10 females (Fletcher, Tavlor) ; Kettle Island, Ottawa R., July 2nd, 1906, 1 male (Gibson). This is apparently the common Enallagma at Ottawa, and although an abundant species in many parts of Ontario, it seems to be more local than E. Hageni, and probably does not range so far north. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. PLATE 1. K. T^E DRAGOXFLIES OF THE OTTAWA DISTRICT. 1908] Dragonflies of the Ottawa District 23 14. Enallagma exsulans (Hagen), Selys. Fig. K. Ottawa, July 28th, 1907, 1 male (Young). A longer and more slender insect than the two preceding species, the males readily distinguished from these bv the coloration as well as by the form of the abdominal appendages. In E. H agent and ehrimn, segment 2 is blue above wdth a black spot, that of exsulans entirely black. The abdomen in the first two is blue with black markings, in the latter, black with blue markings. Several other species of Enallagma will probably appear about Ottawa. Of tliese the most likely to be found are E. car- uncnlatum Morse, Calverti Morse, pollutum Hagen, and E. signatum Hagen. (To be concluded in June issue) EXPLANATION OF PLATE. A. Hind wing of a member of the Zygoptera, Enallagma Hageni. Upper sector of the triangle. Lower sector of the triangle. Arculus. Antecubitals. Postcubitals. Nodus. Basal postcostal vein. Pterostigma. Basilar space. Quadrilateral. Antenodal cells. 1. Costa. 12 2. Subcosta. 13. 3. Median vein. 14. 4. Submedian vein. 15. 5. Postcosta. 16. 6. Principal sector. 17. 7. Ultranodal sector. 18. 8. Nodal sector. 10. Q. Subnodal sector. 20. 10. ^ledian sector. 21. 11. Short sector. 22. Dorsal view of the male abdominal appendages of: B. Lcstes congener. E. Lestes disjunctus. C. Lestes unguicidatus. F. Chromagrion conditum. D. Lcstes uncatus. Lateral view of the male abdominal appendages of : G.J Enallagma Hageni. K. Enallagma exsulans. H. Enallagma ehrium. 24 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April BOTANICAL NOTES. Anogra Nuttallii (Sweet) A. Nels., Bot. Gaz. XXXIV: 368. CEnothera alhicaulis, Macoun, Cat. Can. PL I: 172 in part. A common plant of the prairies from Manitoba almost to the foot-hills. A. alhicaulis does not reach Canada. Anogra pallida (Lindl.) Britt. CEnothera alhicaulis, Macoun, Cat. Can. PL I: 172 in part. Sandy plains near Lake Osoyoos, B.C., probably at or near the place it was collected by Douglas. No. 72,804 (J. M. Macoun). The plant collected by Hill near Spence's Bridge, B.C., and recorded by Prof. Macoun as alhicaulis is likely this species. Specimens not seen. The specimens collected at Lake Osoyoos have the narrow leaves oi A.leptophylla (Nutt.), but as Douglas collected around Lake Osoyoos these plants may safely be referred to A . pallida. Epilobium Wyomingense, a. Nels., Bot. Gaz. XXX, 194. The chief characters by w^hich Mr. Nelson has separated this species from E. palustre are its longer smooth leaves and smooth stems and its smooth almost beakless seed. The only specimens in our herbarium that can certainly be referred here are No. 12,676 from Prince Albert, Sask. {John Macoun) and No. 72,371 from Little Lake Manitou, Sask. {Macoun and Herrioi). Erigeron Yellowstonensis, a Nels., Bot. Gaz. XXX: 198. E. acris, L. var. Droebachensis , Macoun, Cat. Can, PI. I: 547 in part. Easily separated from E. Drcehachensis , as it is known in Canada, by the hirsute, generally densely hirsute, involucral bracts. Our Rocky Mountain specimens are from Lake Louise, No. 65,544, Laggan, No. 65,545 and 65,546, Crow Nest Pass, No. 70,354 {John MacoMw).*^Near Banff, No. 22,162 (A^. B. Sanson). Maligne River near head of Athabasca River, No. 19,692 (W . Spreadhorough). West of the Rockies it has been collected near Cascade, Kettle River, B.C., bv J. M. Macoun, No. 65,033. Alopecurus occidentalis, Scribn. and Tweedy. The only Canadian record is the one made by Prof. Macoun, Cat. Can. Plants, vol. II, p. 189. It has since been collected by Prof. Macoun at Milk River Ridge, Alta., No. 13,010, and Bragg's Creek, Elbow River, Rocky Mountains, No. 18,626. J. M. M. 1908] Notes o\ vSilitriax vS'iro.matoPokoids 25 NOTES ON SILURIAN STROMATOPOROIDS FROM HUDSON'S BAY. Hv William A. Parks, Ph.D.. Associate Professor of Geology, University of Toronto. Through the kindness of Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, the writer has had the opportunity of examining a collection of Stromatopo- roids obtained by Dr. Robert Bell, Dr. A. P. Low, and by Messrs. Wilson, Dowling and 0 'Sullivan in the Silurian area to the westward of James Bay. The exact locality of each specimen will be found under the different species, iDut in general, it mav be stated that the material was procured on the following streams: Pagwachuan River, Equan River, Little Current River, Attawapiskat River, and the Fawn Branch of the Severn, also on Cormorant Lake. None of the material can be said to l^e in a satisfactory condition, as the minute structure is, to a great extent, destroy^ed by interstitial crystallization. Silicifica- tion, so common in the Niagara horizon to the south of the Height of Land, lias played but .small part in the fossilization of these forms. The horizon indicated by the species found is, for the most part, comparable with the upper beds of the Niagara, t'Ut the extreme north of the region presents one species which occurs only in the lower Niagara and in the Clinton of southern Ontario. In association with some of the Stromat(jporoids, Dr. Whiteaves finds Pycnostyhis giielphensis and P. elegans, typical Guelph corals; but no Stromatoporoid exclusively Guelph has been identified. With the exception of two new species, a preliminary description of which is here gi\'en, all the forms are reviewed in an article now in press (Niagara Stromatoporoids, University of Toronto Studies, Geological Series, No. 5.) Clathrodictyon vesiculosum, Nick, and Murie. This wide-spread and varied species is the commonest form in the lower beds of the Niagara and in the Clinton of southern Ontario and the ignited States, but only one example has been identified from the present collection. This species is cliarac- terized by very close-set laminae from, which the radial pillars arise by minute inflections. The varying manner of this inflec- tion results in different degrees of crumpling of the laminae so that many varieties might be established, ranging from those in which the laminae are practically straight and the pillars independent, to those in which excessive crumpling has reduced the interlaminar spaces to a series of vesicles, and rendered the identification of the pillars as independent structures almost impossible. To this latter type the specimen under review 26 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April belongs. It is the occurrence of this example towards the north of the region that inckices the belief that the geological horizon is there lower than farther to the southward. Locality. — Limestone Rapids, Fawn Branch, Severn River, A. P. Low,' 1886. Another specimen presents an epitheca comparable with that of C. vesiculosum and also shows a faint evidence of the typical structure. Its identification is, however very question- able. Locality. — Little Current River, 3 7 miles from mouth, W. J. Wilson, July, 1903. Clathrodictyon drummondense. Parks. This species occurs on Drummond and Manitoulin Islands and at Louisville, Ky. A full description may be found in the above-mentioned University of Toronto Study. Briefly it is characterized by a coarser structure than C. vesiculosum, and like that species it is capable of considerable variation in the crumpling of its laminae. The present example differs from the type in a more marked crum.pling and consequent irregu- larity, and in the fact that this appearance is presented in bands corresponding, no doubt, to seasons of growth. If the laminae of this species are bent into "chevron-like folds" it passes into C. jastigiatum and there is no doubt that a close relationship exists between the two. Locality. — Rainv Island, Attawapiskat River, Robert^Bell, 1886. (See Pal. Fos^. Vol. Ill, Pt. IV, p. 244). Clathrodictyon fastigiatum, Nich. A fragment, in all probability referable to this species, is found in association with Actinostroma tenuifilatuni and Stro- ■matopora carteri. The minute structure is largely indeterminate, but the vesicular character of the interspaces and the folding of the lan'iinae are faintly perceptible. Locality. — Station 641, Pagwachuan River, W. J. Wilson, July, 1904. Clathrodictyon variolare, von Rosen. A very small fragment is referred to this species. As its vertical extent is only a couple of millimetres, it is manifestly impossible to see the rov/s of large v^esicles which alone dis- tinguish the species from C. vesiculosum. It is, however, possible to make out the character of the fibre, and this, taken in connec- tion with the mammillated surface, renders the above identifica- tion highly probable. Locality. — Equan River, D. B. Dowling. 1908] Notes on Silurian Stromatoporoids 27 ACTINOSTROMA TENUIFILATUM, Park<. For description see University of Toronto Studies, op. cit. Briefly, the species is characterized by continuous radial pillars and straight laminae, so spaced that about se\en of each occur in the space of one mm. Vertical sections therefore present the appearance of a square network. While approaching the structure of the type specimen, the examples under review present some differences as follows: The laminae are not evenly spaced, but show more closely crowded bands alternating with wider spaced portions. There is also evidence of upward in- flections in the laminae— a feature which is characteristic of the species next to be described. It would appear therefore that the present examples are intermediate l^etween tvpical ^4. tenui- P.laiuin and tvpicai ^4. injlectum. Localities. — Station 641, Pagwachuan River, W. J. Wilson, Juh", 1^)04; Pagwachuan River near mouth, W. ]. Wilson, July, 1004. ACTINOSTROMA IXFLECTUM, Sp. HOV. Judging fromi the number of specimens, this species is by far the most prolific in the region. WHiile fragments only are available the inference is obvious that the coenostcnm is of hemispherical shape, and thai: it reaches considerable dim.en- sions. Vertical sections show it to be composed of delicate horizontal elements, the spacing of which is extremely variable — as many as ten or as few as three lamanae occurring in the space of one nim. The concentric layers are connected bv continuous radial pillars which occur to the number of six or seven in a mm. Instead of maintaining a horizontal direction, the laminae are bent sharph" upwards at intervals of about one mm. As each overlying lamina follows the same course, and as the identity of the lamina is lost at the apex of the fold, the coenosteum appears to be traversed by vertical colum.ns miade up of loose vesicular tissue. These columns do not show the compact structure of those of Nicholson's Siylodictyon, but the general appearance of vertical sections is very suggestive of that genus. A similar arrangement is not uncommon in different Stroma- toporoids, and it is very questionable whether it is a feature of generic vahie. These inflected portions doubtless represent astrorhizal systems, but horizontal canals are not perceptible. Owing to the upturnings of the laminae it is difficult to prepare sections which follow the course of the pillars over any con- siderable extent, in consequence one may easily mistake this species for a Claihrodictyou. Tangential sections do not reveal any astrorhizal canals, nor is the preservation sufficientlv good to reveal the whorls 28 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April of connecting anns typical of the genus. Nothing is presented by such sections beyond the cut ends of the pillars, and the obliquely severed upturned edges of the laminae. Typical examples are easily distinguished from A. teniiifilatum, but intermediate forms connect the two species, so that one is tempted to regard the examples under discussion as representing a variety only of the latter species. Localities. — Pagwachuan River, Station 641, V7. J. Wilson, July, 1904; Pagwachuan Ri^•er near mouth, W. J. Wilson, July, 1904; Little Current River, 17 miles from mouth, July, 1903. Stromatopora constellata. Hall. The specimens listed below appear to be identical with 5. hudsonica, Dawson. In the writer's opinion this species is indistinguishable from Hall's type, and therefore his name should have precedence. Localities. — Equan River, D. B. Downing, Little Current River, Station 67, W. J. Wilson. July, 1903. Stromatopora carter:, Nich. In his description of this species Nicholson states that he identifies one specimen from a boulder on Hayes River. There can be little doubt that the present example is also referable to the same species. The coenosteum shows the same irregular shape, astrorhizae are feeble or wanting, and the character of the reticulation is the same. The only difference is that the horizontal elements show more persistency than Nicholson's figures suggest. The specimen is not well enough preserved to reveal the tabulae of the zooidal tubes. Locality. — Pagwachuan River, Station 641, W. J. Wilson, July, 1904. Stromatopora wilsoni, sp. nov. This species is founded on a poorly preserved specimen, but one which presents features rendering it impossible to ascribe it to any known species. The coenosteum is irregular and botryoidal in its manner of growth, and the surface is with- out mamelons. Astrorhizal systems are poorly developed and do not seem to be superimposed. The skeletal fibre is minutely fibrous, and the character of the reticulation like that of S. carteri but much finer. Vertical sections show both pillars and laminae to be fairlv persistent, but absolutely fused after the manner of true Stro- matopora. About four laminae and five or six pillars occur in the space of one mm. The specimen is too badly preserved to show the tabulae of the zooidal tubes. 1908] Notes on Silurian Stromatoporoids 29 Tangential sections show numerous round holes — the cross sections of the zooidal pores. These are about one-fourteenth of a mm. in diameter, and are separated by somewhat greater intervals. Occasionally the pores are placed in communication with one another, so as to form horse-shoe shaped loops, and although astrorhizal canals can be observed, they are very inconspicuous. Owing to the curvature of the laminae a con- centric arrangement is exhibited by transverse sections. Stromatopora wilsoni resembles 5. carteri in its manner of growth and in its feebly developed astrorhizal systems, and differs from that species in its finer grain and in the greater persistence of its horizontal elements. From 5. constellata it is distinguished by its botryoidal manner of growth, the character of the surface, and the feeble astrorhizae. Locality. — Pagwachuan River near mouth, W. J. Wilson, July, 1904. Stromatopora, c/. indianensis. Parks. A minute example of a coarse type of true Stromatopora is possibly referable to this species. Locality. — Little Current River, Station 67, W. J. Wilson, July, 1903. Stromatopora, sp. indet. Encrusting on specimens of Pycnostylus, forming "potato- like masses" about 6 cm. by 4 cm. Surface smooth. Structure very fine and compact but too much altered to warrant de- scription. Appears to be closer to 5. antiqua, Nich., than to any other species. Localities. — Nagagami River, Station 107, W. J. Wilson, June, 1903; Drowning River, 362 miles from mouth, O. O'vSul- livan, August, 1903. Besides the above the collection contains specimens from the Drowning River, from the Nagagami River and from Cor- morant Lake, in all of which the fibre is destroyed entirely beyond identification. BIRD NOTES FROM GALT, ONT. The most striking thing about our bird life since the begin- ning of the year has been its gxtreme scarcity. I have no re- membrance of such a small variety of birds wintering with us, as has been the case this winter, and I have been through the woods and sv/amps a ;:rea-t deal snowshoeing. From January 1st to March 7th I never saw a single crow, the first time I can remember their entire absence, but jays were very plentiful. Outside of our regular winter residents, such as chickadees. 30 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April woodpeckers, tree sparrows, etc., little or nothing was to be seen. Even the brown creepers were very scarce. None what- ever of our irregular winter visitants from the North arrived, such as snowflakes, pine grosbeaks and redpolls, while on the other hand, none of our irregular winter residents, such as gold- finches and pine siskins stayed, although early in January a few bands of cedar waxwings and golden-crowned kinglets were noticed. The migrations from the south so far this spring have been very irregular. As a rule robins, bronzed grackles and song sparrows arrive about the 15th to 20th of March, followed a few days later by bluebirds. The first indications of the spring movement were large bands of crows arriving on March 7th, the first I had seen this year. On March 12th robins arrived in some numbers, and I saw and heard one bronzed grackle, but not having seen any since think it must have travelled here with the robins. On March 14th a flock of three kildeer were sporting along the Grand River, which is very early for this bird. Tree sparrows are now giving song, but song sparrows and bluebirds have not arrived to my knowledge. To-day I saw a fine specimen of the great horned owl. We have still a depth of 20 inches of snowin the shelteredlevel woods asmeasuredinmanvplacesto-day. Gait, Ont., March 22nd, 1908. W. HERRIOT. COUNCIL MEETINGS. A meeting of the Council was held on February 25th in the Normal School. Members present: the President, Mr. W. J. Wilson, Messrs. A. E. Attwood, A. Halkett, A. Gibson, E. E. Lemieux, H. H. Pitts, andT. E. Clarke; Rev. G. Eifrig, Miss A. L. Matthews, and Miss I. Ritchie. Two ordinary members were elected, Mr. E. P. Venables, of Vernon, B.C., and Mr. F. W. Jacombe,M.A., M.F., Ottawa. The Secretary presented a letter from the newly-formed Natural History Society of Edmonton, asking for any sugges- tions the Ottaw^a Field-Naturalists' Club might be able to offer to a new organization. This led Mr. Eifrig to suggest that we, ourselves, might with profit make a distinction between members of the Club and subscribers to The Ottawa Naturalist. Several arguments were advanced for and against this plan, but no action was taken. The Treasurer was instructed to notify delinquent members that names of those in arrears for more than two years would be struck off the lists. Mr. Halkett was appointed to write a descriptive article on The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club for publication in the Saturday edition of one of the local papers. The last Council meeting for the Club year 1907-08 was held on March 10th in the Normal School. The members in attend- 1908] Council Meetings 31 ance were, the President, Mr. W. J. Wilson, Rev. Mr. Eifrig, Messrs. A E. Attwood, A. Halkett, J. W. Baldwin, A. Gibson, E. E. Lemieux, and T. E. Clarke, and Miss I. Ritchie. The following ordinary members were elected : Mr. J. S. Campbell, Magog, Que. Mr. Jno. Murphy, 174 McLaren St.. Ottawa. Miss K. E. Bennett, Dufl'erin St., Ottawa South. It was decided to recommend that the Publishing Com- mittee should take steps towards having some complete sets of the Nature Study articles botmd. The President reported objections urged by Principal White of the Normal School, against the continued use of the store-room for library purposes. He also reported that the Library Committee had prepared a label for the bound volumes in the Carnegie Library, and that everything was in readiness for the work of cataloguing these. EXCURSIONS. The Excursion Committee has drawn up a programme which includes the names of a number of localities not visited by the Club in recent years. For rainy Saturdays, the Committee proposes meeting in turn at the Fisheries Museum, the Seed Division in the Canadian Building, and the Geological Survey. If the weather outlook for the afternoon is uncertain, it is proposed to visit the Experimental Farm instead of the locality named in the programme. If it is deemed advisable to cancel a regular excursion, notice of the change will be given at noon of the Saturday in question on the bulletin boards of the city newspapers. Members can get such information by telephone from Mr. A. E. Attwood, the President of the Club, or Rev. Mr. Eifrig, Chairman of the Excursion Committee, or Mr. A. McNeil, Phone 294, Canadian Building. Programme. April 25th, Rockliffe Park. May 2nd, Beechwood. May|9th, Queen's Park, Aylmer. May 16th, Beaver Meadow. May 23rd, Ironsides and Wright's Island. May 30th, Cumberland (General Excursion). June 6th, Brennan's Wharf or Leamy's Lake. June 13th, Cache Bay, Hull. June 20th, Blackburn or McKay's Lake and Outlet June 27th, Eastman's Springs (General Excursion). The time of meeting for sub-excursions has been changed from 3 o'clock to 2.30, Detailed notices of arrangements for each excursion will be given each Thursday in all the city papers 32 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April THE SPRING OF 1908. One of the best means of fixing a date for the "Opening of Spring" is the flowering of trees and shrubs. The arrival of birds and the blooming of the Hepatica and the trailing arbutus are often used for this purpose, but the birds come and go and the depth of snow in the woods has a material effect on the date at which flowers bloom. Trees, however, bloom as soon as there is sufficient heat to cause the buds to open. Mr. W. J. Wilson has recorded the date of the flowering of Acer das year pum since 1895, and his records show that in only one year — 1904 — was this at a later date than in 1908. His records are: 1895, April 18th, 1896. April 16th; 1897, April 8th; 1898, April 2nd; 1899, April 20th; 1900, April 15th; 1901. April 15th; 1902, March 27th, 1903, March 31st; 1904, April 24th; 1905. April 12th; 1906, April 15th; 1907, April 22nd; 1908, April 20th. J. M. M. DESTRUCTION OF WOLVES. Circular No. 63, issued by the Bureau of the Biological Survey, Washington, D.C., gives the results obtained during 1907, in the way of wolf destruction. The methods of cap- turing wolves in common use are three: (1) Trapping, (2) use of scents and (3) poisoning. For trapping, the best No. 4 double- spring trap should be used with a heavy stone as a drag. When possible the trap should be placed between two tufts of grass or weeds so that it can be readily approached from one side only. The trap, stone and chain should be buried on a runway. Scent is used to attract wolves to the vicinity of the trap. Fetid bait is made by placing half a pound of raw beef or venison in a wide-mouthed bottle, and letting it stand in a warm place for from two to six weeks. When completely decomposed, add a quart of any animal oil, an ounce of pulverized asafetida and an ounce of Siberian or Tonquin musk. The mixture should be sprinkled over the grass, weeds and ground near the tiap, but never on the trap. No poison is so effective as sulphate of strychnine ; 4 grains should be place in a capsule and inserted in a piece of beef suet the size of a walnut. !±;(library ry THE OTTAWA NATURALIST -^wVi' VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, MAY, 1908 NK'2 -^,i-H\ '''^ '^t SOME SANITARY CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION, HEALTH AND VENTILATION OF HOUSES* By Peter H. Bryce, M.A,. M.D., L.R.GP.S, Editor, Chief Medical Officer Dept. Interior. Last year I had the pleasure of addressing the Club on the subject of climate in relation to health, and have thovight it may be of interest and perhaps profit to speak to-night on the subject of House Atmospheres or Artificial Climates. The value of fresh air and sunlight' and the evils of foul air were then set forth, while I pointed out that these evils consisted alwavs in the excess of carbonic acid, of lessened oxygen and deficient humidity in the house atmosphere in winter. It will be plain that the location of the house, as regards the nature of the soil, the free exposure to sunlight and air cur- rents must be of much importance as regards health ; but as it is not always possible to select the best location in the streets of a city, it is some comfort to remember that so long as the house can have the wind blow freely around it, there can be at least an assurance that ample fresh air can be had if we choose to allow it to enter the house. Let us then deal brieflv with the nature of the soil under the house.. Ordinarilv in this countrv, no difficulty w^ill arise with regard to the presence of decaving organic matter under the house unless in some old filled up ravine in a city. The upper organic mold is taken off when the cellar is excavated, and the chief difficulty experienced, is to get rid of ground, water when the house is. on a clav sub- soil. Of course, in the city, an ordinary residence need not be more than 3 or 4 feet below the ground level, but with roof water and ground water running down the walls, provision must be made for its rapid removal to prevent a damp cellar, pro- moting organic decay as seen in moulds on the walls, on fruits, *Address delivered before the Club, Jan.- 7th, 190S. 34 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May ■^etc. This can readily be effected by putting field tiles around the outside of the house wall 6 inches below the cellar level, and having them connected with the glazed tiles which will then carry away the ground water to the sewer. This is much more important and successful than attempting to keep out the water by laying cement floors and covering the walls on the outside with cement and wood tar, although both these are of sup- plementary value. ■ How much difference there is in soils may be seen in the fact that different sands hold by capillary attrac- tion from 15 to 25 parts in 100 of water, loam some 40 parts and clay 75 parts. It is, however, most desirable that besides this drainage, we have a non-conducting wall, since the moisture of a cellar is often due to the wall of stone or cement being a good conductor and so, by stealing away heat, condensing the moisture on the cellar walls. This can be overcome by a wall with hollow spaces, gotten either by using hollow blocks or making a two- inch air space between the plaster and the wall, and providing by windows or other method for circulation of air. Having arrived above the ground level, locality, as regards the price of stone, cement, brick, wood, etc., will assist in deter- mining of what materials the house win be built. As regards warmth and dryness, it may be said, speaking generally, that the thicker the walls the stronger and warmer the house ; but to even & greater degree warmth depends upon the nature of the materials used and the mode of construction. To illustrate, it may be said that a wall made of silver a foot thick would be nearly ten times colder than one built of iron, as its conductivity is 1,000 to 125, while one built of stone is 100 times colder than one foot of air hermetically sealed between two boards, and glass 50 times colder, and brick 25 times colder than confined air of the same thickness. It will be seen that this fact depends upon the relative conductivity of different materials, and of all the best non- conductor is a dr\' gas. We have to-day in a cement hollow wall combined much more nearly than in any other material, the elements of strength, warmth and cheapness, since while air spaces can be had with wooden and brick walls, the former will not remain close owing to its dr\'ing and warping, while a thor- oughly good grouted brick wall with a really good air space will be notabty more costly than cement. The aesthetic question must be decided in conjunction with these several other elements. Having, however, gotten the kind of walls settled upon we have something to determine regarding the lighting of the house. The long side of the house ought, 1908] Sanitary Conditions of Houses 35 if possible, to be to the south. The direct rays of sunhght are so active in promoting rapid metabolism in tissues, as observable in a plant placed in a south window, as compared with a north window, that nothing more need be said to illustrate the fact. Hence, we should get in all the sunlight possible. As regards lighting, the amount of light required is large not only fo: sanitary purposes, but also for lighting up all parts of a room. One daily sees a householder either wishing, himself, or yielding to the desire of an architect to produce a so-called aesthetic effect by small, low. mullioned and small diamond-shaped panes in windows. It is absolutely wrong and only excusable if at all in a church, not in living or working rooms. A good rule is that the amount of the area of windows, placed as near the ceiling as possible, should be at least 1-5 of the floor area of a room, and direct sunlight ought to reach the farthest side of a room. Modern science, however, has done something to increase the diffusion of light by ribbed glass and luxfer prisms. Having now got our house built as a protection against cold and well lighted, we turn to the interior and enquire how we are going to maintain its air in such a condition of normal purity, moisture and temperature as will conduce to the highest degree of health in the inmates. I assume, of course, that the house has up-to-date plumbing and water supply Now, as stated in mv lecture last year, the problem is how to maintain the air in such as tate that the carbonic acid will not be more than 5 in 10,000 parts, also to see that the relative humidity is about 70% and that the temperature is 60° to 65° F. It seems simple, but in a practice it is found to be even in a small house a relativelv complex problem. First, as regards the temperature, this mani- festly depends upon the kind of heating apparatus. We have practically two kinds for everyday houses, viz., hot air furnaces, and hot water pipes, and both depend for their success upon their ability to transmit to the air of different rooms an adequate amount of heat economically. Almost all know that to conduct warm air to the side of the house against which a strong wind is blowing is very difficult, if other pipes are present to lead the warm air elsewhere. On the other hand, hot-water pipes will carry heat in an amount directly in proportion to the extent of pipes in a room. It is further true that a well-constructed hot-water furnace will transmit into the flow of water through it. more heat units than could be transmitted to the air surrounding a hot-air furnace. But apart from these two economic advantages to set against the greater one of the first cost of the hot- water svstem, there are several other very important items as regards the effect of 36 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May heat on persons in the room. Let us note the difference! It will not have occurred to many of us to enquire just how it is that we are warmed by heat, and more will be surprised when I say we are ordinarily not warmed by a furnace, but are only kept from getting cold or chilled. How, I am asked? We shall see. As all know, our bodies in health are maintained at a temperature of 98.4 F., some 30 degrees higher than the or- dinary air of the room, so that clearly the air of the room cools us by^ abstracting heat from us, rather than by warming us. But we know that we have no sensation of cold and are warm; which simply means that we have not lost our body heat to the air of the room , so fast as to give us a sensation of cold. This is due to the non-conducting clothing which we wear and to the enveloping air being not too heated or too cold. It is, however, quite manifest that wdiat too hot or too cohf means depends directly, other things .l;eing equal, upon the amount of fuel and upon the free circulation of the results of vital combustion in the human organism. The old person, the anaemic person, the person with poor circulation will be cold when the healthy are warm and so such must put more clothingon. But. moreover, there are in the air of the room say at from 60° to 70'^ F. some other differences depending upon the kind of indoor heating so great as to create very material differences in the effect of air at different temperatures upon the same person. I would recall to you the .three ways by which all bodies lo.se their heat: (a), by radiation, (b) by conduction, (r) by evaporation. If we sit in front of a grate fire the air between the fire and us ma\- he no higher than 7.0° F., but the side of our face towards the fire may actually be over 100° F. This is due to radiation and means that heat waves 'penetrate into the tissues and warm the body, penetrating indeed deeper than the skin as well as into the walls opposite the fire. The same result, but less apparent, is obtained by the radiation from hot-water pipes, while in ad- dition these warm the air in contact with them and this, ascend-. ' ing, again warms, the particles of air it comes in contact with bv^ convection. Now it will be apparent that if air comes into a room from a hot-air furnace, it in no wav fulfils the first principle of heating by radiation; hence, it is found by experience that the air of a room at 60° F. receiving radiant heat from a radiator often gives a sensation of comfort as great as hot-air at 70° to 75°. There is, however, another equally important cause affecting the loss of body heat, viz., degree of moisture in a room or its relative humidity. You will remetnber I' spoke of the fact last vear that air at 0° F. holds less than 1 grain of water vapour and "that with every 20 degrees increase, say, to 70°, such increase of its. 1908] Sanitary Conditions of Houses 37 capacity takes place that it then will hold actually 7,0 grains, or eight times as much. Now we have already referred to moist air being four times a better conductor of body heat than dry air is; hence, while outer air at zero heated and brought into a room at 80° F. is made much drier and enveloping our bodies acts as a non-conductor of body heat, yet it actually serves to rob the body of its heat by its causing evaporation through insensilile perspiration from the surface at so rapid a rate as to actually produce a sensation of cold. Indeed, experimentally we know that a room at 60° F.. with a relative humidity of 70% approaches the happy medium of comfort and wdth no air currents occurring in the room lends to persons sitting still a sensation of bien ctre perhaps greater than any other temperature. It is further most important, from the standpoint of economy, since it is found especially in cold weather-,- that just as radiation is proportion- ately rapid in proportion to the difference in temperature be- tween two bodies, so every extra degree of increased temperature required of a furnace means notably more coal consumed. Indeed, as much as 25% more coal it is estimated is required to maintain 70° F., instead of 60° F. in say zero weather. It is, however, important to remember that into this heating problem other most important factors enter. Thus a single window radiates heat probably 25 times as fast as would double windows with tight space of air say 6 inches in thickness. Hence, a double window is a sine qua non to effective heating and ventila- tion in a cold climate. But more than this, a great difference is found in the radiation of heat between the north and south sides of a house, in cold weather. In the cold weather during the day the sun streams in the south windows by radiant heat warming all the walls as well as the air of the rooms. The north side is never so warm; but on the contrary, is exposed to the northerly winds which are found to rob surfaces of heat directlv in proportion, not alone to their temperature, but also to their velocity. We thus have illustrated how many factors enter into the heating of even a small house. But we have said nothing of how in keep- ing the house warm we mav also maintain its air fresh. One thing is quite clear, viz., if we exhale some 2 lbs. of carbonic acid in 24 hours, due to inhalation of oxygen (3 lbs.) and to tissue combustion that placed in a box sealed hermetically we would gradually exhaust all the oxygen or be poisoned by the carbonic acid and other volatile emenations from the body. Clearly we require to introduce fresh air and its oxygen, estimated to be at the required rate of 2,000 cubic feet of fresh air per person per hour. Naturally, when we do this, we must push out the foul air and so it comes about that we must by some simple 38 The Ottawa Naturalist [May mechanical means introduce into the well-built closed room a steady current of fresh air in such a manner as will effect the required result. If, at the same time, we have supplied this outdoor air with adequate moisture on its ingress, we shall have fulfilled every condition provided only that we so deliver the air that it shall not create a draught. Various mechanical details may be adopted to accomplish this end, varying in accordance with the construction of a house, the amount of exposed surface, and so on; but if we have fully grasped the conditions required, it will not be difficult for one who has thorough y grasped the needs to find some person of experience who will indicate the method of dealing with any particular situation. COUNCIL MEETING. A meeting of the Council was held on April 29th in the Carnegie Library. The members present were: The President, Mr. A. E. Attwood, Rev. C. G. Eifrig, Miss Q Jackson, Messrs. A. Halkett, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. M. Macoun, L. H. New- man and T. E. Clarke. The following were elected ordinarv members: Mr. T. E. Perney, B.A., Mr. F. C. Poole, Miss L. M. Ross and Miss A. Johnstone. The President was appointed the Club's delegate to the meeting of the Royal Society of Canada. The President reported having made arrangements to secure 500 copies of the Evening Journal containing the special article on The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. It was decided that members of the Council be given what copies they might require to be used in a canvass for membership, and that the remainder be placed in charge of the Librarian, Mr. Young, from whom members of the Club could obtain copies. 1908] Report of Entomological Branch 39 REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH. 1907 (Read before the Club, January 21st, 1908). The Leaders of the Entomological Branch have again pleasure in reporting that manv of its members have been actively engaged during 1907 and that much useful work has been done, even although the season, from an entomological standpoint, was a very poor one. In the Ottawa district, the local members have assiduously continued their studies and many new records have been made of insects not hitherto found in the vicinity. Special attention has been devoted to the moths and butterflies, dragonflies, bees and the true bugs, as well as to the spiders. The beetles and flies have also been worked to a less extent. Large collections of Ottawa dragonflies have been made and these are being worked into a paper for The Ottawa Naturalist by Dr. E. M. Walker, of Toronto, with the special object of encouraging and helping our local collectors to devote more study to these important insects. The fortnightly meetings of the Branch were continued in 1907, and these gatherings proved, as in the past, of much benefit and interest to those who attended them. Much valuable information is brought out in the discussions at these meetings which otherwise would be lost to the members. During the past summer some of the members of the Branch had the pleasure of enjoying the visits to Ottawa of two dis- tinguished entomologists from the United vStates. Tn June, Mr. W. D. Kearfott, of Montclair, N.J., the well-known specialist in microlepidoptera, who has identified so manv local species, spent a week in Ottawa, and. with some of the members, made several expeditions to localities recognized as being within the area known as the Ottawa District. Special trips were made to Meach Lake and the Mer Bleue and hundreds of specimens of desirable material were collected. Mr. Kearfott is working up the species taken while here, and a paper treating of these will, we hope, soon be readv for publication. Almost following Mr. Kearfott's visit, Dr. Henry Skinner, of Philadelphia, one of the leading American authorities of diurnal lepidoptera, arrived in Ottawa for a short stay and met some of the members of the Branch. During the year, six of the local members made special collections of insects at different points in Canada. Dr. Fletcher, with Dr. Skinner, travelled through Manitoba and the Northwest in July and August, and specimens in all orders were taken, at Nepigon, Ont., Aweme, Man. (the home of our 40 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May esteemed . member,. Mr. Norman Griddle), Rudy and Radisson, in Saskatchewan, and at Edmonton, Calgary, Banff and Laggan, in Alberta. While along the line of the Canadian Northern Railway thev were accompanied by Mr. T. N. Willing, of Regina, an enthusiastic naturalist and member of the Club. Mr. Andrew Halkett, \vhile making special collections of the fishes of the Northwest for the Alberta and Saskatchewan Governments, devoted some time to the collection of insects of the Beaver Lake and Ou'Appelle Lakes districts. Mr. Arthur Gibson spent the first three weeks of September at Rostrevor, Muskoka, and, although late in the season, fair collections of the insects of the immediate neighborhood were made and some records added to the Canadian list. Our President. Mr. W. J. Wilson, again visited the Hudson Bay Slope and. as in past years, not- withstanding the pressing nature of other duties, collected some insects in various orders which included several records of scientific interest. Mr. Joseph Keele, of the Geological Survey Department, who has again been exploring in the Yukon, along parts of the Stewart and Pelly Rivers, has sent back a few specimens of lepidoptera, every one of which is of scientific interest, as exact data are given with regard to the dates and localities. Mr. D. H. Nelles; of the Alaska Boundary Survey, made a small collection of beetles and butterflies at Bartlett Bay, off Glacier Bay, Alaska. In May last our Honorary Member, the Rev. G. W. Taylor, while attending the meetings of the Royal Society of Canada, identified many geometrid moths for our local collectors and also attended the spring excursion of the Club to Beaver Meadow. Mr. Taylor, who is the leading North American authority on the Geometridae, has published the descriptions of many species during the year, and has been a great help to Canadian students in identifving their material. Mr. J. B. Wallis, one of the Winnipeg members, made large collections of coleoptera and lepidoptera at Banff, Alta., and Peachland, B.C. All of Mr. Wallis's collections have not, as yet, been worked over, but these are now being studied and lists will soon be prepared. Several very interesting captures were made at the above localities which have considerably extended the known distribution of some species. Among the more interesting insects taken during the year at Ottawa, within the district as limited by the Club, the follow- ing may be mentioned : — Lepidoptera: — Cinclidia Jiarrisii, Scudd. Blackburn, June 28, July 5, (Young). First records for the district. 1908] Report of Entomological. Branch 41 PampJiila palcemon, Pallas. (Carterocephalus mandan, Edw.) Eastman's Springs, June 19, several specimens, (Gibson and Young). The only previous record for the district was of a single specimen taken in the same locality some years ago by Dr. Fletcher. Ampclophaga versicolor, Harr. A perfect specimen of this rare hawk-moth was taken at the Power House on the Britannia Electric Car Line, on Aug. 18, (Baldwin). Sphinx canadensis., Bdv., July 6, (Baldwin). A very rare species. Apantesis virgo, L. var. citriiiaria, N. & D. A fine specimen of this rare varietv, which has yellow hind wings instead of red, was taken on Aug. 4 by Mr. Baldwin. This is the first record of the variety having been taken at Ottawa. In a paper on the Genus Apantesis in the Canadian Entomologist, May, 1903, the only Canadian record then known, was of two specimens which had been reared from larvae at Hamilton, by the late Mr. J. A. Moffat. Apatela radcliffei. Harvey. Mature larva found on apple, Sept. 26, (Letourneau). The species is rare at Ottawa. Apatela funeralis. Grt. Bred from larva found on maple, June 10, (Young). Dr. Fletcher had previously reared the moth from a larva found on birch. Other food plants are hickory, elm and apple. Apatela retardata, Wlk., June 16. (Fletcher). June 12, (Gibson). Gortyna immanis, Gn., Sept. 14, (Fletcher). This interesting species has not been found at Ottawa for some years. Papaipema pterisii. Bird. In last vear's Report this insect appeared under the name ''Papaipema harrisii. var." but Mr. Bird has since decided that it is not a varietv of harrisii. but a new species, and has described it under the above name. The larva has been found in the bases of the fronds of the Common Brake. (Pteris aquilina). Hydriomena contractata. Pack. , Ottawa, 10 Sept.. (Fletcher). Only two or three specimens of this geometrid moth have been taken at Ottawa. Phlyctccnia acutella, Wlk. A specimen of this rare pvralid was taken by Mr. Young. Mr. Metcalfe took a specimen at Toronto some years ago. Fnarmonia americana., Wlsm. June 11, (Gibson). A hand- some little species not taken here before. Sparganothis flavibasana, Fern. The larvae of this tortricid 42 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May- were abundant in the arboretum of the Central Experimental Farm, on lonkera japonka. Moths reared from larvae emerged on July 2 to 6. The insect is rare in collections, and has never before been found at Ottawa. Dcpressaria sabidella. Wlsm. In house, April 16, (Gibson). A new record for the district. Coleoptera: — The following are a few records of beetles taken: Hydatkus stagnalis. Fab. In moss, (H. M. Ami). Mr. Harrington has only twice found the species at Ottawa. Harmonia pkta. Rand. On larch, Sept. 1, (Fletcher). Ligyrus relktus, Sav. One specimen at Meach Lake, (Fletcher). Rare at Ottawa, but found in considerable numbers by Mr. Gibson at Rostrevor, Ont. Lixus concavus, Say. Three specimens found on Polygonum pennsylvankum, (Young.) First Ottawa records. Otidocephalus chevrolatii, Horn. Meach Lake, Aug. 1, (Young) . Orchestes rufipes, Lee. This rare little weevil was very abundant and destructive to willows at Ottawa in September, the larvae mining in the leaves, and the mature beetles eating out the surface in a similar way to flea-beetles. (Fletcher). Merium proteus, Kirby. A specimen of this longicorn, which is very rare at Ottawa, was taken on June 28, by Mr. Ernest Guignard. Hymenoptera: — Pamphilius rufkeps, Hargtn. May 31. (Harrington). Ichneumon mdvus, Cress. Meach Lake, Sept. 1, (Fletcher). One of our rarest ichneumons. Psithyrus lahoriosus, Fab. April 26, (Fletcher). Collections of Canadian Bombi have recently been kindly determined bv Mr. H. J. Franklin, of Amherst, Mass., and among the species of local interest, the following are mentioned: — Bomhus impatiens, Cress. Oct. 2, (Fletcher). Bomhus pennsylvankus, De G., (Fletcher). Bombiis per plexus, Cress. Meach Lake, July 20, (Gibson). Bombus vagans, Sm. Aug. 25, May 5, (Fletcher). Hemiptera: — Mr. Metcalfe has continued his studies of these insects, and among those recently determined by Mr. Van Duzee, of Buffalo, the following are of special interest. 1908] Report of Entomological Branch 43 Ceresa constans, Wlk., Hull, very local, but abundant on three special basswood trees, Aug. 25, (Metcalfe). A distinct and readily recognized species. Pediopsis tifasciaia. Van Duzee. Mer Bleue, on aspen poplar, June, a good species distinct from trimaculata , Fitch. (Metcalfe). Peltonotclhis histriouicits, Stal. Mer Bleue, August; the rare macropterous form of this nearly always wingless species. (Metcalfe). Clasioptera protcns. Fitch, subsp. ni^ra. Ball. Mer Bleue, August. New to the Ottawa district. (Metcalfe). Odonata: — As mentioned above, large collections of Ottawa dragonfiies were made during the past summer. Among these were many species worthy of mention, but as Dr. Walker is working up this material, along with other collections previously made at Ottawa, for a paper for the Ottawa Naturalist, it has been thought best not to publish these records here, as they will all be included in Dr. Walker's article soon to appear. W. H. Harrington, James Fletcher, Arthur Gibson, C. H. Young, T. W. Baldwin, Leaders. MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH Held on evening of February 23rd, 1908, at Mr. Gibson's house. Present: Messrs. Harrington, Young, Fletcher, Baldwin, Halkett, Metcalfe, Letourneau and Gibson. Mr. Halkett spoke of his work during the past summer in the Beaver Lake and Ou'Appelle Lakes districts of the North- west. Large collections of fishes were made for the Governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and while engaged in this work, some interesting insects were collected from time to time. Mr. Halkett showed three bottles containing specimens in fluid, which he had collected. Most of these were aquatic insects in an immature state. Some large curious larvae of a Dvtiscus was noticed, which had been collected at the same time and place as the perfect insects of Dyiiscns ciycnmcinctns. Dr. Fletcher stated that some of Mr. Halkett's captures were of interest and 44 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May were being recorded in the Entomological Record for 1907, which will appear in the annvial report of the Entomological Society of Ontario for that year. Mr. Letourneau showed inflated specimens of the larvae of Apatela radclifjei and Apaiela intemipta, both of which he had collected on apple. Mr. Young said he had found the larva of the former at Ottawa on Mountain Ash. A general discussion followed on the food plants of lepidopterous insects, and many interesting points were brought out. Mr. Baldwin' exhibited a case containing some rare captures which he had made during the past summer. The most interest- ing were Sphinx canadensis, Ampelophaga versicolor (a beautiful specimen), and Apantesis virgo, var. ciirinaria. All of these had been taken at light. Mr. Metcalfe showed a long series of the interesting little homoptera belonging to the genus Psylla. He stated also that unfortunately many of these, although clearly distinct, had never been named. Tn the meantime he was saving all he collected and taking careful notes as to dates, localities and food plants. He also shov/ed a nice collection of Manitoba hemiptera which had been sent to him by Mr. Criddle of Aweme. Mr. Harrington showed some acorns of Red Oak which had been collected when newlv fallen in the autumn of 1906 at Kirk's Ferry, Que. He had found a large percentage of the fallen acorns infested bv the galls of some cvnipid. These fusiform whitish galls arose from the base of the nut and developed be- tween the nut and the cup, generally protruding slightly above the cup and causing a marked depression in the nut. The majoritv of the infested acorns had onlv one or two galls, but some had asinanv as five. These greatly exhausted or perhaps destroyed the vitality of the nuts. He had not succeeded in breeding the gall-maker or in finding anv reference to such a gall. Mr. Harrington also exhibited a recent fascicule of the Genera Insectorum containing a monograph of the Trigonalidse by Mr. W. A. Schulz. The forty-two known species of these intere.sting hymenoptera are divided into seventeen genera, and five sub-families are indicated. The distribution of the. insects is world-wide, but they appear to be most abundant in Central and South America. Only one Canadian species is known which was collected in Vancouver Island by Rev. G. W. Taylor and was described by Mr. Harrington as Trigonalis canadensis. This species has been made bv Schulz the type of a new genus Bareogonalos and with B. Scnhellaris Cam. (Mex.) forms the sub-family Rareogonaloinae. A specimen of the male was shown and attention called to the armed scutellum and other generic characters. 1908] Meeting of Extomological Branch 45 Dr. Fletcher exhibited a pair of the very rare Xeophasia terlooii, Behr, which had been given to him with many other rare species bv Dr. W. Barnes, of Decatur, lib An account was given of a most enjoyable day spent with Dr. Barnes at his home, in company with Dr. J. B. Smith and Mr. H. H. Lyman. Among other specimens shown were : A grand specimen of the Tarantula, Mygale lienizii, Girard, which had been presented to the Division of Entomology by Mr. W. Bremner and was found in the building of the Ottawa Fruit Exchange. Tt had doubtless been imported with fruit from the soiith. This specimen measured over 6 inches from, tip to tip of the outstretched legs, and the body was nearly 2 inches long. »Some specimens of both sexes of the interesting little Boreus calif ornicus which had been received in a living condition from Mr. J. W. Cockle, of Kaslo, B.C. A fine specimen of Cyphoderris moustrosa, Uhler, from Peachland, B.C., a new locality where it was discovered during the past summer by Mr J. B. Wallis of Winnipeg. A pair of the verv handsome Scarabaid beetle Plusioiis gloriosa, Lee, from Dr. Henrv Skinner of Phila- delphia, who had collected them himself in the Huachuca Mountains of Southern Arizona. Five specimens of Pontia napi, L. var. /). Imlda, Edw. which were taken by Mr. Douglas H. Nelles, on the lOtli of June last at Bartlett Bay, off Glacier Bay, Alaska. Male and female specimens of the Brown-tail Moth, Vv^hich had been reared in the Entomological Division from young larvae collected in Nova Scotia last spring. Dr. Fletcher also exhibited for comparison a specimen each of Belostoma americanmn and Benacus griseus. He pointed out the difference in the front pair of raptorial legs, but was unable to see why it had been considered necessary to put these two insects into different genera. Mr. Young showed two beautiful cases illustrating the life histories of Samia cecropia and. Tela popyphemns, Cram. These artistic cases were much admired by all present. Mr. Gibson showed a selection of species from a collection of insects of all kinds which he had made at Rostrevor, Ont., on Lake Rosseau, Muskoka, last September, and spoke on the rare or more interesting species taken. He mentioned that he w'as preparing a list of the species of lepidoptera collected. -A. G. 46 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May REPORT OF THE ORNITHOLOGICAL BRANCH, 1907-08. The Ornithological Branch of the Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club met during the year 1907 at more or less irregular intervals. It has carried forward the work of rendering complete and up-to- date the local list of birds. Field work was carried on, especially so during the spring and migration months of last year. The spring migration of birds of 1907 was found here, as over practic- allv the whole eastern half of North America, to have been very abnormal owing to the protracted cold weather of that spring. These variations in temperature, etc., render the migration of birds doubly interesting to the observer, as there are no two migrations quite alike. An account of the last spring migration was published in the ''Ottawa Naturalist'' in the May and August numbers. Other facts concerning the birds hereabouts have V)een published from time to time. An interesting specimen has latelv come into the hands of one of our members, namely, a Great Horned Owl {Bubo virginianus) from Inlet, Labelle Co., Que. In plumage it is a much lighter one than those found here usually are, and it furthermore bore very palpable evidences of having, shortly before it was shot, engaged in a fight with a porcupine. It was liberallv sprinkled over vvith quills, especially in the sole of the right foot, the quills having penetrated even that horny and hard skin, also under the right wing, on the breast, neck and even two in the left eye-lid. Some of the quills had penetrated the thick solid muscles of the breast, lying against the sternum. Fifty-six quills and parts of quills were extracted from the skin and flesh and about 10 more were left in. How did this owl come to tackle such an undesirable antagonist or pre}^? The probability is that the owl was foraging for food, and being very hungry — which is a common occurrence for them in winter — she swooped down on the first moving object that even remotely appeared like legitimate prey and in her eagerness, and possibly by reason of the darkness of the woods, did not find out her mistake until she had reached forv/ard with one claw and gotten that full of spines and simultaneotisly receiving a slap from the tail of the porcupine that lodged the rest of the little barbed spears in her anatomy. Most of the hawks and owls which we receive here in winter have empty stomachs, showing that hunger must be a verv frequent, if disagreeable experience with them. It also seems that at such times the gall discharges very copiously into the stomach, as the stomachs in such cases are always very green, as are also the intestines. Probably a way nature adopts to relieve the pain of hunger somewhat. Now, a few recommendations. We would tirge such as take 1908] Report of Ornithological Branch 47 an active interest in birds and their studv to send in their names and addresses to Mr. A. G. Kingston, 241 Nicholas St., so that our section would become larger and more efficient, and so that our meetings could be held with greater regularity, which is now precluded by the preoccupation of other duties on the part of its members. Then, we would urge all members of the Field Naturalists' Club to look upon themselves as protectors of birds at all times and wherever they are. Let them hinder wanton destruction of bird life whenever a chance offers, and instill into others, especial- ly children, a sympathetic interest in birds, which, in the end, is the best safeguard of birds. At the same time other enemies of birds must be kept in check. According to systematic investigations of the Mas- sachussetts Board of Agriculture, the domestic cat is one of the worst foes of birds. The cat should, therefore, be kept in the house, especially in the outlying portions of the citv and on the farm, particularly at the nesting time, and if a cat is found to have acquired the habit of killing birds, the best remedy is to forever put the cat out of harm's way. In Germany some cities, having many parks, have during several years past employed regular cat-catchers, who manage to take in from 10 to 'lS,OOo''cats in one city. These are then so dealt with that they can no longer kill birds. A good precedent to follow. Much can also be done in the wav of protecting and increas- ing the numbers of birds by people ha\'ing gardens, or farms, or at least a number of trees around their houses, bv putting' up nesting boxes. These should be made so as to be acceptable to wrens, bluebirds, swallows, etc. Thev should be made accessible to people, so that the nests of tlie house sparrow can from time to time be destroved. Let us do all we can to protect the birds, these useful and beautiful helpers of man in the economv of nature, and to in- crease their numbers. The Ornithological Section, G. EIFRIG. A. G. KINGSTON. 48 The Ottawa Naturalist. [May EXCURSIONS. - ■ Heavy rain made it necessary to cancel the first excursion of the season which was to have been to RockHfife. The following Saturday, however, May 2nd, though the weather was threaten- ing, a surprisingly large number of members and friends of the Club went to Beechwood. Owing to the lateness of the season, none but the very earliest of the Spring flowers were found, and for the same reason the insects .seen were few in number. Mr. Eifrig, who led the ornithologists, recorded 21 species of birds and noted their numbers. They were : One brown creeper, about 50 bronzed grackles, 10 red-winged blackbirds,s5 chipping sparrows, 2 kingfishers, 5 crov»'S, silent and breeding, 5 song sparrows, about 75 tree swallows, 2 meadow larks, 25 robins and one nest with 2 eggs, 2 bluebirds, 1 flicker, 5 juncos, 25 golden-crowned kinglets, 1 cowbird, 1 downy woodpecker, 1 bittern, 4 mvrtle warblers, 1 purple finch, 3 bluejays and 2 white- throated sparrows. Under stones, bark and pieces of wood some beetles and hymenopterous insects were collected. The former were common ground beetles which may generally be collected in such places at this time of vear. A large number of Halisidota were noted under stones and some millipedes and spiders were collected by the entomologists. A fine Lycos a was found by Mr. Letourneau. These stout, hairy spiders, popularly known as "running spiders", make conspicuous holes in the ground in which they live. Two specimens of a salamander (Plethodon erythronotus cinereus) were collected. Those interested in geology examined the Utica shales along the road leading to Beechwood and in the woods north of the road, but no fossils were found. Keefer Bluff, at the entrance to Beechwood, was next examined and here a number of fossils were collected by different members of the party. These lime- stones are of the Black River formation which produces excellent stone for building purposes. The characteristic coral Tetradiiun iibratum, was found in abundance. The succession here, if complete, would be in ascending order. Black River, Trenton and Utica, but the Utica is really lower than the Black River, though originally there were 600 feet or more of Trenton limestone between them. The present condition was brought about bv a fault or break which has caused the Trenton and Utica to sink down about 700 feet. About 5 o'clock the excursionists met at the entrance to Beechwood Cemetery where short talks were given by Messrs. Attwood, Halkett, Eifrig and Criddle. J. M. M. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, JUNE, 1908. No. 2 THE DRAGONFLIES (ODONATA) OF THE OTT.WV.-V DISTRICT. By E. M. Walker, B.A., M.B., Toronto. (Continued from April Number) Since the first part of this paper appeared Dr. Fletcher has sent me another small collection of Odonata made at Ottawa some years ago by Mr. T. J. Maclaughlin. The specimens are largely destroyed by museum pests, but are, for the most part, determinable, and among them are three genera and six species, which I had not seen before from this region. These, together with a specimen of Lesies rcctangtdaris , which was overlooked in preparing the first part of the paper, increase the list of Ottawa Dragonflies from 47 to 54 species. I have also received from Dr. Fletcher a copy of Vols. I-II of the Transactions of the Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club, which contains a paper by Mr. Maclaughlin on Ottawa Dragon- flies (Vol. II, 1887, pp. 329-342). The species mentioned in this paper were determined by the Abbe Provancher, but it contains some obvious errors, which may be noted here. The description of Calopteryx virginica, Drury, evidently refers to the female of C. aeqiiabilis. C. virginica is in fact a S5^nonym of C . aequabilis . Of Lestes two species are mentioned, unguiculata and eurina. Two male Lestes in Maclaughlin's collection bearing these specific names respectively, both belong to L. jorcipatus. A female of L. uncatus is the only other Lestes in the lot. His Agrion Hageni is evidently Argia ptitrida, while Agrion putridum refers to one of the smaller Agrionidae. ^4. durum and civile both^ now placed in Enallagma probably refer to other species of that genus, while A. iners, which is a synonym of Ischnura Ramburii is doubtless /. verticalis. 50 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June (jenus LscnxuRA Charpcntier. This geiiu-^ is distinguished from Enallagma by the char- acters given under the latter. Of the three specie? reported from eastern Canada, two are found at Ottawa. 15. Ischnqra posita (Hagen), Needham. Ottawa, 3 males. .3 females (pruinose) (Harrington, Taylor, Fletcher). This little dragonfly may be known by its bronze-black color, and the interrupted antehumeral thoracic band, in the form of an !. The abdomen of the male is black with narrow yellow basal rings on most of the segments'. The female is paler and the antehumeral stripe not always interrupted. This is the first notice of its occurrence in Ontario, although it has been reported from Quebec and is common in many parts of the United States. 16. IscHNURA VERTiCALis (Say), Selys. Ottawa, 3 orange females (Harrington, Ta\dor) ; Mer Bleue, June 1st, 1903, 1 male (Gibson); Hull, July 13th, 1907, ] male, 1 black female, 3 pruinose females (Gibson); July 17th, 1907, 1 pruinose female, 1 orange female (Letourneau). A widely distributed and very common species, flying from spring until autumn. The thorax of the male is yellowish -green, striped with black, the abdomen black with pale blue interrupted basal rings, and segments 8 "and 9 azure blue with a black stripe on each side. A bifurcated process on the apical dorsal margin of segment 10, together with the venational characters given, will serve to distinguish it from certain sj^ecies of Enallapna. which bear a slight resemblance to it in coloration. The female appears in two color varieties, the 'black female,' colored like the male when young, and the 'orange female,' in which the ground color is reddish-orange banded with bronze- black. Both forms become pruinose when old, appearing then as though covered with a dull bluish dust. The orange female is the conmaoner form in the spring, the black in the summer. The latter seems to become pruinose very soon after m.aturitv. Appendix to the Zygoptera. 17. Lestes Forcipatus Rambur. 2 males (Maclaughlin). These are the first Canadian specimens I have seen, although it has been recorded from Grimsby. Ont., and various parts of British Columbia. 1908] The Dragoxflies of the Ottawa District. 51 The characters by which it is separated from the closely allied L. disjundus have been given under that species. 18. Lestes rectangularis Say. Fig. 2. Ottawa, 1 female (Harrington). This specimen, which is damaged, was included in L. iin- giiiculaius in the first part of this paper. General color metallic brown, the face and under parts pale yellow or greenish. The humeral stripe is rather broad and there arc narrow interrupted yellow rings at the bases of most of the al)dominal segments. The abdomen of the male is extremely attenuated. Sub-order. ANISOPTERA. Family .^SHNIDAE. Antecubitals of first and second series not coincident (except the first and one other) ; inner end of the pterostigma supported by an oblique vein (Fig. 1). There are three subfamilies, all of which are represented in the Ottawa collections. These are the Gomphinae, Cordule- gasterinae and Aeshninae. In the Gomphinae the eyes are widely separated and the abdomen is without lateral carinae, that of the male being more or less dilated apically. The coloration shews relati\"ely little variation, being usually black or brown with yellow or green bands and spots. They are more local in distribution than most of our dragonflies, but are often exceedinglv numerous where they occu . The Cordulegasterinae much resemble the Gomphinae in appearance being black insects conspicuouslv spotted with yellow, but the eyes are larger and are separated above bv a very narrow space or meet at a point. The abdomen is slight- ly or not at all dilated apicalh-. In the Aeshninae the eyes are larger and meet for some distance on the top of the head. Lateral carinae are T)re.sent on the abdomen, v.'hich is not at all dilated posteriori v Sub-family GOMPHINAP:. Of the several genera represented in the eastern provinces, only one, Gomphus, with 4 species, has been met with at Ottawa. Other species of this genus as well as a few belonging to allied genera will be almost sure to reward the efl^orts of the industrious collector in this district, and among these may be mentioned the following: Has,euitis brevistvhis Selys, Opluoi^oiupJius rupin- sulensis (Walsh), Hagen, Dromo^oni pl'ms s pino.sus Selvs, Gomphus scudderi Selys, G. spicaUts Hagen and G. sordidus Hagen. Genus Gomphus, Leach. 52 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June This large genus may be known from the alhed genera mentioned by the following group of characters: Triangles without cross-veins, thorax green or yellow with conspicuous brown or black bands, hind femora with numerous small spines, but no large ones. 19. GoMPHUS vastus (Walsh). Fig. 3. Hull, June 29th, 1886, 3 females (Fletcher). Face transversely banded with black, dorsum of thorax with a pair of narrow equal divergent yellow bands, each forming below an acute angle with a shorter transverse band and uniting above w4th a narrow complete antehumeral band. Segments 7-9 remarkably dilated, especially in the male. This species is said to frequent the shores of the Great Lakes and larger streams. I have never met with it in the field. One of the above specimens was recorded under the name G. adelphtis in the Entomological Record, Ann. Rep. Ent. Soc. of Ont., 1906, p. 104. 20. GoMPHUs p>REvis (Hagen). Figs. 4, 5. Ottawa, 1 male; Hull, June 29th, 1886, 1 female (Fletcher); Cumberland, June 16th, 1900, 1 male (Gibson). Face transversely banded with black, dorsum of thorax, with a pair of broad green or greenish yellow bands widening below. Antehumeral bands interrupted above. Segments 7-9 only moderately dilated. This short, thick-set species is rather common in Ontario, frequenting well aerated waters, such as rapid streams and the exposed shores of large lakes. 21. GoMPHus ExiLis, Selys. Figs. 6, 7. Ottawa, 1 male,. 1 female (Harrington); Hull, July 13th and 17th, 1907, 3 males, 1 female (Gibson). Face entirely yellow, length under 45 mm., dull brown banded with greenish yellow, segments 7-9 but little dilated, superior appendages of male with a blunt low inferior process. This is our commonest Gomphus, frequenting the shores of lakes and streams, especially the more sheltered parts. It is exceedingly abundant on Georgian Bay. G. spicatus and G. sordidus are often associated with G. exilis, and both closely resemble the latter in form and coloration. They are larger species (48-50 mm.) and differ from exilis further in the structure of the genitalia. 22. GoMPHUs coRNUTus, Tough. Figs. 8, 9. Ottawa, Mer Bleue, June 18th, 1907, 1 male (Fletcher). Face entirely yellow: length (male) 5" mm.; dorsum of 1908] The Dragonflies of the Ottawa District. 53 thorax yellowish green v/ith a narrow brown streak on each side of the middle line ; superior appendages of the male bifurcat- ed, the inferior appendage prolonged into a pair of widelv divergent cur\"ed processes. This is the first notice of this remarkable Gomphus from Canada. It has also been taken in Illinois and Iowa. Sub-family CORDULEGASTERIXAE. Genus Cordulegaster Leach. We have several species of this genus, inhabitants of small creeks and runways from springs. Owing to the nature of their habitat they are local in distribution though C. maculatus is sometimes abundant where it occurs. 24. Cordulegaster diastatops Selys. One male, segs. 6-10 wanting (Maclaughlin). This species may be known from others of the genus by the eyes not being contiguous above and the abdomen being marked with yellow lateral somewhat triangular spots, their apices directed backwards. It has also been taken at Port Sidne}', Muskoka, with C. maculatus. According to Needham the nymph inhabits upland spring bogs. Sub-family .^SHNIN.^v. Genus Anax, Leach. 23. AxAx juxius (Drury), Selys. Ottawa, May 6th, 1899, 1 male in cop.: June 24th, 1899. 1 male (Fletcher). This is one of our largest and swiftest dragonflies, and its great size, bright green thorax and blue abdomen render it quite unmistakable for any other species. > The blue color, how-ever, is seldom seen in dried specimens and even in life does not de- velop for some time after the green color of the thorax has been assumed. It is the first dragonfly to appear in the spring, being on the wing in the vicinity of Toronto as early as the second week in April. It flies throughout May and June, but is seldom seen in July and August, appearing again however in September. Genus Aeshna, Fabricius. The members of this genus are the large blue- or green- spotted forms which are often so numerous in late summer and early autumn. The genus is distinguished from the other genera of Aeshninas mentioned here by the fact that the sub- nodal sector is apically forked, the fork being unsvmmetrical. The North American species are now undergoing a revision bv the writer and it has been found necessarv to alter the 54 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June nomenclature of several species. Until the revision is published it seems best not to make use here of the new names proposed, so that most of the species listed belov/ are indicated onlv by letters, the names by which thev are commonly known being also given. These letters are the same as those used by William- son in his paper "A collecting trip north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario," (Ohio Naturalist, VII, pp. 130-148, 1907). Several other species besides those listed will almost cer- tainly be found to inhabit the Ottaw^a district. 2 5. Aeshna constricta. Say. Ottawa, July 26th, 1900, 1 female (Fletcher); 1 female (Harrington). Anal triangle of inale 3-celled; superior appendages of male with a prominent ventral spine near the tip ; no black line across the face: first lateral thoracic band rather broad, its anterior margin sinuate, not bordered with black; abdomen of male with large blue spots; appendages of female, 7 mm. long, 2 mm. broad. A fairly common species in southern Ontario, but apparently does not properly belong to the Boreal Zone. 26. Aeshna Z. Ottawa, August 17th, 1907, 1 female (Fletcher); Hull, beaver meadow, September 14th, 1907, 1 male (Letourneau). Closely allied to Ae. constricla and widely quoted under the latter name, but distinct structurally as well as in coloration. Anal triangle of male 3-celled; appendages of male as in constricta, no black line across the face; lateral thoracic stripes narrower, straight, more or less distinctly bordered with black; spots of male abdomen mostly small and greenish; appendages of female 6-7 mm. long, 1-1.2 mm. broad. A very common species of wide range, frequenting small streams and pools in the vicinity of woods. 27. Aeshna Y. Ottawa, Julv 8th, 1899, 1 male (Gibson); 1 male, 1 female (Harrington);' Hull, July 17th, 1907 1 male (Gibson). Anal triangle of male 2-celled; superior appendages of male with a dorsal carina which bears a few denticles near the apex, the latter acute and bent downwards; no black line across the face; first lateral thoracic band green or bkie, strongly sinuate in front and widened below; appendages of female about 5 mm. long, 1 mm. broad. An abundant species in the Boreal and Transition Zones, appearing early in July and common about lakes and slow streams. It has been hitherto recorded as Ae. clepsydra. Say. 1908] Thp: Dragonflies of the Ottawa District. 55 28. Aeshxa W. Meach Lake, July 21st, 1907, 1 female (Gibson). Anal triangle of male 2-celled, superior appendages of male resembling those of JE. Y, but the apices usually rounded and the denticles less conspicuous; a black line across the face; lateral thoracic bands each divided into 2 spots. This species has also been quoted as .^ clepsydra. It seems to be practically, restricted to the Boreal Zone east of the Great Plains. Genus Epi.-eschna, Selys. 29. Epi^schna heros (Fabricius) Hagen. 1 female, fragmentary (Maclaughlin). This immense Dragonfly is rather a rarity in Canada, though commoner farther south. Its huge size (hind wing, male 56, female 60 mm.), and the symmetrically forked sub- nodal sector render it recognizable at a gl_ance. Genus Basl-eschna, Selys. 30. Basi.eschxa JANATA (Say), Selys. Ottawa, June Uth, 1907, 1 female (Young); Clark's Bush, May 2nd, 1902, 1 female (Gibson); Hull, July Uth, 1007, 1 male (Gibson) . This insect closely resembles the Aeshncc, but the sub-nodal sector is not forked at the apex. There are two straight oblique yellow bands on each side of the thorax, a brown spot at the base of each wing, and the abdomen is brown, spotted with light bkie. It appears early in the spring and its season is about over when the first Aeshnce are abroad. It frequents lakes and rivers, flying up and dov.-n the edge of the shore in a regular beat. Genus Boyeria, MacLachlan. Our species are easily known by the 2 roundish spots on the sides of the thorax and the dull brownish or greyish colora- tion. Until recentlv, but one North American species has been recognized, but Williamson has described a second very closely allied form, B. grafiana, of which a specimen has been received from Ottawa. B. vinosa (Say), MacLachlan, is also certain to be met with there, as it is common everywhere in wooded districts along the shores of lakes and streams. In B. vinosa the wings are brownish and there is a distinct dark brown spot at the base of each ; the two round spots on the sides of the thorax are yellow and tlie abdomen is brownish with small obscure pale spots. The appendages of the female are about H times the length of seg. 10. 56 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June 31. BoYERiA grafiana, Williamsoii. Ottawa, 1 female (Harrington). A somewhat more robust insect than B. vinosa; wings hyahne with onlv a trace of the basal brown spots of vinosa lateral thoracic spots pale blue, the first sometimes partly yellow- ish; abdominal spots blue, larger than in vinosa-^ segments 9-10 of male greenish blue (in vinosa 10 is fulvous, 9 brownish) ; appendages of female about as long as seg. 10. Family LIBELLULID.T.. Antecubitals of first and second series mostly coincident, inner end of pterostigma not supported by an oblique vein. Sub-family CORDULIN.T>. Hind margin of eyes with a small tubercle, males with an auricle (ear-like projection) on each side of seg. 2, and the anal margin of the liind wing excavated. The Cordulinae generally exhibit metallic coloration to a greater or less degree and the wings are seldom spotted beyond the arculus. They are for the most part admirable fliers, and are comparatiA'ely seldom seen at rest. In addition to the species here listed, the following may be expected in the Ottawa district: Somatochlora elongata (Scudder) Selys, 5. Williamsoni Walker, 5. Walshii (Scudder) Selys, 5. 'jorcipata (Sciidder) Selys and Covdidia Shurtleffi Scudder Genus Didymops, Rambur. 32. Didymops transversa (Say), Hagen. Ottawa, July 14th, 1899, 1 male (Gibson); July 9th, 1907, 1 female (Young); I male (Harrington); Meach Lake, Julv 21st, 1907, 1 female (Gibson). This species, the sole member of the genus, is fairly common in wooded districts, flying along the margins of lakes and wood- land streams, much after the msLnnev oi Basicr'schna janata with which it is often associated. It is a dull brown, long-legged insect, readily recognized by the single oblique yellowish band on the sides of the thorax and the dull yellow basal spots upon the upper side of the abdomen. These spots, however, are apt to disappear completely in dried specimens. The abdomen of the male is distinctly club-shaped. Genus Macromia, Rambur. 33. Macromia illinoiensis, Walsh. Hull, June 29th, 1886, 1 male (Fletcher). A fine large dragonfly with clear or flavescent wings and a slender abdomen, club-shaped in the male. Thorax dark metallic green and blue, clothed with pale greyish hairs; a single oblique yellow stripe on each side. Abdomen "dark brown, more 1908] The Dragoxfliks of the Ottawa District. 57 or less spotted with yellow and with a large basal yellow spot on the dorsum of seg. 7. This insect frequents woodland paths and glades in the neighbourhood of large lakes and rapid streams, coursing swiftly back and forth over, its chosen path with almost tireless energy. It appears about the end of June or first week in July and remains until the latter part of August. Genus Neurocordulia, Selys. Fig. 10. 34. Neurocordulia yamaskanensis (Prov.), Selys. Ottawa, 1 male (Harrington). A dull bro\vn dragonfly about 53 mm. long, the hind wings ha^•ing an amber-colored basal patch with dark-brown veins, extending as far as the arculus. The short sector and upper sector of the triangle in the fore wing are parallel, or slightly divergent, a character wdiich distinguishes it from our other Cordulinae in which they are m.ore or less convergent. This insect appears to be common in the region of lakes between Georgian Bay and Ottaw^a. It frequents large lakes or rivers and is unique among our dragonflies in its habit of flying only after sunset, when the mayflies upon wdiich it feeds are aV^road. Genus Epicordulia, Selys. 35. Epicordulia prixceps (Hagen) Selys. 1 male, fragmentary (Maclaughlin). This large insect (hind wdng, male 41, female 44 mm.), is marked like certain species of Libcllula, having a large dark- brown triangular patch at the base of the hind wings, and some- times a smaller basal spot on the fore wings, a nodal and an apical spot. The nodal spot is often absent in the males in northern latitudes, and the apical spot much reduced, and such examples closely resemble an immense Tetragoneuna. It is a swift, restless species which is abroad during July in the vicinity of lakes, often flying at a considerable height, and frequently met w'ith over water some distance from the shore. Genus Tetragoxeuria, Hagen. Dragonflies of moderate size with more or less black at the base of the hind wings; only 4 anteculntals in the latter. Ab- domen depressed with a row of dull yellow? dorsal spots along the margins. The metalhc coloration of the thorax is largely obscured by a dense growth of grayish hairs. 36. Tetragoneuria CYNOSURA (Say), Selys. Figs. 11,12. Ott£-wa, Mav ,SOr,h, l^v9, i female (^Gi't^sonj ; June 5th, iv03, 1 male (Fletcher): Hull, June 29th, 1886. 1 male (Fletcher). 58 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June These specimens all belong to the variety called semiaquea in which the black patch at the base of the hind wings reaches beyond the triangle, sometimes as far as the nodus. The typical cynosura is found at Toronto with semiaquea, but the latter seems to be the only form found in the north. It is exceedingly abundant there, however, occuring in myriads about all the lakes and larger streams during June and July. It is an insect of splendid aerial powers and on sunny days is seldom seen to rest. The males of this species may be separated from those of T. spinigera and T. cants by the absence of spines from the superior appendages. 37. Tetragoneuria spinigera (Selys) Selys. 1 male, 1 female (Maclaughlin). This species is generallv larger than cynosura, and has very little black at the base of the hind wings. The superior appendages of the male bear a small inferior spine. It is common in the northern parts of Ontario. 38. Tetragoneuria canis Maclaughlin Figs. i3, i4. Ottawa, 1 male (Harrington); Chelsea Road, Ottawa, Mav 27th, 1886, (Fletcher); Hull, June 2nd and 7th, 1Q03. 3 males (Harrington). These are the only Canadian specimens I have seen of this species. The males may be known by the form of the superior appendages, which are curved downwards and bear a stout dorsal spine. This species was recorded by me in the Entomological Record, Ann. Rep. Ent. Soc. of Ont., 1906, as T. spinosa, Selys, a closely allied species with which it has apparently been con- founded by several writers. The determination T. canis was confirmed by Dr. Calvert. Genus Helocordulja, Needham. 39. Helocordulia uhleri (Selvs), Needham. Figs. 15, 16. Buckingham, P.Q., May 31st, 1 female (Fletcher). A rather small Corduline (abd. 29 mm.), olivaceous with a blackish abdomen. Hind wings with a black spot at base extend- ing as far as the first antecubital. Just beyond this is a yellow spot and a few small black ones marking some of the ante- cubitals. This dragonfly, which appears in early summer, will probably prove to be fairly common about the lakes and streams of the Laurentian area. Genus Dorocordulia, Needham. 1908] The Dragonflies ^f the Ottawa District. 59 40. DoROCORDULiA LIBERA (Selvs) , Needham. Fig. 17. Ottawa, July 7th, 1907, 1 male (Young). This is the daintiest and most beautiful of our Cordulinae. It is about 40 mm. long, bronze-green with bright green eyes. Segments 3 to 5 are very slender, especially in the male, while 6 to 9 are considerably dilated. The undivided triangle of the fore wings and the form of the male appendages will serve to distinguish it from certain species of an allied genus, Soniatochlora, representatives of which are sure to be found about Ottawa. D. libera is found about the marshy borders of lakes in early summer. Sub-family LIBELLULIN.^. Hind margin of eyes without a tubercle, males without auricles on segment 2, anal margin of hind wings not excavated. Most of our familiar dragonflies belong here and are to be found flitting about every pond and marsh. Among the species not recorded below which may be looked for in the vicinity of Ottawa are Xamwthemis bella (Uhler) Brauer, Leucorhinia proxinia Calvert, L. jrigida Hagen, L. glacialis Hagen, Sympeinun scoticum (Donovan) Newman, and Celithemis elisa (Hagen) Walsh. Genus Leucorhinia, Brittinger. The species of this northern genus resemble those of Sympeirmn in form and size, but difi^er in certain structural details and in coloration. The pterostigma is shorter than in Sympetrum, being only about twdce as long as broad; the face is pure white, and there is always a few black markings at the base of the wings. The species appear in the spring or early summer and have for the mo.st part disappeared by the time the Sympetra make their appearance. 41. Leucorhinia hudsonica (Selvs) Hagen. Figs. 18, 19. Hull, June 29th, 1886, 1 female (Fletcher): Eastman's Springs, Ont., May 15th, 1903, 1 female (Fletcher). This small species is widely distributed in Canada in the Boreal Zone. It is black with irregular yellov/ I'lotches on the sides of the thorax and a row of dorsal abdominal spots on seg- ments 2 to 7 or 8. There are two black dashes at the base of the fore wings, another at the base of the hind wings, and be- hind this is a larger triangular basal spot. The form of the male appendages and vulvar lamina of the female is characteristic. 42. Leucorhinia intacta (Hagen), Hagen. Figs. 20, 21. Ottawa, May 24th, 1903, 1 male (Gibson): May 28th. 1Q04, 60 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June 1 male (Gibson); 1 male (Taylor); July 5th, 1907, 1 male. 1 female (Young); Httll, June 29th, i886, 1 male, 1 female. A blackish insect, seginents 2-7 having a row of dorsal yellow spots, which, with exception of the one on 7, disappear in old individuals. Inferior appendage of male deeply iDifur- cated. L. intacia is extremely common in southern Ontario where it is the sole representative of the genus. Farther north it is replaced l)y several others, all of which are characteristic of the Boreal Zone. Genus Sympetrum. To this genus belongs a number of small red, yellow or brownish dragonfiies, mostlv with clear unspotted v.'ings, some of which are exceedingly plentiful in late summer and autumn. The pterostigma in our species is three or inore times as long as broad, and the base of the wings is without black markings. 43. Sympetrum costiferum (Hagen), Kirbv, 1887, (Fletcher). Ottawa, 1885, (T. J. McLaughlin); Experimental Farm, Ottawa, (det Provancher). Femora and tibiae yellow with black on the sides ; wings flavescent at the ex1»rei?ie l>ase and visuallv along the costal margin; superior appendages of male without a pro- minent inferior tooth; vulvar l?mina of female not cleft. A somewhat local l)ut not uncommon species. 44. Sympetrum vicixum (Hagen), Kirby. Fig. 22. Ottawa, August 23rd, 1899, 1 fem^ale (Gibson). Femora and tibiae wholly yellow, wings flavescent only at the extreme base, otherwise it agrees with costifenun in the characters given. 5. vicinmn is one of our latest dragonfiies to disappear and is characteristic of late summer and autumn. It is yellow at first, but later becomes briglit red. 45. Sympetrum semicinctum (Say), Kirl:)y. Ottawa, August 20th, 1885, 1 female; August 27th, 1902, 1 male (Fletcher). Basal half of the wings brownish yellow, superior appendages of male without a prominent inferior tooth, vulvar lamina of female not cleft. This pretty little dragon is rather local but sometimes common where it occurs. 46. Sympetrum ru^icundulum CSav). Kirbv. Fw<,. 2.3, 24, 25. 1908] The Dragoxflies of the Ottawa District. 61 Ottawa. July 14tli and 18th, 1899, 2 females (Gibson); Clark's Bush, July 16th, 1907, 1 male (Letourneau). Wings hyaline or in the so-called variety assimilatum (Uhler) more or less flavescent; legs black; superior appendages of male with a prominent inferior tooth; vulvar lamina of female cleft in the middle ; genital hamule of male (ventral surface of seg. 2) of the fonn shewn in figure. An exceedingly abundant species, flying from early July until November. Young individuals are yellowish, but later become red. 47. Sympetrum obtrusum (Hagen), Kirby. Fig. 26. Ottawa, July 16th and 30th, 1907, 2 females (Gibson); August 9th, 1907, 1 male (Letourneau): 1 male, 1 female (Harrington). Another very common Sympetrum which apparently has not yet become quite distinct from ruhicunduhini. Generally, however, there is no difficulty in separating the males by the form of the genital hamules. The face too. is paler than in riibiciuiduliim, being almost as white as that of a Leucorhinia; and the size usually a little smaller. Genus Erythemis, Hagen. 48. Erythemis simplicicollis (Say). Calvert. Ottawa, July 19th, 1907, 1 male, 1 female (Young). A beautiful grass-green dragonfly about 4.3 mm. long, with- out thoracic markings, or with only the sutures black; the abdomen mostly brown or black in its apical half. Wings hyaline, pterostigma elongate, pale brown. Old males are pale greyish blue, the thorax and abdomen becoming entirely prui- nose. This species, though common in southern Ontario, will proViably not be found in large numbers at Ottawa. It frequents marshy lakes and swamps. Genus Libellula, Linne. This genus consists of large stout-bodied forms in most of Avhich the wings are m.ore or less conspicuouslv spotted or banded. The triangle of the fore wings is narrow and very much elongated posteriorly, and is generally crossed by two or more parallel veins. The sexes are alike in wing pattern and the male is without the ventral hooks on the first abdominal .segment, which characterize the next genus. Some of the species are among our inost familiar dragonflies and may be seen flitting about every stagnant pond or ditch in midsummer. 62 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June 49. Libellula ixcesta, Hagen. 1 male, 1 female, fragm,entary (Maclaughlin). This Libellula is exceptional among Canadian species in having no wing markings except the black pterostigma and an indistinct brownish spot at the extreme apex. The abdomen is more elongate than in the other species. Both sexes become almost entirely bluish pruinose with age. We have taken this Dragonfly at Point Pelee and at Go Home, Georgian Bay, but it seems to be somewdiat rare. 50. Libellula exusta, Say. Ottawa, July 21st, 1907, 1 femal^ (Young); Meach Lake, July 21st, 1907, 1 male, 1 female (Gibson). This is our smallest Libellula and can be distinguished at a glance from our other species by the markings of the wings, in w^hich it resembles a Leucorhinia. There is a pair of dark brown streaks at the base of the fore wings, and an anterior streak and posterior triangular spot at the base of the hind wings. The general color is reddish brown, but in old males the dorsum of the thorax and basal third of the abdomen is bluish-wiiite pruinose. This is an exceel :1 @)III^TT33IC' :^^^IS(^III® -JL "^Wptt^t^ iW Fig. 4 88 >&» iO«f, BRARY The Ottawa Naturalist. [July Fig. 5 Fig. 6 ^"r NESTING [OF COOPER'S HAWK. Afnend/who happened to be spending a few days ^at Woodlands, Quebec on tl- ^ -re ^^^^^^ ^f^e 'eggs; but stated he had found an owl s nest ^^^h^J^^^-^^ becausfthe bird had flv from the vicinity ot ^ne nesu evergreen tree, was placed about 3 5 feet up ^^/^X^s and onl? contained the Lilt of sticks, bark, and a few feathe^^^^ ^^ ,^ three eggs, which, on sight, pnwed to ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ Hawk. The eggs are a trifle sma^^^^^^ ^^ ^eing somewhat Winged Hawk, and are of a hght ^^^ ^ ^^'^^ ^^^ ^ays. soiled. Incubation T;^.\^^^; ^^fans common in these parts, as . • ^^fhe' fiirautLntic'recoTd w: have of it nesting about the ^S:nd^^^S|ldu^-P^^^^ ,3, .03. C^ THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, AUGUST, 1908 No 5. LYMN.^A UMBILICATA C. B. ADAMS IN CAxNADA. By Bryant Walker. The history of this species has been an unfortunate one. It was originally described in 1840 from specimens collected at New Bedford, Mass. Gould in 1841 (Invert. Mass. p. 218) recognized it as a vaHd species. But Haldeman in 1842 (Mono- graph, p. 34) referred it to L. caperaia Say. In this he was followed by W. G. Binney (L. & F. W\ Shelis'Pt. II, p. 56, 1865) and all subsequent writers with one exception. Dr Pilsbrv in 1891 (Proc. A.N.S.P. 1891, p. 320) stated that umbilicata was synonymous with L. cubensis Pfr., and "perfectly dis- tinct" from both L. caperaia Say and L. humilis Say. " That this opinion is correct, I have recently had the opportunity of verifying from an inspection of one of Adams' original speci- niens now in the Museum of Middlebury College, Vt. (Naut. XXII, p. 7, 1908). The only Canadian citation for this species that I know of, and for this I am indebted to Dr. J. F. White- aves, is by D'Urban in 1860 (Can. Nat. VI. p. 97), who quotes it from near the village of Grenville in the County of Ottawa. "D'Urban was more of an entomologist than a'conchologist and he expressly states that Dr. Isaac Lea named most of his fresh water gastropods" (Whiteaves). As he does not cite L. caperaia in his list, in the absence of his actual specimens it is impossible to say whether the identification was correct or not. Dr. Dall in his recent report on Alaskan Mollusks (Harr. Exp. XIII p. 79) includes umbilicaia in the synonymy oi caperaia but expresses "strong doubts as to the validity of this species (caperaia) which may prove entirely heterogeneous." But he does not attempt to differentiate the 'two forms. Nor does he state whether the local references cited from the litera- ture refer wholly to caperaia or not. Apparently no Canadian specimens of either form had been examined by him. In 1880 Mr. G. C. Heron (Trans. Ott. Field-Nat. Club No. 1, p 39) 90 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August published a "List of the Shells found about Ottawa" in which he cited L. humilis Say and L. caperata Say but not L. umbili- cata. Shortly after this he sent to me a set of the Ottawa "humilis. " In revising my LymncBidce recently, I found tliat these shells were not humilis but were utnbilicata. A similar discovery in regard to several lots of " humilis " from Maine and its recognition from one locality in Michigan, would indicate a probable range for this form from New England westward to Michigan and northward into the St. Lawrence Vallev. Its occurrence in Canada is definitely determined by Mr. Heron's specimens. In view of the confusion which has existed in regard to these three species L. umbilicata, caperata and humilis, it would seem worth while to call attention to their differences, so that Canadian collectors may more readily distinguish them. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. L. humilis Say. Clinton River, Macomb Co., Mich., Alt. 10, diam. SI mm. L. caperata Say. Hammond. Ind. Alt. 12^, diam. 6 mm. L. umbilicata C. B. Ads. Alt. 9, diam. 5 mm. Ottawa, Ontario. As shown by the figures, the three species differ radically in shape and considerably in size. The surface sculpture is also quite different. Caperata is uniformly larger than the others and is well characterized by the elevated and revolving lines which are verv conspicuous in young shells and more or less persistent in maturity and, when present, give the surface a velvety appearance. Humilis is so different in shape from the others that it seems strange that any confusion should have occurred. It never has the thickened lip so common in both of the other species and its 1908J Lymn^a umbilicata C. B. Adams ix Canada. ^.l sculpture of rather fine, but irregular growth lines, with no trace of either raised or incised spiral lines is also characteristic. The specimen figured is the usual northern form which is ap- parently not typical and barely, if at all, distinguishable from the L. modicella of Say. Umbilicata is about the size of humilis but in shape is nearer to caper ata. It is more ventricose than that species and has one less whorl. In full matured specimens, the lip is thickened by a callous deposit, which is more or less tinged with pink. The columella is without a fold and is broadlv re- flected over the conspicuous umbilicus. The surface is apparent- ly smooth and polished, but under the glass shows usually on the body-whorl some traces of the revolving, incised spiral lines mentioned by Adams and, on the apical whorls, a light, but characteristic longitudinal, sculpture. As stated elsewhere ('Naut. 1. c.) L. umhilicaia seems to be a northern variety of L cubensis Pfr. characterised bv its more globose shape, more obtuse apex and usually shorter spire and the thickened lip. The additional material that has come under observation since that view was expressed has ser\^ed to confirm the opinion and therefore, this form should be properlv designated as L cubensis ttmbilicata C. B. Ads. COUNCIL MEETING. A meeting of the Council of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club was held on June 2nd in the Carnegie Librarv. The following members were in attendance: The President. "Sir. A. E. Attwood; Messrs. A. Halkett, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, A. McNeil, L. H. Newm.an and T. E. Clarke; Miss Q. Jackson and Miss E. E. Currie. The following were elected ordinary members: Dr. E. M. Walker, B.A., M.B., 99 St. George St., Toronto; Mr. T. A. Brown, Normal School, Ottawa; Mr. A. E. Mel drum, Percv St. School, Ottawa; Mr. E. C. Wight, 34 Gilmour St., Ottawa.' Some changes were made in the programme of excursions, and a discussion took place on Dr. White's proposed combined lecture course, in order that the Club's representati\'es might present the views of the Council at the meeting of the joint com- mittee to be composed of representatives from different societies in Ottawa giving courses of lectures throughout the winter. T-. E. C. 92 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August EXCURSIONS. The sub-excursion of the Club to Beaver Meadow on May 16th under the direction of Vice-President Halkett proved a dec ded success and although the attendance was not as large as mic^ht have been expected, this did not aftect the enthusiasm of tTio^se present. With the object of seeing and learning about nature evervone was keenly on the alert for any natural object from the tiniest insect to the largest fossilized rock \fter a dehghtful walk through the woods on the banks of the west side of the meadow, the different groups with their adeT: assembled on a beautiful piece of t-f near the A^dr^^^^ Road where short addresses were given about the different obiects seen or collected during the afternoon. Mr N Criddle being first called upon, expressed his pleasure at having the opportunitv of meeting the members m the held and in the absence of the leaders of the Ornithological Branch undertook to make a few remarks upon some of the birds observed Special mention was made of the Baltimore Oriole, White-crowned Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Oven-bird, Cat-bird Brown Creeper, and Wilson's Thrush. Mr 't E Clark followed and described in general terms the characteristic flora of the places visited, and identified with brief running comments the different species collected. The plants in full flower were, Hepatica tnhola and H acu- tiloha Trillium erectum and T. grandiflorum, Dog s-tooth Violet B shop's Cap, Wild Ginger, Blue Gohosh,Indian Turnip and a few others Some plants coflected in bud only, were the Sma Her Bell- ° or/ TwLTed'^Stalk, Small Soloman's Seal and Wild Columbine. Dr Blackader drew attention to some of the features that made Beaver Meadow the most beautiful locahtv from a Naturalist's point of view in the Ottawa district. He also ga^ e a practical talk on the tvpical trees of the locality, many species Sf wluch could be seen from the place where the excursionists had assembled. ^, , . ■ ^ a Across the road in the little cemeterv Dr. Blackader pointed out all the local species of elm— the American, or \\hite, the Cork or Rock, and the Red, or Slippery. Mr Lemieux described in an interesting manner the things he had met with and exhibited a little red Salamander. Speak- ina to the vounger people present he advocated the advantage of making notes on the different things discussed, therebv gaining valuable information and interesting reading for the ^Mnter months. 1908] Excursions. 93 Mr.Halkett followed, speaking of the food of the Salamander, caught by Mr. Lemieux, and showed some land shells which it eats. He also spoke of some spiders' capsules, remarking that at the excursion held at Beechwood two weeks previously, such capsules held the eggs of spiders, but that now the young spiders had hatched out. One capsule was found to contain hymenop- terous parasites. Air. Wilson described how the party under he and Mr. E. Wilson had examined the rocks as exposed along the west side of Beaver Meadow. The party went into a quarry where many interesting geological facts were noted. Attention was called to the dip of the beds Vv'hich is clearly shown at the quarry, and the use made of the dip and strike in working out the geology of a country was also explained. The quarry is in the lower Trenton and" probably near the junction of that formation with the Black River. The following fossils collected during the afternoon have since been detemiined by Dr. Ami. Pachydictya acuta, Orthis plicatella, Strophomena incurvata, Rhynchotrema iiKsqmvalvis Asaphiis sp., Illmtus sp., several Montictiliporidce. Prasopora Selwyni, Batostoma sp., and other branching forms. After a few concluding words from Mr. Halkett, the party broke up, all well pleased with their outing. N. C. The sub-excursion on the afternoon of Saturday the 23rd of May was held at Ironsides, and those who attended spent an enjoyable time roaming the woods in search of insects and flowers, or in observing the general phenomena of nature, and the geo- logical character of the locality. The following interesting notes, bearing on the geological features of the district, are by Mr. W. J. Wilson: " Ironsides is situated on a clay terrace about 182 feet above sea level. Chelsea .Station is on a similar terrace or old sea beach and is 365 feet above the same datum, so that in less than three miles there is a rise of 183 feet. Nearly forty years ago this slope was fire swept and the forest completely destroyed; then the soil, bare and unprotected, suffered most severe and rapid denudation. Wherever there were watercourses, however small, deep gullies were cut into the clays and much material was (^arried to lower levels. In a short time after the fire deciduous trees began to spring up and a fierce battle raged for some years between the forest and the eroding agencies. Gradually the 3^oung trees forced their roots deeper into the soil and steadily gained a firm hold till now they have the complete mastery 94 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August Erosion has largely stopped, the trees are becoming large and shady, and the decaying leaves and plants are forming humus which is constantly enriching the soil. Good exposures of Leda clay and Saxicava sand are seen in the railway cuttings, and along the banks of the Gatmeau river Onlv one exposure of solid rock was noted near Ironsides. This 'occurs on the west bank of the Gatineau river just below Wright's Bridge, and is a rather fine grained Potsdam sand- stone. On account of the clay covering, onlv a small surface is exposed The part seen is evidently some distance above the base of the formation which is usually a conglomerate. ihis sandstone is the same as that used in the construction of the Parliament buildings, and also in the new Victoria Museum. Ihe sandstone used in these buildings came from a quarry on lot 6, Concession IT, Nepean Broken Front, where there is a consider- able area of this rock. Blocks from the same quarry are used for paving parts of the streets of Ottawa.'' \t the addresses, which were delivered from a beautiful in- clined slope Dr E. H. Blackader spoke on the plants,Mr.Norman Griddle on the birds, and Mr. Arthur Gibson on the insects. The following description of the plants observed or collected is supplied in manuscript by Dr. Blackader, and in effect embodies what he said about them:— "There is a tiny plant with very beautiful purple coloured flowers which was known to grow in this locality many years aao It is a plant which has a fairlv wide distribution, but yet rather limited to special locahties. One may scour all the other localities in the neighborhood of Ottawa, that we are ^ the habit of visiting in our Saturdav afternoon outings, and yet not hnd this plant. It was feared that it had become exterminated from this localitv also, but this afternoon we have found that it is fairly abundant. It belongs to the Milkwort family and is known botanicallv as Polygala paucijoha. The Flowering Wm- tergreen seems 'to me to describe it very well m popular language; the other name, Fringed Polygala, is considered more scientificallv appropriate. • t . i a The Lilv familv is well represented m this neighborhood We have found the large Bell wort, Uvularia grandtjlora and its poor neighbor, the little pale-coloured Smaller Bellwort, Oakesia sessilifolia. Besides these we have seen the Rosy i wisted- Stalk, the Clintonia, the Indian Cucumber-root and several other representatives of this family, some of which are going to seed, and some scarcely opened into flower. ^. a- Two specimens of the Orchis family have been gathered, the Showy Orchis and the Early Coral-Root, which is rather m- conspicuous and retiring in its habits. 1908] Excursions. 95 Among the ferns gathered are the Christmas fern which is just opening out its pale green bristly fronds; the Marginal shield-fern; the delicate Beech-fern, and the graceful three-divided Oak-fern. The Maples are represented by two species which never become trees, and are not seen in the city. They prefer the moist shady hillsides near streams. These are the Moosewood, Acer peiiusylvaiiiciDn, which has a very large leaf for our woods, and drooping greenish racemes; and the Mountain Maple, .4. spicaiion, which has upright racemes while in flower, but they become drooping in fruit." Following, Mr. Criddle spoke on the birds observed, which included the Black-billed Cuckoo, pointing out that this species is chiefly distinguishable from the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, both of which are found in Eastern Canada, by the colour of the bill, as their names imply; and that both build nests and rear their voung, thus differing from the Old World species which lay their eggs in the nests of other birds*; the Rub3'-throated Humming- bird ; the Phoebe , whose plaintive cr}^ was heard ; the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, mentioning that the male bird is of a brilliant black and white with a rose coloured breast, whilst the female is dull coloured and is therefore protected as she sits on her nest unseen by enemies; the Reel-eyed Vireo; the Black-and-White Warbler; the Yellow Warbler; the Oven-bird, commenting on ♦Whilst it is true, as Mr. Criddle says, that our two species of Cuckoo build nests and rear their young, still there are cases on record where they have followed the habit of their congener, the European Cuckoo, Cuculus canorits, and our own Cow-bird, Molothrns ater, by laying their eggs in the nests of other birds; such as in those of the robin, cat-bird, mourning- dove, and others. Futherniore, the black-billed cuckoo sometimes lays eggs in the nest of the vellow-billed cuckoo and vice versa. There seems indeed to be an erratic trait in the whole group of the cuckoos which number some two hundred species of wide distribution, in the manner of their doinestic proclivities. The nests of sonie are rudely built, whilst others are of slender structure; and a nest may con- tain at the same time eggs in various stages of incubation and hatched out 3'oung ones. Owing to such irregular oviposition, it may not be wondered at that the instinct of the bird might lead her sometimes to drop an egg in the nest of some other bird, as by so doing a purpose m.ay be served to the young bird in being reared in a nest where the depositing of the full complement of eggs is attended by the regularity usual among birds. An interesting instance of the domestic deviations of the cuck- oos is that of the Ani, Crotophaga ani, a bird of South America and the West Indies. It is said that a number of those birds form a community among themselves and construct a huge nest in which the females in com- mon lay their eggs, which number as inany as fourteen or more. .-Alto- gether the cuckoos as a group appear to be very erratic and eccentric in their manners of nest-building or non-nest-building, as well as in their habits of depositing their eggs, or in attending to the wants of their young. 96 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August its curious mouse-like shaped nest, and mentioning that although this nest is difficult to find yet it was often discovered by the female cow-bird, and used as a means for the rearing of her young at the expense of the rightful tenants; the Redstart; the Wood Thrush, and Wilson's Thrush. In speaking of the insects, Mr. Gibson mentioned the in- terest now taken in Mosquitoes owing to the important part they play in the spread of malaria, 37ellow fever, and other diseases. He spoke of some of the early butterflies, which had been noticed for the first time, namely, the Large Yellow Tiger Swallow-Tail ; the Clouded Sulphur; the Northern Dusky-Wing, and the Spring-blue. Bumble-bees, he also said, were particu- larly abundant, remarking that in the spring of 1907 there were very few specimens on account of the severe open winter of 1906-7, which killed them. Bumble-bees are very valuable in- sects on account of the good work they do in fertilizing red clover. He showed specimens of the cocoons of the Hickory Halisidota Tussock-Moth. These insects were enormously abun- dant in August and September of last year, and much anxiety was caused in Eastern Canada by the caterpillars attacking fruit and other trees. Other insects collected during the afternoon were exhibited by Mr. Gibson, and questions were answered in regard to them. An interesting find of the afternoon was a specimen of the Grass Snake, a species which is not over common in the vicinity of Ottawa. A. H. BIRD MIGRATION, 1907. OBSERVATIONS MADE ON SABLE ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA. BY JAMES BOUTEILLER. NAME OF SPECIES. AVHEN FIRST SEEN Redpoll Jan. 20. . . Nuthatch " 20... Saw-whet Owl Feb. 21... American Robin March 1 . . . American Crow , vSlate-coloured Junco April White-throated Sparrow Canada Goose AmerJ-^an Robins Belted Kingfisher Fox Sparrow Terns Greater Yellowlegs NUMBER SEEN One. 24 " 1 Sever'i.l. 1 S Two. 1 L Several. 14 One. 14 Several. 26 A few. 28 One. -m 1908J Bird Migration, 1907. 97 Night-hawk May Piping Plover Crow Swallow Red Phalerope " Northern Phalerope " Least Bittern Roseate Tern White Crowned Sparrow Pine Warbler Least Semipalmated Sandpiper. . . " Curlew June Kingbird Jul v Squa Gulls White Rumped vSandpiper Yellowleg " Black-bellied Plover Aug. Rail : . . " Pectoral Sandpiper Sept. Connecticut Warbler American Pipit " Canada Goose American Osprey " White Throated' Sparrow " Mourning Dove " Black Throated Blue Warbler " Black and White Warbler " Bron/.e Grackle Yellow Palm Warbler Oct. House Sparrow Fox Sparrow " House Wren " Slate Coloured Junco " Golden Crested Wren Red Throated Loon " Vesper Sparrow ._ American Robin White Throated Sparrow " Hermit Thrush " Yellow-billed Cuckoo " American Bittern Snow Bunting Hermit Thrush Nov. Nuthatch " Scaup Duck " Long-tailed Duck " Northern Shrike " 1 One 7 " 12 Three 12 One. 13 In flocks. 13 One. 13 " 16 " 13 " 16 " 19 Three. 10 One. 9 ■' IS Several. 28 About 50 30 One. 12 Two. 14 One. 7 " IS " 18 About 2 dz. IS About 1 dz . 26 One. 26 " 26 " 28 " 28 " 29 Two. 3 In numbers 6 One. 15 Two. 17 One. 17 " IS Two. 19 One. 21 " 24 In numbrs. 24 In numbrs. 24 A few^ 26 One. 27 " 2 7 In numbrs. 1 Several. 1 Several. 1 Several. 1 About 50. 16 One. 98 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FROM CENTRAL NEW BRUNSWICK. By Wm. H. Mooke, Scotch Lake, N.B. The following notes were jotted down during the seasons of 1901 and 1907. April 4th, a species of Grapta, probably faunus, was observed on the house. April 1 1th, two Vanessa antiopa, one V. milhertii. April 12th, Grapta j. -album: Graptas were common. April 18th, one V. milbertii. Very few examples of this species are seen here. May 6th, LyccBna marginata, common by 9th. May 14th, Pieris napi, rather rare here now. May 21st, Thecla augustus, very scarce here. May 23rd, Papilio turnus; last seen July 19th. May 24th, P. asterias. Full grown larvae were found on carraway July 12th. Very small larva; were noticed on carrots July 26th. A full grown larva taken July 26th was sluggish the next day and pupated on 28th. The chrysalis was a beauti- ful shade of light green with the protuberances on the back yellow. On August 8th the colour was decidedly darker and before noon a male butterfly emicrged. August 6th, a caterpillar of P. asterias was found hung up in a crevice of a barn; the following day it had changed to a chrysalis, which was much darker in colour than the first one mentioned. Many imagoes oi P. asterias were seen from August 4th to 8th, changing to chrysalis form. A period of thirteen days elapsed from full grown larva to imago; but some individuals winter in the chrysalis stage. A female when laying her eggs hovers over a leaf and with curved abdomen places the egg upon the under side of the leaf. May 26th, Pieris napi and P. rapes and Papilio ttirnus seen. June 4th, Thanaos icelus. June 5th, Brenthis myrina first seen. P. turnus and Pieris rapce very plentiful. June 11th, Lyccena lucia, Phyciodes tharos, Eudamus pylades and Thorybes hobomok. June 15th, Chrysophanus hypophlceas, Basilarchia disippus. June 13th, Anosia plexippns taken on choke-cherry bloom, another seen the next day. One secured August 8th was newly hatched. August 16th, a chrysalis of this species was found 1908] Entomoligical Notes from Central N. B. 99 hanging in grass near some milkweeds. August 28th, a full- grown larva was secured. June 16th, Basilarchia arthemis first seen, became plentiful but by July 16th was about over. On September 10th, a remark- ably late date, the last one of the season was seen. June 26th, Argynnis atlaniis, abundant. June 27th, Pyrameis caniui, a very rare butterfly here. Phyciodes marcia, Thanaos icelus, Eudanms pylades, and Colias interior, and some unidentified skippers are noticed. Julv 10th, Satyrodes canthus and Satyrus alope are added to the list. Julv 18th, a very rare species is added, it being Thecla acadica. Only two examples of this species have been seen here before. August 7th, Feniseca tarquiniiis. first found, but in May and Jime, 1907, they were abundant. August 22nd, Basilarchia hulstii was taken. This is the onlv example of this species ever seen here. It differs from disippiis in having white spots on the hind wings. Two specimens of Dehis porilandia have been caught in this section. Grapta progne and G. gracilis have also been taken. MelitCBa harrisii was secured July 16th, 1907. July 24th, 1906, w^hile watching skaters on a brook, one was observed to leap upon a small green bug commonly known as a spit grass-hopper or frog-hopper. The bug was drawn beneath the body of the skater, which evidently began to suck its juices. The current was carrying the skater down stream so it began moving toward a tuft of grass, upon a blade of which it obtained a resting place. In the meantime other skaters had scented the bug and were circling about the captor evidently in search of some slight repast. A couple of weeks later Mrs. Moore was near the brook at this same place and heard a buzzing among some grass and brush. Investigation proved the sound to be produced by a very large dragon-fly that was en- gaged in mortal combat with a large hornet. The hornet was frightened away from its antagonist yet it did not go far away, and within a minute returned to the, fray. All the while the dragon-fly kept up its buzzing, evidently to frighten its enemy. The hornet was not to be cowed by a noise, and again attacked the dragon-fly, worrying it from the under side , apparently try- ing to cut off its legs. It had succeeded in amputating one leg when the fight was stopped and the dragon-fly secured as it was of a species not in our collection. Had the hornet suc- ceeded in its endeavors it would have been master of the situa- tion, as it is with its legs the dragon-fly embraces its prey, while it bites it. 100 The Ottawa Naturalist. [August While taking a half-mile walk, one Sunday afternoon in Aug- ust, along a road bordered with alders, and leading through a swamp, numbers of reddish dragon-flies were seen. Two pairs were secured, the males were cardinal, with chocolate coloured heads and black side markings upon each segment of the body. The females had greenish faces. One was light-brown with blackish markings, while the other was red and black, yet not so bright red as the males. When caught both females voided eggs which were transparent, round, and of a yellowish shade. Several species of damsel and dragon-flies are found along the afore-mentioned brook and road. They are coloured in differ- ent shades of grey, blue, green, yellow, red, white and black. BOTANICAL BRANCH. On the evening of May 7th, a regular meeting of the Botani- cal Branch was held at the home of Mr. Geo. H. Clark, Seed Commissioner, Ottawa. There was a large attendance and a most interesting discussion took place upon the following topics : — (1) Process of making w-ater colour drawings — by Norman Criddle. (2) Group and family characteristics of seeds and their import in the identification of plants — by W. Bond, Seed Branch, Ottawa. (3) Conditions unfavorable to the resumption of growth by the dormant embryo — by G. H. Clark, B.S.A., Seed Com- missioner, Ottawa. Mr. Norman Criddle, Aweme, Man., who has done such excellent work in preparing tlie illustrations for the book on "Farm Weeds" recently published by the Seed Branch of the Department of Agriculture, outlined his methods of procedure in the production of his paintings. Mr. Criddle explained that whatever measure of success he had enjoyed was due to the early encouragement he had received. This explanation, how^ever, was not considered sufficient in itself to account for the marked ability shown by the artist. It was discovered later that Mr. Criddle showed special talents in this direction when a mere child. The ability to reproduce exactly what one sees in the minutest detail, is a rare gift and one possessed by Mr. Criddle to a high degree. Mr. Bond, Assistant in the Seed Laboratory, described the methods followed by the Seed Branch in identifying weed seeds. The speaker explained the difficulty that was met 1908] Botanical Branch. 101 with owing to the absence of any definite method of classification similar to that relied upon when the flower is available for identi- fication purposes. While this fact necessitated the use of a large reference collection of correctly named seeds taken from authentic samples, yet many families of plants were found to produce seeds of a certain type common to the family to which they belong and which were therefore easily placed in the proper family. As instances of this, the characteristics of the seeds of the following families were submitted: — Ranunculaceae. (Crowfoot Family). Genera having achenes. Achenes flat, irregularly oval in shape with pointed base. Persistent style of varying length, attached. Papaveraceae. (Poppy Familv). Seeds kidney shaped with raised reticulated surfaces. Seeds of several genera crested. Cruciferae. (Mustard Family). Seeds generally with depression along each side of the radicle causing it to project prominently. Hilum white. Acrid taste. Pericarp often finely pitted. Caryophyllaceae. (Pink Familv). Seeds kidney shaped with characteristic tubercles or warts generally arranged in parallel rows or concentric rings. Malvaceae. (Mallow Family). Seeds kidney shaped, resting sides flattened or compressed. Legumixosae. (Pulse Family). Seeds with hard pericarp. In manv genera the radicle projects prominently; others are globular with a long character- istic hilum. Umbelliferae. (Parsley Family). Carpels usually with five prominent ribs, ventral surface flattened. I\Iany produce aromatic odour from essential oil. Compositae. (Composite Family). Achenes oblong and stick-like, often having ribs running longitudinally. When the pappus is detached a conspicuous crown or impression remains. Labiatae. (Mint Family). Achenes mostly attached at the base, leaving characteristic depressions. Many genera show two flattened sides through pressure in ovary. Somewhat resemble small insects. Plantaginaceae. (Plaintain Family). Seeds boat-shaped with rounded ends. Dorsal surface convex, ventral showing a deep groove with an oblong spot resembling an eye. Polygonaceae. (Buckwheat Family). Achenes usually sharply triangular, an occasional genus 102 The Ottawa Naturalist. . [August lenticular with pointed end. Generally highly glazed. Gramineae. (Grass Family). Grain or caryopsis has small embryo placed at the base of the grain. Wheat grain is typical of the grain of manv genera with palets removed. Some genera have highly glazed palets closely adhering to the caryopsis. From the above it will be seen that the seeds of some families at least have certain characters peculiar to them which aid materially in their identification. The identification of the species is a much more difficult matter and generally speaking requires long experience in order to become at all proficient in this connection. In the species of the genus Brassica for instance, it was pointed out that it is neces- sary to plant the seed of dotibtful samples and produce the first foliage leaves at legist in order to be sure of their identity. Within recent years that part of the study of botany which has to do with the seed has been largelv overlooked although a most interesting field of work is offered in this connection. Mr. G. H. Clark next presented the following paper: — Conditions Unfavorable to the Resumption of Growth BY THE Dormant Embryo in Seeds. True germination in seed producing plants takes place when the oospore germinates after fertilization within the ovule has been secured, which process of fertilization produces the oospore. The succeeding generation then commences in the development of the embryo, which, when ready to separate itself from the mother plant, is surrounded by, attached to, or contains within its cells a supply of nutriment necessary to its further growth. The seed is then said to be ripe, and the embryo plant ma}' then be said to be ready to enter upon a period of rest. It is well known that with many kinds of seeds a rest period is enforced, which mav be taken as one of nature's methods of providing for the perpetration of the species. Experiments conducted in the seed laboratory with many kinds of cultivated plants and with weed seeds make clear that this preservation of life, or delayed germination, varies considerablv, even with fully ripened seeds taken from the same plant. Conditions that arc unfavorable to germination. (a). Maturity of embryo. Although the seed may be said to be ripe when it has naturally separated itself from the mother plant, the embryo is not necessarily fully matured in the ap- parently ripe seed until such time as it may be able to commence with the process of secreting enzymes, which are necessary to the digestion of the food stored bv it for the purpose of its nutri- 1908] Botanical Branch. 103 ment when growth is resumed. It is stated or suggested by some botanists of repute that this so-called non-maturity of the embryo in sound and apparently ripe seeds is the cause of de- layed germination of most seeds that seem to require a rest period. Some recent work by Crocker, however, would seem to disprove this theory with many, but not all, kinds of seeds. The hawthorn, for instance, will germinate very sparingly during the first two years, even though ideal conditions for growth be provided, by artificial or other means. (b). Water content. The ideal condition for preserving life and vital energy within the embryo of most seeds is storage in a relatively cool, dry place. Even under the best conditions of storage, seeds gradually part with their moisture content. The rapidity wath which this takes place is believed to be due largely to the condition of the seed coat. If the seed coat be such as to hermetically seal the embryo with its food supply, then life is preserved, under proper conditions of storage, for a longer period. Germination of the seed or resumption of growth on the part of the embryo can not take place unless the embryo is able to secure a sufficient supply of water, even though the embryo may be fully matured and ready to commence growth. Crocker found that in most kinds of seeds, such as are to be found among the cruciferae, borraginaceae, the plantains, the iris, and many species of water plants, that the embryo and its store of food was so completelv sealed in a seed coat, impervious to water, that germination could not take place. He conducted extensive experiments wilr £eed^ of various kinds of plants by germinating them at dift'erent temperatures, with some of which seeds he artificially striated, or clipped the seed-coat, in a way not to injure the embryo, and compared the germination with seeds of the same kind on which the seed coat remained intact. With very few exceptions he found that the artificial clipping of freshly-ripened seeds (by which process of clipping he enabled the water to reach the embryo) induced prompt growth, whereas those with seed coats not clipped failed to germinate or germinated very sparingly; further, that the various kinds of seeds differ in respect to the temperature best suited to the re- resumption of rapid growth on the part of the embryo. It was found that w'ith some of the seeds that were not entirely impervious to water but in which inhibition took place slowly, that the embryo swelled and filled the cavity occupied by it, and yet growth did not commence. As soon, however, as the "plug", or that small portion of the seed coat of some species of seeds (iris) which is contiguous to the embryo, was removed, artificial growth at once commenced. Crocker's work entirely 104 The Ottawa Naturalist [August bears out the result of tests conducted in our seed laboratory with fresh seeds of cucurbits, radish and other cruciferous seeds and such kinds as are known to have a relatively hard seed coat , as clover seeds and others. Samples of red clover and alsike seeds that are sent in for test in the fall of the year, directly after they are harvested, are expected as a rule to give a low percentage of germination and a high percent- age of seeds that remain sound and hard. Ordinary storage for a period of six months apparently breaks down the natural condition of the seedcoat of clover seeds which renders them difficultly pervious to water. One sample of red clover seed, produced in the province of Manitoba, when submitted to the usual germination test, showed only 17% of growth during the first month and less than 50% at the end of three months. From the original sample 50 grains were taken and artificially clipped (without injuring the embryo,) in order to secure the admission of water. From these 50 seeds made pervious to water by artificial means, 50 plants were promptly produced, when submitted to the ordinary methods of germination. The question of how this difficulty may be over- come with commercial seeds has apparently occupied the at- tention of expert seedsmen and brewers. It is well known that these freshlv ripened seeds are entirely satisfactory in respect to their germination after they have had a rest period of six months or a vear. Radish seeds, for instance, are known to be more satisfactory, from the seedsman's standpoint, when they are fully one year old. It is known that some skilled seedsmen are able, within a few hours, by treating their supplies of cruci- ferous seeds (and other seeds which, when fresh, show delaved germination) to secure as satisfactory results as by keeping them over in storage for a year ; and it is believed to be a quite common practice on the part of some seedsmen to kiln dry their fresh stocks of such seeds for a few hours, at a temperature that is not dangerous to their vitality. That is done also by brewers with some lots of barley of mixed varieties, for the purpose of reducing the barlev to a uniform rapidity of germination." L. H. N. Mr. Norman Criddle, who has been in Ottawa for the last three months, left on the 5th August for his home at Aweme, Man. Mr. Criddle has been a member of the Club for many years, and during his stay he attended most of the spring ex- cursions and did much to make them a success. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII PLATE § 3 ^ 16 12 13 15 CHAZY PELECYPODA THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, SEPTEMBER, 1908 No. 6. NOTES ON THE PELECYPODA OR BIVALVE MOL- LUSCA OF THE CHAZY FORMATION IN CANADA, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF ONE NEW GENUS AND FOUR NEW SPECIES FROM THE CHAZY SANDSTONE AT THE HOG'S BACK, NEAR OTTAWA. By J. F. White.wes. All bivalve mollusca, whether fossil or recent, such as clams, mussels, oysters, and the like, belong to a class for which various names haA^e been proposed by systematists. Among these names some of the best known are AWupa, Aristotle ; Bivalvia, Linnaeus (1767); Acephala, Cuvier (1798); Lamelli- branchiata, Blainville (1816); Conchifera, Lamarck (1818), and Pelecypoda, Goldfuss (1821). For many years the name Lamellibranchiata has been in use for this class, but Pelecypoda is the one now preferred for it by some of the latest authorities, on account of its uniformity with other molluscan class names, such as Gasteropoda, Scaphopoda, and Cephalopoda. The pelecypoda of the Chazy .formation in Canada have not been studied at all exhaustively, and not many of the species that occur therein have been either determined or described. In the late Mr. E. Billings' excellent paper on the "Fossils of the Chazy Limestone," which was published in the "Canadian Naturalist and Geologist" for December, 1859, about tw^o pages are devoted to the consideration of the pelecypoda of that formation, under the name lamellibranchiata. Fossils belonging to this class, Mr. Billings writes, are "rare in the Chazy lime- stone, yet the species appear to be somewhat numerous. I think I can make out 17 species belonging to Ctenodonta, Cyrto- doita, Vauuxemia, Modiolopsis, and probably two or three other genera. As the specimens consist mostly of casts, they 106 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Sept. must remain un described until better can be procured." He then proceeds to identify some specimens from the Canadian Chazy with Ctenodonta nasuta (Hall), and to describe three new species, under the names Modiolopsis parviuscula. Cyrto- donta breviuscida, and Vantixemia Montrealensis, but figures only the latter. In regard to these four species the following notes are submitted. Ctenodonta nasuta (Hall). Mr. Billings says that this species "occurs in the Chazy sandstone at Lac Aurau River above the River Rouge, and also at the Mingan Islands in the Chazy limestone." The writer has not seen any specimens of it from the first of these localities, which should read — at Lac Oureau River, above the Riviere Rouge, in Joliette Co. In the Museum of the Geological Survey there are two casts of the interior of the shell of specimens, labelled "Ctenodonta nasuta (Hall, sp.), Mingan Islands, Logan and Richardson, 1856." These are probably the specimens referred to on page 134 of the "Geology of Canada" (1863), which are said to be from the "bay above Clear Water Point," which is on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, opposite the Mingan Islands. Modiolopsis parviuscula, Billings (PI. Ill, figs, l and 2). This species is very inadequately defined, and it has not previously been figured. All that is said of it by Mr. Billings is that it "closely resembles M. modiolaris (Conrad); but is always less than half the size of that species. It occurs in the Chazy limestone at Montreal, near Cornwall, at the Mingan Islands, on the Islands at Lake Huron, and also at Punk Island, Lake Winnipeg." The only authenti- cally named specimens of M. parviuscula that the writer has seen are a single right valve from Cornwall (fig. 1), collected by Mr. Billings; and four badly preserved casts of the interior of single valves from Punk Island, collected by Professor H. Youle Hind in 1858 (one of which is repre- sented bv fig. 2). All of these are in the Museum of the Geological Survey. In regard to the comparative size of M. modiolaris and M. parviuscula, the following measurements may be of interest. The maximum length of the largest and most perfect Canadian specimen of M. modiolaris in the Museum of the Geological Survey is 68 mm. (or nearly 2| inches); and that of another, in the same museum, is 61^ mm. (or 1908] Chazy Pelecypoda 107 nearly 2^ inches). The greatest length of the right valve of M. parviiiscula from Cornwall (fig.l) is 24 mm. (or a little less than an inch) ; and that of one of the largest valves of a specimen of the same species from Punk Island (fig. 2) is about ii mm. (or an inch and a quarter). M. parviiiscula is rather an inappropriate name for the species for which it was proposed, as it is by no means the smallest of the genus. In the Museum of the Survey there are two specimens of M. faba (Conrad, 1842), from the Black River limestone at Paquettes Rapids, that are onlv 4 and 5 mm., respectively, in their maximum length. Cyrtodonta breviuscula, Billings (PI. III. fig. 3). The type and only known specimen of this species, in the Museum of the Geological Survey of Canada, is the left valve figured on Plate III. It is said to have been collected b}^ Mr. Billings from the "Chazy sandstone three miles east of the city of Ottawa, half a mile back from the river." Vanuxemia Montrealensis, Billings. The types of this species, from the "Chazy limestone on the Island of Montreal and near L'Orignal," were collected b}' Sir W. E. Logan and Dr.R. Bell. In regard to this species Mr. Billings writes, "I have placed it in the genus Vanuxemia provisionally, but it may be necessar}^ hereafter to remove it to some other genus." Ulrich places Vanuxemia in his family C yrtodontidoe , but it has long seemed to the writer that V. Montrealensis, with its thin test and compressed mytiloid form, is rather referable to the Anthony chiidce . In 1903, Dr. H. M. Ami made an interesting collection of fossils from the Chazy limestone at Van Home Avenue, Montreal. Among these fossils there are twenty-five or more that appear to be referable to V. Montrealensis, though most of them are only imperfect and badly preserved casts of the interior of single valves. If these specimens are correctly identified with V. Mon- trealensis, then, in the writer's judgment, that species must belong to Ulrich's genus Clionychia, there being, apparently, no bvssal opening as in Psilonychia. In an Appendix to Dr. R. W. Ells' Report on the Geology and Natural Resources of the Area included in the Map of the City of Ottawa and vicinity, published in 1889, in the Annual Report, New Series, Vol. XII, of the Geological Survey of Canada, Dr. H. M. Ami records the occurrence of Vanuxemia 108 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Sept. Montrealensts, Billings, in the Black River formation at the Hog's Back- and of Ctenodonta (it should be Cyriodona) breviiis- cula Billings; Ctenodonta, sp.; and Modtolopsis parvtuscula Billings- in^he Chazv formation at the Hog's Back. Lastly in a paper on the "Fauna of the Chazy limestone, published' in the American Journal of Science for November, 1905 Mr Percy E. Ravmond describes 13 species of pelecypoda from' the Chazv of the' State of New York, and Canada. Three of these are from the neighbourhood of Ottawa, viz., Ctenodonta parvidens, from the Hog's Back; and Whitella Canadensis, and Modtolopsis Sowteri, from Aylmer. The types of these three species are in the Yale University Museum at New Haven. Connecticut. For the opportunity of examining these types and those of Clionychia marginalis, Ambonydna {f)curvata, and Modiolopsis jabcejormis, the writer is indebted to Mr. Raymond. The pelecvpoda that are described or referred to on the following pages, were collected by Mr. Walter R. Billings from the Chazv sandstone and shale on the east side of the rapids at the Hog's Back, in the township of Gloucester and county of Carleton, principally in the years 1906 and 1907. They are all mere casts of the interior of the shell, which rarely show any clear indications of the hinge dentition, or well defined imprints of the muscular scars. _ From the sandstone which,- Mr. Billings says, immediately underlies the Birds eve limestone at this locality, there appear to be about eight species of pelecvpoda in the collection, though two of them are too imperfect for identification or description. These pelecypoda are associated with Ungida Lyelli, Billmgs, a Holopea, and casts of the interior of the shell of a species of Spyroceras. . ^ , ,i • .i From the immediately underlying shale there are.m the collection specimens of Ctenodonta parvidens, Raymond, that show imprints of some of the hinge teeth, and several casts that may also be referable to that species, but which show no traces of such imprints. These are associated with Ltngula Belli, Billings. . , . . , ,• 11 a.- The species of pelecvpoda m this interesting collection may be provisionally described or determined as follows:— A. From the Chazy sandstone at the Hog's Back. Clionychia Ottawaensis, sp. nov. Plate III, fig. 4. Shell as indicated bv casts of the interior of single valves, small strongly convex in the median region longitudinally; narrowly, obliquely and acuminately subovate, or mytiloid. 1908] Chazy Pelf.cypoda 109 in its marginal outline, with nearly straight, prolonged and terminal umbones; and about one-third longer than high. Ventral margin gently convex behind the umbones; hinge line straight and moderately elongated, forming an obtusely subangular junction with the posterior margin, which is some- what obliquely subtruncate above and narrowly rounded below; umbones rather attenuate; beaks small, depressed, incurved. Test unknown; surface of casts marked with concentric lines of growth. Hinge dentition and muscular impressions unknown. Represented in the collection by eight casts of the interior of single valves. A much smaller and more convex species than C. marginalis , Raymond, and with more strongly curved beaks. Clionychia (?) GiBBOSA, sp. nov. Plate III, figs. 5 and 6. Left valve, the only part of the shell known, tumid, strongly convex and gibbous on the umbonal declivity, but flattened obliquely on the anterior side; marginal outline varying from rounded subpentagonal in one specimen (fig. 5) to obliquely subovate in another (fig. 6). Anterior margin truncated almost vertically above, and curving abruptly and convexly backward into the narrow and somewhat pointed base below (as in fig. 5); or narrowing rather rapidly and uninterruptedly both inward and downward from the umbo to the base (as in fig. 6). Posterior margin either subtruncated rather obliquely, and nearly parallel with the anterior margin above, and rounding into the base below (as in fig. 5) ; or broadly convex (as in fig. 6) ; hinge line straight and moderately elongated; umbo broad, obtuse and terminal ; its under or inner surface flattened. Test unknown; surface of the cast apparently concen- trically striated. Hinge dentition and muscular impressions unknown. Represented in the collection by two imperfect and badly preserved casts of the interior of two left valves. The outline of the posterior margin of fig. 6 is a little restored. A peculiar species, whose characters are as yet but very imperfectly indicated. 110 The Ottawa Naturalist [Sept. MoDioLOPSis fab^formis, Raymond. Plate III, figs. 7, 8 and 9. Modiolopsis fabczformis, Raymond. 1905. Amer. Journ. Sci., Fourth Series, Vol. XX, p. 374. A few specimens that are probably referable to this species, though the dorsal margin of each is not quite so high posteriorly as is that of a typical specimen of M . jabcejormis, a right valve from Valcour Island, kindly lent to the writer by Mr. Raymond. Three of the best of these specimens from the Hog's Back are figured on Plate III. They may be described as follows: — Shell very small, rather strongly convex, most prominent and tumid on the posterior umbonal slopes, with a faint, wide, shallow and oblique depression in front of them ; maximum thickness through the closed valves nearly as great as their maximum height; valves elongated, twice as long as high and very inequilateral. Anterior portion of the valves short, narrowly rounded at its extremitv below; posterior portion thereof much longer and a little higher and deeper than the anterior, its extremity either obliquely subtruncate above and apparently bluntly pointed below, as in figs. 7 and 9, or evenly rounded, as in fig. 8. Ventral margin very shallowly, and in some cases (fig. 7) rather obliquely concave anteriorly, and gently and broadly convex behind. Superior border descending rapidly and obliquely in front of the beaks, nearly straight and horizontal behind thein; valves highest and deepest at the posterior termination of the hinge line, in consequence of the slight convexity of the ventral margin posteriorly; umbones low, obtuse; beaks small, depressed, incurved, and placed at a short distance from the anterior end. Test unknown ; surface of the cast marked with a few con- centric lines of growth. Hinge dentition and muscular impres- sions unknown, The original of figure 7, on Plate III, is a cast of the interior of both valves. The specimen represented by figure 8, on the same plate, is a cast of the interior of a right valve, with a some- what straighter ventral margin, and more regularly rounded posterior extremity. In its size and marginal contour this specimen closely resembles the Trenton fossil figured by Hall as a "large and characteristic form" of Modiolopsis faba (Conrad) on Plate 35, fig. 6 a, of the first volume of the Palaeon- tology of the State of New York. The cast of the interior of a right valve represented by fig. 9 on Plate III, is rather like 1908] ■ Chazy Pelrcypoda 111 Modiolopsis Nats, Billings, from the Black River limestone at Paquettes Rapids, but is flatter and distinctly though shallowly depressed in front of the posterior umbonal slope. It looks as if it had been abnormally compressed. The type specimen of M. fabcejormis is in }.ir. Raymond's collection. Orthodesma AXTiguu.M, sp. nov. Plate III, fig. 10. Shell somewhat compressed, most convex and prominent' on the posterior umbonal slope of each valve; slender, elongated, and nearly four times as long as high. Anterior portion of the valves verv short and narrowly rounded; posterior portion of the same more than five times as long as the anterior, a little higher and deeper behind the midlength than in front of it; superior border or dorsal margin increasing slowly in height posteriori v, nearlv straight, but slightly convex ; its inferior border or ventral margin also nearly straight, but faintly concave; posterior extremity rrther obliquely subtruncated, and apparently forming a subangular and somewhat pointed junction with the ventral margin. Beaks small, inconspicuous and appressed, placed at a short distance from the anterior end. Test unknown; surface of casts marked with concentric lines of growth. In one specimen these growth lines are rather numerous and closely disposed. Hinge dentition unknown; muscular impressions indistinctly defined. Five badly preserved and for the most part ver}- imperfect casts of the interior of single valves. This species occurs also in the Chazv sandstone at Aylmer, where specimens have been quite recently collected bv Mr. T. W. E. Sowter, associated with Whitella Canadensis. It is provisionally referred to Orthodesma on account of its re- semblance, in marginal outline, to certain well known species, such as O. rectum. Hall and Whitfield, and O. suhnasntum (Meek and Worthen). If it is an Orthodesma, it is the oldest known species of that genus. Vanuxemia pakvula, sp. nov. Plate III, figs. 11 and 12. Shell small for the genus, valves moderatelv con\-ex, broadly subovate, or ovately subtrigonal, and very little longer than high. 112 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Sept. Anterior portion of each valve short, and comparatively broadly rounded; posterior moiety of the same longer, mode- rately produced, narrowing rapidly both above and below, and bluntly pointed at its extremity; ventral margin forming a longitudinally semiovate curve; superior border descending rapidly in front of the beaks, and rather more gradually so behind them; umbones broad and prominent; beaks incurved and placed at a short distance from the anterior end. Test unknown; surface of casts of the interior smooth. Hinge dentition also unknown. Anterior muscular scar deeply impressed and concentrically striated; posterior scar indistinctly defined, apparently narrowly subovate and acutely pointed above. Three casts of the interior of single valves, two of which are figured, and one cast of the two valves united. SowTERiA, gen. nov. Shell rather small, equivalve, moderately convex, some- times tumid and always most prominent on the oblique posterior umbonal slope; subtrapezoidal in marginal outline, a little longer than high, and very inequilateral. Posterior area defined by an abrupt inflection of each valve at and behind the sub- angular umbonal declivity. Test unknown; in casts of the interior the greater part of the surface is marked by a few large concentric rib-like folds, but the posterior area of both valves is nearly or quite smooth. Hinge dentition and muscular impressions unknown. Type and only known species of the genus, Whitella Cana- densis, Raymond. All the specimens of W. Canadensis that have yet been collected show only the general shape of the shell and its coarser surface markings. These, however, are so peculiar as to be readily distinctive. The reference of these shells to the genus Whitella can scarcely be regarded as satisfactory, and the writer would prefer to regard them as more probably indicative of a new generic type, whose precise affinities have yet to be ascertained, and for which the name Soivteria is here provisionally suggested. SowTERiA Canadensis (Raymond). Plate III, figs. 13, 14 and 15. Whitella canadensis, Raymond. 1905. Amer. Journ. Sci., Fourth Series, Vol. XX, p. 373. The cotypes of this species are casts of the interior of two detached left valves from the Chazy sandstone at Aylmer, Que., 1908] Chazy Pel?:cypoda 113 collected by Mr. Sowter, and now in the museum of Yale Univer- sity. At this locality numerous casts of right and left valves have been collected' by Dr. H. M. Ami and by Mr. Sowter. In Mr. BiUings' collection of fossils from the Hog's Back there are eleven casts of the interior of single valves of 5. Cana- densis. Most of these are imperfect and badly preserved, the three specimens figured on Plate III being the most perfect but bv no means the largest. In figure 14 on that plate the ventral rnargin is a little restored. The generic definition of Sowteria is largelv based upon these three figured specimens, and the following description of some of their presumably specific characters may be added. Anterior portion of each valve very short, in some specimens truncated almost vertically at its extremitv, in others faintly concave under the leaks above, and rounded at or below the midheight; posterior portion moderatelv elongated, its extremity obliquely subtruncate above and narrowly rounded belov.-. Superior border and ventral margin nearly straight or very gently convex; beaks nearlv or quite terminal. In a right valve of 5. Canadensis from Aylmer, collected by Dr. Ami in 1893, there is an oblique, shallow, median de- pression. B. From the Chazy shale at the Hog's Back. Ctekodonta parvidens, Raymond. Plate III, fig. 16. Ctenodonta parvidens, Raymond. \90S. Amer. Journ. Sci., Fourth Series, Vol. XX, p. 372. The cotvpes of this species are two specimens from the Chazv shale at the Hog's Back, collected by Mr. Sowter and now m the museum of Yale University. Both of these specimens show impressions of the hinge teeth. C. parvidens appears to be the most abundant and charac- teristic fossil of the Chazy shale at this locality, where specimens have been collected by Dr. Ami and Mr. Sowter, as well as by Mr. Billings. Dr. Ami has also found numerous specimens of it in the Chazy shale at Rockland, on the Ottawa River, twenty- one miles below Ottawa, in the township of Clarence. In Mr. BiUings' collection from the Hog's Back there are nine casts of the interior, either of separate valves or of the two valves united, all of which show impressions of at least some of the hinge teeth. The following is an original description 114 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Sept. of these specimens, in which the shorter, higher and deeper portion of each valve is regarded as anterior, and the prolonged portion as posterior. Shell compressed convex, about one-third longer than high, narrowly subovate and very inequilateral. Anterior (?) portion of each valve short, its margin shallow ly concave above the midheight, convexly curved and narrowing rapidly inward to the base below ; posterior ( ?) portion much longer than the anterior, decreasing gradually both in height and depth, its extremity obliquely subtruncate above and narrowly rounded below. Ventral margin convexly curved anteriorly, almost straight but slightly concave behind. Cardinal border descending very gradually behind the beaks and much more rapidly so in front of them ; umbones broad and more or less flat- tened; beaks appressed, incurved, with a forward (?) inclination, placed considerably in advance of the midlength. Surface marked with numerous, fine, close-set, concentric raised lines, or minute narrow ridges. Impressions of the hinge teeth minute and very indistinctly defined in all the specimens that the writer has seen. On the shorter and presumably an- terior portion of the hinge line there appear to be about four of these impressions ; and on the longer and presumably pos- terior portion, about twice as many. Associated with these specimens there are quite a number of badly preserved casts of the interior of the closed valves of a shell which may be referable to this species, but which show no impressions of any of the hinge teeth. These casts have much the same marginal outline as the typical C. parvidens, but in some of the former the valves seem to be proportionately more convex, the umbones farther apart, and the beaks more curved. EXPLANATION OF PLATE IIL (The originals of all the figures on this plate are mere casts of the interior of the shell, and the whole of the figures, except figs. 7 and 14, are of the natural size. The originals of figs. 4-15, both inclusive, are from the Chazy sandstone at the Hog's Back). MoDioLOPsis PARViuscuLA (page 106). Fig. 1. A right valve of this species, from Cornwall, Ontario. Fig. 2. A left valve, from Punk Island, Lake Winnipeg. Cyrtodonta breviuscula (page 107). Fig. 3. The type of this species, a left valve, from three miles east of Ottawa. 1908] Chazy Pklecypoda 115 Clionychia Ottawaensis (page 108). An unusually perfect left valve of this species. Clionychia gibbosa (page 109). The "rounded subpentagonal" left valve referred to on page 109. ?he imperfect and "obHquely subovate" left valve referred to on the same page. MODIOLOPSIS FAB.-EFORMIS (page 110). Enl-ireed side vie^v of the left valve of the specimen wi^h both valfes retrred to on page 110. The cross hnes to the nght show the exact length and height of the shell. The rieht valve referred to on page 110. , . , • k ki„ The niht valve also referred to on page 110 xvhich is probably referable to this species. Orthodesma antiquum (page 111). The type of this species, a nearly perfect but not very well preserved left valve. Vanuxemia parvula (page 111)- Side view of a left valve of this species. Another and very similar left valve. SowTERiA Canadensis (page 112). A rieht valve of this species, of about the average size. \ sma 1 nght x-alve, s ightlv restored at the base, and enlarged ThTcro^s lines to the nght show the exact length and height of the specimen. A left valve of this species. Ctenodonta parvidens (page 113). An abnormallv compressed and presumably _ right valve ol this species, from the Chazy shale ai the Hog s Back NESTING OF HENSLOW SPARROW IN ONTARIO. By W. E. Saunders, London, Ont. Henslow Sparrow is one of the rarest breeding sparrows in Western Ontario and its nest and eggs are rare m collections and always desirable. Prior to this year a nest had not been found xn (Canada although it was known that the birds were reason- ably common about fifteen miles west of Chatham m some fields near the mouth of the Thames River. On June 17th, 1908, Mr. L. B. Brown and I went to this region for the express purpose of endea^'orlng to find the nest of tWs rare bird We found the birds there m considerable numbers and were delighted by taking a nest -d five eggs on the evening of our arrival. The next day we started out w^th hi'h hopes, but after a whole day's fruitless search we Tame to the conclusion that we were too early, as we saw more Fig. 4. Fig. 5. Fig. 6. Fig. 7. Fig. 8. Fig. 9. Fig 10. Fig. 11. Fig. 12. Fig. 13. Fig. 14. Fig. 15. Fig. 16. 116 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Sept. pairs of birds than one would expect if the breeding season were in progress. We also found one pair in the act of building. The nest which we found was prepared exactly as stated bv Mr. PeabodV in the Auk, namely, in long grass partly fallen over, not placed on the ground, but three or four inches above it, supported mostly by dead grass. This differs widely from published reports, some of which are quoted below. The nest was built of grass exclusively, the inner being, of course, finer. The five eggs which it contained varied in size from .69 x .5 to .7 x .54 and are strikingly different from eggs of the Savanna and Song Sparrow type, resembling rather some sets of Field Sparrow but larger. The ground colour is pure white and the spots a very light reddish-brown in a rather heavy wreath near the large end. The rest of the egg is almost unmarked. The bird flushed from the nest when we were about five feet on each side of her, and the nest was found without difficulty, but, in other parts of the large field where the birds were, we would probablv have had trouble in finding one even if the bird had been flushed as the grasses were so heavily matted. The field contained perhaps 75 acres and had grown up to wild grass entirely. A small part only had been ploughed in some earlier year, but had not been harrowed, and the rest was apparently in its original condition. I should judge that the grass would grow to a height of three feet and the birds nest, as stated, in the matted dry grass of the previous year's growth. Most of the field was burnt off since last summer, and conse- quently our search was confined to the comparatively small portion which the fire had left untouched. The ground is only slic^htly raised above the Lake level and has doubtless become dry since the construction of a ditch and dyke nearby. In Baird, Brewer and Ridgway's "Birds of North America," it is stated that the nest is placed "on the ground in a depression or apparently an excavation scratched out by the bird itself. The nest is a'well made structure." Davies' "Nests and Eggs of North American Birds," states that the nest is placed on the ground, sometimes in a slight de- pression, beneath a tussock made of grasses and a few cow hairs. In the Nidologist, Vol. 1, p. 180, L. W. Watkins describes the taking of a nest similar to ours, about 4 inches above the ground in a tuft of grass. From these notes it will be seen that the position of the nest is variable. The Short-billed Marsh Wren inhabits similar ground to Henslow Sparrow, although I have ne\'er as yet found them 1908] SXOW-WHITE EUGOXIA 117 together, but in the course of the careful search to which we subjected this old grass, Mr. Brown found a nest of the Wren which I think is worthy of description. When one locates a pair of Short-bills he immediately begins to find nests in the tall waving grasses, covered on the outside with green grass. These nests are, in my experience, invariably empty, but now it appears that nearby there is probably a different nest with eggs. The one found by Mr. Brown was set low down so that it was verv inconspicuous and instead of being built of green grasses, as are the false nests, it was constructed of last year's growth in the same manner as that of the Long-bill. In this nest were the remains of a set of five eggs, two badlv broken and three which made moderately good cabinet specimens. The nest had been deserted for probably a week or two. A REMARKABLE VISITATION OF THE SNOW-WHITE EUGONIA, EXNOMOS SUBSIGNARIUS, HBN. By Arthur Gibson, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. On the evening of July 23rd, last, Ottawa was visited by enormous numbers of the Snow-white Eugonia, the caterpillars of Vv'hich are known as the Elm Span worm. Thousands of the moths appeared in all parts of the city, being attracted to the arc lights. Around many of these electric lights hundreds of specimens were flying and resting on any available place. Some of the electric light poles were literally covered with them, and from a short distance the poles looked as if they had been whitewashed or given a coat of white paint. On the main streets, such as Sparks and Bank, the moths were much noticed and caused considerable comment. Stores which had their doors opened were invaded by the insects, much to the annoyance and discomfort of the people inside. The many brilliant lights at Britannia also attracted great numbers of the moths. The Snow-white Eugonia, although a common insect and widespread in distribution, has not, as far as we know, ever been noticed in such numbers, in Canada, as it was on the above evening. The following evening, July 24th, a few speci- mens were seen fluttering a- bout, such as might be noticed (luring any season when the in- sect is in its normal numbers. SXOW-WHITE eugonia. 118 The Ottawa Naturalist [Sept. The figure herewith gives a good idea of the size and ap- pearance of the moth. As its name impHes, it is pure white, expanding about an inch and a half when the wings are spread. In the United States, the caterpillar of this moth has, on many occasions, appeared in very destructive numbers, and, on account of its injuries to the elm and being one of the measur- ing-worms, it has been called the Elm Span-worm. Its injuries to shade trees, particularly elm and basswood, in some of the larger cities, have been specially reported upon by several observers. It is also recorded as an apple tree pest. The female moth, soon after emerging from the pupa, lays a large number of eggs .usually on the underside of the branches of the trees. The eggs remain on the liinbs until the following spring, only hatching, it is stated, when the leaves unfold, the young caterpillars feeding on the new and tender foliage. In from five to six weeks from hatching the caterpillar has reached its full grow-th, and in colour resembles the twigs of the tree on which it has been feeding, the body being brownish; the large head and terminal segment of the body are bright red. When mature the larva changes to the chrvsalis state, and in about 10 days the moth emerges. The sudden great abundance of this insect on the above evening was certainly remarkable and very extraordinary. Not a single specimen of the larva was seen in the Ottawa district during June or July by any of the officers of the Division of Entomology, or by other local entomologists, and it would be most interesting to know where all the moths came from. The sparrows of the city had a great feast early the follow- ing day. Along the main streets, the wings of the moths were very noticeable, the bodies having been eaten. In an article on the White-marked Tussock Moth, Dr. E. P. Felt, in his "Insects Affecting Park and Woodland Trees," says: "Dr. J. L. Le Conte has placed on record an interesting instance of the effect this bird mav have on our local fauna. He states that the English sparrow was imported for the purpose of keeping in check the Snow-white Linden Moth, Ennomos subsignarius, Hbn., and that in Philadelphia, after the sparrows had destroyed the Ennomos larvae, the White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillars found abundant food, and being unmolested by the sparrow, on account of their irritating hairs, they soon became even worse pests than the other species." Since the above article was prepared, similar visitations, in New York State, of apparently the same moth, have been reported in the daily press and certain agricultural papers. — Ed. 1908] Excursions 119 GENERAL EXCURSION TO CHELSEA. The first General Excursion of the year was held on May 30th, to Chelsea, the most favourite resort of all. Nearly 200 members and friends attended the outing. President Attwood was in charge and he had with him an unusually large number of Leaders. After enjoying the afternoon in roaming the woods, in search of specimens, or making observations on natural objects, the whole party met again in the grove at 5 o'clock, and listened to interesting talks l)y many of the prominent members of the Club. Dr. H. M. Ami, who was one of the first Leaders called upon, in speaking of the geology of Chelsea said, in part: "We are standing on ground which is the meeting place of the two extremes in the geological scale. This locality is situated where the earliest rock-formations that we know of, constituting the earth's crust, are in close contact with the most recently deposited in the last phase of the history of this part of our continent. The former consists of highly metamorphosed and hard crystalline rocks, making up part of the original crust of the earth; the latter, of comparativelv soft sands, gravels, clays and boulder clays, constituting the soil and land surfaces generally, which are tilled by the agriculturist of to-day. The former holds minerals of great economic value; — mica, felspar," iron ores, marbles, asbestos, graphite, molvledenite, and other materials used in the arts and manufactures, not to speak of rocks, such as granite, gnei&s, dolomite, etc. The older rocks are ascribed to the Laurentian and Huronian systems in geology, whilst the more recent ones are referred to the Pleis- tocene or Post-Tertiary (sometimes called the Quarternary) system. Chelsea Station stands on the edge of a terrace, or old sea beach, estimated at 365 feet above present tide level (the datum point) on the St. Lawrence at Three Rivers. Salt water shells, well known as living or recent species in the salt waters of the Gulf and River St. Lawrence below the Island of Orleans, were obtained in a gravel pit a few hundred yards north of Chelsea Station and are exhibited as evidence of the marine origin of the sands and clays from which they were obtained. Scratched pebbles (glaciated) of the district, revealed the presence of a sheet, or mantle of 'till,' laid down by the Labra- dorean glacier. It was a land ice-mass, possibly two or three thousand feet in thickness at the maximum period of refrigera- tion of this part of the continent and no organic remains have been detected in the Labrador formation which constitutes the lowest of the three series forming the Pleistocene system as developed at this locality." 120 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Sept. Specimens, illustrating the geology of Chelsea and the vicinity, were exhibited, including some of the minerals named above. In calling upon the botanists, Mr. Attwood mentioned that there were present the three authors of the now famous book, "Farm Weeds of Canada," namelv, Dr. Fletcher, Mr. Norman Criddle, and Mr. G. H. Clark. Dr. Fletcher spoke about some of the rarer plants found during the afternoon, particularly the orchids. He showed specimens of Orchis spectabilis, Habenaria Hookeri, and Cypri- pedium acaule. He deprecated the digging up of the roots of this last which could not be cultivated like the other species. Through this useless destruction the plant was now very rare here. Mr. Criddle spoke briefly of his work as illustrator of the book on Farm Weeds, and emphasized the necessity of careful observation for exact reproduction. Mr. G. H. Clark described the methods by which the book referred to had been distributed to approved schools under the supervision of the inspectors, to be used as a reference work for the school section. He also referred to a proposed work by the Department of Agriculture on Fodder Plants. Mr. W. T. Macoun gave a practical demonstration of the means of distinguishing the evergreens fotmd at Chelsea. He also pointed out the conditions accounting for the remarkably large numbers of maple and beech seedlings observed during the afternoon. Mr. Power, of the Normal School, spoke appreciatively of the benefits derived by the Normal School students from the outings of the Club. He exhibited an interesting series -of beech seedlings in various stages of development, and drew attention to a number of the interesting plants collected. Mr. Halkett and Prof. Prince spoke on some zoological specimens which thev had collected during the afternoon, and Mr. Caesar, of the Wellington Field- Naturalists' Club, of Guelph, Ont., stated his pleasure at being able to attend the excursion and meet the members. T. E. C. Sub-excursion to Cache Bay, Tetreauville, Que. On June 13th the above interesting locality was visited by about 25 members and friends of the Club. The afternoon was particularly pleasant in the woods, and an enjoyable and profitable time was spent by those who attended the outing. Mosquitoes were rather abundant and very aggressive in their attacks. - Cache Bay is a rather good locality for Cypripedium 1908] Excursions. 121 puhescens, but we were too late to see this attractive plant in bloom. One or two faded specimens were noted. Fifteen different species of birds were seen, the most interesting of which was the Pine Warbler, a rather rare bird everywhere, and one wdiich is always found in pine woods. One nest each of the Spotted Sand-piper and of the Song Sparrow was found. A great manv different kinds of insects were noticed and some interesting specimens were captured. A nice specimen of the butterflv, Phyciodes batesii, was taken; a rare insect at Ottawa which is probablv its furthest eastern station. A single specimen of Ephialtes gigas was captured; this large ichneumon-f^y is also uncommon in the Ottawa district. The foliage of elm, bass- wood and wild cherry was seen to be badly disfigured by the small pocket galls caused b}' species of mites belonging to the genus Eriophyes. One or two nice specimens of the small reddish salamander which occurs at Ottawa were found, as well as some spiders, millipedes, land shells, etc., all of which were exhibited at the close of the outing, when short addresses were given by Messrs. Attwood, Gibson, Eifrig, Wilson, McGillivray, Shannon, Lemieux and Halkett. A. G. General Excursion to Carlsbad Springs. On June 20th, the second General Excursion was held to the Mer Bleue, Carlsbad Springs. The day was a perfect one in many ways, but unfortunately a very strong wind was blow- ing which made it difficult to study birds, or to collect insects. The Mer Bleue is one of the most interesting hunting grounds for the naturalist in the district, and it is to be regretted that there was such a poor attendance of members at the excursion. Those who did attend were delighted with what they saw or collected during the day. The early part of the morning was spent in the bog, but on account of the strong wind, the party- soon divided, only a few remaining in the swamp, the others returning and going into the woods nearby. The beautiful rosy-pink flowers of the pale Sheep Laurel, Kalmia glauca, were everv where to be seen in the bog, with here and there clumps of the Cotton Grass. The rare orchid, Arethusa bulbosa, was found in numbers, and outside of the swamp, nearby, two fine specimens of the even rarer orchid, the large Purple- Fringed orchis, Hahenaria fimbriata, were found by Mr. Criddle and the writer. A single worn specimen of the rare butterfly, Argynnis friclaris, was taken in the Mer Bleue by Mr. Young. On June 9th three fine examples of this insect were captured in the bog, one by Mr. Criddle, one by Mr. Young, and the other by the 122 The Ottawa Naturalist [Sept. writer. It is some years since this butterfly has been taken in the Ottawa district. Dr. Fletcher has collected it once or twice previously at the Mer Bleue, which is probably the most southern locality known for this insect. All the specimens which have been taken here have the markings slightly suffused on both the upper and lower surfaces. In a wood near the Mer Bleue, Mr. Lemieux found a fine specimen of the Spotted Salamander, Amblystoma punctatum, and also some specimens of Plethodon erythronotus and Plethodon erythronotus cinereus. These latter salamanders occur commonly in the Ottawa district. The small, curious caterpillars of the plume moth, Ptero- phorus eupatorii, were found in numbers feeding on the leaves of Joe Pye Weed, Eupatorium purptireum, and in some pasture fields the Hard-hack, Spircea tomentosa, was seen to be badly infested by the galls of a cecidomyid. Many of these plants were entirely covered by these galls. Since, the small fly has been reared and specimens have been determined by Dr. E. P. Felt, of Albany, N.Y., as Rhabdophaga salicifolia, a species which has been found abundant in Massachusetts and New York, on the above plant and also on Spircea salicifolia. A. G. MEETINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH. Meeting held at the residence of Mr. Harrington, 13th February, 1908. Present, Messrs. Fletcher, Letourneau, Halkett, Nelles, Gibson, Young, Baldwin, and Mr. Harrington, in the Chair. Mr. Letourneau showed a perfect nest of Etimenes glohu- losus, with the insect which had emerged from it during the past summer. The specimen had been found on the twig of a bush on the Experimental Farm. Dr. Fletcher showed a fresh supply of Boreus calijornicus which had just come to hand in a Hving state from^Mr. J. W. Cockle, of Kaslo, B.C. He also spoke of some most interesting observations by Mr. Cockle upon the mating of these insects. Specimens apparently of another species had been collected by Mr. N. B. Sanson, in the Rocky Mountain Park, Banff, Alta. Other interesting specimens shown were: a specimen of the remarkable Snow fly, Chionea valga, taken at Banff by Mr. Sanson; the strange heteropterous bug, Emesa longipes, which was one of five specimens taken by Mr. W. A. Dent, at Sarnia, Ont. ; some living larvae of the Brown-tail Moth in their winter web, also a fine series showing inflates of the full grown larvae and the perfect moths. Collections of insects made by Mr. D. 1908] ExcuRSioN^^^^^J^*^^^ 123 H. Nelles in Bartlett Bay, off Glacier Ba>T-2L*«4?l!frand by Mr. W. J. Wilson on the Hudson Bay Slope, were exhibited and examined with much interest by those present. Dr. Fletcher also exhibited the first number of the new Journal of Economic Entomology, and a photograph of Prof. Aldrich, the author of the Catalogue of North American Diptera. Mr. Halkett showed a series of larvae, pupae, and the male and female beetles, of Dytiscus circiimcincliis , which he had taken in the Qu'Appelle Valley and also in Cooking Lake, Alta. This species is sometimes remarkably abundant at electric lights in some of the western prairie cities. Mr. T. N. Willing, at Regina. and Mr. J. D. Evans, in Winnipeg, saw early in October enormous numbers of these beetles frying around the street hghts. Mr. Halkett's larvEe and pupae were collected in the beginning of August and the perfect insects were flying in the beginning of October. Mr. Harrington exhibited his fine collection of Dytiscidae containing many named types which had been examined by Mr. John D. Sherman, of New- York. Mr. Nelles showed some beautiful photographs which had been taken during his expedition of the past two years on the Alaska Boundary Survey. These were examined with great interest by all present. Mr. Baldwin shov/ed a handsome case of insects, the two most interesting of which were a fine specimen of Eitbaphe Iceta taken at Graham's Bush, Britannia, on July 7th, and a nice specimen of Anarta cordigera taken on June 2nd. Mr. Gibson show^ed specimens of food stuff's infested b}- the Grain Weevil. Calandra granaria, also pease infested by the Pea Weevil, Bruchus pisorum, and beans by the Bean Weevil, Bruchus obtectus. He drew attention to the different methods of attack and gave a sketch of the life -history of the two species. The seeds of Indian corn destroyed by Ptinus fur were shown and it was stated that this was an unusual attack. Some galls of the Prickly Raspberry gall made by Diastrophus nebulosus were shown together with the gall m.aker. Mr. Young showed specimens of beetles of unusual occur- rence at Ottawa wdiich he had taken during the past season. Among these were DiccBhis ieter, Ditylus caeruleus, Phyxelis rigidus and Lixus concavus. Of the last of these he had collected three or four specimens upon a plant of Polygonum pennsylvani- cum. Dr. Fletcher stated that this beetle was sometimes injurious to rhubarb, the larvae boring in the stems and oc- casionallv doing a considerable amount of harm. The Polygonum belongs to the same natural order as the rhubarb. Mr. Harrington showed several of his beautifully arranged 124 Thp: Ottawa Naturalist [Sept. cabinet drawers, among others his collection of Japanese insects which contained some specimens of remarkable beauty. He described the habits of a large wasp, Vespa mandarina, and spoke of his visit to Japan some years ago, giving a most interesting sketch of the history of the capture of some of the specimens shown in the cases. J. F. Meeting held on Thursday evening, 12th March, at the residence of Mr. Andrew Halkett, besides whom there were present, Dr. Fletcher and Messrs. Harrington, Gibson, Young, Baldwin, Metcalfe, Letourneau.and Newman. Mr. Baldwin showed a box containing lix'ing larvae in the cocoons and a few moths of the Wax Moth, Galleria cerealella; also a miscellaneous collection of moths captured at Ottawa. Mr. Gibson exhibited a box containing moths of the genus Homoptera, among which was a specimen of a new species to be described soon by Dr. J. B. Smith as H. helata. This was taken bv Mr. Baldwin, and is the first record of the moth from the Ottaw^a district. In the same box also was a specimen of the butterfly, Pamphila palcemon, taken at Carlsbad Springs. Mr. Metcalfe showed specimens of two small moths showing secondarv sexual characters, and a water Hemipteron. Mr. Harrington exhibited, among other specimens, a series of cocoons of various insects and spiders, and caddis-fly larva cases; also a series of Buprestian beetles of the genus Chalco- phora from different lands. Mr. Letourneau produced a box containing a number of different kinds of caterpillars nicely inflated. Among these were several specimens of the Silver-spotted Skipper, the Zebra caterpillar, the Hedgehog caterpillar and the Fall webworm. Dr. Fletcher showed two enormous galls from California, with a few specimens of the makers, Andricus caUf amicus , and read some interesting paragraphs from Miss Evelyn Groes- beeck Mitchell's recent -work entitled: "Mosquito Life." Dr. Fletcher spoke in the highest terms of this work and of the convenient arrangement of the facts for reference. Mr. Young exhibited two artistic cases of Lepidoptera, one illustrating the life history of the Spotted Halisidota, Halisidota maculata, the larvae being on their food plant, the willow; and the other case, specimens of the larvae and imagoes of the Milk^ weed Moth, Euchaeiias egle, on their food plant, the milk-weed. The recently issued Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario was laid on the table. Dr. Fletcher drew attention to some of the more interesting local captures which had been recorded in the Entomological Record. A. H. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, OCTOBER, 1908 No. 7. INFANT CANNIBALISM AMONG ANIMALS. By Professor Edward E. Prince, Dominion Commissioner OF Fisheries, Ottawa. In a paper which I read to the Royal Society (Sect. IV) in May last I dealt with the two series of phenomena grouped under the somewhat forbidding titles, polyembryony and psedophagy. They may be regarded as the two opposite ex- tremes of embryonic evolution and the survival of the fittest. In the former (polyembryony) we find that a few eggs give origin to an excessive number of young, while, in the latter, very few young result from a large number of eggs. Biologists have generally accepted the late Dr. W. B. Carpenter's definition of an individual animal as the total product of a single ovum, but our ideas of the potentialities of the egg will require revision with the foregoing phenomena before us, and in my Roval Society paper I ventured on some suggestions as to the signifi- cance of recent observations, very curious ones, made by certain biologists. Dr. Gilchrist, Dr. Sylvestri, Marchal, and others, which I intend to publish with plates ere long, but in the present brief article I shall deal only with paedophagy, avoiding technical terms as far as possible. Fifty years ago Dr. Carpenter, one of the profoundest and most philosophical physiologists and morphologists of the 19th century, discovered that, from the numerous eggs (500 or 600 at least being produced by one parent each season), of that common sea-shore mollusk, the dog whelk (Purpura lapillns), not more than thirteen to twenty lembryos finally emerged into the open water. To quote the succint description of Carl Claus, "The Prosobranchs enclose their ova in capsules . attached... to each other or to foreign substances. Each nidamental capsule of the group shows an aperture, and contains a certain number of vitelline globes or eggs, floating in clear jelly-like albumen. Only a portion of these develop into embryos. One only may, 126 The Ottawa Naturalist/ [Oct. in an extreme case, finally quit the ovigerous capsule."* Koren and Danielsson in 1857 studied the eggs of the large whelk (Buccinum) and decided that many eggs united to form one large embryo, the remaining eggs dying and breaking up; but, immediately after the publication of the Danish observers' views, Dr. Carpenter gave the correct account of the strange phenom- enon, an account supported by the later researches of Dr. Dyster. Part of the eggs are fertilized and part are not ferti- lized but are devoured by the former while still contained in the capsule. Long before the infant mollusks become active "veligers." or free-swimming larvae, with a crown of waving cilia, they turn cannibal. Dr. Carpenter noticed that some larvae did not devour their fellows; but depended for nutriment upon their own stock of volk-macromeres. These became stunted, and many died. The macromeres, it is hardly necessary to say, are the large segments at one side of the egg, as dis- tinguished from the micromeres at the other side, the latter form- ing the germ. Selenka confirmed Dr. Carpenter's results but held that the cleavage of the early unfertilized egg was not true segmentation, and inferred that, while the minute features of the yolk, in both kinds of eggs, appeared to be the same, there was no nucleus discoverable in the unfertilized eggs. In the Gastropod Tergipes ansea he found that when this irregular segmentation took place, portions of the volk were thrown off, developed cilia, and became independent moving " cosmellas," as Von Nordmann called them, and they have been regarded as parasitic in nature. Edouard Clapareda, again, from his study of Neritina fluviatilis w'as able to further confirm Carpenter, and Blochmann discovered, in the same small fresh- water shellfish, that one embryo only may survive out of 70 or 80 contained originally in one capsule. Dr. W. K. Brooks announced, more recently, that in the egg-case of Urosalpinx, containing six to twenty ova, many of them are devoured by the others both in the earlier and the later stages of embryonic development. Professor J. P. McMurrich, of Toronto, has confirmed these last results by a study of Crepidula and Purpura floridana, finding that a number of eggs always break down or disintegrate to serve as food for their surviving brethren. In Fasciolaria tulipa, one of the Muricidae, he noted that four, or five, or six, embryos may ultimately emerge from one nidamental capsule, which originally contains about two hundred eggs. But not only in *Haacke has stated that in certain AustraUan Rays (Tryogorhina and Rhinobatis) more than one ovum is contained in one homy capsule, and Dr. Otto Klotz, of Ottawa, brought the same fact to my attention in the huge British -Columbia skate (Rata cooperi, Gir.) 1908] Infant Cannibalism among Animals. 127 mollusks has this curious fact of paedophagy long been known it has been noticed among the Crustacea. Thus in Daphnia, the dehcate water-flea, wliile the eggs are still in the tubular ovary, the ovigerous cell may divide into four, one of which becomes an ovum and increases in size by devouring the other three. In the Phyllopod A pus, the egg when first distinguish- able, is not a single cell, but a group of four cells each with a large nucleus. The nucleus in one assumes a different character, becomes clearer, and more rotund, exhibiting two or more large granules or germinal spots, while the three others show a mass of granules in the nucleus. The.se three nuclei grow rapidly, elaborate food, and feed the fourth cell so that it survives, w'hile they themselves disintegrate. No doubt this strange phe- nomenon of cannibalism, in the earliest stages of development, mav be more widespread than is at present supposed. Botanists have long been familiar with a parallel condition in certain plants. Thus, in the Mistletoe {Viscum album), one seed may contain two or three embryo plants. Some years ago Dr. Beard, of Edinburgh, boldly compared the embryo of the highest Vertebrates to a parasite receiving nutriment by a placental arrangement from its parent. About the same time Professor Mcintosh, of St. Andrews, published an account of the remarkable features of the ovary in Zoarces viviparus, the viviparous blenny, the ovarian walls being complexly folded and richly vascular so that the young fish inside are bathed in a nutritive serum until far advanced in larval life. In making sections of the ovarv, and contained voung, of that species over a quarter of a century ago, I found what appeared to me to be particles of yolk in the alimentary canal which I had difficulty in tracing to the so-called absorption or inclusion of the yolk- sac. Dr. Scharff, of the Royal Museum, Dublin, was at the same time making a study of the early egg in Zoarces and other fishes, and the number of eggs present in the ovary of the viviparous blenny struck me as remarkable if only 12 or 15 young were ultimately produced. Could it be that in some way the non-developing eggs serA-ed as food to nourish the rapidly grow- ing larvae emerging from a limited number of ova ? The question presented itself to me. It appeared possible but hardly probable. Dr. Gilchrist, a distingtiished Scottish biologist, and officially in charge of the fisheries of Cape Colony for some years, has shown that such a surmi.se was not far astray. He has proved it to be true in the South African CatcBtyx messieri, Gtinther, a fish 1 to 2 feet long, and occurring apparently at considerable depths ranging from 400 to 700 fathoms. H.M.S. "Challenger," in her famous scientific cruise, secured a male 128 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Oct. specimen 8 inches long in Messier Straits, but Dr. Gilchrist's specimen 2 feet long obtained in September, 1903, about 40 miles north-east of Cape Point, proved to be a mature female specimen in which the ovaries were very advanced and crowded with reddish spherical eggs, numbering probably not less than 30,000.* The eggs were formed in the hanging transverse folds of the inner ovarian surface, and later they collected on the floor of the chamber of the ovary. They flowed freely from the fish, and Dr. Gilchrist was led to regard them, at first, as ordinary demersal eggs, deposited by the fish on the bottom of the sea. To his surprise he found, on closer examination, very young fish hatching out within the parent. Eight small larval fish were curled up among the loose ova. In the mouth of one larva he found some oil-globules, and in another a mass of soft food- matter, in which were oil-globules and spots of black colour. The mass was carefully removed and turned out to be part of a young fish which was being devoured by another baby fish, and the rest of the body of the victim was found close to its devourer. Alcock had already made the important announcement that in Saccogaster, a deep-sea species, developing embryo fish were found inside the parent and hinted that they fed on the sur- rounding ova; but Dr. Gilchrist's discovery proved that some embryo fish actually swallowed and fed upon other embryos of the same brood, and thus lived and grew inside the ovarian chamber. The larger larvae 10 mm. (f of an inch) long, lived on the smaller newly-hatched young, not simply upon the surrounding eggs. These'larval cannibals showed well-developed breast fins, and anal and pre-anal fin-lobes, but the tail had not any caudal fin-lobes. Most fish, of course, produce eggs or spawn, and the young develop and hatch after they have been laid by the parent. The formation of the young inside the deposited egg of a fish, may take from 2 days to 6 or 8 months in different species, the shad being an example of rapid development (a few days) , while the salmon or trout take a long period of time (many months). But in the parent forms of many viviparous fish the young may be found not only already hatched out and lively, but may be very advanced, and exhibit the almost mature form and appear- ance. I have frequently examined specimens of viviparous species both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and can confirm Dr.Gunther's description that the young, in such fish as Zoarces, on the Atlantic, and Cymatogaster, on the Pacific, coasts, *Dr. Gilchrist had in August, 1903, secured a fine specimen 2 feet long. 1908] Infant Cannibalism among Animals. 129 are so matured at the time of their first extrusion, they swim about with the utmost agility, and Dr. Dowler's remarks on Pcecilia multilineata that twenty-two young were packed away in the ovarian sac of the parent, and though no ova were dis- covered . . . the young fish were one-half inch long, all alike, and exactly resembling the maternal form and proportions. The parent was, it may be added, only 2 inches long. In the sea-perch (Cymatogaster) of British Columbia, a viviparous form 6 or 8 inches long, I counted forty-three small, perfectly formed young. They were so advanced and active that when dropped into the sea, just after being extruded from the parent by pressure, they swam away with great agility. It mav be that they did not long survive, but to all appearance they were able to look after themselves. Inside the parent I found them closely packed, overlapping each other in the sac, and bathed in a clear serum or fluid, no doubt of a nutrient nature. That they have solid food is ver\' probable in the light of the recent obser\-a- tions just outlined, and though no loose eggs have been noticed in the sac, such eggs may form nutriment for them after their own ball of food-yolk is exhausted. In the higher orders, the mammals for instance, ova are produced in prodigious numbers each season, even though the young developed and born be extremely few. One author records that over 70,000 primordial eggs are produced annually in a mammalian o\'ary though the young born may be only one to three in the course of the year. The survival of the fittest is a principle not applicable only to the mature period of an animal's existence, but may begin with the earliest stages of embryonic and larval life. We see that it finds illustration in the first stages of an animal's life, in the most diverse forms from MoUusks up to Man. MEETING OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH. Meeting held at residence of Mr. Arthur Gibson, 9th April, 1908. Present: Messers. Harrington, Baldwin, Letourneau, Metcalfe, Young, Halkett, Fletcher, Wilson, Newman and Gibson. Mr. Harrington exhibited 2 cases, which contained his Ottawa collection of Chrysomelidae. Over 100 local species were represented. This collection proved of exceeding interest to all present and much discussion took place on many of the species. Mr. Harrington drew special attention to those species which are of uncommon occurrence, some of which were repre- 130 The Ottawa Naturalist [Oct. sented by only a single specimen. The Chrysomelids, or "leaf- beetles," are mostly short-bodied, and more or less oval in out- line. They are all vegetable feeders and some are very injurious. The well known Colorado Potato Beetle is one of the bad pests belonging to this family. Mr. Baldwin showed samples of several kinds of blank labels which he had received from the American Entomological Co., of Brooklyn, N.Y. It was pointed out that these labels were very cheap and useful, and as this firm advertises in the Ottawa Naturalist the members were requested to bear it in mind when making purchases of an entomological nature. Mr. Metcalfe exhibited a small box containing a number of spiders' nests, from which parasites had been reared. The common local nest, fiat in shape and oval in outline, of a satiny brown colour, had been chiefly collected and from these some parasites of the genus Pezomachus had been secured. The name of the spider that made the nest was unknown to those present. Dr. Fletcher showed a very large specimen of the ichneu- monid fly, Ophion macrurum, which had been reared from the cocoon of Telea polyphemus. It was noticed that the Poly- phemus cocoon had been punctured by a w^oodpecker, but the cocoon of the Ophion inside had not been injured, doubtless because of its toughness. The little moth shown at a previous meeting by Mr. Harrington, the larvae of which fed on Lemna, was reported by Dr. Fletcher to be Nymphula ohliteralis, the identification having been made by Dr. H. G. Dyar, of the U.S. National Museum. Dr. Fletcher also exhibited specimens, in fluid, of the larva of the Mexican Orange Fruit-worm fly, Trypeta ludens, which had been found at Ottawa in a bitter orange, and brought to one of the botanical branch meetings by Mr. G. H. Clark. When first noticed the larvae were dead and discolored. A list of species of the genera Bombus and Psithyrus from various parts of Canada, which had recently been determined by Mr. H. J. Franklin, of Amherst, Mass., was read by Dr. Fletcher and proved of much interest. Local species included in the list were: Bombus borealis, B. impatiens , B. pennsylvanicus , B. perplexus, B. vagans and Psithyrus labori- osus. Mr. Young exhibited a large case containing about 900 specimens of local microlepidoptera, many of which had been reared by him from larva. It is always a pleasure to look over any of Mr. Young's work, and this exhibit was an extremely interesting one. Many of the rarer or recently described species were pointed out and information given as to the food plants of the larvae. 1908] Snapping Turtle. 131 Mr. Gibson showed specimens of inflated larvae of some noctuids, which had been collected at Ottawa, or reared from eggs secured from captive female moths. The handsome larvae of Mamestra assimilis, Peridroma astricta and Cucullia intermedia were included, and attention was drawn to the remarkable change which takes place in the appearance of the latter larva after it passes its last moult. An interesting orange colour variety of the larva of Cimbex americana, which had been found on V)asswood, was also exhibited. A. G. NOTE ON A YOUNG SPECIMEN OF THE SNAPPING TURTLE (CHELYDRA SERPENTINA). A young Snapping Turtle has been received through the kindness of Mr. Capel St. George, of Tramore, Ont., and as it presents certain features which become modified or obscured during growth, the following note may be of interest to the readers of the Ottawa Naturalist. The length of the specimen from the snout to the tip of the tail is about 4f inches when the creature is fully stretched; the length of the carapace (or upper shell) 1 11-16 inches, the breadth at the broadest part If inches, and the length of the plastron (or under shell) 1 3-16 inches, the breadth 1-J- inches. The length of the tail is about that of the carapace, whereas in the half- grown and adult it is proportionallv shorter. The carapace is verv rugose and ridged, features w^hich gradually become smoother as age advances. The crests on the tail, which are so pronounced in the adult, are rudimentary. The shell is feebly ossified. The skin, as in the adult, is warty; the warts on the under parts of the juvenile being whitish in colour. The under sides of the marginal shields are white with dark dots, and there are white spots at or near the borders of the plastron. The Common Snapping Turtle belongs to the family Chelydridae of the order of the Chelonia or the Turtles; and it may be pointed out that the comparatively small carapace, the small and cruciform plastron, and the incompletely retractile head, indicate the rather primative character of the family, which contains only two other recorded species : the Snapping Turtle of Mexico and Guatemala (C. rossignonii) and the Alligator Snapper (Macrochelys temminckii) ; the latter being the largest of the fresh water tortoises. The little turtle has been fed at intervals of a few days with dead salmon-trout fry which it eats with avidity. Andrew Halkett. 132 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Oct. THE NITROGEN COMPOUNDS IN RAIN AND SNOW. It may be remembered that one of our addresses at the opening meeting of last winter's lecture course was on "Rain and Snow," the lecturer, Mr. Frank T. Shutt, Chemist of the Ex- perimental Farms, outlining their influence iipon the industries, the agriculture and the health of the world. Perhaps the most interesting part of the paper from the strictly Canadian point of view was the presentation of certain data concerning the nitrogen content of snow — the first of the kind, so far as was known, obtained in the Dominion. The fertilizing value of the "blanket of white " was clearly shown, the 1,000 tons (approximately) of snow per acre which falls dtiring the winter at Ottawa containing a considerable amount of this all important element of plant food — nitrogen — in readily assimilable forms. For some time past every fall of snow and rain has been analysed at the Chemical Laboratory of the Central Experi- mental Farm, Ottawa, and in the forth-coming report of that institution further interesting data on this subject will appear. From these results we have been permitted to make the following summary : For the year ending February 29th. 1908, there fell 24.05 inches of rain and 133. inches of snow, making a total precipitation of 37.35 inches — 10 inches of snow being reckoned as the equival- ent of 1 inch of rain. The total amount of nitrogen in this pre- cipitation amounted to 4.323 lbs. per acre, and of this approxi- matel}^ 75% or 3.243 lbs. was present in the rain, and 25% or 1.080 lbs. in the snow. We further learn that the solvent action of rain is much greater than that of snow, i.e. that rain is much richer, weight for weight, in nitrogen compounds, than snow. Rain, therefore, is the better or more thorough cleansing agent of the atmosphere as regards the ammonia and other gases present that contain nitrogen compounds. Another point brought out by this work is that the first portion of the rain or snowfall is richer than that which falls subsequently and that the period elapsing between the falls has a marked effect on the composition. Data of a similar character have been obtained in many European and other countries and this work is therefore both useful and interesting for the purpose of comparison. It may be cited as an illustration of one of the many valuable researches undertaken by the Experimental Farm system. 1908] Notes on Ph^ocyma. 133 NOTES ON THE SPECIES OF PH.^OCYMA, FOUND IN CANADA. By John B. Smith, Sc.D., Rutger's College, New Bruns- wick, N. J. The species of Homoptera were studied by the Rev. C. J. S. Bethune in 1864, and the North American forms were listed and described in the Canadian Journal, Vol. X, for 1865 ; — a publica- tion not easily gotten hold of at the present time. Most of the material came from Port Hope, Canada, and several new forms, from that locality, were described. That paper forms the basis of our knowledge of the American forms to-day, and as I have just finished a revision of the species from fuller miaterial than was available over 40 years ago, a few notes on the species found in Canada or likely to be found there, may not be amiss. And first, the name Homoptera, Bdv., must fall in favor of PhcBocyma, Hbn., an earlier name for the same generic concept and Ypsia, Gn., comes under the same head. Zale, Hbn., differs only on minor points and secondary sexual characters; but may be retained as a section of Phceocyma in a subgeneric sense. P. LuNATA, Drury. Occurs throughout the Dominion east of the Rocky Mountains, after midsummer and until late fall. This is the largest of the species and extremely variable in colour and maculation. The males are more or less marked with blue and may have the entire terminal area blue powdered, and that is the form described as edusa, by Drury, the female having been first described as hinata. There is a form occurring in both sexes in which the median area is decidedly yellowish, and that was described as sounder sii by Dr. Bethune. P. Undularis, Drury. Redescribed by Dr. Bethune as nigricans, wdiich is quite as appropriate a name; for the species is intensely black, besides having the wings crossed by undulat- ing lines. I have seen specimens from the eastern provinces only ; but the range is probably as great as that of the preceding species, though it is much less common. It flies in June and July. The variety umbripennis, Grt., differs in having the median area of primaries much lighter, with a violaceous tint. P. .-Eruginosa, Guen^e. Similar to the preceding and occurs with it; but is much rarer. It differs in having an irro- ration of green or bluish scales and in structure as well. P. NoRDA, Smith. A very brilliant species from Kaslo and other points in British Columbia and Manitoba; the type material coming from Mr. J. W. Cockle of Kaslo. It ranges 134 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Oct. eastwardly however, Dr. Fletcher having sent me specimens for determination from Ontario. It is the form listed by Dr. Dyar as calycanthata from the Kootenai district. Flies in May and June. P. MiNEREA, Guenee. More like lunata in appearance and often confused with it. It is more mottled, however, and differs structurally. An easy way to distinguish it is by the date; it flies in May, June and Juh" and disappears before lunata comes on the scene. It is found throughout the eastern provinces and mingles with norda, which may be confused with it, in Ontario. Dr. Bethune redescribed it as albofasciata, a well marked male serving as type. It inight be said that in this and the preceding species the males tend to bluish irrorations, especially in the terminal area. P. LuNiFERA, Hubner. This is a much slighter species than any of the preceding and of a more even gray tint. I have no actual Canadian records; but I have it from the States just south of the line, where it flies with the next species. It will almost certainly be found in Ontario. P. LiNEOSA, Wlk. This has been confused with lunifera and resembles it very much. It is yet slighter, usually paler, and without contrasting maculation. I have it from points in Ontario, and from Winnipeg, Manitoba, June to August. It probably occurs throughout the Dominion east of the Mountains. P. Untlineata, Grote. A very characteristic species for which I have no definite Canadian records. It has been generally recorded from Canada and flies in early spring. P. Largera, Smith. Belongs to the series in which the wings are less trigonate and the undulating very oblique trans- verse lines are replaced b}?- simpler more upright maculation. The types are from Vancouver Island, May 8th, collected b}?" Rev. G. W. Taylor and sent in by Dr. Fletcher, (male) and Winnipeg, Manitoba, sent in by Dr. Barnes (female). These are the only examples of the species known to me. P. Duplicata, Bethune. A much smaller representative of the same series and a verv distinct species. It was recorded from Port Hope, by Dr. Bethune, I believe. P. CiNGULiFERA, Walker. I have no Canadian localities; but the species occurs in Maine and other New England States, so will almost certainly be found in the eastern provinces. P. HoRRiDA, Hubner. A common and well-known species which flies from May to August and occurs throughout the eastern provinces and westward, probably to the Mountains. From the list of species heretofore credited to Canada P. calycanthata, Sm. and Ab., must be dropped. It is strictly a 1908] Notes on Ph^ocyma. 135 southern species, and the identifications under that name of Canadian material are erroneous. On the other hand it is more than probable that several other species will yet be found in the Dominion. These are obliqua, Gn., nietata. Sm., curema, Sm., helata, Sm., squanunu- laris, Dru., benesignata, Harv., and bethunei, Sm. One of the objects of this paper, indeed, is to call the attention of Canadian collectors to this genus and the work that yet remains to be done in it. Additional Notes to the Above Paper. By Arthur Gibson. As an addition to the above interesting paper by our honoured corresponding member. Dr. J. B. Smith, the following notes, made chiefly from specimens in the collection of insects at the Central Experimental Farm, are presented, Ph.«ocyma norda. Besides specimens from the type locality, Kaslo, B.C., there are in the collection of the Division of Entomology, specimens from Cartwright, Man. (Heath), and Ottawa (Young) The species has also been taken at Chelsea, Que. (Gibson). P. Calycanthata. In Dr. Fletcher's Entomological Rec- ord, 1904 (Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. 1904), this species is recorded from Kaslo, B.C. As stated in Dr. Smith's paper this record should now refer to the new species norda. P. MiNEREA. In the Entomological Record, 1906, (Rep. Ent. Soc. 1906), this species is recorded from White River, Hudson Bay Slope, June 2nd (W. J. Wilson). On further ex- amination Dr. Smith could not confirm this identification, as the specimen was much rubbed and crushed, and might possibly be another closeh^ allied species. The above record had, therefore, better be cancelled. P. duplicata. This species has been found at Digby, N.S., by Mr. John Russell. One specimen taken there on June 6th, is in the above collection. It has also been collected at Truro, in the same province, by Mr. L. A. De Wolfe. In the Entomolo- gical Record, 1904, a specimen of this moth is recorded as having been taken at Wellington, B.C., by Rev. G. W. Taylor. This specimen is the one referred to in Dr. Smith's paper under the name largera. Duplicata. therefore, must now be removed from the British Columbia list. P. CiNGULiFERA. This occurs at Ottawa. Last year several specimens were taken by Dr. Fletcher, and Mr. Young has also collected it. All the examples were taken in May. At Orillia, 136 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Oct. Ont., the species has been captured by Mr. C. E. Grant, on June 10th. P. OBLiQUA. A single specimen of this species was collected in 1900, at Bristol, Que., by Dr. Fletcher. P. Helata. The only Canadian record we have for this insect is a single specimen taken at Ottawa on June 20th, 1907. by Mr. J. W. Baldwin. METEOROLOGICAL OPTICS. By Otto Klotz, LL.D, F.R.A.S. As we were returning one evening from one of our delightful afternoon natural history excursions, the bright disk of the moon rose slowly from the eastern horizon and soon emerged as a huge platter, arresting the attention and calling forth remarks from every one. Probably no illusion in the heavens is so apparent as the increased size of the full moon when rising. Every one knows that the disk of the full moon when seen on the horizon appears very much larger than about six hours later when it is in the south and high up in the heavens. One might infer that the moon is a great deal nearer to us when rising than when seen high up in the sky. As a matter of fact, the reverse is the case, for when the moon is above us it is nearer by the radius of the earth, say about 4,000 miles, or 1-60 of its average distance. If there were any question about the delusion, it is very easily settled by turning an instrument onto the satellite and measur- ing its diameter, when of course it would be found that the diameter was practically the same in the two positions. Quite a different phenomenon is the flattening of the disk of the moon when seen in the horizon, for this would be confirmed by the same instrument that we used for measuring the horizontal diameter. The explanation of the flattening lies in the fact that the nearer we approach the horizon the more the rays are bent or refracted, so that the lower edge of the moon looks relatively higher than the upper edge, i.e., the lower edge is thrown up more than is the upper one, so that the moon looks broader than it is deep, in short its figure is elliptical. But the discrepancy in the ex- aggerated size of the moon when rising is not due to the refrac- tion of the rays of light. We may state at the outset that the illusion is a physiological phenomenon. We are accustomed to speak of the sky as the celestial vault, 1908] Meteorological Optics. 137 or dome, or hemisphere. However, if we sweep the sky with the ■eye from the horizon to the zenith, or the reverse, it will be seen that the dome is not spherical but that it is flattened, the ap- pearance being that it is farther to the horizon than to the point overhead. The preceding is true whether looked at by day or by night, particularly in a cloudless sky. This is easily demonstrated by estimating say the point of the heavens midway between the horizon and the zenith or the point overhead, and then measure with an instrument the elevation of the point of b)isection. It will be found that the halving point is only about half as high as it appears to be. The physiological effect of passing the eye from its normal position towards the horizon, to overhead, is to give the impression of a depressed vault or dome, and the arc we bisect is not that of a semi-circle but the segment of a larger circle. Any one who has been in our Rocky Mountains will recall the impression of "the giants towering to the skies," l)ut when we measure their angular elevation we find the "tower- ing" very much lessened; physiological effect, due to our con- stitution. A similar illusion we mav notice in the apparent size of constellations near the horizon. The most familiar object for this illusion is of course the moon, although the stm shares it equally, but I suppose the most of us see the moon rise more frequently than the sun, reminding one of the man who when asked, if he ever saw the sun rise, answered, "I don't go to bed as late as that." Many observations and measurements have been made on the sun and moon by setting up a circular disk and viewing alternately, say the moon and disk, always moving to or from the disk until it appeared the same size as the moon, and then measuring the distance to the disk. From such and mathematical considerations it is found that the moon appears of its proper size when elevated between 30° and 35°, while when it is on the horizon it is nearly two and half times larger, and when high up in the sky only about half as large as it should be. When Coleridge lets the "Ancient Mariner" say: — "All in a hot and copper sky, The bloody Sun at noon, Right up above the mast did stand, No bigger than the Moon," he gave expression to the fact, just stated above, that our dis- penser of life and light, and our satellite appear small when they are high in the heavens. Now for another phenomenon, that we observed later as the gloaming was receding. Let us paraphrase the well-known couplet into, 138 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Oct: "Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder — what makes you twinkle?" The twinkling or scintillation of the stars has been noticed and noted from ancient times. Aristotle remarks that "the stars twinkle, but the planets do not." Although planets do not scintillate, or do not scintillate as much as stars, yet their twink- ling has often been observed. Associated with the scintillation, the sparkling "like a diamond in the sky" is often seen, but this rapid change of color is confined to low altitudes, that is, when the star is not high above the horizon. What seems somewhat puzzling is the fact that when a twinkling star is viewed through a telescope the scintillation ceases, and instead one sees a little disk with ill-defined edge. The phenomenon of twinkling is due to refraction or bending of the rays of light coming through our atmosphere. When the air is "unsteady," this bending becomes unsteady too, with the result that the rays of light from a star are "trembling" and flit to and fro across the pupil of the eye, and make the star twinkle. As a telescope has a very big eye, the object glass, and although the trembling ravs fall upon it, it gathers so many that when viewed at the eye-end, the twinkling has apparently ceased, but it makes itself apparent by the little disk of light mentioned above, for it must be remembered that the stars are mere points of light and the most powerful telescope reveals no disk. From this it is obvious why the moon does not scintillate, it has a surface that radiates light, and the individual scintillations from points thereon are drowned, so to speak, in the multitude. As to sparkling, or rapid change of colour, the light, as we ordinarily see it, is white, in reality it is composed of all the colours of the rainbow. These various colours do not tend to the same degree, when passing through our atmosphere, some bend more and some less. From any particular bundle of (white )rays we would receive say only the red rays, from another bundle only the blue and so on; so that collectively we would have the impression of white light, i.e., of all colours combined. This is generally the case when the successive layers of our atmosphere are fairly homogeneous. When, however, this is not the case, when irregular layers of varying densities traverse the air, then the dispersion of the white rays into their constituent colours becomes apparent to the eye, the blending of the colours, or rather of the particular rays which give us the sensation of colour, not taking place so continuously. Hence the star appears momentarily of that colour which is represented by the particular ray that meets the eye. When these irregular conditions prevail in our atmosphere then sparkling besides twinkling of the stars is possible. As these irregularities are mostly confined to the 1908] Thymus Serpyllum. 139 lower and denser parts of the atmosphere we can understand why stars only sparkle at a low altitude, not much above 30° above the horizon, or about a third of the elevation to the zenith or point overhead. While the twinkling or scintillation is greatest too, near the horizon, and diminishes as the stars get higher and higher, it is not wholly absent at or near the zenith, as is the case with sparkling. THE OCCURRENCE OF THYMUS SERPYLLUM AT RICHMOND, QUE. By J. C. Sutherland, B.A. In August of this year (1908) Mr. G. H. Pierce, C.E.. of Beechmore Farm, Richmond, brought me a flower specimen which was entirely new to me. As it was, however, plainly a Labiate, I turned to Gray's Manual to identify it. It seemed to answer the description of Thymus Serpyllum, but the given range of this species (E. Mass. to Penn.) made the determination doubtful. I therefore forwarded it to Dr. James Fletcher, stating that the nearest I could make of it was that it was a thyme or a savorv. He replied at once that it was the Wild Thyme of England, Thymus Serpyllum, and that its occurrence here at Richmond was interesting in view of the fact that in Macoun's catalogue the only record of its occurrence in Canada, is at True- manville, Nova Scotia, where it is naturalized in an old field. He therefore asked me to furnish a note as to its occurrence at Richmond. On the 14th of the month, I visited Beechmore Farm, and Mr. Pierce accompanied me to the large field where it was grow- ing. The largest patch was on the east side of a knoll, about a quarter of a mile from the G.T.R. main line and the same distance from the Richmond and Quebec branch of that railway. The elevation is over 100 feet above the railway. The extent of this patch would be about twenty-five feet square, and the plant had spread in a peculiar semi-circular fashion. There were other patches elsewhere in the field of about a yard square, and there were still smaller ones on the west side of the knoll. The latter ones quite plainly owed their distribution to the harrow. The plant first appeared, Mr. Pierce informed me, some three or four years ago. Its situation makes it improbable that it is an escape from any garden. The only likely source of in- troduction would seem to be the grass and clover seed which had 140 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Oct. been sown in the field several years ago. This assumption, of course, adds the problem as to where the grass and clover seed received the contamination. Possibly other records of its occurrence in Canada may be forthcoming. From an agricultural point of view, Thymus Serpyllum is not welcome. Its habit of growth here would indicate that it might prove sturdily aggressive. But from the artistic point of view it is very beautiful; and to a Canadian amateur botanist gives meaning, for the first time, to the poet's line, "I know a bank whereon the wild thyme grows." NOTES ON THE LEPIDOPTERA OF LAKE ROSSEAU DISTRICT, MUSKOKA, ONTARIO. By Arthur Gibson, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, At the head of one of the many small bays of the above charming lake, the delightfully quiet summer resort of Rostrevor is situated. Surrounded with rich, varied and even virgin woods, it offers many interesting studies to the naturalist. During a three weeks' stay at Rostrevor in September, 1907, the writer spent some time in making collections of the insects of the immediate vicinit}^ It was late in the season, however, to get any fair idea of the insect fauna of the district, and the weather too, most of the time, was unfavourable. The lepidoptera were given special attention and the following list of species taken is merely presented as a contribution towards a better knowledge of that order of insects occurring in that portion of northern Ontario. It will be noticed that many of the species are common or of widespread distribution, but a few are interesting on account of their rarity or owing to the fact that they are the first Canadian captures of which we have record. The majority of the specimens were collected "at light." Besides the moths which were attracted to the bright acetylene lights on the verandah of the boarding- house, two other kinds of insects were very abundant, viz.: the common and widespread Polystcechotes punctatus, and the " lamellicorn " beetle, Ligyrus relictus. The former has the habit of flying quietly and lazily, but the latter appeared suddenly from out of the darkness, circling around the lights and making a loud buzzing noise, much to the consternation of the guests. 1908] Lepidoptera of Lake Rosseau. 141 Rhopalocera. t Pontia rapae L. Single specimens of this the well-known Small White Cabbage Butterfly were observed from time to time during our stay. Eurymus philodke Godt. Several examples flying in a pasture field. Argynnis cybele Fab. \ These are all common species Argynnis aphrodite Fab. I in Ontario. In the Muskoka Argynnis ailantis Edw. i district, atlantis is probably the Brenthis myrina Cramer. ) most abundant. Polygonia progne Cramer. A few specimens along a roadside. Euvanessa antiopa L. The Morning Cloak Butterfly was seen occasionally. Basilarchia archippus Cram. One taken on Sept. 8th. Anosia plexippus L. This usually common butterfly was notice- ablv scarce during 1907. At Ottawa very few specimens were seen, and only one at Rostrevor. Heodes hypophleas Bdv. A single example on Sept. 16th. Heterocera. Sphinx kalmiw S. & A. A nearly full grown larva of this hawk- moth was found on Sept. 15th. It was heavily parasitized bv a small hymenopterous fly belonging to the sub-family Microgasterinse. Telea polyphemus Cramer. One cocoon found Sept 10th. Automeris io Fab. A mature larva was beaten from basswood on Sept. 12th. * Lycomorpha pholus Dru. One specimen, Sept. 8th. The larva feeds on lichen. Crambidia casta Sanborn. Several examples of this wide- spread species were taken on Sept. 4th. Hypoprepia miniata Kirby. A few, Sept. 5th. Hyphantria textor Harr. The work of this, the Fall Webworm, was seen Sept. 1st. Diacrisia virginica Fab. Mature larv^ae of this common arctian, were occasionally seen. Apantesis parthenice Kirby. Specimens taken almost every evening during our stay. This is doubtless the most abund- ant tiger moth in Canada. The larva is described by the writer, in all its stages, in the Canadian Entomologist, October, 1905. Halisidota iessellaris S. & A. A few mature larvae seen. These caterpillars are general feeders. Halisidota maculata Harr. Larvae commonly found on alder. 142 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Oct. Halisidota carycs Harr. Larvae very abundant in the rich woods of maple, birch, etc., wandering about in search of suitable places to make their cocoons. The caterpillar of this species, known as the Hickory Halisidota, and that of H. maculata, known as the Spotted Halisidota, were extremely abundant in Canada and northern United States in August and Sep-- tember. Much anxiety was felt by fruit growers and others in districts where the caterpillars appeared in great numbers. The writer published an account of this outbreak in the Annual Report of the Entomological Societv of Ontario, for 1907. Apatela americana Harr. One parasitized larva was collect- ed, the parasite Rhogas intermedius Cr6ss. emerging at Ottawa, Sept. 2Sth. Caradrina multijera Wlk. A single specimen taken Sept. 12th. Hadena modica Gn. Sept. 16th. Hadena duhitans Wlk. Sept. 3rd. Hadena devastatrix Brace. Sept. 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th. Hadena arctica Bdv. Sept. 3rd. Hyppa xylinoides Gn. Sept. 16th. Rhynchagrotis placida Grt. One specimen, Sept. 15th. Rhynchagrotis alternata Grt. Two specimens, Sept. 15th, 16th. Peridroma occidta L. Sept. 3rd. Noctua smithii Snel. Sept. 4th. Noctua normaniana Grt. Sept. 7th. Noctua c-nigrum L. Sept. 2nd. ■ Noctua rubifera Grt. Sept. 12th. Noctua collaris G. & R. Sept. 8th. Noctua clandestina. Sept. 10th. Feltia siibgothica Haw. Sept. 9th. Feltia jaculifera Gn. var. herilis Grt. Sept. 9th. Feltia venerabilis Wlk. Sept. 5th, 15th, 16th. Porosagrotis mimallonis Grt. Sept. 5th. Paragrotis jumalis Grt. Sept. 3rd. This species is uncommon in Ontario. The only other record we have is of a specimen taken at Ottawa by Mr. C. H. Young. Paragrotis niessoria Harr. Sept. 16th. Paragrotis insulsa Wlk. Sept. 8th. Paragrotis albipennis Grt. Sept. 5th, 8th, 15th. Paragrotis ochrogaster Gn. Sept. 15th. Mamestra meditata Grt. Sept. 9th, 16th. Mamestra picta Harr. Sept. 5th. Mamestra renigera Steph. Sept. 2nd, 5th, 12th. 1908] Lepidoptera of Lake Rosseau. 143 Nephelodes minians Gn. This noctuid was the most commonly occurring species and some beautiful clean specimens were taken. Heliophila unipHUita ¥La\x. Sept. 11th. Xylina fletcheri Sm. Sept. 8th. Cucullia convexipennis G. & R. Sept. 2nd. Gortyna nictitans Bork. var. americana, Speyer. Sept. 15th. Goriyna immanis Gn. Sept. 8th. This is the most northern record we have for this species. Xanthia fiavago Fab. Sept. 16th. Eucirroedia pampina Gn. Sept. 4th. Orthosia bicolorago Gn., var. jerrugineoides Gn. Sept. 2nd, 15th. Orthosia euroa G. & R. Sept. 8th. Drasteria crassiuscula Haw. Sept. 5th. Catocala ultronia Hbn. Sept. 8th. Epizeuxis americalis Gn. Sept. 15th. Epizeuxis luhricalis Geyer. Sept. 2nd. Zandognafha ochreipennis Grt. Sept. 5th. Palthis angidalis Hbn. Sept. 15th. Datana ministra Dru. Mature larva Sept. 15th. Gyn(Bphora rossii Curtis. A single larva of what we take to be this species was found, and fed sparingly on dandelion and plantain after my return to Ottawa. The specimen unfortunatelv died during hibernation, but it resembled very much the larva of rossii, which had been received by Dr. Fletcher from Messrs. Percy B. Gregson and Dalton Tipping, of Blackfalds, Alta., and also other examples of the larva which had been brought back from Hudson Bay by Mr. Andrew Halkett, of the Fisheries Museum. Tolype velleda Stoll. Sept. 9th. Eupitheciaquebecata Taylor MS. Sept. 16th; a recently described new species. This is the first Ontario record. Percnoptilota fluviata Hbn. Sept. 15th. Hydriomena contractata Pack. Sept. 15th. H ydriomena latirupta Walk. Sept. 8th, 16th. Gypsochroa designata Hufn. Sept. 15th. Petrophora jerrugata Clerck. Sept. 8th. Deilinia variolaria Gn. Sept. 2nd. Haematopsis grataria Fab. Sept. 8th. 9th. Lycia cognataria Gn. Full grown larva on Striped Maple, Sept. 15th. Ennomos magnarius Gn. Sept. 15th. Sabulodes lor at a Grt. Sept. 3rd. Subulodes transversata Dru. Sept. 8th. Nomopkila noctuella D. & S. Sept. 4th. I5th. 144 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Oct. Pyrausta fumalis Gn. Sept. 3rd. Scoparia basalts Wlk. Very abundant ; observed at light every evening. Crambus leachellus Zincken. Sept. 2nd, 5th, 15th. Crambus prafectellus Zincken. Sept. 4th, 5th, 15th, 16th. Crambus vulgivagellus Clem. Sept. 8th. Crambus trisectus Walk. Sept. 2nd, 8th. Thaumatopsis gibsonella Kearf. MS. Sept. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 15th. This pyralid was very abundant and specimens could have been taken at light almost every evening. The species was submitted to Mr. Kearfott, who pronounced it new, and it has been described under the above name. Co-types are in the collection of the Division of Entomology at the Central Experimental Farm. Eucosma conftuana Kearf. Sept. 8th, 16th. Mr. Kearfott says the species is common throughout the Eastern States, and that in Ontario it has been taken at Trenton (Aug 24) bv Mr. J. D. Evans. Aclerisniyisellana Walsm. Sept. 7th. According to Mr. Kearfott, this is a common northern species, ranging from Eastern Canada to the Pacific slope, and down to the Rocky Mount- ains into Nevada. Aristotelia roseosuffusella Clemens. Sept. 8th. Machimia tentorijerella Clemens. Sept. 8th. An eastern species some years abundant in autumn. It has been taken at Toronto in September by Mr. H. S. Saunders. Mr. Kearfott tells us that the larvae make a web on the underside of the leaves of mostly all of our hardwood trees. Depressaria lythrella Walsm. Sept. 7th. Mr. Kearfott reporting on this specimen says: "Walsingham bred this from larvae on Lyihrum alatum, in Illinois. Nothing but the type specimens were known until Beutenmuller sent me larvae from the Black Mountains of North Carolina several years ago, on a plant which I believe to be the above species. Your specimen matches those bred from Beutenmuller 's material, making the third locality so far known. If the above plant occurs in the neighborhood of Rostrevor, I have no doubt my determination is correct." Dr. Fletcher tells me that Lythrum alatum is not recorded from so far north in Ontario, but that Lythrum salicaria might be there and the closely allied Nescea verticillata almost certainly is. Collecting in the above locality in June or July, would, I feel sure, be most satisfactory. Mr. Dinsmore, the proprietor, told me that earHer in the season great numbers of insects are at- tracted to the acetylene lights on the verandah. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, NOVEMBER, 1908 No. 8. THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURE STUDY, WITH SOME SUGGESTIONS AS TO METHODS.* By J. F. Power, M;A., Toronto. Since most of us were pupils at the primary schools, marked changes have taken place in the subjects taught therein. This need create no surprise. Strange it would be if reforms in education did not keep pace with the revolutionary changes going on in the world around us. To-day, as never before, the plea is being made for a course of study which will better adapt the child to his environment. Hence, subjects like manual train- ing and domestic science are receiving a place on the curriculum. Nor need there be any conflict between those subjects and what have been always considered the essentials of a proper school course ; rather will they supplement the latter. I think we are all pretty well agreed as to their educational importance; if so, it is our duty to do all we can to encourage their existence. This we can do by speaking well of them and by giving them our sympathy and hearty support. There is another subject, nature study, which has been attracting a good deal of attention. It is now about four years since it was formallv introduced on the curriculum; and the question may well be asked, what has been accomplished? I venture to say a good deal has been done. We may not fully realize this ; we may not be always conscious that we are dealing with nature study when, perhaps, we are doing some of our best work in the subject. We have heard a good deal about it and have listened to considerable discussion upon it; and I think we are, perhaps unconsciously, more interested in the things around us than ever before. I fully believe also that our pupils have imbibed someof this enthtisiasm, and that they are begin- ning to see pleasures in the common things of evcrv day life. ♦Read before Ottawa Teachers' Association,^ .May 8th, 1908. 146 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. There seems to be some . difference of opinion as to what nature study is. With some it is a method of teaching — the natural method. With this opinion I must disagree. I do admit there is such a thing as natural or common sense method in teaching, e.g., if we wish to teach carpeting in arithmetic, the natural method is to have the pupils go through the actual operation of carpeting. There is no question as to the value of this method, but it is not nature study. How can it be, shut off as we are from the very face of nature ? With others nature study is confounded with elementary science. 'Tis true that in actual practice it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the two. At least, as teachers, we are so anxious to im-part knowledge that I'm afraid we do not always avoid the domain of science. Nature study, however, is not science; it is the study of the objects and conditions everywhere environing us, that we may the better see and comprehend the common things of life; above all, that we may acquire a sympath}^ with, and a love for nature. Inmv opinion, it matters little what name we give it, whether nature study or elementary science, or whether we give it a name at all, so long as we endeavor to acquire this sympathy with nature ; and, as Bailey says, "To see what we look at and to draw proper conclusions from what we see." As to its educational values, I need offer no special plea. On this topic you have alreadv listened to much discussion. It rests upon the same psychological basis as domestic science and manual training, and is advocated by most of the distinguished educators of the present day. We are all well aware of the "knowledge never learned of schools," which a child acquires during his early years; the idea is to continue, as far as possible, the same natural means of educating. It is claimed our school work has been too bookish; we talk about sense perceptions, sense training, objective teaching, and concrete notions; and yet, we cling to our books as closely as ever. If there is anything in the educational principles, from percept to concept, from particular to general, surely it is in nature study, with its objective realities, that tliev receive their truest and widest application. The subject, therefore, rests upon rational and sound pedagogical principles. Moreover, few other subjects on our curriculum give anvthing like the same training in observation, nor does it stop here ; the child must interpret what he sees, thus his reasoning and judgment are exercised and trained ; his mental activities are made the most of and are directed along useful lines. The child is interested in the common things about him ; if we are to succeed as teachers we must take advantage of this interest and 1908] Nature Study. 147 seize upon this mental desire for knowledge, otherwise it will fade away and a golden op])ortunity is lost. Not only is nature study pedagogically sound, but it is also the verv foundation of many of the other subjects we are called upon to teach. Much of geography is essentially nature study. I'm afraid, however, we do not always go to nature and the world outside to give our classes concrete notions in this subject. We have been too long adhering to the text-book and the class- room. In art much of the material employed is taken from nature, and the better a child is al'le to see and to interpret this material, the better will he be able to give expression to it. Much of the literature taught in the various grades al)Ounds in nature pictures, and what child, who has never learned to examine and to verify these, will appreciate and enjoy the sentiments of the poet ? The material for much of our work in composition may also be taken from nature study topics, thus, by correlation, it will prove a help in our ordinary sc hool work and not a hindrance. There is another and, in my opinion, the most important value of nature study, viz.: the influence it has on the character of the child. We emphasize character building, and rightly so, as the chief object of education. In no way, however, can we in- fluence a child's character more than by giving him a love for nature , a love which will prove a solace to him when tired of the monotony of everv day hfe. It gives a sympathy not onlv between teacher and pupil, but also with every living thing. The more we know of nature the more humble we must necessarily become — since a knowledge of nature lifts the veil of science, that unlimited field of knowledge, and makes us feel how very little we know. Not onlv does it make us humbler, but also kinder, more patient and more considerate. This may be said to be the aesthetic or emotional vake of tlie subject; and who will denv t^iat tba aesthetic training of our pupils isdaily becomingmorene-essary ? As this country grows older and becornxs letter settled more attention will be given to decorations and general improve- ments. Already in this city, tlie matter is assuming k'rge pro- portions, in the efforts that are being made to make Otta .va the Washington of Canada. If tlie work is to be a success we must do something in our schools to lielp it along and to enable our future citizens to better enjoy tlieir surroundings. We look upon the C.P.R. as a soulless coiporation v.ithout a spark of sentiment or refinement; and yet, I notice that orders went forth the otlier dav to have a flower garden Ft every station ; ross the continent and seeds were distributed for tliat purpose. Think of the comfort, the pleasure, the solace that will come '•o many a 148 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. weary traveller when beholding those flowers; and to the station agent and his family, in many an out of the way place, in tending and caring for them. If the C.P.R. is alive to the necessity of those things, surely we, the teachers of this province, should not be left behind. What an opportunity there is to give such a training by raising flowers in connection with our schools! Perhaps the most valuable lesson that has been given in this city in this connection was that given last fall by His Excellency, Earl Grey, when he had some hundreds of the school boys take part in the planting of bulbs at Rockcliffe. The animal nature is evident in us all; let us check it by cul- tivating the emotional and aesthetic side. For this purpose nature study has the same claim on our curriculum as art, music, or even good literature. While the educational value of the subject is pretty freely admitted tliere are some imaginary objections to its universal adoption. Tlie chief of these is the lack of time; it is quite true that teachers are, as a rule, pretty busy. So far, however, as our urban schools are concerned I need scarcely remind you that overteaching is one of our greatest weaknesses. Too much is done by the teacher and too little self-eftbrt or self-investiga- tion is demanded from the pupil. I am old-fashioned enough to champion the three R's. These, in my opinion, must continue to form the basis of our school work. Is it not possible, however, that we are spending too much tim.e in grinding them and that equally good results might be obtained in a shorter period? I have every faith too in giving our boys and girls a taste for the right kind of reading ; and the teacher, who is succeeding in doing this, is doing a work of the highest educational value. I am well aware that some of the advocates of nature study are apt to speak slightingly of books and to maintain that our pupils must become original investigators. While it is important that we, as teachers, should encourage, as far as lies in our power, the spirit of self-discovery, the great majority of mankind mtist ever depend upon books for the bulk of their knowledge. There is, however, no quarrel between nature study and the three R's. Those teachers who fly in the face of nature study in defence of the three R's are not always the ones who are doing the best work in the latter; as a rule, the teacher who does the three R's best will also do nature study best and will find time to do it. Let me repeat, nature study, if properly taken up, will prove an assistance to the rest of the schoolwork; and the three- quarters of an hour or hour devoted to it each week will prove a delightful recreation from the ordinary school grind. I am satisfied too that manv of the lessons we give in nature studv 1908] Nature Study. 149 will remain green in the memories of our pupils when perhaps many of those given in other subjects are gone and forgotten. Another objection, frequently advanced, is that the teachers are not specially prepared to teach the subject. This is no in- surmountable objection. A great deal of knowledge is not necessary. What is specially required on the part of the teacher is a belief in the educational values of the subject combined with a strong desire to do the work, and with an earnest effort and a will to become better acquainted with the common things around us. That most of us are entirely unacquainted with our surroundings need scarcely be affirmed. Is it not our dutv to do all we can to remedy this state of affairs? The old saying, "Where there's a will there's a way," holds specially true in the teaching of nattire study. Enthusiasm counts for more than anything else. The difficulty is we have become so accustomed to the pouring out of knowledge to our pupils that we are ashamed to say "I don't know"; after all, how little any of us know! Why can't we give our pupils some topic to investigate and at the same time work with them? It may be how an apple is formed in the bud, or how a maple tree gets out of the seed, or the various changes through which a butterfly passes. In investigating these topics w^th our pupils, being willing to have them teach us if necessary, our knowledge will soon increase; and our con- fidence in and love for the subject will lead us to do better things. Moreover this mutual effort of teacher and pupil to investigate together will do more to stimulate the latter to self-exertion than will all the second-hand information we can otherwise give him. I am not denying the importance of and the necessity for knowledge on the part of the teacher; what I do say is, that lack of knowledge need not deter us from taking up the work. Besides, too much knowledge mav lead us into our present fatal error of telling what the child should seek for himself. It is true that the subject, as dealt with in many of the texts, is quite -exhaustive; and is sufficient to discourage the average teacher who has done little in the various sciences. Nature study, however, as I have already said, is not science. It takes things as they are around us and endeavors to under- stand them without any attempt at svstematic order or classifica- tion; it is wholly informal and is free from definitions and technical terms. We mav be interested in insects, their haljits and metamorphoses without attempting to know anything about them from a scientific point of view. Leave all that to the specialists. We may take much pleasure in birds, their songs, migrations, habits, and uses. _ without ever having heard of 150 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. ornithology. Just as in literature we may appreciate the beauty, the sentiment, and the feeling without entering into a detailed analysis of it, so in nature study we may learn to love a flower, a bird, or an insect without having any technical knowledge concerning anv of them. Of course in taking up the work a vast fund of knowledge is sure to be acquired by the pupil and this knowledge will form, later on, an excellent scientific founda- tion. There is no doubt, however, that the complexity of material is a stumbling block, hence the necessity for some outline of work for the various grades. There must be a great deal of elasticity in the course laid down and there need be no special order for taking up the work, except what may be incidentally suggested, as the teaching of a lesson in literature, a topic in geography or any other individual occurrence. It is well too, in graded schools that, while each teacher is given great latitude, some definite course be followed in each grade. Otherwise much confusion and useless repetition are sure to follow. The work for each grade, as outlined in the school regulations, is merely suggestive and may be supplemented to meet any local conditions. The course to be followed should deal with plant and animal life, the earth itself, the sky, the atmosphere, in fact evervthing around us. I understand some such course is being outlined for the various grades in your schools; it is, therefore, unnecessary that I say more on this phase of the subject. I do strongly advocate, however, that, during the long winter seasons when out-door work in nature is practically impossible, or at least very difficult, more attention be given, especially in the Third and Fourth Forms, to elementary science. I am fully aware that it has been, and is to-day, customary to introdvice this phase of school work in the High or Secondary School. This I consider a mistake. There is much in elementary physics and even in chemistry that the average child, who will never go beyond the primary school, might take up with great profit. In fact the course outlined in the regulations covers some of this work. I see no valid reason why those Forms should not have simple experiments to show them the chief properties of air — such, e.g. as its composition, weight, pressure, the structure and uses of a barometer; simple experiments on water, e.g. hard and soft, chief impurities, filtration, evaporation, condensation and buoyancy ; on heat, such as sources, expansion by heat, conduction, convection, radiation and the structure and uses of thermometers; simple lessons on the cause and transmission of sound, light, etc. There is, in all this work, much valuable information which will enable pupils to better 1908] Nature Study. 151 understand their surroundinj^s ; for what things are so common as air, water, heat and soil. The proper understanding of these will enable the pupils to more easily comprehend the facts of geography, physiology, and other subjects that are taught. I realize that this would involye having in each school simple apparatus to carry on the work. The cost would not be great and the interest taken by the pupils and the value derived from two such lessons each week would more than make up for it. Let me pass on to what we may call the general method of treatment of nature study. It is so wide and is of such a nature, it may be said that each teacher must be a law unto himself. Certain it is, that the method to be employed must be almost as informal as are tlie topics to be studied. It would prove fatal to the subject to set down hard and fast rules for its treatment. It may be truthfully said that the feeHng and disposition of the teacher towards the work counts for more than any formal method. What the teacher requires more than method is a love for nature; this love, combined with a reasonable amount of knowdedge and with a desire to get more, will doubtless bring success. This does not mean that children are to be taught by the teacher. The former are to find out facts for themselves under the guidance and direction of the latter who must always keep her knowledge in the background. It is a golden rule that the child must not be told w^hat he can reasonably find out for himself. We frequently hear it said that a child is a born naturalist. This statement I consider extreme. It is quite true, I think, that childhood is the age when most enthusiasm can be produced ; when the mental activities are seeking to be satisfied. In later Hfe we become set in our ways and notions, and it is more difficult to produce an impression upon us. Our own experiences, how- ever, will teach us that a child may live daily surrounded by nature without learning to interpret what he sees. The direction of a teacher is necessary. How many people there are who are quite familiar wdth mosquitoes and with the "wrigglers" of a water barrel, but who never for a moment connect the two and who are surprised when they are told that both are stages in the life history of this insect. We must take care then that children do see; and by well directed and judicious questioning w^e must assist them to interpret what would otherwise have no meaning for them. Mere contact with nature or with natural objects is insufficient. If nature study teaching consisted in setting before the pupils a number of facts in nature to be memorized, or a number 152 The Ottawa Naturalist. (Nov. of objects about which they were to find out facts as best they could, the work might be easily done. But it is neither the one nor the other. The main question for the teacher is, what is the best w^ay to bring the material before the pupils in order to get the most self-effort from them? A question is always a challenge to a child, especially if that question is in the shape of a problem, to be solved, e.g., where do the birds that remain with us all wdnter secure their food? On what kind of day do the streets dry up fastest ? In what part of the sky do you look for a new moon? How is a duck specially adapted for swimming? Why can it keep warm while swimming in cold water? By questions such as these the children are kept on the alert looking for something on which they are to report. Thus are tliey learning to look around them and soon the habit is formed. Another thing in which the teacher must be very careful is not to discourage pupils by forgetting to take up problems thus set them, or by giving little attention to objects they may bring in for examination. Children are very sensitive in this matter and a little thoughtlessness on the part of the teacher may cast the shadow of discouragement over them. The time of year, too, must necessarily influence the work to be done, e.g., spring time is the season for the germination and planting of seeds, the setting out of flowers, the opening of buds, the return of the birds, etc. In t\\e fall, comes fruits and seeds, the means of dispersion of the latter, caterpillars and cocoons. Some topics may require more than one season to work out, e.g. the metamorphosis of a butterfly, the growth of a plant from seed to fruit, etc. The weather we have always with us ; and it furnishes many interesting topics for investiga- tion. Many of the lessons in our readers abound in nature study topics and furnish an excellent means of treating it incidentally. In ovir general literature too, is to be found much, both in prose and poetry, w4iich is descriptive of nature, and the reading of which by our pupils will do a great deal to create a disposition to become better acquainted with her. Moreover, this incidental treatment of the subject is of great value and does away with the excuse of lack of time for more formal nature work. The teachers of this city have every advantage in cultivating the acquaintance of nature.' I know of no other city offering like facilities. Here live many of the best experts in Canada wdio are ever ready and willing to render assistance, and an association with whom is an inspiration in the work. You have here also the Field-Naturalists' Club, an organization of wide reputation, 1908] Nature Study. 153 the president and the secretary of which, we are proud to number among our fellow teachers. Take advantage of these facilities and I am sure you will soon become more interested in a subject which, for pupils in our day, had no existence. In conclusion, I have tried to present this subject to you not from the standpoint of the faddist, but from the standpoint of one who believes that our primary schools, dealing as thev do with the masses, mtist continue to fit our people for the affairs of every day life. At the same time I am convinced we can do much to train the future men and women of this province, that there is lying everywhere around them a means of creating a disposition to appreciate the sentiments of the poet who said: "Nature never did betray The heart that loved her; 'tis her privilege, Through all the years of this, our life, to leap From jpy to joy ; for she can so inform The mind that is within us, so impress With greatness and beauty, and so feed With lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues, Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men, Nor greetings where no kindness is, nor all The dreary intercourse of daily life. Shall e'er prevail against us, or disturb Our cheerful faith, that all which we behold Is full of blessings." SOME BIRD HABITS. By Norman Criddle, Treesbank, Manitoba, Several years ago my brother Stuart drew my attention to some remarkable habits practised by the Killdeer Plover while endeavoring to preserve its eggs from enemies. He had observed that this bird, while sitting upon its eggs, when disturbed by a dog, would leave the nest and flutter along the ground as if badly injured, as many other birds are known to do, and so entice the dog away. But, if the danger came from a cow, or horse, the tactics were changed and the bird, with wings and feathers spread out, would run into the animal's face and so by startling it drive the intruder aside. In the former instance the 154 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. bird left its eggs while the dog was some distance away, but with cattle it waited until almost touched before moving, so that its sudden appearance was more startling. It would, of course, be a fatal mistake were the latter method employed to drive away a dog, or coyote ; while the former would prove useless as a means of preventing cattle from treading upon the eggs. Hence, two habits to gain the same end. It might be asked how a bird had acquired so much wisdom in being able to distinguish between an enemy which would eat both bird and eggs if opportunity offered, and a generally harm- less cow from which the only danger would be of accidentally treading upon the eggs. And also, how it had learned to employ methods of defence so totally different. I believe the answer is this. Before the advent of civilization the prairies were in- habited by countless numbers of buffaloes, while coyotes as well as foxes were also more numerous than they are to-day. The Killdeer is a bird that nests in open spots, usually on dry low hills not far removed from water. Consequently, the eggs and young would often come in contact with these mammals, and if the parent bird did not resort, to some artifice, their offspring would often suffer. The parents which contended most success- fully with enemies would naturally rear more young. Thus, by the "survival of the fittest" the instinct — I believe it is an instinct — has been acquired. I have observed these birds practise both methods with success when contending against crows, but man, they rank with coyote and dog and only feign injury. They consider — unfortunately rightly — that we are not to be trusted. The American Goldfinch, often wrongly called Wild Canary, nests very late in the season, in spite of the fact that in some parts of the country, such as at Ottawa, it is a permanent resident. I remember puzzling over the reason of this late nesting until it occurred to me that the young were fed principally upon the seeds of wild sunflowers and similar plants such as Gaillardia, burdock, thistle, etc. Then the reason became plain: these birds waited until the seeds were ripe so that they would have an abundance of food both for their young and for themselves, during the breeding season. In Manitoba the sun- flowers are much preferred, and I believe this is due partly to the birds' plumage harmonizing so remarkably with the flowers. Earlier in the season they feed to a large extent upon dandelions and Gaillardia seeds, both vellow-flowering plants. 1908] Some Bird Habits. 155 At one of the Ottawa Field -Naturalists' Club excursions last spring, at which. I had the pleasure of speaking, I made the rather loose statement that the American Cuckoos differed from the European species in that they reared their own young. While this is. generally speaking, true, the habit — ^as pointed out by Mr. Halkett*- — is not quite so distinctive as my remarks might lead one to imagine. I have never personally found American Cuckoo eggs in the nests of other birds, though, I believe, there are records of such having been found. I have, however, on several occasions discovered more than the usual number of eggs in a nest, and in one instance found ten under one bird, which would indicate that at least three birds were responsible for them. Unfortunately the eggs were abandoned and consequently never hatched. There are also, I believe, instances on record of the European Cuckoo rearing its own young. Writing of Cuckoos, brings me to a doubtful case of the same habit practised by the Red winged Blackbird. The usual number of eggs is four or five, but on several occasions I have found nests containing six or eight, and once nine, which leads me to the belief that these might be from more than one bird. I am also suspicious as to whether the birds are not somewhat sociable in their nest-building operations. That is, whether more than one bird engages in building one nest. But this subject must be dropped for the present as not proven. I have intro- duced it in the hope that others might be able to throw light upon the matter. The Mourning Dove has increased very largely within the last twenty years and in some respects is taking the place of the once abundant Passenger Pigeon, which it somewhat re- sembles in coloured markings. It seems well adapted to the changed conditions brought about by the ploughing up of the country. It delights to feed upon stubble fields or on waste land where weed seeds are plentiful, and seems rather partial to Green Foxtail {Setaria viridis), also not taking aniiss to a good feed of wheat when opportunity offers. These birds often con- gregate in small flocks, sometimes several hundred being seen together, but they nest in solitary pairs. They are very fond of salt, like the domestic pigeon, and- if they ever become too numerous could probably be captured by using salt as a bait. On examining the nests of doves at different times of the year, I have noticed the ratlier interesting fact that the nests are *Ott;awa Naturalist, Aug. 1"^)08, page 95. 156 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. usually, if not always, more warmly built late in the season, doubt- less to protect the eggs and young from cold, though I have no records tending to show that the habit is practised in the spring when the weather is often equally cold. The young of the Osprey are said to have an inclination to hunt birds and mammals. Some naturalists claim that they are taught to abandon this habit by the parent birds, after which they devote their time to hunting fish. I am always rather skeptical about this "schooling" idea. It seems to me that a certain modern class of nature writers attribute altogether too much to this method of acquiring knowledge among wild animals. I have observed that young Marsh Hawks have much the same habits of differing from the adults in the matter of food. The young, as soon as they learn to catch for themselves, devote a large portion of their time to hunting young grouse which they destroy in considerable numbers. This habit only lasts about a month, after which small rodents form the bulk of their food supply, as is the case with the adults. The question is, do these young birds later find the grouse too strong and fast, and so are obliged of necessity to turn their attentions elsewhere ; or are they taught by their parents that grouse hunting is bad for them? The question might be answered by another. If these hawks can capture grouse to advantage why should they leave them to seek other food of which a larger quantity would be required to appease their appetites? There is no doubt, however, that parent birds do teach their young certain habits. I have watched both the Marsh and Swainson's Hawk teaching their young to catch the food that is brought to them. The old bird would soar above the young, which seemed keenly on the watch, and suddenly drop the food to be caught. If it were missed the parent would swoop grace- fully down and secure it again before it had time to reach the ground, and the lesson was continued until one of the yoimg accomplished the task. So we must admit the teaching of parents in wild life. The problem is where to draw the line between teaching, learning by experience, and instinct. The 45th annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Ontario, will be held at the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, on November Sth and 6th. Dr. E. P. Felt, New York State Entomologist will deliver the evening popular lecture. At the day sessions papers of economic and scientific interestTwill be read. Dr. James Fletcher is the retiring President. 1908] Council Meeting. 15/ COUNCIL MEETING. A meeting of the Council was held in the Carnegie Library on September 8th, with the following members in attendance: the President Mr. A. E. Attwood, Miss E. E. Curne, Messrs. A. Gibson, H.' H. Pitts, and T. E. Clarke. The folio wmg were elected ordinary members: — 1. Mr. Thos. Jamieson, B.A.. Inspector of PubUc Schools. Carleton Count v. 2. Mr. H. Groh, B.S.A., Central Experimental farm. 3. Mr. J. W. Swaine, Macdonald College, Ste. Anne de Bellevuc. 4. Mrs. F. W. Carman, Ottawa. 5. Mr. Ward M. Irvin, Ottawa.. 6. Miss F. J. McNeill, Ottawa. 7. Mr. W. A. Dent, Collegiate Institute, Sarnia. The Secretary reported that a meeting of representatives from various literarv and scientific associations of Ottawa was held in the Speaker's Room, House of Commons, on June 3rd, when the following resolution was adopted unanimously : — "Resolved that this meeting recommends to each of the societies represented, and other societies of a similar nature m Ottawa, the consideration of the desirability of having one course of free popular lectures under the auspices of the various societies united for that purpose only, it being understood that the proposed course of lectures is not to interfere with the meet- ings or lectures of each society under its own special arrange- ments. That a joint committee meet for consideration of the subject as soon as all are chosen. That each society send m the name of the delegate elected to Dr. J. F. White, Principal of the Normal School, who will call the meeting." A programme of autumn excursions was arranged for as follows: — September 12th— Central Experimental Farm. September 19th— Fairv Lake and Beaver Meadow. September 26th— Rociccliffe, McKay's Lake and outlet. Mr.- Gibson suggested the advisability of making a Club Exhibit at the Central Canada Exhil)ition on some future occa- sion, the exhibit to be composed of material from the collections of individual members. T. E. C. 158 The Ottawa Naturalist [Nov. THE COTTON-TAIL RABBIT IN ONTARIO. By J. H. Fleming, Toronto. This rabbit was not, so far as can be ascertained, indigenous even in south-western Ontario, where the faunal conditions are strongly CaroHnian and favourable to its increase. While no very definite date can be given for its first appearance in the south-western counties, it has been a resident in Essex for at least forty years. At Niagara the first cotton-tails were noticed in 1871 ; this is the date given by Mr. C. W. Nash and agrees closely with that of others. Mr. Ernest Seton says that rabbits were seen in Peel in 1872; westward they were recorded at Strathroy by Mr. Walter Brett in 1882. At Toronto, there is some confusion, owing to the attempted introduction of English rabbits and the coming of the cotton-tail was overlooked ; but Dr. Brodie considers the date was about 1884. Specimens were taken at Lome Park, by Mr. Seton, in 1887, and Mr. Allan Brooks states that they were not abundant at Milton till 1888. During the last twenty years the range has steadily in- creased, but the centre of abundance still remains south of the line drawn from a few miles north of Sarnia, to the west end of Lake Ontario, as shown on the accompanying map. North and east of this line the cotton-tail is subject to climatic conditions that keep it in check, and were it not for a constant migration from the south and west counties very few would remain after an unfavourable season; and in any case, the natural increase is kept down by the hunting the animal is subject to at all times. The cotton-tail in winter often finds refuge under bams, but it is usually to be found near the woods, showing a decided preference for hardwood ridges. Solitary ones mav be found in old skunk holes at all seasons. A common way of hunting them is with ferrets. There have been numerous attempts to introduce this rabbit, but the present range is due to the migra- tion of the animal itself. EXCURSIONS. The first of the autumn excursions of the Club was held on September 12th, to the Central Experimental Farm. The members of the Ottawa Horticultural Society also visited the Farm the same afternoon, and the two societies joined forces and were conducted around the Farm by Dr. Fletcher, Mr. W. T. Macoun and other members of the staff. About 150 in all 1908] CoTTOx-TAii. Rabbit. 159 160 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. were present. Mr. Macoun directed special attention to the hedges near the poultry houses and to the different groups of trees and shrubs in the Arboretum, or Botanic Garden. The various beds of late flowering plants in the central lawn, such as cannas, asters, etc., were much admired. An interesting feature of the excursion was a visit to the new horticultural building. Here everyone was treated to a liberal supply of plums, apples and melons. The musk melons were in fine condition and, of course, were very much enjo3^ed. While in the building short addresses were delivered by Dr. Fletcher and Mr. Macoun. Dr. Fletcher outlined some of the work which is carried on at the Farm, referring particularly to that of horticulture bv Mr. Macoun, the Horticulturist, and spoke in high terms of the success which had attended his efforts in developing that branch of agriculture in Canada. Mr. Macoun explained the objects of the new building and said that he hoped during coming seasons to have on exhibition samples of the different kinds of vegetables and fruits which were best grown in the Ottawa district. These would be shown in glass covered cases and could be seen in their proper season. He hoped also to have meetings of horticulturists, from time to tiine, in the building, when the new car line to the Farm is in operation. Froin the standpoint of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, the excursion was a most unique one, and was much enjoyed by all the inembers who were present. It is to be hoped that another joint excursion of the two societies may be arranged for at some future date not too far distant. A. G. SUB-EXCURSION TO BeAVER MeADOW AND FaIRY LaKE. The second of the autumn excursions of the Club was held to Beaver Meadow and Fairy Lake, on Saturday, September 19th, under the leadership of the President, Mr. A. E. Attwood. The day was ideal, a timely rain the previous night having cleared the air of the dense and oppressive smoke with which the forest fires had obscured everything. Over sixty members and others, including a strong representation from the Normal School, availed themselves of the opportunity for a pleasant outing, in a hunting ground well and favorably known to all of the older meinbers. While this is not the season for the best results from the collector's standpoint, there was nevertheless much to be observed; and the freshness of this retreat was particularly remarked upon, in view of the general parched condition of vegetation, owing to the long-continued drought. After some time spent in skirmishing in the woods flanking the meadow, 1908] Excursions. 161 the party proceeded to Fairy Lake, a beautifully retired spot. On its rocky banks, the afternoon's treasures were discussed, and several interesting addresses were listened to. Dr. Blackader reviewed the half dozen species of ferns which had been collected. Some of these were shown to be in the fruiting condition; and examples of the curious "bladders" on the leaves of the Bladder fern were also exhiVjited. Prof. McCready, of the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, was then called on. In view of the presence of so many from the Normal School, he spoke more particularly on what the Macdonald Institute is prepared to do for teachers. A three months' Summer School will be held again next year, at which teachers may get a training in nature study, school garden w^ork and elementary agriculture. Rural school teachers should be able to appreciate the conditions on the farm, and while they can not be expected to teach the people how to farm, they can still be, to quite an extent, a medium between the college and the farm. Prof. McCready also believes in nature study, which has an agricultural bearing, or in other words, which utilizes the everyday things of the farm as its objects of study. Mr. J. W. Gibson, of the Normal School, called attention to tlie various maples seen, and also explained some points with regard to the autumn colouration of leaves, examples of which were already to be found. Mr. J. H. Putman exhibited several climbing plants, in- cluding Canada Moonseed and Climbing Bittersweet. He also called attention to the Poison Ivy growing all about, and showed that its poisonous properties were often over-estimated. Some alder twigs bearing specimens of woolly aphis were shown by Mr. H. Groh, who spoke about the nature of the secretion which gave this woolly appearance, and about the honev dew secreted by many apliids. Mr. Arthur Gibson, besides presenting some specimens of interest, outlined briefly some of tlie aims of the Club. One of these was to still further increase the already large membership ; and to this end he extended the Club's invitation to all who were interested in its work, to become members. The improvement of the Ottawa Naturalist, its official organ, was another im- portant aim of the Club. It continues to attract articles from many of the best known naturalists. In the course of his duties as Chairman, Mr. Attwood con- tributed many valuable points. In speaking of oaks, he classified them all as either black or white, and gave several easily re- membered characteristics by means of which they could be placed in one or the other of these groups. H. G. 162 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. Sub-excursion to McKay's Lake. This autumn's sub-excursions have been most interesting and enjoyable and the one held on September 26th at McKay's Lake was certainly not an exception. The woods around this charming little sheet of water are beautiful at any time, but the gay colouring of the fall season seemed to lend additional charms. The attendance was not as large as at some former outings, there being only about fifty present, but never has greater interest been shown in the finds of the day. Strolling slowly along through the woods on the lake side, the whole topic of conversation seemed to be on the different points of interest in nature about them. Some time was spent at the sand pit, and here Mr. McNeill gave much interesting information concerning the sand deposit and also about the formation of marl found in that locality. Returning at 4.30 to a pleasant knoll, overlooking the lake, the company listened with much interest and profit to addresses by several of the Leaders. Mr. Arthur Gibson presided, in the absence of the President, and first called on Mr. W. T. Macoun, who spoke of the various trees met with during the afternoon, making his talk doubly forcible bv passing around a small branch of each kind, and explaining the difference between closely related species. This created such an interest that quite a discussion followed. Mr. McNeill spoke of certain aquatic plants, and of the pleasure to be had from keeping an aquarium. He gave many practical hints of how to manufacture one at a very slight ex- pense. Mention was made that great care should be taken in fiUing the aquarium, so as to have the right balance of animal and vegetable life, or the consequences would doubtless be dis- couraging. Mr. J. W. Gibson corroborated what had been said by Mr, McNeill and afhrmicd that lie had found an aquarium a source of great interest as well as profit. He also spoke of the difference to be found among plants at different elevations. Mr. H. Groh said a few words about the birds noticed during the afternoon, giving a list of those observed, and Mr. Arthur Gibson showed the very beautiful chrysalis of the Monarch butterflv and described the life-history of the insect. He also told something of the insects that spend the winter in the heads of the common mullein and in the stems of the golden rod. E. E. C. 1908] The Ottawa Naturalist. 163 NOTES. The Worm-eating Warbler in Ontario. — On the morn- ing of May 28th, 1908, I took a male Worm-eating Warbler in a maple wood, with chestnut ridge, about three miles west of London, Ont. My attention was attracted by a song which seemed to be that of a Chipping Sparrow, delivered very rapidly 1 ut with a tone a trifle more musical than is the case with the sparrow. After some search we found him sitting still about fiftv feet up and with a glass I could see a warbler's bill and could tell that it was flesh coloured, although the light was too poor to show anything more. A lucky shot brought him down and I had the pleasure of picking up the first Worm-eating Warbler recorded for Canada. In thinking the matter over I remembered having heard a similar, but not identical, song about a week before, ten miles farther west but was unable to even see the author of the note. Since then I have been told that this warbler was accurately described by a boy living not far from where mine was taken, so that it is possible more than one have been about. Three or four years ago Prairie Warblers were reported and taken in several places throvighout the province where they liad not been seen before and it is possible that this year may see an oc urrence of Worm-eating Warblers which will parallel that of the other species. — W. E. Saunders, London, Ont. Nesting of the Bartramian Sandpiper. — On Mi v 26th, 1908, while passing through some fields near Morrisburg, Ont., I was surprised by flushing a bird of the above spe^^ies. In a minute the nest and four fresh eggs were found. The nest was built in a dry, scrubby field, where Meadowlarks were nesting. Tlie bird had excavated a hole about the size of a srurer, and lined the same with a few dead grasses, the whole 1 eing - rrtially concealed by long grass. — W. J. Brown, W^estmount, Que. Cypripedium .\rietinum on the Shore of Lake Erie. — On May 30tli, while exploring Turkey Point with Mr. J. S. Wallace, of Toronto, we found a large patch of Ram's Head Lady Slipper within one-quarter mile of Lake Erie, which was growing in the more open places in a cedar thicket and ?T^peared to be flourishing. We brought away about 20 roots for t'^e garden but we made no serious impression on the numbers of the colony. I had found this plant on the shore of Lake Huron in t o places. but never on Lake Erie. 164 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. Turkey Point is a small marshy piece of land extending about two miles out into Long Point Bay, on the north shore of Lake Erie, some 40 miles south-west of Hamilton. — W. E. Saunders, London, Ont. Unusual Nesting Habit op Slate-colored Junco. — While at Armstrong's Point, Youghall, N.B., in July last, I was surprised to see a nest of the Slate-colored Junco, Junco hyemalis, built on a ledge beneath the gable of the house in which I was staying. When examined on July 20th, it contained two young birds, about half grown, and one old egg. The nest was situated about 10 feet from the ground and the house was partly sur- rounded by the edge of a spruce grove — Arthur Gibson. Extension of the Range of Peronyscus Michiganensis. — Some months ago I published an account of the taking of thia mouse at Point Pelee. Subsequently Mr. John Morden found these in great numbers at the base of Point Pelee on the main land, so that one is led to expect them throughout the Lake Erie District of Ontario, but I was rather surprised on May 13th to find in my traps on the shore of Lake Huron several of these mice. The locality was about twenty-five miles east of Sarnia, just at the south-east corner of Lake Huron. The mice were inhabiting the beach in the same way that they lived at Point Pelee. I have received from Mr. Norval Jones at Grand Bend, two more specimens of this mouse. Grand Bend is only fifteen miles north-east of the Point where I took the mice on May 13th, but the district is very northern in its characteristics. Crossbills are to be seen there during the summer, and the White-throated Sparrow and Olive-sided Fly-catcher spend the summer there, so that the range of this mouse in Ontario receives quite a northern aspect from these facts. In June, 1908, at the niouth of the Thames River in Lake St. Clair I trapped another of this species, and there is no doubt that it occurs all throughout the South Western Peninsula in considerable numbers.- — W. E. Saunders, London, Ont. A Black-fruited Thorn in Ontario. — Mr. Frank Moberley, C.E., has sent down from Abitibi, specimens of black fruit of a CraicBgiis, presumably Douglasii, which Mr. James M. Macoun records as far east as Manitoba. I know of no black-fruited thorn having been previously found in Ontario. — J. Fletcher. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. VOL. XXII PLATE IV. Seedlings of Ph.^xogamous Plants. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, DECEMBER, 1908 No. Q. OBSERVATIONS ON SEEDLINGS OF NORTH AMERICAN PH.^NOGAMOUS PLANTS. By Theo. Holm, Brookland, D.C. (With three plates, drawn from nature by the author.) There was a time when botanists were deeply interested in the study of seedlings and the subsequent development of the plant-individual from a morphological point of view. This was during the first half of the nineteenth centurv when Bernhardi, De Candolle.Mirbel, Richard, Tittmann and some others publish- ed their fundamental works on the germination, soon followed by Buchenau, Caspary, Irmisch, Warming, and Winkler, while Klebs and Sachs, but several years later, extended these mor- phological researches to the equally important and very interest- ing physiological. However, the literature on this subject may- be followed still further back, and Malpighi was actually the first author who contributed to the knowledge of the germination of pheenogamous plants; this may be seen from his works: Anatome plantarum (1675), Opera omnia (1687), and Opera posthuma (1697). To Ray we are indebted for dividing the plants into Morwcotyledones and Dicotyledones , names invented by him, and described in his Methodus plantarum (1703). But, as stated above, it was not until the beginning of the nineteenth century that the study of seedlings became undertaken more generally and by some of the ablest writers on botany. In recent years, or let us say the last decennia, very few botanists have paid much attention to this particular question, and it is extremely little that has been brought to light by American writers. This is the more surprising since the American plants are exceedingly interesting from this point of view; moreover, it appears to the writer that the mere systematic treatment of the American flora is not sufficient so long as the younger stages of our plants remain ignored; the sad consequence is that the study of the organs of vegetative reproduction has been neglected to the same extent. It is only, at least in a number 166 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. of instances, through following the development of the in- dividual from seedling to mature plant that the real structure of the subterranean stem-portions may be ascertained. The beginning of the formation of the rhizome, the location of the overwintering buds, the numerous modifications observable in the root-system, the structure of the foliage, etc., all these points deserve equally as much attention as the floral organs; they really deserve a place in the general diagnosis of the species. But it is a slow process to study and follow these various phases of plant life in nature, besides much literary research is involved. Having been called upon to contribute a paper to the Ottawa Naturalist, I thought that it might be appropriate to present a brief sketch of some of the various types of seedlings which I have observed in this country, in the hope that some of the Canadian botanists might take the matter up and continue. At the same time I take the opportunitv to insert some drawings which m.ight serve to illustrate some of the characteristics of these seedlings; if sometimes too elementary, the text as well as- the figures, I inust ask for indulgence on the part of the reader. Of the two large classes, of phaenogamous plants, Monocoty- ledones and Dicotyledones , as proposed by Ray, the former germ- inate with a single, the latter mostly with two cotyledons; there are, however, several exceptions. In certain plants the seedling resembles a thallus, consisting merely of a globular mass of cellular tissue with no root, stem or leaf, as for instance in OrchidecB, Monoiropa, Orobanche, etc., and finally among the Dicotyledones there are some cases where only one cotyledon becomes developed, the other being either rudimentary or totally wanting. But, common to both classes, when the germination begins the primary root is generally the first organ which appears, then follows the hypocotyl, and after this the cotyledons. Moreover, we find in both classes two t^'pes of cotyledons: above ground or epigeic, and subterranean or hypogeic ; in the former of these, which is the most frequent, the cotyledons are leaf-like, green and thin, provided with stomata, and are thus able to assimilate: in the latter the cotyledons remain mostly enclosed by the seed; they are pale, fleshy, thick, and frequently grown together. These hypogeic cotyledons, especially characteristic of seeds without endosperm, are the bearers themselves of the reserve food-substance. In Pinus the cotyledons combine both types, since they at first serve as organs to absorb the endosperm, and subsequently beconie organs of assimilation; or the cotyledons contain some food-material and begin the function of assimilation as soon as 1Q08] Observations ox Sekdling Plants 167 the reserve food is assimilated (several Cruciferce). Very peculiar is the structure of the cotyledon in several Monocotyledottes , for instance the Graminecv, where a part of the cotyledon is developed as a flat, shield-shaped origan, the so-called scutellum, whose function it is to absorb the food-substances of the endosperm ; a similar organ occurs, also, in Palms, Conwiclinacece, Canna, etc., where it represents the apex of the cotyledon. It is, therefore, very natural that the cotyledons exhibit a number of forms depending upon their function ; beside that their varied position in the seed necessarily exercises some influence upon the outline of their leaf-blades. However, the cotyledons are not the only part of the seedling in which modifica- tions as to structure and function may be observed; the primary root and the hypocotyl exhibit, also, some certain types of development, which are of no small interest. The root, for instance, may develop as a nutritive or a storage-root; or it may be the only organ by which the vegetative reproduction takes place in the first season, as in Rhexia. Finally, the hypocotyl may persist during the whole life of the plant or die off after the first season ; it may persist as an ordinary stem, or develop as an organ for storing nutritive matters. It is, also, important to notice the position and vitality of the plumule ; most frequently it gives rise to the main stem above ground, but not a few cases are known, where it stays under ground during the first year, developing into a rhizome; or, it lives only one season, after which it becomes replaced V>y buds from the axils of the cotyledons. In this way we must expect to find a rich illustration of biologic plant-types by merely examining seedlings; and, if we follow the successive development of these same seedlings, we are grad- ually led into that inost interesting chapter of botany, which teaches us about the morphology of the shoot with its innumerable variations in respect to position anfl form of the vegetative and floral organs. In the present paper I intend only to describe some types of seedlings during the first year of their growth, and we might begin with the M onocotyledones . Characteristic of the seedlings of this class of plants is the presence of a single cotyledon, which may be epigeic or hypogeic, and the short duration of the primary root . A very simple type is represented by Ai^ave (Fig. 1). We notice in this that the primary root does not become arrested in its development so early as in most of the other Monocotyle- dones, but that it attains quite a considerable length; the cotyledon is thread-like and forms a sharp knee for penetrating the soil, while the apex remains enclosed in the seed until the endosperm has become absorbed; after that the apex of the 168 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. cotyledon becomes freed from the seed and stretches itself to- wards the light. The plumule is located at the base of i the cotyledonary sheath and develops mostly only one green leaf during the first season. This manner of germinating is known, also, in Sisyrinchium and several Liliacece, for instance many species of Allium. Another type may be observed in Alisma Plantago, L. var. Americana R. et S. (Fig. 2). So far as concerns the structure of the cotyledon, the seedling does not differ from that of Agave, but if we examine the root we notice that this remains very short, and that it bears a dense tuft of root-hairs at the base, where it passes into the more or less distinct hypocotyl (H). We have, thus, in this type of seedling an indication of a hypocotyl, and among other plants that exhibit this manner of germinating, and in which the seeds have no endosperm, maybe mentioned Butomus, Typha, Triglochin, etc. ; in Juncus hujonius the seeds contain endosperm, but the seedling shows, nevertheless, this same structure, according to Mirbel (1810). We now proceed to a type of seedlings which is very frequent, and much more so than those described above; in this, the third type, the apex of the cot}dedon remains enclosed by the seed in order to absorb the nutritive matters stored in the endosperm. Moreover, the free portion of the cotyledon constitutes a sheath of various length, at the bottom of which the plumule is located; the primary root attains sometimes a considerable length (Fig. 6), or it ceases to grow shortly after the germination has taken place (Figs. 3 and 4). As shown in Figure 7, a hypocotyl is developed, and this stem-portion is more distinct inthis type of seedlings than in the former. In Ariscema iriphylhnn, Torr. (Fig. 3), the apex of the cotyledon is readih' visible in longitudi- nal section, and is surrounded by the endosperm; the'^plumule with its first leaf is yet enclosed within the sheath, while the primary root is free, and provided with hairs. A more advanced stage may be seen in Fig. 4, where the leaf has broken through the sheath, and where two secondary roots have developed. During the first season the rhizome becomes formed by the growth in thickness of the short primary axis (Fig. 5), and' attains the shape of a round tuber bearing three secondary roots, which rapidly increase in length, but without ramifying. In Smilax rotundijolia, L. (Fig. 6), we notice a long primar}' root, which stays active for at least one season, and the hvpocotyl (H) in Fig. 7) is very distinct; otherwise the cotyledon shows the same structure as in Ari.scema. The foliage of Smilax consists at the seedling stage of several minute, scale-like leaves preceding the green ones, of which mostly only one appears during the first jj season. It is interesting to notice that a bud becomes 1908] Observations on Seedling Plants. 169 developed in the axil of the cotyledon, and that this bud develops into a small tuber (B in Fig. 7). So far as concerns the structure of the cotyledon, its apex and short sheath, this type of seedling is common to many, Liliacece. Amaryllidece. PalmcB, Dioscoreacece, IridecB, etc. A fourth type is characteristic of CommelinacecB, and it differs from the former by the prolongation of the free part of the cotyledon, which here represents a long, filiform organ between the apex and the sheath; moreover, the primary root is surrounded by a sheath, the so-called coleorhiza, which it has to penetrate. These four types thus illustrate the most frequent structure of seedlings of Monocotyledones ex-cl., CyperacecB and GraminecB, and the principal distinction consists in the position of the cotyledon, being epigeic or hypogeic ; moreover, in the varied development of the cotyledonary sheath. In regard to the hypocotyl we have seen this to be well differentiated in Smilax, while it is either obsolete or undeveloped in the others. The primary root may persist for a longer or shorter period, but the most important character derived from this organ is the presence of a coleorhiza as observed in Commelina. A feature common to these types is, however, that the root is the first organ to appear when the seed germinates; then follows the cotyledonary sheath, and finally the first leaf of the plumule. In this respect the Cyperacecc make a notable exception from all the other Monocotyledones with perfect embryos. We might examine Cy penis vegeUisy^iWd., as an example of this type of germination, illustrated on Plate IV, Figs 8 and 11. When the seed germinates (Fig. 9) the plumule surrounded by the coleoptile is the first to appear, pushing out through the opened base of the achene, and carrying with it the small root, merelv visible as a minute wart. If we remove the cotyledon from the seed (Fig. 10), we notice the very simple structure of the embryo: the large clavate cotyledon, the sheath of which (coleoptile) covers the plumule completely, and finall5' the small root with a wreath of hairs. All these organs are, also, readily to be observed in the still younger embryo (Fig. 8) just before germ- ination. The further development of these organs may be observed in Fig. 1 1 , where the root has commenced to grow out, and where the coleoptile has attained its final shape : as a tubular leaf with a small, blade-like apex ; no such advanced development of the coleoptile was observed in the other types described above. In the CyperacecE the coleoptile thus develops into a long sheath raised high above the plumule, and it turns its back toward the absorbing portion of the cotyledon. Sometimes, as for instance in Fuirena squarrosa, Michx., a long stem-like organ develops between the coleoptile and the enclosed portion of the cotyledon, 170 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. thus the coleoptile becomes situated at some distance from the cotyledon, as if it represented the first leaf of the seedling. If this be really the case we would have two leaves (cotyledon and coleoptile) situated at the same side of the axis, above each other, and such arrangement of leaves would not be very prob- able. A like structure is exhibited by Rhynchospora alba, Vahl. (Fig. 12), but in this the primary root does not develop at all, being replaced by three secondary roots. The structure of the cotyledon, however, is the same as in Cyperus; inside the coleoptile is the first green leaf from the axil of which a long bud has developed, provided with a smah, adonsed fore-leaf, thus representing the first ramification of the young plant. In the CyperacecB we have thus the same structure of the absorbing portion of the cotyledon, while the coleoptile is much further developed than in the third and fourth type described above. The generally adopted explanation of the coleoptile is that it merely represents the sheath of the cotyledon, and in cases where a stem-like organ is developed, in Fuirena,ior instance, this organ is defined as a node, but as a node that has become unusually stretched. It deserves notice, however, that a root sometimes develops from this "node," while roots evidently but very seldom develop from the nodes, but from above or below these. The greatest difficulty by considering the coleoptile as an independent leaf, the first of the seedling, depends of course upon its position, since it is placed on the same side of the axis as the cotyledon ; to overcome this difficulty some authors have expressed the opinion that a leaf is lacking,' and this leaf should then be the small, lobe-like organ "epiblast" so very character- istic of certain genera of GraminecB; this organ is in these situated opposite the cotyledon, and below the coleoptile, thus the arrangement of these three organs would correspond very well with that of normal leaves. But, so far, the epiblast has not been detected in any member of the Cyperacece. Now, in regard to the GraminecB, the structure of the em- bryo is very compHcated, and has been the subject of an extensive literature from the hands of a number of the most notable morphologists. But so different are the views expressed that the only point which seems settled beyond doubt is that the Graminece have at least one cotyledon ; some authors think they have two. Let us, however, examine a few of these embryos before we review the various explanations that have been offered. On the accompanying plate (Plate IV) I have figured some germina- ting grains of Secale and Zea (Figs. 13-17), and in these we notice the following organs: the primary root (R) with its sheath, the so-called coleorhiza, and frequently accompanied by one or 1908] Observations ox Seedling Plants. 171 several pairs of secondary roots (Figs. 13, 14 and 17); the so- called "scutellum" (S), which is more or less shield-shaped, and closely appressed to the endosperm, which it absorbs; further- more, the sinall lobe-like organ called "epiblast " (E)), which is situated opposite the scutellum, and which is not developed in Zea; between the scutellum and epiblast is the plumule (PL.) covered by a sheath, the so-called "coleoptile," which in Zea is borne on a stem-like organ of quite considerable length. The first green leaf of the seedling (L.) is to be seen in Fig. 17, having broken through the coleoptile. Considering the position of these three organs, scutellum stands opposite the epibla.st, and the coleoptile is not onlv situated on the same side of the axis as the scutellum, but, furthermore, it turns like this toward the plumule, or let us say toward the first green leaf. In other words, in cases where the epiblast is suppressed, which is very commonly the case, the scutellum and coleoptile appear as two organs situated above each other, on the same side of the axis. The question then arises to define whether the cotyledon is represented by one or several of these organs, and whether these organs are really leaves, parts of leaves or independent leaves. Strange to say, but according to Richard, A. de Jussieu, Hofmeister, and Sachs, the coleoptile should represent the cotyledon, while the scutellum and epiblast should merely be parts of stem and root. Another view was held by Schleiden, and Decaisne, who identified the scutellum and the epiblast as the cotyledon, the coleoptile as the first leaf succeeding this. Or these three organs may be defined as cons- tituting the cotyledon, as proposed by Gaertner, who has been followed by Hegelmaier, Klebs, Van Tieghem (1872), Celakovsky and Schlickum; thus the scutellum should represent the absorbing portion of the cotyledon, the coleoptile its sheath, while the epiblast should be a mere protuberance of the coleorhiza (Schlickum) or a part of scutellum (Van Tieghem , Celakovsky) ; to this may be added that Van Tieghem, by means of the anatomical method, reached the conclusion that the stem-like portion between the coleoptile and scutellum is not an internode, but a node which has become unusually stretched. Depending more on the mutual position of these organs than on their structure and homologies Warming has made a very different suggestion, and he considers scutellum alone as the cotyledon, the epiblast as the first leaf succeeding this, and the coleoptile as the second, thus presuming that the epil)last should actually have become completely suppressed in the Cyperncece; hence the peculiar position of the sheath just above the cotyledon in these. According to this .same* author the stem-like portion necessarily becomes an internode. The reason why Van Tieghem 172 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. would not recognize the epiblast as an independent leaf, was because he found no vascular system in it; however, in Avena sativa Didrichsen observed the epiblast to possess a very regular lobation corresponding with the presence of several mestome- strands. So far as coficerns the internode. which Van Tieghem has declared to show the structure of simply a node, I must say, that in Coix for instance, the structure is verv different from that of a node, but identical with that of an internode, and especially of a subterranean. In order to settle this question, whether this stem-like portion, by Celakovsky called "mesocotyl," be a node or an internode it is necessary to examine the internal structure in a larger number of genera, when it is fully matured; in Coix it is an internode, but it ma}^ not be constantlv so in GraminecB and Cyperacece. Furthermore the presence of a bud in the axil of the coleoptile, or according to Warming, in the axil of the second leaf succeeding the scutellum, speaks in favor of defining this leaf as independent of epiblast and scutellum. Such axillary buds have been observed in a number of genera of Hordecs; beside that Van Tieghem observed them in Avena, and Bruns in Bambusa. The explanation offered by Warming seems so simple and readily to be understood, that it is undoubt- edly the most natural. In re\-ising these various views we notice that there is one point, however, in w^hich all these authors agree, namely, that the Graniincce have only one cotyledon. We shall see now that there were formerly some authors who attributed two cotyledons to this family, the scutellum and epiblast, thus the Graminecs should possess one large and one small cotvledon; these authors were Mirbel, Poiteau and Turpin. Recentlv Van Tieghem (1897) has abandoned his former theory, and adheres now to the views of these authors; in his new system he thus removes the GraminecB from the other Monocotyledones , and places them among his "'Inseminees." How untenable this classification is has been shown by Celakovsky, who calls attention to a fact, known long since, that in some genera oi Graminece the seed is not grown together with the pericarp, but is free as in Eleusine, Sporobohis, Crypsis and Heleochloa, and these genera should consequently in accordance with Van Tieghem 's system be separated from the other Graminecs, and referred to his "Semin^es." The last type of monocotyledonous seedlings which may be described here is exhibited by Peltandra undulata, Raf. (Fig. 18). In this plant the fruit is a berry with a thin, almost black pericarp, and contains mostly a single seed with noendosperm. The seed is globular, surrounded by a tenacious jelly which, according to Baillon and Engler, is the transformed exterior integument of 1908] Observations on Seedling Plants. 173 the seed. The plumule is green and located in a furrow formed by the large cotyledon, the margins of which tightly enclose the plumule. The germination commences while the seed is still floating upon the water, and the first sign of the young plant is the plumule breaking out through the mucilaginous envelope and separating itself from the clasping margins of the cotyledon; the first leaf succeeding the cotyledon is exactly opposite this, and represents merely an open sheath-like organ with two ribs. This rudimentary leaf-structure may be frequently observed also in the second and third leaf of the seedling, while in some seed- lings I noticed that already the second leaf showed a distinct petiole and a small elliptic blade. In regard to the root system, the primary root does not develop, but secondary roots in pairs appear at an earl}^ stage, and attain a considerable length, though without ramif3dng. Orontium aquaticum, L. germinates in the same way, but the plumule is here located in a shallow cavity of the cotyledon without being surrounded by this. The first leaf succeeding the cotyledon is terete, not bicarinate, and this form of foliage be- comes repeated in several of the following leaves; the primary root stays rudimentary, but soon becomes replaced by several lateral. We have thus in monocotyledonous seedlings several interesting types, in which quite a prominent variation is notice- able in respect to the structure of the cotyledon, the first leaf or leaves succeeding this, and the root system. In some of these the seed is exalbuminous, and the cotyledon epigeic, as in Alisnia; or we have the peculiar, globular cotyledon in the exalbuminous seeds of the aquatic Orontium and Peltandra. Epigeic is, furthermore, the cotyledon of Agave, but not until it has absorbed the food-substances of the endosperm. The hypogeic cotyledon is much more frequent, but varies in regard to the structure of the absorbing portion, for instance, if we compare the scutellum of the Graminece with the club-shaped cotyledon of Cyperacecs, Smilax, Commelma, Ariscenia, etc. Sometimes the cotyledon possesses a distinct sheath which envelopes the plumule, as in Arises ma, Smilax and Agave; if the coleoptile of the Gramine(B and Cyperacece might prove to re- present the sheath of the cotyledon, this would then frequently appear at some distance above the scutellum, separated from this by an internode or node, according to some authors. The cotyledon may subtend a bud as in Smilax, and we remember that in several GraminecB a bud has been observed in the axil of the coleoptile, whether this be an independent leaf or merely a part of the cotyledon. The foliage of these seedlings is, also, characteristic; for instance, the epiblast and coleoptile in 174 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. Graminece, the bicarinate leaves in Peliandr a. the small, scale-like in Smilax, and finally the large, green leaf in Aristema with petiole and blade. However, the structure of the first leaf succeeding the cotyledon does not always depend upon the presence or absence of an endosperm, for instance in the AracecB. A hypocotyl is, sometimes, developed, as for instance in Alisma, Agave and Smilax. In regard to the roots we have seen the development of a coleorhiza in GraminecB, CyperacecB and Commelinacecs ; furthermore, the relative strong growth of the primary root in Zea, in Agave and Smilax, but most frequently the root system consists of secondary- roots replacing the early fading primary. (To be continued). Explanation of Plate IV. In the figures the letters indicate as follows. — " R, the primary root; Cot., the cotyledon; Ll, the first green leaf; PL, the plumule; S, the scutellum; H, the hypocotyl; B, bud in axil of cotyledon (Fig. 7), or of the first leaf (Fig. 12); E, the epiblast. Figure 1. Agave Antericana, L., natural size. 2. Alisma Plautago, L., var. Attiericana, R. et S., x 8. 3. Ariscema triphyllum, Torr., longitudinal section; x 4. 4. Same, a little older; x 4. 5. Same, still older, showing the first green leaf fully developed; natural size. 6. Smilax rotundifola, L.; natural size. 7. Same, part of the seedling, removed from the seed; x 5. 8. Cyperus vegetus, \^illd., the embryo; x 75. 9. Same, germinating seed, surrounded by the pericarp; x 26. 10. Same, the seedling, removed from the seed; x 26. 11. Same, a more advanced stage; x 18. 12. Rhynchospora alba, Vahl., seedling; magnified. 1.3. Secale cereale, L., germinating grain, seen from the front, but upper half of grain cut of; magnified. 14. Same, seedling removed from the grain, side-view; magnified 15. Zea mays, L., germinating grain; natural size. 16. Same, longitudinal section; natural size. 17. Same, a more advanced stage; natural size. 18. Pcltandra undulata, Rafin., natural 'size. BLUE BIRDS OF THE MARITIME PROVINCES. By Wm. H. Moore, Scotch Lake, N.B. As there seems to be a general inisunderstanding among people in regard to our blue birds, t.^. birds having some blue in their plumage, it has occurred to me that a short paper on this subject might prove of considerable benefit, for at anv meeting that the writer has addressed, about birds, this question has always come up. Especially among school teachers, and normal 1908] Blue Birds of the Maritime Provinces. 175 school students, who are expected to take up Nature Studv, and who have rare opportunities of observing the bluebird (Sialia sialis). there seems to be a trend of opinion that the blue jav (Cyanocitta cristata) may be the bluebird. At a recent meeting, when this subject was brought up, it was found that one normal student had seen an indigo bird (Passerina cyanea), one of our blue birds that is very rare in the Maritime Provinces. Another student knew of a bird that had blue upon the back, but had a brownish breast ; as it was not blue all over, it was not thought to be the real bluebird. Others wished to know if the bluebird and blue jay were the same species. Without a doubt manv people would be surprised to know that we have over a score of land birds with blue coloured plumage. In some of these the blue colour is decidedly noticeable, in others it is found onlv as bluish reflections in the breeding plumage. A number of the waders and water birds have blue in various hues, on different parts, but of these we shall not treat in detail. The birds we will refer to in comparing the size of the different species are the crow, robin, English or house sparrow, and the goldfinch or thistle-bird, all of which must be fairly w^ell known to most Canadians. Sialia sialis, the real Bluebird. The male has the upper parts, wings and tail bright blue, tipped with rusty in the fall; throat, breast and sides chestnut or rufous; belly white. The female is paler throughout ; the upper parts having a gravish tinge; the throat, breast and sides paler. Slightly larger than the house sparrow. The song of the male (if song it may be called) is a melodious chee-er-ie whistle. In the fall the call of both sexes is a soft and gentle tur-ivee. For a nesting site a hole in a tree, or a hollow fence post is selected, and occasionally houses put up for martins are occupied by this species. The nest is composed of grasses, with the finer parts inside. Feathers are often used in the lining. The eggs are pale bluish, rarelv pure white, and number from four to six. The period of incubation varies with the season; from fourteen to eighteen days. The food consists of insects of many kinds, which are sometimes caught in the air after the manner of the flycatchers. For a number of years the bluebird was very rare with us, but during the last five years it has become quite common. The principle enemies of the bluebird are small hawks, squirrels and domestic cats. This bird arrives from the south from early April until the last of May, and stays until well on into October. SiTTA carolinensis, the White-breasted Nuthatch. The adult male has top of head and fore part of back black; rest of upper parts bluish-grav ; inner secondaries bluish-gray with black markings; middle tail feathers bluish-gray. Female similar but 176 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. the black of head and back is washed with bluish-gray. About same size as the house sparrow. Sitta canadensis, the Red-breasted Nuthatch. Adult male has upper parts and middle tail feathers bluish-gray ; top of head and line through the eye black; a white line over the eye ; throat white ; underparts rufous. Female similar, but the top of head and stripe through the eye bluish-gray, like the back; under parts paler. Size smaller than the goldfinch. These two species of nuthatch are similar in habits; their calls being the well known yank, yank, and various twitterings as they search for food among the tree-tops. The erratic clamberings of these birds serve to distinguish them from any other of our feathered friends; creeping about on trees, head downwards, is characteristic of the species. The nest is made in a cavity dug into a tree trunk, and is composed of fine shreds of bark, fur and feathers. The entrance to the cavity is always more or less smeared about with balsam gathered from fir trees. This is carried in the bird's bill and put in place, evidentlv to serve as a protection and keep out climbing mice and squirrels, as this substance would very much entangle the fur of these rodents. The eggs number from five to eight and are white with numerous brownish specks. The period of incubation is about ten to twelve days, and is engaged in by both birds. The food is chiefly insects, but probably seeds are also eaten to some extent. Both are permanent residents with us, and often come about buildings in search of flies hidden in crevices. They may also be seen about horse droppings along roads lead- ing through wooded tracts. Among the warblers we have several which show more or less blue in their plumage. In only one species, however, is the blue very noticeable. Dendroica coronata, the Myrtle Warbler, also known as Yellow-rumped Warbler. Adult male with a yellow patch on crown, rump and either side of the breast; upper parts bluish- gray with black streaks; two white wing-bars; throat white; breast and upper belly marked with black; lower belly white. Female similar, less plainly marked. About size of the goldfinch. This species is a common summer resident, frequenting mixed growths of young trees. This is our first warbler to arrive in spring, coming sometimes in April and staying until late September. Dendroica c^rulescexs. the Black-throated Blue Warbler. Adult male has upper parts grayish-blue; back sometimes blackish; wings and tail edged with blue; sides of head and throat black ; ?^breast and belly white ; also a white spot on middle of closed wing. Female paler on upper parts; back olive-green,. 1908] Blue Birds of the Maritime Provinces. 177 the only blue being on the tail; underparts yellowish; white wing mark present though less noticeable than in male. This is our bluest warbler. Smaller than the goldhnch. Tolerably common in mixed woods, where its oft repeated zee-zee-zee song may be heard. They are present with us from early May until September. CoMPSoTHLYPis AMERICANA, the Parula Warbler, or Blue Yellow-backed Warbler. Male with upper parts grayish; a yellowish patch on middle of back; throat and breast yellow; a black, or bluish black, or rufous, band across the breast. Female similar, but the band on breast sometimes lacking. The smallest of our bluish birds. A fairly common summer resident from early May until September. The nest is a beautiful hanging basket of Usnea moss. Helminthophila ruficapilla, the Nashville Warbler. Male with bluish-gray on top and sides of head ; a chestnut patch on crown; imder parts bright vellow, whiter on bellv. Female, colours rather duller than those of male. Tolerably common in moist, bush grown pastures and similar places. Smaller than the goldfinch. Nests upon the ground. Vireo solitarius, the Blue-headed Vireo. Top and sides of the head bluish-gray ; eve-ring and lores white ; two white wing- bars; underparts white. Slightly larger than the goldfinch. Probablv more common than is generally supposed, the song being mistaken for that of the Red-eyed Vireo. There is no reason to be misled, however, as the songs are quite different, that of this blue-headed species being louder and clearer than that of his red-eyed relative. The vireos build hanging nests, thus gaining for themselves the name of hangbirds. This blue-headed, or solitary vireo, is with us from late April until October. We come now to the swallows, a group of birds with blue in the plumage, but none of which need be mistaken for blue- birds. Excepting the tree swallow, this group of birds may all be found about buildings. Even that species sometimes nests in bird-houses supplied by mankind. All are insectivorous. Tachycixeta bicolor, the Tree Swallow, or White-bellied Swallow. Both sexes are alike: upper parts steel blue or steel- green; under parts white : outer tail feathers longer than middle ones. Between the goldfinch and the house sparrow in size, but having long Avings, which make it appear larger when flying. A tolerably common summer resident from the middle of April until the middle of July. The nest is situated in bird-houses, holes in trees and hollow fence poles and is composed of fine grass blades, lined with feathers. Chelidox erythrogaster, the Barn Swallow, also called Forktail Swallow. Sexes similar; forehead, throat and upper 178 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. breast chestnut-rufous; rest of under parts washed with same colour; upper parts steel-blue, tail deeply forked. Body about the size of that of the goldfinch ; the long tail feathers give a length to the bird greater than the sparrows. This swallow nests inside buildings, but in a few instances has been known to build out- side. It is with us from late April until September. Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff or Eave Swallow. Adults with'i steel-blue /crown, back and centre of breast; forehead whitish; throat and sides of head chestnut; tail feathers of nearly equal length. Midway in size between the goldfinch and the house sparrow. This is the swallow that builds nests under the eaves of buildings, and is our most abundant kind. It is with us from early May until the middle of September. Progne subis, the Purple Martin. Male shining bluish- black, with wings and tail duller. Female with upper parts bluish-black; throat, breast and sides grayish; belly white. Size between the house sparrow and the robin. Nests are made of straw and twigs built in small bird-houses. Least common of any of our swallows. It is here from late April until August. Passerina cyanea, the Indigo Bunting, or Indigo-bird. Male, rich blue, deeper on the head, brighter on the back; wings and tail black, edged with blue; lores blackish. Female of a grayish brown, the wings and tail onlv showing bluish. Slightlv larger than the goldfinch. The size alone would serve to distinguish it from the bluebird. The song also is very different, it reminding one somewhat of the purple finch trying to sing like a goldfinch. Then the Indigo-bird is so rare with us that there is little likelihood of confounding the two species. We come now to some species of black birds having bluish reflections none of which need be mistaken for the bluebird, as all are larger. QuiscALUs guiscuLA ^neus, the Bronze Blackbird, or Crow Blackbird. Larger than the robin. Very common from April to October. ScoLEOCOPHAGUs CARQLiNus, the Rusty Blackbird. Male in spring plumage glossy bluish-black; at other seasons, feathers tipped with rusty. Female without bluish gloss; more rusty than male. Slightly smaller than the robin. Tolerablv common from April to October. Cyanocitta cristata, the Blue Jay. Upper parts blue; under parts white, washed with dusky on the sides; black patches on wings, tail and about the head and breast ; head crested. Larger than the robin. A common permanent resident. Mimics other birds, as Broad-winged hawk and woodpeckers, in its calls. A beautiful bird, and one that is most cautious during the breeding season. The nest in this section is built in tall trees in the forest. 1908] Rhus Glabra in Canada? 179 It is difficult to conceive of this bird nesting in the V^ack yards of houses as it does in some localities. It is also quite as difficult for people of the south and west -to realize the Blue Jay being so retiring during the breeding season, as it is here in the Maritime Provinces. Ceryle ALCYON,the Belted Kingfisher. Male with upper parts bluish-gray ; numerous white spots on the wings ; throat and sides of neck and belly white; sides bluish-gray, also a band of same colour across breast. Female similar, but the band on breast and sides rufous. Both sexes crested. Larger than the robin. Tolerably common from April until October. One recorded at Sussex, N.B., as late as Christmas Day. As the name implies, this bird is a fisher, living upon small fish, crayfish and larvae of various species of insects, that pass part of their lives in the water. This species nests in tunnels burrowed into banks of streams, and other suitable places. The eggs are beautifully white, four to seven in number; incubation beginning about when the first egg is laid, as broods of young show different sizes. The rattling call of the kingfisher is its most distinctive char- acteristic. These are our birds having some blue in their plumage, none of which, however, need be mistaken for our real Bluebird, Sialia sialis, having, as Burroughs says, the blue of the sky on its back, and the brown of the earth below. IS RHUS GLABRA IN CANADA? By Edward L. Greene, U.S. National Museum, Washington, D.C. Certainly all the descriptive botanies, and almost all the lists and catalogues that have been written as for Canadian territory, affirm that Rhus glabra, Linn., grows there. But then, the affirmation may have been in every instance unwarranted. Despite all the books and catalogues, it may be that no such shrub as that name stands for, and must stand for, is found on Canadian territory. It is easily possible that every such book and catalogue may, in this particular, be wrong. Now, let us permit no misunderstanding as to what our question reallv is. It is not doubted that in the Canadian flora there occurs in several places what all have called Rhus glabra. But, thev write "Rhus glabra, Linn.," and that is saying that the particular kind and description of sumach to which Linnaeus assigned that name is there. It is this often repeated assertion that Linnaeus' Rhus glabra is in Canada, which is here 180 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. called in question, That is an affirmation which never could have been warranted, but as the result of a certain piece of phytographic investigation, which investigation it is probable no one, studying Canadian botany, has j^et undertaken. For example : has any one with the so-called Rhus glabra before him betaken himself to the original Linnsean account of the shrub, to see if it answered to that account? To come nearer home, I do not believe that any one in New England has ever yet gone into the history and description of Rhus glabra far enough to determine whether or not there exists in all New England any shrub answering to Linnseus' Rhus glabra. The easy thing to do is what the great majority of botanists do, whether of New England, of Canada, or elsewhere, and that easy thing is, simply to follow some one else's dictum ; take the author- ity of some other author, and accept that, without a moment's thought as to whether it may be right or wrong; even never doubting that it is right. Such a course as this is as far as possible from being scientific; yet, as I have said, it is the usual course. It is the easy way, albeit an utterly irresponsible way; a way that leads to the making of books and catalogues that, instead of being truthful, reiterate and disseminate and perpetuate a hundred errors, it may be, on every fifty pages. I have taken up this case of Rhus glabra chiefly as being illustrative of the eas}^ irresponsible way that many botanists — not those of Canada any more than those of a hundred other regions — accept and reprint old names as applied to new plants. Linnaeus did not himself describe his Rhus glabra, but cited a fine description that was already before the public, that of the great Dillenius. To this author, then, we must go, if we are to ascertain what the Rhus glabra, Linn., is like. Dillenius (Hortus Elthamensis, p. 323, b. 243) has a folio plate, accompanied by almost a folio page of description, so that we have no great difficulty in ascertaining both what the original Rhus glabra, Linn., looks like, and what is its native region. He attributes to his shrub a foliage made up of from 21 to 25 leaflets, each leaflet nearly 2 inches wide and 6 inches long or more. This is making the individual leaf of real Rhus glabra to be more than two feet long. Neither in Canada, or in any part of New England adjacent to Canada, is there any Rhus heard of as having foliage of anything approaching such dimensions, or of such a great number of leaflets. And the originals of Dillenius — therefore of Linnasus— were from a very different region, namely southern Virginia. This, the genuine Rhus glabra, Linn., of which one of the specific marks is its very large foliage, is found all up and down the country lying south of 1908] Rhus Glabra in Canada? 181 the Appalachian divide between Virginia and Long Island. If by any magic a clump of this shrub should be transferred to western New York, or across into Ontario, and set down adjacent to the so-called Rhus glabra of those regions, the first botanist who came upon it, seeing the wonderful contrast in foliage, would be likely to suspect that in this Rhus of such enormous foliage he had a new species. The shrub of the regions north of the Alleghenies has never two-thirds as many leaflets, and these never nearly as large, so that its leaf, as a whole, is not of half the size — certainly seldom as much as half as large — as that of the real Linnaean Rhus glabra. It is as common from Ithaca, New York, to the vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts, as Rhus glabra genuine is in Virginia, southern Pennsylvania and •New Jersey; and these marks of the leaves are not all. Let us place the two shrubs in closer contrast descriptively. The one of the North, copious about Ithaca, and extending into Ontario, we will call Rhus Ithacensis. Rhus glabra. Leaf as a whole commonly 2 feet long. Leaflets 17-25, rounded at base, 4-6 inches long, of hard firm texture. Fruiting panicle with verv short, stout peduncle. Panicle itself between fusi- form and pyramidal, com- monly 10 inches high; drupelets large. Leafy branches of shrub quite blue with bloom. Rhus Ithacensis. Leaf as a whole usually 7-11 inches long. Leaflets 11-17, abruptly taper- ing at base, 2h or rarely 3 inches long of thinner texture. Fruiting panicle with long peduncle and not stout. Panicle oblong-fusiform Ah-b inches high, the drupelets smaller. Leafy branches much more slender. merely glaucescent. If such marked distinctions exist between the northern smooth sumachs and the southern, then, in the name of science, not to say of common truthfulness, the expression "Rhus glabra, Linn." should early disappear from the books and lists of Canadian plants. No kind of procedure is more subversive of knowledge than that of transferring the name of one object, to another object very unlike that to which alone the name by right belongs. I conclude by repeating it, that this Rhus glabra case is but illustrative of a certain principle. Under that revival of interest in North American botany that is now in progress, old and deeply rooted errors about the identity of things are being perfectly indicated, and the amendments of them made, by the score every year, but curiously, the botanists are of two classes, those who welcome the fuller knowledge, and those who deplore and o}>pose it. 182 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. ZOOLOGICAL NOTES FOR 1908. By J. F. Whiteaves. Among the additions to the zoological collections in the Museum of the Geological Survey for 1908, there are three specimens that seem to be of sufficient interest to warrant a permanent record. These are as follows: — MAMMALIA. (1) PuTORius Rixosus, Bangs. (Least Weasel: Bangs' Weasel). A weasel, that corresponds very well with Mr. Bangs'' description of this diminutive species, was obtained by Mr. Joseph Keele in Januarv, 1908, at Third Lake, on the Ross River, Yukon Territory,' in Long. 131°W., and Lat. 62° 45'N. The specimen, which was caught in a marten trap, is in full winter fur, and was said by the trapper to be a male. It is remarkable for its extremely small size, its fur is pure white, and its tail is short and white at the tip. It was received in the condition of a well prepared skin, with the skull, and has since been mounted for exhibition. Following the curves of the head, neck, back and tail, it now measures roughly 172 mm, or slightly less than 6 J inches, from the nose to the tip of the tail; or about 5f inches, if measured in a straight line. The type of P. rixosus, Bangs, 1896 (Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, Vol. x, p. 21), is an adult female from Osier, Saskatchewan; and the species is known to occur also at the mouth of the Porcupine River, Alaska; on the upper Yukon; at Fort Albany, and at Moose Factory. This .species is the smallest weasel known, and the only American one that lacks the black tip to the tail. (2) Synaptomys (Mictomys) Wrangeli, Merriam. (The Alaskan Lemming Mouse). A specimen of this species, was presented to the Museum of the Survey by the Rev. J. H. Keen, of Metlakatla, B.C., in October, 1908. This interesting little rodent was caught by Mr. Keen at Metlakatla on the second of November, 1899, and is the first specimen of this species that has been received in Ottawa. The specimen is a skin, with the skull, and the lal>el that accompanies it states that it is a male. The exclusively North American genus Synaptomys was con- stituted by Dr. Spencer F. F. Baird. in 1857, in his "Mammalia 1908] Zoological Notes for 1908. 183 of North America." for the reception of two specimens of a small rodent which has all the external appearance of a field mouse or vole, but which has the teeth of a lemming. As its name implies (sun-apto, to join together; and mus, a mouse) the founder of the genus supposed it to be a connecting link between the field mice and the lemmings. In 1896, in a paper on "The Genera and Subgenera of Voles and Lemmings," published by the U.S. Department of Agri- • culture. Mr. Gerrit S. Miller, Jr., says that Synaptomys is a true lemming, and that it differs from all the other genera of Micro- tinae by its grooved inci.sors. A little earlier in the same year, Dr. Merriam, in a "Revi- sion of the Lemmings of the genus Synaptoinys," published in the tenth volume of "Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington," had divided the genus into two subgenera, viz.: (1) Synaptomys (proper), Baird, 1857; and (2) Mictomys, True, 1894. The first of these subgenera is said to be repre- sented by "four fairly well defined forms." and the second by "at least four species." The only species of the subgenus Synaptomys , as defined by Merriam, that has yet been found in Canada is S. jatuus, Bangs (the "Northern Lemming Mouse"). The type and eight cotypes of this species were collected "about Lake Edward," P.Q., by Mr. Bangs in 1895, and specimens of it are recorded as haVing been collected at Godbout, P.O., by Mr. Napoleon Comeau in the same year; and at two localities in New Bruns- wick by Dr. J. A. Allen in 1894. Of the subgenus Mictomys, two species are now known to occur in Canada. These are (1) Synaptomys (Mictomys) in- nuitus, True, which is the Lemming Mouse of Ungava; and (2) Synaptomys (Mictomys) Wrangeli, Merriam, which is the Lem- ming Mouse of Alaska. The first of these species was described in 1894, and was based upon a specimen collected by Mr. Lucien M. Turner at Fort Chimo, near Ungava Bay, which is still the only locality at which this species has been collected. The second was described in 1896, from two specimens collected in 1895 by Mr. Clarke P. Streator at Wrangel, Alaska. Mr. Keen's discovery of specimens at Metlakatla extends the southern range of this species to the coast of British Columbia BIRDS. (3) Ceratorhina monocerata (Pallas) Cassin. (The Rhinoceros Auklet). /^ A good specimen of the single egg of a pair of birds of this > 184 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. the Museum of the Survey by the Rev. J. H. Keen in December, 1907, as stated in the Ottawa Naturalist of that date. In October, 1908, Mr. Keen kindly presented the same museum with a fine specimen of a bird of this species, which is labelled as having been taken at Lucv Island on the 24th of April, 1907. The specimen is a skin of an adult male, in spring plumage, which shows well the large upright and deciduous "horn" at the base of the upper mandible, and the two longitudinal series of long, narrow and acutely pointed white plumes, on each side of the head, as figured by Coues on page 1067 (fig. 722) of the second volume of his "Key to North American Birds." This large and remarkable species of Auklet has long been known to have a very wade distribution in the north Pacific, but it was previously represented only by an egg, in the Survey collection. DIOSCOREA VILLOSA AT SARNIA. By W. A. Dent, Sarnia, Ont. The surface of the land about the shores of Lake Huron in the vicinity of Sarnia is a succession of sand ridges parallel with the lake. Many of the depressions between these ridges were formerly swampy, or actually covered to a slight depth of water. Vegetable remains accumulated in these depressions in many places to a considerable depth, forming a soil almost as black as charcoal. This humus, mingled with the sand and receiving the drainage from the surrounding ridges, forms an almost ideal soil for the growth of many comparatively rare and interesting plants. The orchid family, renowned for the beauty of its flowers, was here formerly abundantly represented by many of its most beautiful members. Arethusa, for instance, Calopogon and Pogonia, that dainty trio, here grew in profusion, while the Cypripediums in millions made the swamps gorgeous. Cypriped- ium spectabile was formerly so abundant that men went with wagons, and gathered loads of the blossoms to ship to larger centres. C. candidum is still to be found in comparatively large numbers, while boquets of C. arietintmi grace the teachers' desks regularly in several country school-houses. That beautiful violet, Viola pedata, with flowers an inch across, and of the richest shade, grows beneath the pines on the sheltered banks of the sandy ridges. In the thickets, which are abundant in these shallow ravines, many twining plants grow in tangled masses, sheltering partridge. 1908] Notes. 185 quail, woodcock and rabbit, and affording nesting sites to innumerable thrashers, veeries, chewinks, catbirds and rose- breasted grosbeaks. One of the most interesting of these twiners is the Wild Yam, Dioscorea villosa, whose knotted root- stocks in many places lie thickly matted a few inches below the surface. It is a graceful, slender twiner with heart-shaped, pointed leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers. The fruiting capsules are conspicuous in drooping racemes, persisting after the leaves have fallen. The plant seems to be restricted to a few of these block-soiled ravines, but, in those in which it does grow, it is the most abundant of the twiners. The soil in which it grows is so light that the root-stocks of the Dioscorea, as well as the roots of many shrubs and brambles, are readily removed without the aid even of a trowel. Its stems are frequently intertwined with those of Celastrus, Smilax herbacea and S. roHmdijolia, while Euonymus Americanus covers the ground, its crimson pods with their scarlet arils loeing highly ornamental in the autumn. Dioscorea villosa is reported as being rare in Ontario. The writer would be glad to hear through The Ott.\wa Naturalist, or otherwise, of its occurrence elsewhere. NOTES. In the removal to Toronto of Dr. S. B. Sinclair, late Vice- Principal of the Normal School, the Club loses from the ranks of its active membership one who, for a number of years past, has taken a keen and enthusiastic interest in our work. It is almost entirely due to Dr. Sinclair that the happy and im- portant relationship that exists between the Club and the students of the Normal School to-day, has been brought about. He has placed before each successive class the benefits to be derived from our excursions and lecture courses and taken no small part in helping the Executive to make these occasions of real value to his students. It would he hard to over-estimate his influence on these future teachers in our Public Schools, in thus awakening and encouraging in them a love for Nature Study. It is not only in this good work that Dr. Sinclair has taken an active part. For many years he was our Librarian and for several terms our esteemed President, directing and assisting in a most helpful way in all matters that served to promote the objects of the Club in this city. We shall miss greatly his genial, stimulating presence from our gatherings, and it is with rnuch regret that we part with him as our coadjutor. Our best wishes 186 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. go with him for a very large measure of his success in his new sphere of action. Entomological Society of Ontario. The 45th annual meeting of this important society was held at the Ontario Agri- cultural College, Guelph, on November 5th and 6th. The meeting was a most successful one and much interest was shown in the various papers read at the different sessions. The whole of the first afternoon was taken up in a discussion of the chief insect pests of the season, fruit insects being speciallv treated of. At the first evening meeting Dr. E. P. Felt, New York State Ento- mologist, of Albany, delivered a splendid lecture on "The Inter- pretation of Nature." This was illustrated with particularly good slides. At the second evening meeting Re\-. Dr. Fyles, of Levis, Que., in his own charming manner spoke on "The Farmers' Woodlot"; Prof. W. Lochhead, of Macclonald College, on "What the Fruit Grower and Farmer should know about Entomology" and Rev. Prof. Bethune on "Injurious Insects in Ontario in 1908." At this meeting too, a paper on "The Present condition of the work connected with the importation of foreign parasites of the Gypsy and the Brown-tail Moths," by Dr. L. O. Howard, of Washington, D.C., was read. Besides Prof. Lochhead and Rev. Prof. Bethune, other members of the Ottawa Field- Naturalists' Club who attended the meeting and contributed papers were: Messrs. C. W. Nash and J. B. Williams, of Toronto; H. H. Lyman, of Montreal; F. Morris, of Port Hope; and Arthur Gibson, of Ottawa. Mr. J. D. Evans, of Trenton, was unable to attend the meeting, but sent two verv interesting papers which were read. The Entomological Societv of Ontario is doing splendid work in Canada. It has five active Branches, viz : at Quebec, Montreal, Toronto. Guelph and Victoria. A full account of the proceedings of the above meeting will be found in the annual report of the Society v/hich Avill soon be published. The Occurrence of the American Woodcock (Philo- HELA minor) in MANITOBA. — On August 10th, while hunting insects in an old river-course — now a partiallv dried slough — near Westbourne, Manitoba, Mr. H. E. Chaplin, of Roland, and I were surprised at flushing a bird which we instantly recognized as the Woodcock. A few minutes' search was rewarded by finding the characteristic holes made by the bird, but no other Woodcock was seen. On mentioning the incident to Mr. Fred Rhind, of Westbourne, he told me that some twentv years ago a number of Woodcocks had been shot about the same spot we had seen the bird, but that of late years they had not been noticed. He also stated that in 1902, or 190,3. Woodcocks were 1908) XoTKS. 187 very plentiful near his raneli at Big Point on the south-west shore of Lake Manitoba, it being no uncommon thing to flush six or more from around any little damp spot in the woods. j. B. Wallis, Winnipeg, Man. The Flowerix(-;-kush. In reference to a very interesting communication by the late Dr. James Fletcher in The Ottawa Naturalist for July (p. 80), I am glad to report that the Flowering-rush, Bntomiis umbellaius, grows in this localit)- also. It was seen in Julv, 1906, on the inlet from the Canal near the end of Bank Street, opposite the residence of Mgr. Sbarretti. I sup{)osed it was merely an escape from cultivation, probably from the Experimental Farm, and did not report it. This year the number of plants had increased and were spread over a larger area. E. H. Blackadek. Ottawa. A Woodpecker at a Show. During the progress of the Annual Provincial Exhibition at Victoria, B.C., in the last week in September, a Woodpecker, of the Flicker variety, took up his abode in the main exhibition building. Here he made himself fullv at home, quite fearless apparently of the multitude of visitors who were continually passing through the building, flying from point to point with the utmost unconcern and in spite of the printed warnings. and without the fear of the watchful attendants, he distributed his favours most impartially by helping himself to the choicest apples, pecking holes in all and sundry, within a few feet of the hundreds who witnessed his depredations. The propensitv of this bird to forsake his natural food and take to fruit during the autumn in the Province of British Columbia is well known, but this is the first instance within my knowledge when he went so far as to visit a show to satisfy his appetite. J. R. AxDERsox, Victoria, B.C. The Early Wake-robix. In the spring of 1907, a box of the Mavflower, Epigcea repens was sent here from Massey. Algoma', containing a few other plants one of which was a Trillium with root\vhich was planted. On the 15th of March. 1908, it came into bloom with the earliest crocuses in the garden, and proved to be the Early Wake-robin, Trillium nivale, Riddell, the first record of its being found in Canada. W. Herriot, Gait, Ont. 188 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Dec. Squirrel eating a bird. I observed last summer at Angers, Que., in a garden, a common squirrel eating a bird. I chased the animal froin tree to tree, but it did not release its prey until it was struck with a long stick. The bird was a young sparrow, although I think it was old enough to fly. It was still warm when I picked it up and the inside of its body was completely eaten. The fact seems to be peculiar as it occurred at a season when fruits, and other squirrel food, are plentiful, and I have never noticed in any scientific reports at hand that squirrels become carnivorous. I would be interested to know if any other naturalist ever saw anything of this kind. Geo. Michauo, Ottawa. In the October number of the Ottawa Naturalist in his " Notes on the Species of Phseocyma found in Canada," Dr. J. B. Smith stated that he had just finished a revision of all the American forms. This monograph "A Revision of some species of Noctuidae heretofore referred to the Genus Homoptera, Boisduval," has just been published, (Proc. U. S. Nat. Musetim. Vol. XXXV, pp. 209-275). This treatise which deals with a group of moths, the members of which have been much confused in collections, will be welcom.ed with delight by lepidopterists. We are deeply indebted to Dr. Smith for this valuable puVjlica- tion. It is with very great regret that we have to record the death of Dr. James Fletcher, Entomologist and Botanist of the Dominion Experimental Farms, which occurred at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, on November 8th, 1908, in his 57th year. The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, of which he has been styled "The Father," lo.ses, in his demise, one of its most brilliant and active members. The January issue of the Ottawa Naturalist will be a memorial number, and , will contain articles on him and his work by prominent members of the Club. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. VOL. XXII. PLATE V. &C^4^^ ^^-^tX^^-^o^ . JAMES FLETCHER, LL.D. MEMORIAL NUMBER Tributes by Mr. A. E. Attwood, Lt.-Col. Wm. White, Dr. W. Saun- ders, Mr. W. H. Harrington, Mr. R. B. Whyte, Mr. Arthur Gibson, Prof .John Macoun, Dr. H. M. Ami, Mr. F. T. Shutt, Rev. G. Eifrig, Mr. E. R. Cam- eron, Mr. T. J. MacLaughlin, Mr. W. J. Topley and Dr. S. B. Sinclair. NOTE — This Memorial Number has been edited by a Committee specially appointed by the Council of the Club and consisting of Mr. Arthur Gibson (Acting Editor), Mr. W. H. Harrington and Mr. F. T. Shutt. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, JANUARY, 1909 No. 10 JAMES FLETCHER, LL.D. As mentioned in the December number of The Ottawa Naturalist, it is with great regret that we have to record the death of our very dear friend Dr. James Fletcher, which occurred at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, on Sunday morning, November 8th. 1908. There are many sad hearts among the members of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, owing to the demise of him who has been styled its " Father". For the past three years his health had been gradually changing, and becoming undermined by intermittent hemorrhages resulting from a malig- nant tumour which caused his death. Four years ago, when, with the writer and some others, he was tobogganing near his home at the Experimental Farm, he met with an accident which confined him to his house for two months. Since then he often said that his health was not what it was before, and it may be that the trouble which brought his useful life to a close had its origin then. During the last year particularly he suffered much, at times, but his was not the nature to complain, and very few, even of his more intimate friends, really knew that his life was undergoing a serious change. The writer, who was constantly associated with him in the official work of the Division of Ento- mology and Botany knew what aches and pains he bore. Often, especially of late, as we were working together he would say that his head was thumping as if it would break, but it was only dur- ing such attacks towards the end of the afternoon that he would say he would have to stop and get away from the office. On Thursday afternoon, October 29th, he left Ottawa for Montreal, to consult a specialist, saying that he would be back again on Saturday, or Monday. On November 1st the writer received a letter from him with regard to the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Ontario, in which he said: "I find it is no use. I cannot get to the meeting. In fact, I only got here just in time. I shall probably not be back for another fortnight at least " On the following day he wrote again saying: "I am very comfortable, everything so far is going well," and, 190 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. referring to the eggs of a rare butterfly which had been sent to him, he said: "The eggs of Dorcas are in my cellar in a black cardboard box, you had better get track of them. " He asked me to acknowledge these eggs saying that he would write himself in a week or so. This was the last letter from him which we received at the Division. It was decided soon after his arrival at the Royal Victoria Hospital that he would have to undergo an operation, but, owing to the serious nature of this, it was delayed from time to time, hoping that he would get stronger. This he did not do, however, and the operation had to be performed on Saturday, November 7th. Owing to his very weak condition, he failed to rally and died the next morning. During the whole time he was in the hospital he was very happy and had no fear whatever of the result of the operation. Even here he was looking forward to the near enjoyment of larger quarters for his Department, and of further help to carry on the important work about which he knew^ so much and which he did so well. The funeral was held on Tuesday, December 10th, from his residence at the Experimental Farm, to St. Barnabas' Church and thence to Beechwood Ceme- tery. The Rev. Professor Bethune, in the Canadian Entomologist, December, 1908, has expressed our feelings so well when he says: " Few men ever made so many loving friends in all walks of life ; every one who came to know him did not fail to become warmly attached to him. There are many sad hearts grieving at his loss all over the Dominion of Canada, and many too in widely scattered places in the United States. Old and voung, rich or poor, learned or ignorant, children and their elders, it made no difference — he had a kindly word for each one, and most can treasure in. their memories a kindly deed as well. When he addressed a meeting he captivated his audience at once, and when he joined an excur- sion of nature students all were eager to be with him, and learn from him some of the secrets of the woods and fields that he knew so w^ell . We shall not see his like again, but we may all feel that it was good for us to have known him — his memory will long live in our hearts — his noble words and generous deeds will be happy recollections for many a year to come. " Dr. Fletcher was bom at Ashe, in the County of Kent, Eng- land, on March 28th, 1852. He was educated at King's School, Rochester, and came to Canada in 1874 as a clerk in the Bank of British North America. Two years later he left the bank and became an assistant in the Library of Parliament, Ottawa. All his spare time he devoted to entomology and botany and soon became a recognised authority not only on these subjects but on other branches of natural historv as well. 1909] Memorial Meeting. 191 While he was continually busy with his official work, he vet found time for many other things. He was a loyal member of the Church of England and a generous supporter of all her works. He attended St. Barnabas' Church, of which at the time of his death he was a warden. His special aptitude for teaching and his love of children made him an ideal Superintendent of the Sundav School, in Holy Trinity Church, Ottawa East. In this capacitv he acted for over twenty years, seldom missing a Sundav when he was in Ottawa. He was an active and enthusiastic member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, a member of the Board of Governors of St. Luke's Hospital, and a member of the Rideau Club. At a meeting of the Council of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, held on November 10th the following resolution of condo- lence was passed: "The members of the Council of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists ' Club desire to place on record their profound sorrow and sense of deep personal loss in the death of Dr. James Fletcher, and to express their sincercst sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement. Dr. Fletcher was one of the founders of the Ottawa Field- Naturalists' Club which is now nearly 30 years old. It is peculiarly sad that he, who was so often referred to as the ' Father' of the Club, should be the first mem- ber of the original council to be removed from our midst. " At this meeting it was decided to hold a Memorial Meeting in the large assembly hall of the Normal School. Arthur Gibson. MEMORIAL MEETING December 1st, 1908. The President of the Club, Mr. A. E. Attwood, M.A., in ask- ing Lieut. -Col. Wm. White. C.M.G., to act as Chairman for the meeting, spoke as follows: Members of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club and friends of the late Dr. Fletcher: — It has been a time-honoured custom of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club to begin their series of winter soirees with an evening 's programme somewhat informal in its nature. The sudden death of the member who was one of the founders of the Club has rendered it appropriate to make a change this year at our initial soiree. It is hoped, however, that in its informality, to-night 's programme will resemble those of former years, and that many will feel free to speak a few words expressive of their regards of the late Dr. James Fletcher. Speaking as a teacher, I naturally regard the work of an edu- 192 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. cationist, ex-officio, as the highest. Personally, I can testify that of all thenon-professionaleducationists with whom I have associated during the past fifteen years, I owe the deepest debt of gratitude to Dr. Fletcher. I regarded him as almost indispensable to my development and I know that his death will be a genuine embar- rassment in taking away a source of assistance and inspiration in my studies of nature. Such is my weak tribute to this very great man. As the death of Dr. Fletcher marks the first break among the members of the original Council of the Club, organized nearly thirty years ago, it was deemed appropriate that the first Presi- dent of the Club, Lieut. -Col. Wm. White, should preside at this meeting held in honour of the memory of a leading member of the original Council. I shall therefore ask Lieut. -Col. White to take the chair. g Lieut. -Col. White on taking the chair, said: — We are assembled this evening for the purpose of paying tribute to one of our earliest members, a well-loved companion and friend of every one of us; a man who was preeminently qualified for the position he held. We have lost a dear friend and the country has lost a valued servant — whose name is a household word in the homes of the agriculturists of the Dominion. There are here this evening many members who of late years have been more closely asso- ciated with Dr. Fletcher, than I have been, owing to advanc- ing age, and therefore without further words from myself, I shall call on several members of the Club to address you this evening, commencing with Dr. Saunders, Director of the Dominion Experi- mental Farms. DR. FLETCHER 'S'WORK, ITS INFLUENCE ON CANADIAN AGRICT' LTURE. By Dr. W. Saunders In this meeting called to honour the memory of our esteemed friend and fellow worker the late Dr. James Fletcher it is my privilege to say a few words on the bearing of his work on the advancement of agriculture. Prior to the organization of the Dominion Experimental Farms, Dr. Fletcher acted as Dominion Entomologist to the Department of Agriculture, a title conferred on him in 1884, and, in this capacity, he published two reports. His first report was published in 1884, and a second in 1885. These reports dealt chiefly with injurious insects, and they had a considerable circulation. At that time he was also serving the 1909] Dr. Fletcher's Work in Agriculture. 193 country in the capacity of Accountant in the Library of Parlia- ment. On July 1st, 1887, Dr. Fletcher was appointed Entomologist and Botanist to the Dominion Experimental Farms and was transferred from the Library of Parliament to the Staff of the Farms. He was thus enabled to devote himself entirely to natural history and his work became the great pleasure of his life. For 21 years I was intimately associated with him from day to day and watched the development of his work with great interest. In his capacity of Dominion Entomologist he studied with much assid- uity the many problems which presented themselves in refer- ence to insect life, such as the life-histories of many insect pests which prey on the crops of the farmer and by their depredations often materially lessen his profits. He also studied closely the life-history and habits of the many parasitic species which feed upon and destroy the farmers' enemies, and thus render very substantial service. He also experimented with the means pro- posed for the destruction of the injurious species. The Entomo- logical Division also prepared collections of both injurious and friendly species showing them in all the different stages of their growth. As Botanist he studied the value, as fodder plants, oi such species of grasses and clovers as can be grown successfully in the different parts of the Dominion. He ascertained their relative value for the production of hay and recommended the most promising of them for general cultivation. These fodder plants were grown in plots adjoining the hedges at the Central Experi- mental Farm, where the}^ could be conveniently shown to visitors and their advantages explained. He also studied the subjects of smut, rust and other parasitic fungi, especially such as are injur- ious to our valuable grain crops. He also devoted much attention to another class of enemies with which the farmer must wage war if he is to be successful. I refer to the weeds which infest his crops. These, if allowed to multiply, crowd out the useful plants he is growing, rob them of the moisture they need, also of much of the fertilizing material in the soil which would otherwise con- tribute to their nutriment. In both these divisions of Dr. Fletcher's work the field was practically unlimited and in preparing his annual reports from the large mass of material available, the chief difficulty was to select the best and most useful. It was Dr. Fletcher's habit from the outset to endeavour to place his observations and conclusions before the public in the plainest possible language. On this point in one of his earliest reports he says: "In preparing the present report I have endeavored to make it useful to the agriculturist, all unnecessary technicalities have been eliminated, and only 194 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. such information has been included as I deemed would be useful." His first report after his appointment on the Farm Staff, that for 1887, ma}^ be considered in its general usefulness and the variety of important topics discussed as typical of the series. This begins with an important article on the insects injurious to cereal crops, in w^hich those affecting wheat claim first attention, followed by other injurious species affecting other valuable cereals. Insects affecting hay and clover are next considered, where the so-called Army Worm Leucania unipuncta, a species early regarded as a formidable antagonist, is dealt with, also the Clover Seed Midge which some seasons destroys a large part of the crop of clover seed. The worst pests which affect roots, potatoes and other vegetables are also described and remedies for their destruction referred to. The Codling Moth and the Tent Caterpillar, so injurious to the apple crop, also insects which are destructive to the grape, raspberry, currant and strawberry are all dealt with and, in the closing chapter, some of the worst insects affecting forest trees. This brief enumeration of the subjects discussed gives one some idea of the scope of the work undertaken, and the presen- tation of each subject was so clear and practical as to arrest the attention of those looking for information, and if only a small percentage of the usual annual loss was saved by adopting the remedies recommended, the addition thus made to the farmers' profits must have been quite considerable. Up to the spring of 1895, Dr. Fletcher had charge of the Arboretum and Botanic Garden at the Central Experimental Farm, and under his management good progress w^as made, but finding that his many other duties prevented him from giving the necessary time to this work, at his request Mr. W. T. Macoun was made Curator of this important branch of the service. The twenty-one annual reports which were written by Dr. Fletcher, together with the excellent cuts by which the text was illustrated, have been of great value to the farmers of Canada by instructing them how to recognize their insect enemies, also their insect friends. Full instructions were given from year to year as to the most reliable^and practical measures to adopt for the des- truction of the more injurious species treated of. He also waged a constant warfare against weeds, and his reports and bulletins on this subject are very valuable and are highly appreciated and followed by many of the most intelli- gent farmers throughout the Dominion. Bulletin No. 28 of the Farm series on" Weeds" was written by Dr. Fletcher, in which 164 troublesome plants are mentioned and the best way of fight- ing them. Dr. Fletcher also prepared that beautifully illustrated 1909] Dr. Fletcher's Work in Agriculture. 195 work on "Farm Weeds of Canada" which, although published by the Seed Branch was written by Dr. Fletcher, who also super- vised the preparation of the coloured plates, the work of Mr. Norman Criddle. Other botanical subjects were treated of in Bulletin 3 of the Experimental Farm series on "Smuts affecting Wheat," No. 19 on "Grasses". No. 23 on "Fungous Diseases affecting Plants;" No. 46 on "Alfalfa, or Lucerne. " The entomological subjects treated of in bulletin form, and written bv him entirely or in part, were No. 11 on "Some Com- mon Insects of the Farm, Orchard and Garden ; " No. 14 on "The Horn Fly;" No. 3 7 on "Apple Insects;" and No. 43 on" Plum Insects." His last bulletin was Xo. 52, "Insects Injurious to Grain and Fodder Crops, Root Crops and Vegetables," in which 45 of the worst enemies of crops are dealt with. From his busy pen there appeared also from time to time several smaller bullet- ins, also numerous letters to agricultural and other papers giving accounts of the occurrence of insect pests in various parts of the Dominion and the best methods to adopt for their destruction. For many years past. Dr. Fletcher was invited from time to time to give evidence before the Select Committee on Agriculture appointed bv the House of Commons. On these occasions he dwelt on some of the most important occurrences of insects injurious to crops and the best methods of fighting them. His work in connection with grasses and other fodder plants was frequentlv referred to with many other subjects covered by the work of his Division. During the past 21 years Dr. Fletcher carried on a large cor- respondence with farmers in almost every part of the Dominion. He also attended farmers' meetings in all the different provinces, where, in his addresses on various topics, he conveyed in a pleas- ant and forceful manner and in his own genial way much valuable information to his hearers. His influence was always exerted for good. He was happy in his work and in the consciousness that through his efforts the condition of the farmer and fruit grower was being improved and their employment made more remun- erative. In his position as Entomologist he was entrusted with the management of the federal fumigation stations, at Vancouver, B.C.; Winnipeg. Man.; Windsor, Ont. ; Niagara Falls, Ont.; St. John's, Que., and St. John, N.B. At these points arrange- ments are made for fumigating plants, trees, and nursery stock generally, under the San Josd Scale Act to prevent any further introduction of that terrible pest. During the past two years, there was added to Dr. Fletcher's already very onerous duties the supervision of the spraying of orchards in the Indian reserva- 196 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. tions in British Columbia, to prevent them from becoming dis- tributing points for injurious insects. Dr. Fletcher was exceedingly kind and generous to young students, both in entomology and botany, freely giving them much of his valuable time in naming their specimens, and other- wise encouraging them in their work. His was a busy life and the good work he has done, especially in his efforts to further the interests of agriculture, will furnish a lasting memorial of his energy and industrv, which will continue to live in the memories of those who have profited under his instruction, to the end of their days. REMINISCENCES OF DR. FLETCHER. By W. Hague Harrington. The members and friends of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club have assembled this evening, to testify to their deep sorrow for the untimely death of their esteemed and beloved friend and leader, and to express their great appreciation of the work which he so zealously and continuously carried on for the advancement of the Club and of scientific research in general. I have been invited to contribute some "Reminiscences of Dr. Fletcher," and am duly grateful for the opportunity to share in this tribute to his memory, though fully aware of my inabilitv to do justice to the theme. Some are present who were his friends and fellow- workers from the inception of the Club, and to these there will be little new, but some who were more recently associated with him may be interested in a brief review of the earlier years of our fellowship. My chief qualification for this retrospect is that, almost from his arrival in Ottawa, I was privileged to enjoy his friendship and to have some share, not only in his scientific and public pursuits, but also in his more personal and private life. During the past weeks, amid the duties of the day, or during the silent watches of the night, memories of my genial and gifted comrade have thronged upon me. Many of them are too unim- portant to record and some seem too sacred for publicity, but even from the remainder there is difhcultv in making a selection which will not be too long in the recital. The intercourse of three decades, with one of so varied attainments and interests, is not readily condensed into a ten-minute address, and the indul- gence of my hearers must be besought in advance for overstepping that time. To the companions of those fair early years, so pregnant with life and action, the death of our friend and leader comes as a 1909] Reminiscences of Dr. Fletcher. 197 -sharp reminder of the rapid flight of time and the fast approactf^' ing rest from labour. ' Cj ' '* Already on our heads the years have sprent , ' ^ Their silver rime. How far the. day is spent! f How soon the evening and the low green tent! i The low green tent! Nay, yonder azure dome, Where myriad, myriad worlds unjostling roam, Is none too wide if God shall make it Home. " Fletcher had joined the staff of the Bank of British America in London, on the 19th of April, 1871, and had been sent in April, 1874, to Canada where he was first stationed in Mon- treal. He was transferred to the Ottawa office on the 22nd of April, 1875, and my acquaintance with him began during that summer. He was then a handsome young man, in his twenty-fourth year (just three weeks my senior), endowed with unusual physical and mental vigor, and his strong vitality and genial nature made him a great favorite with his companions and rapidly enlarged his circle of friends. Naturally, he speedily became prominent both in athletic and intellectual affairs, and as it was mainly in canoeing and other out door sports that we were first associated, they will be first touched upon. With the advent of the winter, which was one of abundant snowfall, the Ottawa Snow Shoe Club was organized, of which he was for some time captain, and merry tramps were weekly taken to outlying points, such as Billings' Bridge, etc. Survivors of those days wall recall the tramp which was taken to Templeton, or as it was then called Gill 's Wharf, on the 3rd of Feb., 1876. Snow was falling when he led the company of a score or so from the Parliament Square down to the river, and it was still snowing when, after a good supper and jolly evening, the return tramp was started about midnight. Several inches of snow had obliterated the trail and had made the going so heavy that some of the weaker brethern, without his frequent aid, might have been all night on the ice and have slept in the snow. When the tired party reached their welcome homes it was well on toward morning. Later, as referee, I witnessed a snow-shoe race which he had with Orde, one of his companions, froin the old Suspension Bridge toWylmer and back, and which was enlivened by two serious runaways started by the blanketed runners. Horses in those days seemed to bolt on slight provocation, but fortunately no one was injured, although sleighs and harness were broken. He was also fond of tobogganing and skating and often formed one of the gliding crowd in the old rink that stood on Slater St., not far from the present Arena. During the summer there were frequent enjoyable week-end 198 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. camping trips up the Rideau or clown the Ottawa, which afforded him opportunities for botanizing and especially for the collec- tion of water plants. One such visit to McLaren 's Bay is specially remembered by the following incidents. While transporting our canoe across the dilapidated tramway which ran from the river to the bay, he stepped on the loose end of a plank and dropped through to his armpits, being severely shaken and also receiving a blow" on the head from the other end of the board. Then when we had launched our craft, it was necessary to cross a boom to reach our camping ground. We hauled the canoe over safely, and he had just got in, when the boom-log on which I was still stand- ing rolled over and, to avoid upsetting the canoe and losing our guns, I had to jump into the water which was unpleasantlv cool. However, we were soon snug in camp and suffered no ill results of our accidents. In the autumn he was one of the organizers of the Ottawa Football Club and his sturdy form, in black and red stripes, was a pillar of strength in the scrimmages of that first memorable match, in which we over-whelmingly defeated and discomfited the then champion Brittanias, of Montreal. There is also a well- remembered paper-chase from Cartier Square, through the fields of the By estate, Stewart's Bush and Mt. Sherwood, across the Dam and what is now the Farm Arboretum, thence by the Locks and across the Rideau and so round by Billings Bridge and back of Archville to the starting place. In May, 1876, he left the Bank to accept a more congenial position in the Library of Parliament, under his friend the late learned Dr. Todd, for whom he had the deepest esteem and friendship. Here he had ample facilities for prosecuting his studies in botany and entomology, in both of which sciences he was already well versed. The library was then more accessible to students than it has been of later years, as the hours were longer and less restrictions were imposed. Many pleasant and profitable hours did we spend there together, in the examination and study of valuable works of reference. Fletcher had early found out the few botanists and other naturalists then living in Ottawa, and was energeticallv collecting and urging others to do likewise. Prior to my acquaintance with him, my attention had never been directed to any special branch of science, or research. A rambler in the woods and on the waters I had been from boyhood, but now under his magnetic influence Nature assumed new charms and interests, and my, future life was thereby broadened and brightened, as have been the lives of so many others with whom he came in contact. Any progress which I may since have made in natural history, and any work which I may have accomplished therein are due chieflv to his 1909] Reminiscences of Dr. Fletcher. 199 stimulation and to his continued assistance and encouragement. Before referring to a few of the scientific bodies with which he was connected, mention may be made of a modest literary circle, whose somewhat formidable name of the Ottawa Mutual Research Society, has well-nigh fallen into oblivion. I do not know whether he was the founder of the society, but he was at least the permanent secretary and only officer. The club was limited to twelve members, each of whom in turn acted as chair- man and host and proposed a subject for an essay, or set not less than four questions for examination. The resulting papers were read and keenly discussed and sharply criticized at the monthlv meetings, and the society was thus an excellent training school for matriculation into other societies. The papers, often of con- siderable value, were not published, but a formidable pile of manuscripts gradually accumulated in the possession of the secretary. The society lasted for several years with more or less change of membership, but gradually the few earlier members who had been its backbone found their time absorbed by increas- ing cares and responsibilities and the club was allowed to lapse, though n t without much regret on their part. Fletcher had early joined the' Entomological Societv of Ontario, and in Sept. 1877 was elected a member of the Council and rapidly took a prominent position thereon. Always an ardent supporter of the society, he did yeoman's service in maintaining and increasing its efficiency and value. Two years later, largely through his influence, the honour of elcctioa to the Council was also conferred upon me and we jointly attended for many years the annual mer tings of th? society. On the 14th of Oct., 1897, as we were returning from one of these meetings, we had the unpleasant experience of a head-on collision, between Stittsville and Ottawa, which caused a bad wreck. He was deeply moved at the loss of life which occurred and showed much sympathy for the wounded, and aided and cheered the survivors during the delay of some hours and in the transfer, through a boggy woodland lot, to the new train sent out from Ottawa. He was elected President of the society in 1886 and held office for three years, and was again President for the two ^'•ears previous to his death, a few days before which he had been re-elected for the sixth time. As his entomological work is to be treated of separately, I shall only mention his first paper, which appeared in the annual report of the society for 1878, under the title "An Outline Sketch of the Canadian Buprestidae. " This was a valuable contribution to the report, and I well remember the great care taken by him in its preparation. His subsequent yearly contri- 200 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. butions to the reports and to the Canadian Entomologist, includ- ing presidential addresses, were numerous and varied, and testify to his great ability and industry. We became members of the Ottawa Literary and Scientific Society in November 1877, and in the following April he was elected Curator, an office which he held for six years, when pres- sure of other duties obliged him to resign from the Council, although he continued his membership long after his residence at the Farm made it impossible for him to visit the rooms, or avail himself of the advantages of the society. In 1879 he took part in a conversazione which discussed the value of a classical educa- tion and read a paper on the affirmative, and he always held and expressed the view that a knowledge of greek and latin was of very great advantage, especially to scientific students. In May 1878, in company with Mr. T. V. Macdonald (Bank of B.N. A.) and Mr. Rinfret (Quebec Bank), we occupied a house on the hill beyond Billings ' Bridge, where a most delightful summer was passed, all too rapidly. Macdonald, to his deep regret, was soon transferred to Montreal, but his place was taken later by the Rev. Mr. Patton. Here we pursued our entomolog- ical and botanical studies, and led by no means an idle or unprofi- table life. Usually we had to walk to and from the city, but the road was then less monotonous for nature-lovers than it is now. 1^ The city extended not much beyond Maria St. and thence Bank St. was but a country highway. Where the McLeod St. church now stands we had to pay toll for the transport of our chattels, while westward stretched a rich collecting ground known as Stewart 's Bush, through which we often strayed on our home- ward way. Grouse and other game were still not uncommon in the thick coverts and swampy glades, and both the fauna and flora were unusually varied. Patterson's Creek was a pleasant stretch of water, and in our canoe we could paddle under the Bank St. bridge to a brook which entered some distance above. Beyond the creek a high board fence enclosed the race track on the Glebe, within which was a swamp with many plants which can now be only obtained far from the city. On the roadside, near the creek, was the old twin pine, a prominent landmark, in whose shade we frequently rested. Fletcher was indefatigable in his botanizing and the results of his labours then and in the adjoining years appeared in his Flora Ottawaensis of 1879-1880. It might truly be said that :— " Oft have we seen him at the peep of dawn Brushing with hasty feet the dew away. " After two or three hours along the river, or through the fields and woods, gathering plants, hunting insects, listening to the morning melodies of the birds and examining their nests, and pok- 1909J Reminiscences of Dr. Fletcher. 201 ing and prying generally around in swamps and thickets, we would hurry off to breakfast with his big collecting box, known as the "bath," filled with the spoils. In the afternoon there was more collecting, and the evenings were spent in preparing and mounting specimens, and in the capture of any insects which might be attracted to our lights, set on a balcon.y and backed by a white sheet. There was little time for idle hands, but after dinner on fine days we might recline on the sward to smoke and chat with our housemates, and play with a fifth member of our establishment, namely Joe Fox, who often accompanied us on our evening rambles through the fields. He was full of graceful and amusing antics, delighting to gamble with the dogs, but his fondness for chickens threatened to make him very dear to us. On our return to the city I gave him to Fletcher, but after some amusing episodes he escaped and reverted to the life of the wild. During this year (1878) Fletcher and a few kindred spirits often discussed the possibility and necessity of reviving in Ottawa the scientific researches which had existed in earlier years, and these discussions eventually led to the founding, in March 1879, of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club for "the study of the natur- al history of this locality." Although he more than once pub- licly stated that the idea of the club may be said to have origi- nated with Mr. R. B. Whyte, he was the central and moving figure in its organization, and to his sustained exertions during the many years in which he occupied various positions on the Council is largely due the progress and high standing achieved by the Club. He had ever its interests at heart and in the midst of multifarious duties, which made excessive demands upon his time and strength, he was ever ready to undertake some new service on its behalf. As a botanist and entomologist, he realized the intimate relations which exist between plants and insects, and recognized the serious loss occasioned by the depredations of injurious insects upon the products of garden, farm and orchard. Foreseeing that, with the inevitable rapid extension of agriculture through the varied soils and climates of our widespread Dominion, and the unavoidable introduction of insects pests from abroad, the loss would be enormously increased, he devoted himself to the prac- tical and economic aspects of his favorite studies, and vigorously began that campaign for the institution of investigations and for the dissemination of information, which occupied him for the remainder of his life. He was much pleased when, as the entering of the wedge, he was in June 1884 appointed Entomologist to the Department of Agriculture, and at the close of the year was enabled to publish a preliminary report of seven pages, which The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. was the forerunner of many publications of the greatest value to our agricultural communities. Before the Committees on Agriculture, of the House of Commons, and in every direction whence assistance might be expected, he agitated and pressed for the establishment of per- manent experiment stations equipped with a staff qualified to undertake and maintain the work, which to him seemed so im- peratively demanded in the best interests of the community, it was therefore a great tritimph and cause of joy for him, when the Experimental Farms were established, and he received the posi- tion of Entomologist and Botanist which he so successfully occu- pied for more than twenty-one years, making for himself a world- wide reputation as a leader in such work. Thorough and painstaking in his investigations, though hampered always by inadequate quarters and insufficient assis- tance, he had also the ability to present the results in an attractive and simple manner. His position required him yearly to make extensive journeys throughout the Dominion and to address audiences of very varied aims and capacities. He also frequently lectured before learned societies, and delivered addresses to schools and organizations of divers kinds, and having been present on many such occasions I can testify that he invariably charmed his hearers by the simple, yet graphic presentation of his subject combined with his fine voice, his pleasing presence and his genial manner. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the value of his^ official work, but a quotation may be made from an important address deliv- ered by Dr. Howard, as President of the Association of Economic Entomologists in 1894. "Mr. Fletcher," he said," has shown himself to be a man of extraordinary energy, a most entertaining writer and a most careful observer and one who has always kept the practical part of his work foremost in view. He has paid a great deal of attention to a side of his work which is neglected by many of our own official entomologists, namely, personal inter- course with farmers, frequent talks on injurious insects at farmers' institutes, etc., and has in this way built up a A'-ery large client- age among the most intelligent agriculturists in the Dominion." Soon after the foundation of the Royal Society of Canada he was elected a fellow of Section IV, of which he was later President. He was an active worker for the society, holding for some time the Treasureship and then the laborious and responsible office of Hon. Secretary. He was also a member of, and held office in, several other scientific bodies, whose work we frequently dis- cussed together, but which cannot be further referred to at present. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. VOL. XXII. PLATE VI 1909] Reminiscences of Dr. Fletcher. 203 After his marriage in 1879, Fletcher resided for some years on Metcalfe St., within a stone's throw of the Stewart homestead, where now stands the stately museum building for whose erection he was so long and earnest an advocate. An orchard then blocked the street citywards, across which right of way was prohibited, but there were generally holes in the fences for those making a short cut. That section of the city was principally pastures, and in 1886, or later, I could still put on my snowshoes at my door on Gilmour St., and go straight across the fields for a tramp with him to some of our favorite haunts ; now leveled into, uniform monotonv, and quartered in blocks of city dwellings. His family life was an ideal one, where love and happiness were always in the ascendant and never have I known any hap- pier hours than many which were spent at his cheerful fireside. Later, when he went to reside at the Farm, it was still my privi- lege to be his frequent guest and to pass with him many pleasant afternoons and evenings. When the weather was suitable we rambled or paddled about examining and collecting the products of land and water. In summer there were many charming little picnics on the banks of the Rideau, where above the rippling music of the rapids, or by placid reaches lily-starred, we found quiet enjoyment and surcease from care until the vesper songs of bird were hushed, the roseate glories of the West grown dim, and "The warders of God's tent had lit the lamps That men call stars. " During the winter he resided in the city, but on Saturdays, unless he was absent, or had some special engagement, it was my custom to go to the Farm and spend the afternoon with him. After a short snowshoe tramp through Dow's Swamp, across to the Rideau, or around the Arboretum and Forest Belts, or per- haps some slides on the toboggan,if there were young folk present, we would cook our supper, as if out camping, and then after a smoke and pleasant chat, would spend an hour or so in his office, examining insects, reading proofs, or other work, before walking home. Our rambles and excursions during the many years of our joint interest in entomology, etc., covered all the immediate vicinity, and frequently extended to more distant points, such as the MerBleue, Casselman, Buckingham, Thurso, etc. A brief, but enjovable, trip was taken in June 1892 to Copper Cliff, to visit a feilow-entomologist, Mr. J. D. Evans, then manager of the copper and-nickle mines. Fletcher went largely in the hope of capturing Erebia discoidalis, a rare butterfly which had been taken by Mr. Evans three years previously. We arrived at 5 a.m. and to lose no time collected for a couple of hours before calHng upon our host, who afterwards took us to the locality where he 204 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. had found the butterfly. No specimens could be found, but of other insects we obtained about 275 species, including some of considerable rarity and interest. Our last outing was in September last when we paddled up the Gatineau and around the booms to the entrance of Leamy's Lake, where he desired to collect some water lilies. Owing to the extreme low water we found that there was quite a carry to get into the lake, and that it would be difficult to reach the lily bed, and as the day was exceedingly smoky and sultry and the sun low we decided to paddle back. A few days previously we spent, with Mr. Groh, an afternoon paddling about the canal collecting water plants, and he was delighted to discover quite a large patch of the rare Bidens Beckii and also to find that the wild rice, which I had seen him sow two years before, seemed to be well established. The briefest outing with him was invariablv interesting, as his knowledge was so extensive and his facultv of observation so trained that there was ever something upon which new light could be given, or which could furnish material for future study. His intimate knowledge of large sections of the Dominion, and his extended acquaintance with scientists and other -prominent persons, combined with his remarkable memory and unfailing brightness and geniality, made him a most charming and enter- taining companion, either at home or abroad. He was a friend whom I can never replace, and whose loss will be felt afresh when- ever the scenes of our outings are visited. My last evening with him was that of the 14th of September, a day or so before he started on his last trip West. He was busy in his garden watering his flowers until it was too dark to continue, for so he spent many evenings among the beautiful and fragrant plants which he loved, and which afforded him such sustained and genuine pleasure. The task of planting and tending them was with him a labour of love, and not merely performed for the utilitarian or decorative effects which might result. His pro- found love of nature in all her moods and forms was in no respect more evident than in the patient and skilful gardening from which he derived such undoubted pleasure. Just before we said goodbye he gave me directions where to find a certain water weed which my collection lacked, for he had such an intimate know- ledge of the habitat of our plants, and such a retentive memory that he could describe the exact locality in which any rare specie's had occurred, even if many years previously. Any memories of my friend would be incomplete, if no men- tion were made of the deeply religious side of his character. Scientists and other public men not infrequently allow them- selves to become engrossed and interested solely in materia] 1909] Reminiscences of Dr. Fletcher. 205 matters, but he was also uniformly and consistently occupied with spiritual affairs. As a loving adherent of the Anglican Church, he gave to her interests an unbroken support and the same unfailing attention that all his duties received, and was ever a regular and devout attendant at its services. During our earlier companionship we attended for some time the St. James' Church in Hull, (since burnt) the rector of which was the late Canon Johnson, whose kindly words and actions endeared him to all his parishioners. Fletcher was not content to be merely a church-goer, but as a lay-reader he took the service whenever necessary in several of the suburban and rural churches. At Billings ' Bridge and Ottawa East I have on various occasions listened to services which gained an added beauty from his clear-voiced and sympathetic reading. He was also for many years Superintendent of the Sun- day school at Ottawa East and took a great interest in the wel- fare of the school and of its attendants. Often on Sundays T went to meet him when the school closed, in order to walk home with him, and usually found him the centre of a group of smiling children, for with them he ever was on the most friendly terms and thev loved him for his many acts of kindness and his unfail- ing genialitv and sympathy. They, as well as their parents and teachers, have deep reason to grieve for the noble Christian man who was so long their trusted friend and helper, whose hand and heart were open to all who had need of assistance or sympathy. No words of mine can give more than a faint idea of his real worth and character, but fortunately these are already widely known. He was truly a lovable man, one of those superior natures whose mental and moral attributes rapidly distinguish them as leaders of thought and action, whose kindly words and generous deeds cause them to be esteemed and beloved by all who come in contact with them. Faithfully and zealously he laboured early and late, with all his forces, to advance the welfare, not only of the agricultural classes, but of all sections of our fellow-citizens. Year by year the seed was sown, often in stony and improfitable ground, but ever with some increase in the garnered harvest. Others will take up the work he initiated and organized, and their way will be smoother and easier by reason of his unselfish and unremitting toil and watching. The members of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club may continue to show their esteem and affection for our departed friend and leader, and to honour his memory, by steadfastly striving to maintain and advance the investigations and studies to which he sq. ardentlv and successfullv devoted his great abil- ities .^C4^ 206 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. DR. FLETCHER AS A BOTANIST. By R. B. Whyte. One day, thirty-two years ago, when struggling alone with the many difficulties which beset a student of botany, I heard with more than passing interest of a young man employed in the Library of Parliament who was making a study of botany. With little delay after hearing of that student of nature I sought him out and made myself known to him. Little did I think then that I was making the acquaintance of one who through so many years was to prove a true, sympathetic and loyal friend. That young man was James Fletcher. A few months after I had first met him, when discussing the difficulties of studying alone, the idea occurred of having a place where we could meet ethers similarly interested. The suggestion was carried out, and thus originated the Ottawa Field-Naturalists* Club. Those of vou who have of recent vears become members of the Ckib have no conception of how indefatigable and self-sacri- ficing he was in his efforts to maintain the Club — no labour was too ha.rd, nor any effort too great if it was for the benefit of the Club in those early days. As an instance of his sincerity of pvir- pose, I recall many, many times that he delivered with his own hands the notices of the Council meetings in order to save the Club the expense of postage. One of his first works after we were in a position to publish a record of our researches, was to compile a list of all the plants that had been found in the Ottawa district. This list appeared in the first number of the Club 's Transactions. The list w^as added to in subsequent years and finally published as "Flora Ottawaensis. " His great regret was that his official duties prevented him from finishing that work. As a companion and co-worker he was ever read to help and encourage, and no trouble was too great to help any one in studies or with information. By correspondence and through the press, by addresses and lectures at the educational institutions in the City and at the Field-Naturalists ' Club 's meetings he unceasingly endeavoured to impart information, and to his great efforts are we indebted for the undoubted high plane of botanical knowledge in the Citv of Ottawa to-day. I have always claimed, and I do not think the claim extravagant, that there is no City in the Domin- ion where the general knowledge of plant life is so high as it is in Ottawa. Great as have been the results of his work in increasing our knowledge of plants, his best work has been in economic botany. For many years he travelled all over the continent addressing 1909J Dr. Fletcher as a Botanist. 207 meetings of farmers and farmers' institutes and has probably- addressed more people than any other public man in Canada and imparted to them information of economic value which must have been of immense benefit. The culmination of his work in economic botany is the Weed Book, published in 1906 in conjunction with the Seed Division of the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa. Not only as an entomologist and botanist has he been of great assistance and influence, but also as a horticulturist. Throughout the Dominion of Canada the horticultural societies have known him for many years as advisor and educator. At the Convention of Horticultural Societies held in Toronto recently which I attended, many were the expressions of sincere regret at the great loss the horticultural societies had sustained by the death of one whom they spoke of not as a public official, but as a personal friend. The life of Dr. Fletcher was a standing example to young men. While a clerk in the Parliament Library he utilized every spare moment in studying or seeking information, and after office hours he did not waste his time in idling about the streets. Early and late he was to be found studying Nature and, when in later years, the Government decided to establish the Dominion Experimental Farms, he was the one man in Canada equipped with the necessary knowledge to fill the important and responsible position of Dominion Entomologist and Botanist. Finally, considering the great debt that the Ottawa Field- Naturalists ' Club owes to Dr. Fletcher, I think it is our privilege to take the lead in commemorating the work he has done, and in talking the matter over with some friends and members of the Club, the unanimous opinion is that in no way could we do it more appropriately than by erecting a drinking fountain at the Central Experimental Farm, -where so many of the best years of his life were spent. DR. FLETCHER AS AN ENTOMOLOGIST. By Arthur Gibson. I am very glad indeed of this opportunity of saying a few words of one with whom it was mv happy lot to be closely asso- ciated, for nearlv ten years, in the official Government work of practical entomology. It is not necessary for me to say that Dr. James Fletcher was a great entomologist. This fact is widely known, not only in Canada and the United States, but even throughout the whole world. It is the people of Canada, how- ever, who will chiefly miss his kindly help, always so cheerfully 208 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. given. To Canadian students of insects, his untimely death is a terrible blow, and entomology generally has lost one of its most accomplished exponents. Early in life Dr. Fletcher had a keen love for insects and their ways, and before he came to Canada he was familiar with the butterflies and other insects of his native land. He made a special study, however, of those kinds which are injurious or beneficial, and never lost an opportunity to add to his knowledge of these creatures, which play such an important part in the welfare of mankind. Not a few Canadians have done splendid work in entomology, from the continued encouragement and help which they received from him. From a purely scientific standpoint Dr. Fletcher did splendid work among the diurnal lepidoptera. For many years he was intensely interested in Canadian butterflies and through his studies was recognised as a high authority on these insects by American entomologists. He was not only a student of the per- fect forms of butterflies, but was deeply concerned in finding out their true life-histories. Many a long trip from Ottawa was taken by him to get the eggs of a rare species, in order that the various stages of the insect might be studied. During these col- lecting trips, too, many new species were discovered. If we glance through the lists of North American insects, we find that quite a number of species were named in his honour. The following is a list of the insects to which the name of Fletcher has been given : — Cry plus fleicheri Provancher: Additions Faune Hymenopter- ologique, 1886, Vol.11, p. 361. ( = Comsocryptus calip- terus Say). Xylomiges fletcheri Grote: Canadian Entomologist, 1888, Vol. XX, p. 130. ( Xylomiges patalis Grote). Coleophora fletcherella Fernald: Canadian Entomologist, 1892, Vol. XXIV, p. 122. CratcepMs fletcheri Ashmead: Canadian Entomologist, 1892. Vol. XXIV, p. 309. Lecanium fletcheri CockereW: Canadian Entomologist, 1893, Vol. XXV, p. 221. Tragus fletcheri Harrington: Canadian Entomologist, 1894, Vol. XXVI, p. 245. Coccophagus fletcheri Howard: Bulletin No. 7, New Series, Division of Entomology, U. S. Dept. Agr., 1897, p. 63. Papilio turnus L., var. fletcheri Kemp: Entomological News, 1900, p. 481. Culex fletcheri Coquillett: Proceedings of the United States National Museum, Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 84. 1909] Dr. Fletcher as an Entomologist. 209 Catocala unijuga Walker, var. fietcheri BeutenmuUer: Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, 1903, Vol. XIX, p. 509. Xylina fietcheri Smith: Psyche. 1904, Vol. XI, p. 56. Enarmonia fletcherana Kearfott: Canadian Entomologist, 1907, Vol. XXXIX, p. 127. Brephos fietcheri Smith: Canadian Entomologist, 1907, Vol. XXXIX, p. 370. PLatycleis fietcheri Caudell: Proc. U.S.N.M.. Vol. XXXII, 1907, p. 403. (=Idionotus brevipes Caudell). Eupithecia fletcherata Taylor: Ottawa Naturalist, 1907, p. 200. Lithocolletis fletcherella Braun: Transactions of the American Entomological Society, 1908. Vol. XXXIV, Oct., p. 338. Psilocirsis fletcherella Gibson: Ottawa Naturalist, Jan. 1909. Speaking more particularly of his work in economic, or practical, entomology which occupied the best of his time and labour for at least 25 years, he has truly left behind him a vast store of knowledge in the annual reports which he presented to the people of Canada in the large yearly reports published by the Dominion Experimental Farms, in the special bulletins which he prepared, and in the almost yearly E\'idence which he gave before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Colonization of the House of Commons, all of which have already been referred to by Dr. Saunders. In all of these publications valuable information on insects injurious or beneficial to agriculturists, horticulturists and others, is given in the most accurate manner, with the remed- ies which have been found most useful for those kinds which are destructive to crops, etc. Of the many injurious insects upon which he did original research work, brief mention may be made of the following. The Mediterranean Flour Moth, which first appeared in Canada in 1889: its life-history was worked out and the advant- age of freezing the insects by opening the mills to the cold of winter was pointed out, among other remedies. The Cigar Case-bearer of the apple was first treated of in his annual report for 1891, and further original observations are to be found recorded in his report for 1894. The Hop Vine Borer did much harm in Ontario hop fields in 1892. The habits of the insect were studied and published. The same year new facts were learned regarding the life-history of the Red Turnip Beetle, which every year does some damage to cruci- ferous crops in the Prairie Provinces. The Pea Moth claimed special attention in 1894. and a lengthy article was published in his annual report for that year. 210 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. The Peach Bark-borer was also studied the same year and new facts recorded regarding the Hfe-history. In 1895 the Joint-worm which attacks wheat was investi- gated, and valuable information was obtained on the habits of this enemy of this important cereal. The Cottony Grass Scale was also studied the same year, as was also the New York Plum Scale . Mention of the Wheat-stem Maggot in Canada first appeared in his 1896 report when an outbreak which occurred in the North- west was studied. The same year the first record of the Apple Maggot in Canada was made. In 1897 much study was given to the San Jose Scale, which had gained a firm foothold in certain of the western counties of Ontario. A lengthy article appears in his report for that year. The Rocky Mountain Locust was given special study in 1898 when the insect did much damage in southern Manitoba. The Hessian Fly wrought serious injury in the fall wheat fields of Ontario, and the spring wheat fields of Manitoba in 1899, and called for special investigation. The same year the Destruc- tive Pea Aphis made its first appearance in Canada, as did also the Asparagus Beetles. The Greenhouse Leaf-tyer was also studied in 1899 and 1900 and the life-history has since been published. One of the most remarkable outbreaks of an injurious insect which has ever been recorded in Canada occurred in 1900, when the Variegated Cutworm appeared in British Columbia. Original notes on the life-history appear in his annual report for that year, as also on the Spotted Cutworm w^hich did much damage in Ontario. In 1901 original observations on the life-history of the Vari- able Cutworm were published and a more complete article describ- ing in detail the various larval stages appeared in the Canadian Entomologist for November, 1902, Notes are also given in his 1901 report on Semiophora youngii, a new enemy of conifers. The Sugar Beet Webworm was studied in 1903 owing to the damage it did in Manitoba. Attention was also given to the White- marked Tussock Moth, which has done so much harm to shade trees in many Canadian cities. During 1905 another new pest made its appearance in east- ern Canada in destructive numbers and the common name. "The Spined Rustic" was given to it by Dr. Fletcher. The full life- history was worked out and published. The first Canadian nests containing caterpillars of the Brown- tail Moth were received by Dr. Fletcher in 1906, and dur- ing the summer the insect was studied at the Central Experi- mental Farm, and a lengthy article on it was prepared and pub- 1909J Dr. Fletcher as an Entomologist. 211 lish?d in his annual report, as well as in several agricultural papers. The same year and in 1907 the Rose Chafer caused enormous losses in vineyards in the Niagara district, an account of which appears in his report for 1907. The same year the Rusty Tus- sock Moth was given special study. In 1907 and during the present year, the large losses in the hop-yards of British Columbia occasioned by the attacks of the Hop Flea Beetle, called for special thought, and during his recent trip to British Columbia in September last he visited the hop- yards and gave valuable advice to those in charge. The above are only a few of the injurious insects upon which Dr. Fletcher did original research work. His studies of even the very commonest insects resulted in the finding out of new facts. In his annual reports, etc,, Dr. Fletcher did grand work in educating farmers, fruit-growers, market gardeners etc., to know their worst insect enemies and the way to fight them, and many articles appeared by him on such well-known pests as the San Jos^ Scale, the Codling Moth, the Plum Curculio, the Colorado Potato Beetle, the Turnip Beetle, Root Maggots, Cutworms, Grasshoppers, the Hessian Fly, the Wheat Midge, the Western Wheat-stem Sawfiy, the Joint-worm, the Oyster-shell Scale, White Grubs, the Pea Weevil, etc, etc. In the year 1896, Dr. Fletcher received the honorary degree of LL. D., from Queen's University, in recognition of the great services he had rendered to agricultural science. He also received honours from various foreign societies. He was elected a Fellow of the Linnaean Society, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Fellow of the Entomological Society of America, a Member of the Association for the Promotion of Agricultural Science, an Honorary Member of the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society, a Cor- esponding Member of the Washington Entomological Society, and was at the time of his death President of the Entomological Society of Ontario and Honorary Secretary of the Royal Society of Canada. He was the first man to urge the formation of the Association of Economic Entomologists, which is the most impor- tant societv of its kind in the world. For many years he was a member of the Editing Committee of the Canadian Entomologist, and quite recently, since their beginning, was on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Economic Entomology and of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America. NOTE — Plate No. VI is from a small negative taken two years ago by Mr. Shutt, and is considered as giving Dr. Fletcher in a characteristic pose. Members and friends can obtain copies of the photograph from the Topley Studio, Ottawa. 212 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. DR. FLETCHER AS A NATURALIST. By Prof. John Macoun. My intention to-night is to speak of Dr. Fletcher as a Naturalist, for as such I was privileged to know him well. I was twenty years in the field when I came here in 1876 to give evidence before the Committee of the House of Commons in connection with the development of the West. I spent two days here and amongst the other boys I met at that time were Dr. Fletcher, Dr. Small. Mr. Harrington, and one or two others of the old men of to-day. Three years later I came back to live here during the winter of 1879-80 and then came in contact with Dr. Fletcher, who in the three years intervening had developed. How did he develop? How do men pass from the condition of ignorance into light? By the methods pursued by the 3'oung men of to-day? No. The young men of the past worked; there was less play then than to-day. I can see Dr. Fletcher and so can you, Sir, when he was Accountant in the Library. What I had never seen before I saw on his desk, a wardian case, in which plants are kept in a humid atmosphere and developed so that they may be seen and studied for a length of time. Alongside of the wardian case stood a couple of glass jars and in these jars were insects, either as caterpillars or in a more advanced stage, and he was studying them while attending to his regular duties. When the other gentlemen stood up here to-night they spoke of Dr. Fletcher as being a teacher who talked about what he knew. Nine-tenths of the men who talk don't know, but he always knew. How many men present to-night could argue with him? Whether he was right or wrong, he was always right, and it was a strong man who could argue him down. Hence, I often said, "Fletcher, there is no use arguing about it, we cannot change our opinions." But Fletcher knew and could teach others and there is where his power lay. He went into the country and talked to men. I know old people who look upon him as a god because every word that he spoke went to their hearts and they lived on his word. His power lav in the development of the man as a naturalist and a teacher. I have been going through this thing in the night and thinking over Dr. Fletcher since his death and of the many thoughts was, "Why was there such a man?" I have met during the last fiftv years many men, amongst them Dr. Gray and Dr. Torrey, old men, and a host of others, but none like Dr. Fletcher. Here is the reason. The first summer I was here, 1880, I began to see something about him that was different from others. He was not like 1909] Dr. Fletcher as a Naturalist. 213 anything America had produced. I set him down as a product of the English school system because the gentlemen I met in England were all interested in natural history. He was a man who studied botany, ornithology, entomology, geology and all the other branches of natural science. Dr. Fletcher was a man, a true naturalist, he was a man on all lines, if he went out with me he studied botany, if he went out with Mr. Harrington he was poking around the bark of trees discussing insects which to me were a blank. When we w-ent to collect clam-shells down the Ottawa River he could study the water-plants with me and the shells with Mr. Latchford. The reason he was first in this, first in that, and first in everything, was because he was always busy, always at work, and as soon as he learned a thing he was ready to tell it. Other men would tell us nothing ; he would tell us something in a simple, quiet, easy way, and we went home and absorbed it. I never expect to see any Canadian approach Dr. Fletcher on these lines. I never found the equal of Fletcher as an all-round naturalist. As you remember, nearly one hundred and fifty years ago a gentleman lived in England named White, of Selbome, a learned gentleman, who wrote on general natural history. Since his time no man has risen in England like him. He was Dr. Fletcher's prototype. There was no man like Fletcher in the multiplicit}' of subjects he took up. We read of Darwin, but Darwin ran in grooves as you all know. If you take up any of the other great men you will find that they also ran in grooves; but not so Fletcher. In connection with this, I may say now there was another point w'hich I discussed with Fletcher the first year I was down here. Talking of natural history, he said that he was going to take up all subjects. I laughed at him, I said I was a geologist ; I had gone through entomology long before and discovered I didn't care enough about it to continue to collect, and presented mv insects to Mr. Evans, of Trenton, and abandoning entomology had fallen back upon botany. He said, "Why should I not take up all subjects?" Of course, gentle- men, I was like most sceptical people, I laughed at him, and said, "You will start five or six things and finally drop them." But, he had such a power of persistence, as has been so w^ell brought out to-night, that he never failed to accomplish what he set out to do. My young son and myself w^ere up at Nepigon twenty-four years ago last summer. He was quick on his feet and I w^as slow, getting well up in years: we saw a fine butterfly go past down the lane, and I said we must get that butterfly, and we obtained perhaps a dozen. I brought them home and showed the butterfly to Fletcher and he said, "Why, Macoun, that is 214 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan, the greatest discovery of the age, the finest catch for many years," and eventual]}^ it was named after me. He got from me particulars of where it should be looked for, and he and Dr. Scudder, of Boston, went three years in succession to Nepigon to get the eggs of this butterfly, so as to rear the larv£e and follow up their life history. They went three years in succession before they got them; that shows you the persistence of Fletcher. Now, if it had been me I might have gone one year in search of it. There is where his success lay, and I will always maintain that the man who fights the longest wins. It is the chap who stops first who loses the battle. Fletcher never lost a battle. It might be a drawn one, but it was never lost. Now, I don't think that it is possible to develop in America a naturalist of the type of Fletcher. To-day, natural history is becoming specialized. Botany of to-dav is taken up by a dozen working on different lines. When I was young I had to carry it all Now, entomology is taken up by a dozen in the same way. All things are changing and hence development will prevent the naturalist of his type coming to the front. He was made Botanist and Entomologist of the Experi- mental Farm. We who knew him before that time can re- member well the kind of man he was then and the kind of man he became. When he went to the Experimental Farm he began to study natural history on the economic side as he was in duty bound to do. When Dr. Fletcher became Botanist and Entomologist, as Dr. Saunders has told us, he commenced at once to study botany and entomology in the way that wa& required of him for his work, and from that day forward he was an economic naturalist. He studied things necessary to his work, and therefore he became a power in the country and the Government never had a servant that went up and down the country and did so much good as Dr. Fletcher. It is all very good for politicians to make speeches, but they mostly amount to so much hot air. When a man like Dr. Fletcher and men of his type go up and down the country and talk to the farmers and give them information about every difficult thing that they ought to know in their everyday work, these speakers are much more useful than the other class. There are many men in the country to-day who have through him become useful men in their day and generation, and now I ask what will the young people of Ottawa do who used to sit in this hall and hear his speeches so full of life and power? We shall never see the like of Dr. Fletcher again, but his work is not done. His spirit lives in the hearts of the people of Canada. 1909] The Ottawa Naturalist. 215 DR. FLETCHER AS A LEADER. By Dr. H. M. Ami. It is with great difficulty and diffidence that I attempt this evening to describe to you Dr. James Fletcher as a Leader. The painful loss we have sustained is too recent, and too great, to permit me to even attempt to do justice to him. His all- round personality, genial, kind and affable ways, his utterances and activities are so deeply imprinted upon us by the years of intimate and constant relations that their full living reality cannot be connected with the unutterable pain we experience in the loss we have sustained. It is only three weeks ago to-day that we followed to their last resting place the mortal remains of our dear departed leader and friend. Many years and many times we had followed him in those pleasant paths and bye-ways where the Trilliums and Ginseng flourish, where the Spring-beauty and Hepaticas thrive, and where the rare orchids hide their fringed or fantastic blossoms. Suddenly, when we least expected it, he who had been our leader in botany, in entomology, in conchology, in so many and interesting branches of natural history; he who had banded us together and had founded our Club; he who had been the cheery friend of every member of the Club for twenty- nine years ; was taken from us and cut off in the prime of man- hood. We mourn his loss to-day not alone for what he was to the Club from its very inception — a constant inspiration and a devoted Leader but, also, for what he was to each of us individually — a friend, an example, an ideal man, a man with wide sympathies and firm convictions, fond of knowledge and of truth, of a tender, patient and winsome disposition, as well as of a resourceful nature. His sweet, wholesome influence, his truly unselfish nature, and his beneficent example must ever be a light which will radiate in our community with increasing power as years roll on. His great spirit permeated ever\- branch of the Club's work from its earliest days, and for sound counsel and critical advice we naturally and invariably turned to him. Mav his life and work be ever kept before our eyes and minds. What a privilege to have knowm Dr Fletcher! He was an ideal Leader, and it is of him as such that I liave been asked to speak to you to-night. To be a Leader one must be a seer. He had his visions and in the pursuit of his high ideal Dr. Fletcher fairly drew us along. His great faith, in all that tended to the ideal, the noble, the good, and the true, -which was so manifest in him, made him look far into the 216 The Ottawa Naturalist [Jan. broader aspects of those pursuits and studies which occupied his attention. He never spared himself, but with an ever-springing energy devoted his life to the study of the natural history of the Ottawa District and of the Dominion of Canada, as well as of those larger and international problems and relations, which widened the scope of his researches enormously. His deeds and suggestions as a Leader I shall not here attempt to recite. You know them all. The members of the Club who have been closest in touch with Dr. Fletcher since the inception of the Club know well the ceaseless and untiring zeal which he displayed in its welfare and on their behalf. All the Normal School classes, which from year to year were wont to attend the Club's Excursions and Soirees, also know well the devotion which he displayed on all these occasions. Edu- cational Institutions of the city, including the Kindergarten children, received inspiring words from him and listened to his enthusiastic utterances on the plant and the insect w^orld. We cannot realize that he is gone and is no more with us in reality. His presence in our midst for so many years, com- bined with his powerful physique and constant jovial expres- sion, which made his leadership so attractive, pleasant and in- spiring, still permeates our inmost soul and being so thoroughly, that his influence is still felt and will continue to exist. There is not a flower, nor an insect, which does not recall him, which does not bring to mind his noble cotmtenance and winsome ways. There is not a brook, valley, crag, hillside, wood, or swamp; not a spot in the Ottawa District which does not vividly suggest him. Who can forget those vivid pictures drawn upon the canvas of our minds by his charming words when Dr. Fletcher described to us the life-history of some butterfly, or the capture of a rare and interesting species in the Rockies. How he led us, step by step, in captivating fashion through all the intricate ways of his adventures until the goal of his ambition was reached. How, breathlessly, we listened to his graphic descriptions! How keenly interested he himself was, and how he seemed to live over again the experiences he had enjoyed or suffered! These and hundreds of other utterances by him we shall never forget. His busy life kept him constantly at work with Nature. In this work he found pleasure and by it gave the same to tens of thousands in Canada and elsewhere. Nature Study articles of recent years, were a special feature of his writings, and these are masterpieces of composition as well as of comparison and observation. 1909] Dr. Fletcher as a Leader. 217 Not only was Dr. Fletcher one of the founders and organizers of the Club as well as Leader all these years, but he also contrib- uted many articles and papers to our transactions. The first paper in our first volume was by him. This was his inaugural address delivered on 24th November, 1879, which is a master- piece written by a master-mind. What an appeal this was to us to work up the natural history of Ottawa and its environs! Let cverv member who can, read this address once more and receive the inspiration which he instilled into his hearers those many years ago. To quote from this address will be to give in his own words the keynote of all his endeavors in the field of Nature about Ottawa. In speaking of the newly-formed Field-Naturalists' Club, he said: — "One of the chief benefits bestowed by an organization, such as ours, is that it enables one always to know where to find a sympathetic companion. Of all recreations, there is none, to mv mind, more enjovable than a walk in the country with a congenial friend. No kind of intercourse brings you into closer contact with a companion than taking a walk. You cannot take ten steps, even with a stranger, without feeling a necessitv of saying something, and if there is anything in a man, you can soon bring it out of him in a country walk. Now, it is very clear that a judicious choice with regard to your com- panion is a most important matter; but it is not always easy to find one who has the same tastes or takes an interest in the same subjects as yourself." In speaking of a naturalist, he said: — "No one looks upon the world so kindly as he does; no one else gives so much to, or takes so much enjoyment from, the country as he does, and he holds a more vital relation to Nature, because he is freer, and his mind is more at leisure. Moreover, when a naturalist gets a friend, who is not one, out in the country, he feels a sort of moral responsibility resting upon him to find something particularly interesting to point out, so as to arouse his curiosity, and, if possible, to convert him to the study of 'La Belle Science.' I say particularly interesting, because everything in Nature is interesting and beautiful; and I defy anyone to bring me a single object, picked up by a country roadside, which is not beautiful, and even exquisitely so — a stick, a piece of straw, a leaf, or a stone, it matters not what, if properly examined and understood, they are all wonderful and lovely." After describing a number of commonplace objects and showing their beauty and attractiveness, he goes on: — • "The reason I have dwelt at such length this evening on these objects is to endeavor to point out that there is nothing, 218 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. not even the commonest object in Nature, that is not worthy of a careful examination. It is a great mistake, but a mistake which is often made, even by scientific men, to suppose that new knowledge can be gathered only from the unexplored fields of science, when, in the most familiar w^alks of life, there are countless riches of truth which the reapers, in the hurry of the harvest, have passed unnoticed, and which will abundantly reward the careful gleaner. The French aptly expres.s this thought in the proverb, 'La Science court les rues' — 'Science runs the streets;' or, more freely translated, knowledge is to be found everywhere, by those who will look for it, for it is so plentiful that it rtins in the very gutters of the streets." In conclusion he said: — "Let us, then . . . strive, while working up the natural history of our neighborhood thoroughly, to do so in a popular manner, intelligible to all. I believe we have it in our power to give much happiness to many, by inducing them, by our example and persuasions, to study with us Nature. Its wonders are open to everyone, from the voungest child to the aged man; it offers charms and fas- cinations to all — for all is wonderful and beautiful; and, as nothing makes men so happy as contemplating the beautiful, I consider nothing is so v/ell calculated to make men good and happy as a study of Nature." What Dr. Fletcher was as a Leader is recorded, though only in part, in the volumes of Transactions of the Club, which are as a monument to his memory. His "Flora Ottarvaensis" was a feature of the early days of the Club and his endeavor was to obtain as complete a series as possible of our local flowering plants and ferns. He drew us all together by the magic power of his sweet personality, by the enthusiasm of his love for Nature all about us, and by the kind words and deeds which he uttered and per- formed even unto the end. The secret of his good life lay in the fact that he himself was led by motives and visions of the highest and best ideals. Inspired b}^ a strong desire to see others enjoy Nature as he did, he presented the truths as they were revealed to him in a most delightful and pleasing manner. The simplicity of his remarks even when dealing with difficult subjects, marked him as a clear-sighted and keen observer and a vigorous and suc- cessful lecturer. With what care he described all he saw of interest in the field and forest, on the road or in the street! Oftimes he was called upon to repeat the same facts and truths, but he never wearied of imparting knowledge. In the numerous excursions and sub-excursions of the Club about Ottawa he was the rallying point and centralizing force. In all his ad- 1909] Dr. Fletcher as a Leader. 219 dresses likewise he led us by ways that were pleasant, and taught us how to collect, classify and preserve plants and insects or other objects of natural history. He was ever teaching all who attended the outings and soirees these funda- mental principles in acquiring material for study. In the work of the Club, Dr. Fletcher was facile princeps and was our Leader par excellence. Well do I recall at this time the first excursion which the Clul) had to King's Mountain, Chelsea. What a glorious day! What a glorious Leader! His l^uoyant nature, cheery disposi- tion and winning ways attracted as so many magnets, and oftimes the geological and the entomological as well as other branches joined the botanical section, because he as the Leader' drew everyone, from the child — eager to learn evervthing about Nature — to the older members and visitors. He saw beauty, order and use in everything, and the world about him filled his life with numberless surprises and treasures. He was at one with Nature and she revealed herself to him as she does to but few. His enthusiasm w^as catching and he imparted not a little of it to his friends and associates. No one can estimate his worth, for he was everything that one can imagine to us as a Club and to many scientific societies and institutes in our land. He understood the relations exist- ing between the plant world and the insect w^orld to a remark- able degree. It was this keen perception and accurate knowl- edge that led him to take such a deep interest in our farming communities. How eagerly and zealously he guarded their interests and spoke in their behalf at the Sessions of the Agricultural Com- mLittees of the House of Commons when he was stationed in the Library of Parliament. And what a central and at- tractive spot that Library of Parliament was to us vounger naturalists in the 70's and early 80's. His work at the Central Experimental Farm, whither he was called in 1888, took him wholly into the realm which he loved and cherished. We deem ourselves fortunate — though now deeply sorrow- iul — to have been permitted, many of us for so many years, to have accompanied such a Leader into so many paths of pleasure in this neighborhood and elsewhere. His deeds were many and good. His energies were spent for the welfare of all with whom he came into contact. In his death the Club has lost its greatest friend and supporter and Leader. We owe liim a deep debt of gratitude which years of service in the same cause can only begin to express. Those of us, who followed him in many of his outings 220 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. with the Club and other organizations, are conscious of a great loss. Nevertheless "we mourn not as those who have no hope," for from his heart and soul there radiated an influence and in- spiring grace which the child of God, the Christian in the highest sense of that term, alone can possess, and which can soothe as well as, in time, satisfy the grief and loss we have sustained. At the close of Dr. Ami's paper, the Chairman asked if there were any present who would like to add their tribute, and in response to this invitation, the following addresses were made. Mr. Frank T. Shutt, Chemist of the Dominion Experimen- tal Farms, spoke as follows: — It is as a co-worker and friend of many years that I would add a word of tribute to-night to the memory of the late Dr. Fletcher. As most of you are aware, Dr. Fletcher and I have been colleagues since the establishment of the Experimental Farm system, now twenty-one years ago, and from the first we became fast friends. His work and mine had the same field — the Dominion of Canada — and it was only natural that a part of our labours at least should be in common. Many of our investiga- tions were carried out together, the chemical work supplementing the botanical or entomological, as the case might be. As instances I may cite our investigation to determine the agricultural value of native and imported grasses and the many problems respecting the efficiencv of insecticides. With a full realization of the value of the results from the biological standpoint, he, at the same time, recognized the importance of chemical data. Further,, while making himself cognisant of the chemical details, he kept well within his own province in his dicta, referring his readers or hearers to the right authorities when, in treating of a subject, it was necessary to bring before them facts outside his domain and requisite to present the matter in its fullest aspects. You will thus see that it was a very pleasant thing to be associated with him and that our work was carried out together in the most harmonious manner. Of his ability as an economic botanist and entomologist, and the most excellent services he has given to his adopted country as such, there are many here to-night better qualified to speak than I am. But I would add a word to this testimony in my belief that his latge and wide knowledge of Canada and of the conditions that prevail in the various parts of the Dominion was of inestimable value to those 'to whom he was imparting information. He had travelled and observed in every province of the Dominion and this in itself gave much weight to his opinions and advice. 1909] Tributes to Dr. Fletcher. 221 Reference has been made to Dr. Fletcher's generosity, his desire to help others, his readiness always to do a good turn; it was surely these fine qualities that dominated his life. There must be hundreds scattered all over this wide Dominion who will miss his kindly assistance and encouragement. And this goodness of heart was only equalled by his capacity for work. My bedroom window commanded one in his office, and night after night for weeks together I would retire — and that at no very early hour — leaving his light burning. He was naming botanical and entomological specimens for amateur collectors all over the countrv, scores of whom probably he was thus encouraging in their studies by his kindly help. He must have been blessed with a strong vitality and much strength, for by sunrise next morning, if the season were summer, he would be out gardening — a work, oi rather a pastime for him, of which he was an ardent lover. He took the greatest pride in his garden and nothing gave him more pleasure than the presenting of its products fo his friends. It was, of course, in his addresses on Nature Studv and allied subjects that he won his laurels and gained a wide popularity. He was a particularly attractive speaker. Of good presence, with a pleasant voice, of an easy yet enthusiastic manner with fluency of speech it was not difficult to hold his audiences entranced in his description of Nature and Nature 's children. He carried his hearers with him, so that they forgot the immediate surroundings and were transported in spirit to the mountain side or the bank of the stream as he went in quest of his plants or insects. But we must not overlook the fact that a very large part of his useful work was done with the pen. I always thought he had a love for letter writing. He had a wide and ever increasing correspondence respecting plants and insects and he encouraged it. His was certainly the "pen of a ready writer. " We all like to think of him as our own personal friend His cheery, jovial, kindly spirit — for by nature he was buoyant and light hearted — won all with whom he came in contact. Even those who only met him casually will have a pleasant memorv of his genial manner and desire to help. Since Dr. Fletcher's death I have received manv letters from mutual friends and they all bear warm testimony to his sterling qualities and his charming personality. To those of us who knew him well, intimately, he was a loveable man, warm in sympathy and true, a man of gen- erous impulses and kindly, considerate thought for others. We mourn the death of a dear friend and a truly Christian gentleman. But while we must all deplore the cutting off of such a bright and useful life in the midst of its activities, we must equally rejoice that Dr. Fletcher's work lives after him and that he has left us a noble example to copy in his faithful, helpful, inspiring work. 222 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Ja.n. Rev. G. Eifrig, a Member of the Council: — Although I did not have the good fortune tojknow our late lamented Dr. Fletcher so long as some of the other speakers of this evening had, yet, the time — -five years— was long enough to let our friendship ripen into a very cordial and sincere one. In fact, his character was such a lovable and unselfish one, that to know him was to love him and become a friend to him. I think his very unselfishness was the key to his great popularity and the general sorrow caused by his taking off. He was a lover of men and a lover of nature, and in this connection I may bring out another side of his many-sidedness, and that is his keenness as an observer of birds. I well recall with what pleasure he would let me know by letter or telephone when he saw the first arrivals of the spring migrants, his first song sparrow, or bluebird, or red- winged black bird, etc. In fact, he rendered some very material service to ornithology in this vicinity, for the first and only posi- tive records of the Lapland Longspur {Calcarius lapponicus) and the Shore Lark {Otocoris alpestris) in this neighborhood were made by him in May 1890. It is my deep conviction that we have sustained a great loss, the whole country, the Experimental Farm System, Ottawa, and last, but not least, our Club. Mr. E. R. Cameron, Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada : — The gentlemen who have so far addressed you this evening have been more or less associated with Dr. Fletcher's scientific work. I should like the opportunity of saying a word from what may be called a layman's standpoint or that of the amateur naturalist. I have known of Dr. Fletcher's work from a national standpoint, as every other intelligent Canadian has, and of his great services, especially to the farming community and I have been able to appreciate in a humble way the high quality of his scientific attainments. No one could know Dr. Fletcher without being compelled to say : " Here is a great man. " We find in the history of all races that at times nature pro- duces a specially great individuality. When the history of this period comes to be written long after we have passed from the scene. Dr. Fletcher's name will stand forth prominentlv, and identified with the great advance in scientific agriculture and horticulture. Something has been said as to the form which a memorial to Dr. Fletcher's memory should take. Personally, I strongl}^ prefer that we should aim at establishing a bursar}' or scholarship in one of our Canadian Universities to encourage research work in entomology and botany, the subjects which are identified with Dr. Fletcher's life-work. This might be styled 1909] Tributes to Dr. Fletcher. 223 the Fletcher Memorial Bursary. I would recommend that before this meeting breaks up a committee be appointed to take this matter into consideration. Mr. T. J. MacL.\ughlin: — The various papers and addresses delivered here this evening have touched very beautifully upon almost every phase of Dr. Fletcher's works and his character, but Prof. Shutt, in describing him as a friend, has sounded another chord, and a very important one, in the anthem of praise of this good and great man, in which we are all ready and anxious to join. As one who knew Dr. Fletcher intimately for considerably more than a quarter of a centurv, I can heartily endorse all that Mr. Shutt has said of him as a true friend. Dr. Johnson- once said, in his criticism of one of the minor poets, that he was interesting to posterity only as a friend of an- other poet, and I was thinking while Mr. Shutt was speaking, that although the poet 's friends considered this harsh criticism, some of us here to-night would not object to being placed in a relative position to that of the poet thus criticised and to have it said of us that we are interesting only as friends of Dr. Fletcher. For my own part I would be perfectly satisfied to be considered worthy of such a distinction. Whether I have been a friend to Dr. Fetcher or no, is not, of course, for me to say. but I can say and do know that he was a true and noble friend to me during all' the years that I knew him — a friend in need and at all times, whom I loved as a brother and whose memory I shall ever dearly cherish. Dr. Fletcher was not only a friend and companion of the learned and scientific, but of all, irrespective of position or con- dition in life. The high, the low, the rich and the poor met with him on common ground. It may well be considered that the Ottawa Field-Natur- lists' Club has sustained a severe loss in the death of him who was one of its founders. We old members of the Club, all well know that his great personality and enthusiasm carried it through many a severe crisis, but it is to be hoped that it is now old enough and strong enough to long survive him and continue the work to which he was so earnestly devoted. Dr. Saunders' address on the value of Dr. Fletcher's services in connection with the Experimental Farms — his efforts in the cause of science and agriculture — affords an estimate of the loss which the country has stistaincd in his death. Indeed it would scarcelv be possible for any man to work and experiment so inces- santly as Dr. Fletcher did for so many years, without making inany valuable discoveries and adding much to science along the lines of his profession. I am not qualified to speak of Dr. Flet- 224 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. cher's scientific attainments or of his position in the field of science, as Dr. Saunders, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Gibson and others who have preceded me, are able to do and have done to- night,but I have had ample opportunity of observing many of the lovely qualities of his nature which are not apparent in the broad- side of action, as presented to the public ; those inborn permanent characteristics which neither time, nor circumstances in life can eradicate or alter, and, which endeared him to his family and friends and made his home life so happy and joyous. His pain at the distress of his friends — his pleasure at their success — his ready self-denial for their pleasure and profit — his love for little children and of innocence in every form, and a thousand other evidences of gentle soul and those rarer human virtues which only a great soul has power to arouse, constituted the adornment and great charm of his life and are now the consolation of those who knew him best and loved him most. I was not aware that Dr. Fletcher was ill at all and the news of his death came to me in New York, where I was at the time, as a most grevious shock and surprise. He was buried before I could return. I was therefore denied the privilege of even looking upon him in death or of following his remains to. the grave. I am glad, however, to be at this memorial meeting and to be allowed to add a word to the many beautiful encomiums of the evening on his life and activities, and to express the deepest regret and sorrow at his early death. Mr. Wm. J. Topley: — Although it is late, I must claim a few moments to add my tribute. While I haA^e listened to the loving words, to the glow- ing testimonies of his intimate associates, I am impressed with this thought; the lesson of this evening is, that Love rules the world, that we should realize that often it is just as easy to do a kindness as to neglect the opportunity ; that the influence of lov- ing deeds habitually performed is almost limitless. My first impressions of Dr. Fletcher date from 1876. My attendance at excursions and lectures increased my admiration and later, during the work of making a photographic record of some of our forest trees, I was much interested in marking his preparation and provision to record systematically, every observation in his line of work, even those outside our work in hand. On several occasions I have brought visitors to the Experimental Farm, sometimes to obtain advice from Dr. Fletcher, and in the getting of it, was magnetized by his inspiring personality. Whatever may be the future of this institution, we of Ottawa are justly proud of the efficiency of the staff, the 1909] Tributes to Dr. Fletcher. 225 uniform courtesy always in evidence and extended to the humblest applicant for information. It was not, therefore, Dr. Fletcher's official courtesy that impressed me, it was his approachableness at all times and in all places; his every-day enthusiastic readiness to serve; his desire to give. His life was like a book lying open before you; every time you wished you could apply, could have intercourse without preface or introduction. We have no remembrances of unkind words, his temper- ment was too bright. A remark by a former speaker reminds me that Dr. Fletcher once said he had no use for poets ; neverthe- less. Dr. Fletcher was a poet; his unequalled energy, his love for doing things led him to make a humourus protest against appar- ent listlessness. A poet is one who through observation and medi- tation distils thoughts into strong words; who weaves beautiful thoughts into songs full of Divine uplift to the human soul ; thus bringing hope and joy into daily living. In this large, best, truest sense he was a poet of "sweetness and light. " At this club meeting it is natural that references should be made to the scientific side of his life, I was pleased that one of the speakers touched upon the charm of his home and family life. Not being a member of the Club would it not be proper for me to refer to the fact that Dr. Fletcher discharged with equal enthu- siasm and efficiency the social and religious duties of a citizen. Until something better is evolved, all that is included in the word church will continue to stand for the highest moral force. This Dr. Fletcher recognized, to the benefit and appreciation of a large number of our citizens, thus rounding out an ideal life. Too many of our scientists are one-sided like all great thinkers. When science escaped from the tyranny of ecclesiasticism the pendulum swung to the opposite, materialism; during the last twenty-five years many scientists have not only swung back again but have become spiritists. A large number take a half-way position, claiming that the evolution of man as mirrored in nature demands a continuitv of life, another environment in which the wonderful powers of the subconscious mind may be unfolded; that what we call life is always associated with what we call death. Whatever we may think of these conclusions it seems to me that one of the strongest proofs of the Divinity of the human soul and of a future life is suggested by the untimely ending of a life so full of fruition, so full of even greater promise; the closing of the clean record of a beautiful life such as his of whom we to- night speak these words of fond remembrance. 226 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. "Those whom we love truly never die. For death the pure life saves, And life all pure is love, and love can reach From Heaven to earth, and nobler lessons teach Than those by mortals read. " "Thank God for one dead friend, With face still radiant with the light of truth. Whose love comes laden with the scent of vouth Through twenty years of death. " The following letter from Dr. S. B. Sinclair was read: — It is probable that the death of no one outside the teaching profession would be mourned more deeply or sincerely by Cana- dian teachers and more particularlv by the graduates of the Ottawa Normal School, than .Dr. Fletcher. Dr. Fletcher, in addition to combining in a rare degree the qualities of the gifted scientist and the cultured gentlemen, was above all the Prince of good companions. The students never lost an opportunity to express their appreciation of his untiring energies in their behalf and of the value of the lessons which he taught and the interest which he created. Hundreds of teachers, when they hear the sad news, will recall a time when under the convincing and inspiring force of an elo- quent and masterlv address or in the never to be forgotten walk through the pathless woods they caught something of the spirit of this great man and ever after nature had to them a larger and a Diviner meaning. DESCRIPTION OF PSILOCORSIS FLETCHERELLA, A NEW SPECIES OF MOTH OF THE FAMILY CECOPHORID^. By Arthur Gibson, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. In the Canadian Entomologist, March, 1908, the writer published, under the name of Cryptolechia quercicella Clemens, a note on some larvae, which had been found feeding on Populus tremuloides, in the Arboretum of the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. On further study the moth reared from these larvae proves to be an undescribed species of the genus Psilocorsis, as mentioned by Mr. August Busck in the Proceedings of the United States National Museum, Vol. XXXV, page 197, 1908. As a tri- 1909] Published Writings of Dr. Fletcher. 227 bute to the memory of my late Chief, and ever kind friend, from whom I always received the greatest encouragement and help in my studies, I esteem it an honour to name it Psilocorsis fletcherella, new species. Alar expanse 19 mm. Labial palpi ochreous, margined beneath and on sides with longitudinal black lines, second joint thickened with appressed scales; antennae simple, without pecten, black, annulated with light ochreous. Face and head rust-yellow; thorax darker, with a tinge of purple ; abdomen almost concolorous with thorax, lower edge of segments pale ochreous. Fore wings of a pale gold colour rather heavily dusted with pale brown and having a purp- lish reflection. Outer discal spot conspicuous, blackish, inner discal spot same colour but not so well defined. Cilia ochreous, darkened with brown. Hind wings: ground colour same as fore wings but only lightly dusted with pale brown. Legs bright pale ochreous, shining; tarsal joints fuscous. Described from a single, female specimen, the type, Cat. No. 12185 U.S. N. M. THE PUBLISHED WRITINGS OF DR. FLETCHER. Compiled by Arthur Gibson and Herbert Groh. In the preparation of the following list of writings of the late Dr. James Fletcher, the compilers have met with many difficulties. The author had kept no list of his publications, and search had to be made in many quarters. The list cannot be considered by any means a complete one. Such a list is impossible, owing to the many agricultural and other papers to which he sent material for publication. In the Montreal Family Herald and Weekly Star, in his Farmers 'Friends and Foes column, which began in 1896, he has contributed replies to hundreds of. enquiries, on a great variety of subjects. A list of these could be added but it has been thought better to omit them here. In the Annual Reports of the Dominion Experimental Farms: Report of the Entomologist and Botanist, 1887, pp. 8-41; 1888, pp. 47-77; 1889, pp. 59-92; 1890, pp. 154-205; 1891, pp. 190-220; 1892, pp. 144-167; 1893, pp. 157-193; 1894. pp. 183-226; 1895, pp. 135-181; 1896, pp. 223-276; 1897, pp. 187-230; 1898, pp. 167- 219; 1899, pp. 159-204; 1900, pp. 195-249; 1901, pp. 197-262; 1902, pp. 169-201; 1903, pp. 163-215; 1904, pp. 205-256; 1905, pp. 159-204; 1906, pp. 201-234; 1907, pp. 182-213. In the Interim Report of the Experimental Farms, covering the period from Dec. 1st, 1905, to March 31st, 1906: Report for period and "historical resum^ of economic entomology in Canada, pp. 59-81. 228 ' The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. In the Annual Report of the Minister of Agriculture, 1895: Report of . investigations in Manitoba and British Columbia, as Entomologist and Botanist, pp. 10. In^the Annual Report of the Select Standing Committee on Agriculture and Colonization of the House of Commons: Evidences, 1891, pp. 13; 1892, pp. 19; 1893, pp. 24; 1894, pp. 20; 1895, pp. 18; 1896 pp. 22; 1897, pp. 17; 1898, pp. 22; 1899, pp. 20; 1900, pp. 45 1901, pp. 25; 1902, pp. 56; 1903, no Evidence given; 1904, pp. 26 1905, pp. 24; 1906-1907, pp. 27. Bulletins of Experimental Farms: No. 3. Smuts Affecting Wheat, 1888. 11. Recommendations for the Prevention of Damage by Some Common Insects of the Farm, the Orchard and the Garden, 1891. 14. The Horn Fly, 1892. 19. Grasses: Their Uses and Composition, 1893. (Jointly with Mr. Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.C.S., F.I.C.) 22. Part II oi Injurious Insects, and Part III on Potato Blights, 1895. 28. Weeds, 1897. Reprinted 1907. 37. Part of, on Apple Insects, 1901. 43. Part of, on Plum Insects, 1903. 46. Part III, on Lucerne or Alfalfa, 1904. 52. Irsects Injurious to Grain and Fodder Crops, Root Crops, and Vegetables, 1905. 56. Parts of, on Insects Injurious to Currants and Goose- berries, and, on Insects Injurious toRaspberries and Black- berries, 1907. Experimental Farm Notes No. 2: Potato Blights, 1894. Experimental Farm Notes No. 4: The Russian Thistle, or Russian Tumble Weed, 1894. Other Publications of the Dominion Department of Agriculture: Reports of the Dominion Entomologist for 1884, pp. 1-7; 1885, 1-56. Leaflet on the Clover Seed Midge, 1886. Farm Weeds of Canada, by G. H. Clark, B.S.A., and James Fletcher, LL.D., F.R.S.C, F.L'.S., with illustrations by Norman Criddle. 1906, pp. 1-103. (Text written by Dr. Fletcher). Government of the North-West Territories: Bulletin No. 1, Noxious Weeds and How to Destroy Them, 1898. In the Canadian Entomologist: Nature-printed Butterflies. Vol. XII, Jan., 1880, pp. 1-3. Also published in Annual Report, Entomological Society of Ontario. Entomology for Beginners — the Calosomas. XII, Feb., 1880, pp. 32-35. Note on Melttcea phcBton. XII, Aug.. 1880, p. 160. Thecla niphon. XVI, May, 1884, pp. 92-94. Also in Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. A Rare Sphinx Added to the Canadian List {Pterogon clarkice). XVII, Dec, 1885, p. 251. Notes on the Preparatory Stages of Cartcrocephalus mandan. XXI, 1889, pp. 113-116. Winter Collecting. XXI, 1889, pp. 15-17. Also in Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. The Apple Tree Tent Caterpillar. XXI, 1889, pp. 74-76. Also in Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. 1909] Published Writings of Dr. Fletcher. 229 Cutworms. XXI, 1889, pp. 117-120. Also in Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. The Imported Currant Sawflv. XXI, 1889, pp. 150-152. Also in Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. The Tiger Swallow-tail. XXI, 1889, pp. 201-204. Also in Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. The Mediterranean Flour Moth. XXII, March, 1890, pp. 41-44. Also in Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. The Northern Mole Cricket. XXIV, 1892, pp. 22-25. Notes on Killing, Preserving and Relaxing Insects. XXIV, 1892, pp. 14-16. Also in Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont. The Mottled Umber Moth. XXVI, Jan., 1894, pp. 22-24. Notes on Mr. E. F. Heath's Collection of Butterflies. XXVII, Nov., 1895, pp. 314-315. The Cigar-case Bearer of the Apple. XXVIII, May, 1896, pp. 128-130. Argynnis idalia in New Brunswick. XXIX, April, 1897, p. 93. Papilio ajax, var. marcellus in British Columbia. XXXI, Jan., 1899, p. 8. The Bite of Otiorynchits ovatus. XXXI, Jan., 1899, p. 14. Description of the Full-grown Larva of Grapta j-album. XXXII, Sept., 1900, pp. 273-276. Description of the Full-grown Larva of Anacampsis lupinella. XXXIII, Jan. ,1901, pp. 15-16. Life-history of the Variable Cutworm, Mainestra atlantica, Grt. XXXIV, Nov., 1902, pp. 279-284. (Jointly with Mr. Arthur Gibson). Note on Deilephil a gain. XXXV., April, 1903, p. 109. A New Food Plant for the Common Spring Blue Butterfly {Cyaniris ladon, var. hicia). XXXVI, Jan., 1904, p. 4. How do Insects pass the Winter? XXXVII, March, 1905, pp. 79-84. Canadian Three-color Process Illustrations. XXXVII, May, 1905, pp. 157-159. The Buffalo Carpet Beetle. XXXVII Sept., 1905, pp. 333-334. The Larva of Eupithecia interruptofasciata. XXXVII, pp. 262-263. (Jointly with Mr. Arthur Gibson). The Pupation of Eiivanessa antiopa. XXXVIII, Dec, 1906, pp. 411-412. The Life-history of the Spined Rustic (Barathra curialis, Smith). XXXVIII,' Dec, 1906. (Jointly with Mr. Arthur Gibson). Platysatnia Columbia nokomis. XL, Oct., 1908, p. 373. In the Reports of the Entomological Society of Ontario: An Outline Sketch of the Canadian Buprestidae. 1878, pp. 46-84. Scarabaeidae — Diggers. 1879, pp. 65-71. On the Chief Benefits Derived by Farmers and Horticulturists from a Knowledge of Entomology. 1880, pp. 57-68. Necrophori — Burying Beetles. 1881, pp. 70-73. Homoptera — The Harvest Flies and their Allies. 1882, pp. 69-83. Collecting in Early Winter. 1883, pp. 31-32. Notes on Worms. 1883, pp. 68-76. The Larch Saw-fly. 1884, pp. 72-77. The Hessian Fly. 1886, pp. 43-45. Annual Presidential Address. 1888, pp. 3-13. A Trip to Nepigon. 1888, pp. 74-88. The Wheat Midge. 1888, pp. 88-91. Fuller's Rose-beetle. 1890, pp. 62-64. Annual Address as President of the Association of Economic En- tomologists. 1891, pp. 36-44. 230 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. The Northern Mole-cricket. 1891, pp. 87-90. The Horn-fly. 1892, pp. 49-53. Clothes Moths. 1892, pp. 53-58. Injurious Insects of 1892. 1893, pp. 8-13. Notes on some of the more Important Entomological Exhibits at the Chicago Exhibition. 1893, pp. 61-64. The Pitcher Plant Moth. 1894, pp. 44-46. The Gypsy Moth. 1894, pp. 67-72. The San Jose Scale. 1894, pp. 73-76. Injurious Fruit Insects of the Year 1894. 1894, pp. 76-81. The Interrelation of Insects and Flowers. 1894, p. 119. (Jointly with Mr. J. A. Guignard). The Value of Entomology. 1895, pp. 16-21. Insect Injuries of the Year 1895. 1895, pp. 31-36 Insect Injuries to Ontario Crops in 1896. 1896, pp. 58-69. The San Jose Scale. 1897, pp. 78-86. The Brown-tail Moth. 1898, pp. 72-74. Injurious Insects in 1898. 1898, pp. 75-87. Some Interesting Insects. 1899, pp. 30-32. The San Jose Scale. 1899, pp. 17-20. Injurious Insects of Ontario during 1899. 1899, pp. 106-111. Injurious Insects of Ontario during 1900. 1900, pp. 62-72. The Value of Nature Studv in Education. 1901, pp. 21-22. The Painted Laiv Butterfly, Pyrantels cardui. 1901, pp. 54-56. The Entomological Record'. 1901, pp. 99-108. Injurious Insects of Ontario during 1902. 1902, pp. 80-87. The Pea Weevil. 1902, pp. 3-8. Insects Injurious to Ontario Crops. 1903, pp. 62-71. Biographical Sketch (with portrait) of Rev. G. W. Taylor. 1903, pp. 108-109. Insects Injurious to Ontario Crops during 1906. 1906, pp. 81-86. The Entomological Record. 1902, pp. 87-98. The Entomological Record. 1903, pp. 85-89. The Entomological Record. 1904, pp. 56-78. Insects Injurious to Ontario Crops in 1904. 1904, pp. 49-56. Notes on Mrs. Nichol's paper (On Butterfly Collecting in Canada). 1905, pp. 79-80. Insects Injurious to Ontario Crops in 1905. 1905, pp. 81-90 The Entomological Record. 1905, pp. 90-105. The Entomological Record. 1906, pp. 86-104. (Jointly with Mr. Arthur Gibson). Insects Injurious to Ontario Crops. 1906, pp. 81-86. The Entomological Outlook. 1907, pp. 9-15. The Entomological Record. 1907, pp. 113-133. (Jointly with Mr Arthur Gibson). In the Transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club: Inaugural Address as President. 1879, I., pp. 12-22; 1880, II, pp. 8-21; 1881, III, pp. 11-19; 1882, IV, pp. 1 1-21. . Flora Ottawaensis. 1879, I, pp. 48-61. Notes on the Flora Ottawaensis, with Special Reference to the Introduced Plants. 1883, Vol. II, No. 1, pp. 29-37. In the Ottawa Naturalist: Flora Ottawaensis, 2nd Edition (not yet complete). 1888, pp. 1-98. Short Instructions for Collectors Away from Ho:ne. Vol. Ill, April, 1889, pp. 8-9. 1909] Published Writings of Dr. Fletcher. 231 Educational Value of Botanic Gardens. V, 1891-92, pp. 105-113. Fall Webworm. VI, 1892-1893, pp. 70-71. Brcphos infans at Ottawa. VIII, p. 43. 1894. Enloniological Notes — The Sumach Gall; Eacles impcrialis; Cato- cala rdicta; Anisota virginicnsis. VIII, pp. 117-118, 1894. Botanical Notes — Hypopitys lanuginosa; Corallorhiza striata; Podos- temon ccratophyllus; Phraginites communis. VIII, 1894, pp. 118-121. Note on Ercbia discoidalis. IX, July, 1895, p. 92. yiote on Aspleniiini Ruta-miiraria. IX, Nov., 1895, p. 171. Note on The Common House Mouse, Mns musciiliis. IX, Nov., 1895, p. 171. Note on Pa)nphila peckiiis. IX, Nov., 1895, jj. 171. Note on Sphinx Inscitiosa. IX, Nov., 1895, p. 172. Botanical Notes — Sisymbrium Alliaria; Cypripedium aristinnm; Arethusa bulbosa; Listera australis; Habenaria fimbriata; Tril- lium grandiftorum; Camelina sativa. X, Julv, 1896, p. 86. A Butterfly-catching Spider. X, Nov., 1896, p. IM. Botanical Note — Ribes ciliosum. XIII, June, 1899, p. 75. Manitoba's Wild Flowers. XIV, April and May, 1900, p. 19. Note on Jewel Weed. XIV, Sept., 1900, p. 120. A Hint to Gardeners. XIV; Sept., 1900, p. 120. Note on Pieris protodicc. XV, Oct., 1901, p. 161. Note on Macrae's Coral-Root. XVII, Julv, 1903. p. 76. Nature Studv. XVII, May, 1903, p. 45. Matricaria inodora. XVII, Nov., 1903, pp. 143-144. Alum Root as a Remedv for Diarrhcsa. XVIII, June, 1904, p. 76. The Clouded Sulphur Butterflv {Colias philodicc). XIX, May, 1905, pp. 59-62. Note on Erythronium albidnm. XIX, June, 1905, p. 68. Botanical Notes — The Fruit of Epigcea rcpens; Rare Ottawa Plants. XIX, August, 1905, p. 110. School Exhibits of Pressed Plants. XX, Nov., 1906, p. 173-176. Botanical Note — Fruit and Seed. XX, Nov., 1906, p. 161. Leucobrcphos middcndorfi. XXI, Julv, 1907, p. 67. . Mountain Sprites. XXI, March, 1908, pp. 225-231. The Honey Bee and other Bees. XXI, Feb.. 1908, p. 213. Two Newly Introduced European Plants. XXII, Julv, 1908, p. 80-81. A Black Fruited Thorn in Ontario. XXII, Nov., 1908, p. 164. In the Transactions of the Royal Society of Canada: Presidential Address, 1895, on Practical Entomology. Recent Additions to the List of Injurious Insects of Canada. 1899. The Value of Nature Study in Education. 1901. Descriptions of Some New Species and Varieties of Canadian Butter- flies. 1903. Reprinted in Canadian Entomologist, Vol. XXXVI, May, 1904, pp. 121-130. Notes on the Preparatory Stages of Some Species of Canadian Lepi- doptera. 1907. (Jointly with Mr. Arthur Gibson). In the Report of the Geological Survey of Canada: List of Diurnal Lepidoptera of the Yukon District, Northern British Columbia and Mackenzie River. 1887, pp. 229-23 IB. In "Instructions to Canadian Pacific Railway Land Examiners" (Win- nipeg, Man.), 12mo. : Botanical Collections, pp. 24-27. 232 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan, In Insect Life (Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.) : Preliininary Note upon Chionobas macounii. II, 1889, pp. 45-46. Mediterranean Flour-moth. II, 1889, pp. 187-189. Notes upon Injurious Insects of the Year in Canada. Ill, p. 247. President's Inaugural Address, 3rd Annual Meeting Association of Economic Entomologists. IV, 1891, pp. 4-16. Notes on Injurious Insects in Canada in 1892. V, Nov., 1892, pp. 124-126. In Entomologica Americana: Annual Address of President of the Entomological Club of the A. A. A. S., 1889. 1900, Jan., pp. 1-8. In the Proceedings of the Association of Economic Entomologists: Notes from Canada. Bull. 26, New Series, Division of Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1900. Injurious Insects of the Year in Canada. Bull. 40, Division of Entomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1903. Insects of the Year in Canada in 1903. Bull. 46, Division of En- tomology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1904. In the Farm.er's Advocate: The Clover-root Borer. 1891, p. 387. Articles on Injurious Insects (I-XI). 1892, pp. 18, 58, 147, 198, 231, 308, 348, 395, 439, 479; 1893, pp. 10, 50. • Clothes Moth. 1893, p. 149. Does Wheat turn to Chess? 1893, p. 167. Granary Weevils. 1893, p. 423. Injurious Insects. 1894, p. 157. Insects Injurious to Farm Crops in Canada in 1896. 1897. Carpet Beetle or Buffalo Moth. 1897. Injurious Insects: San Jos^ Scale— The Army Worm. 1897, April 1st. Injurious Insects: Spraving — Spring Work. 1897, April I5th. The Flour Mite. 1900, March 1st. Red Spider Injuries (in Manitoba). 1900, Oct. I5th. A Cattle Tick {Boophilns bovis?) 1900, May 1st. Hessian Fly and Joint Worms. 1906, Oct. 4th. Calendar Guide to Spraying. 1907, p. 532. Uniform Fonnula for Lime-sulphur Mixture. 1907, p. 533. The Larder or Bacon Beetle. 1907, Julv, p. 1206. Calendar Guide to Spraying, 1908, March 26th, p. 549. (Jointly with Mr. W. T. Macoun.) Uniform formula for Lime-Sulphur Mixture. 1908, March 26th, p. 550. Insects that trouble Vegetables and How to combat them. 1908, May 7th. In The Nor' -West Partner: Collecting Botanical Specimens. 1892, p. 196. Invasion of Box Elder Bug {Leptocoris trivittatus). 1901, Nov. 5th, p. 694. A Currant Maggot (Epochra?) 1901, Dec. 5th, p. 751. Getting Rid of Bed Bugs. 1905, Sept. 20th. In the Montreal Family Herald and Weekly Star: The Hessian Fly. April 3rd, 1901. The Pea Weevil. April 17th, 1901. Fleas and Bed Bugs. May 20th, 1901. 1909] Published Writings of Dr. Fletcher. 233 Black Vine Beetle, attacking Strawberries. May 30th, 1901. The Powder Post Beetle. Nov. 6th, 1901. The Peach-tree Borer. Nov. 13th, 1901. Ants in Houses. Nov. 20th, 1901. The Hawk House-fly {Olfersia americana). Dec. 11th, 1901. The San Jos6 Scale in Ohio and Ontario. Dec. 18th, 1901. Injurious Insects of the Year. Oct., 1902. The Pea Weevil. March 2 5th, 1903. The Eyed Elater. August 12th, 1903. The Carolina Praying Mantis. Oct. 14th, 1903. Fodder Crops of the North-West. Nov. 25th, 1903. (Continued in issue of Dec. 2nd). The San Jos^ Scale. April 6th, 1904. Alfalfa in the Canadian North-West; Growing Brome Grass. May 4th, 1904. Injurious Insects of the Year. Nov. 9th, 1904. The Rusts of Wheat. Nov. 30th, 1904. The Pea Weevil — A Warning. April 5th, 1905. The White-marked Tussock Moth. April 26th, 1905. Dangers of Sowing Foul Seed Grain. March 7th, 1906. Spraving and Spray Mixtures. April, 1906. The Brown-tail Moth. April 24th, 1907. In the Montreal Witness: Asparagus Beetles. 1902, Aug. 5th. The Buffalo Moth. 1902, Sept. 16th. In the Annual Reports of the Fruit Growers' Association of Ontario: Insects Injurious to Fruit. 1902, pp. 54-55. Insects and Fungous Diseases of 1903. 1903, pp. 103-106. Insects Affecting House Plants. 1903, pp. 155-158. What the Little Bee is Doing. 1904, pp. 90-96. In the Annual Report of the Bee Keepers' Association of Ontario: The Value of Bees in Orchards. 1901, pp. 56-63. In Proceedings of a Convention of Fruit Growers of the Dominion of Canada, Ottawa, Feb., 1890: Injurious Insects Affecting Fruits — Remedies to Prevent their Ravages, pp. 71-74. In the Annual Reports of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association: Co-operation in Improving Seed for Crops. Second Annual Report, 1906, pp. 103-106. The Place of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association in the Cam- paign against Weeds. Fourth Annual Report, 1908, pp. 76-78. In O. A. C. Review (Guelph) : The Study of Insects an Essential Part of Farming. 1908, May, pp. 423-426. In the Annual Report of Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, 1907 : The San JosI Scale. The Gypsy Moth. The Common Parasites Affecting Sheep. In Weekly Globe and Canada Farmer: Insects and House Plants. 1907, June 19th. 234 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. PROPOSED PER\IANE.\T MEMORL\L TO DR. FLETCHER. The committee appointed by the Club to consider the suggestions made at the Memorial Meeting that a permanent memorial should be erected to the memory of Dr. Fletcher has prepared a letter to be issued to societies and individuals who may have been interested in his work. The letter has been approved by the Club and reads as follows; — You have no doubt heard with regret of the death of Dr. James Fletcher, Entomologist and Botanist of the Dominion Experimental Farms, which occurred after a short illness at Montreal, Nov. 8th, 1908. Dr. Fletcher not only did most excellent work for the country in his official capacity, but, as is well known, took a most active part in en- couraging the study of Natural History in its broadest aspects throughout the Dominion. His activities in this connection have been widely recognized and greatly appreciated by scores of students and others who have benefited by his timely assistance and warm encouragement. He was always in requisition as a lecturer by Normal Schools, Natural History and other Societies; for he had gained a wide popularity as a charming and exceed- ingly instructive speaker. The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, of which Dr. Fletcher was one of the founders, have thought that his life work was of such a national character that a permanent tribute to his memory should be made. Such a memorial would not only serve to commemorate for all time the good work done by Dr. Fletcher, but would also act as a stimulus to future generations in the study of the fauna and flora of Canada. Several suggestions have been made as to the form the memorial should take, namely; — (a). A fountain at the Central Experimental Farm. (b). A statue to be placed in the grounds of the new Natural History Museum, (c). A bust or portrait to be placed in that building, or at the Central Experimental Farm. (d). To found a bursary at some Canadian University. Of necessity no decision can be reached until it is known, approxi- mately at least, what ainount of money can be raised. The Council has appointed the members hereafter named to be a Committee to ascertain what response might be forthcoming to an appeal for contributions toward such a memorial. Will you kindly state on the enclosed form the amount you are agreeable to subscribe to this fund and return it at your earliest conven- ience to the Secretary. Committee;— A. E. Attwood, M.A., President O.F.N. C. ; T. E. Clarke, B.A., Secretary O.F.X.C; Arthur Gibson, Treasurer O.F.N.C; W. Saun- ders, C.M.G., LL.D., F.L.S., F.R.S.C, Director of Dominion Experimental Farms; W. Hague Harrington, F.R.S.C; E. R. Cameron, M.A., K.C.; R. B. Whyte, Vice-President Ontario Horticultural Association; Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S., F.R.S.C; A. McNeill, Chief of Fruit Division, Dept. of Agriculture; H. M. Ami. M.A., D.Sc, F.G.S., F.R.S.C. Signed on behalf of the Committee, E. R. CAMERON, Chairman. W. HAGUE HARRINGTON, Secretary THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. PLATE VII. R. } 27 Seedlings of Ph^^noc ankus Pi a.nts. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. PLATE VIII. 29 37 Rkfdtjngs of Ph^nogamot's Plants. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, FEBRUARY, 1909 ' No. 1 1 OBSERVATIONS ON SEEDLINGS OF NORTH AMERICAN PH^NOGAMOUS PLANTS. By Theo. Holm, Brookland, D.C. (Continued from page 174). In passing to describe some types of dicotyledonous seedlings, it might be stated at once that the majority of these possess epigeic cotyledons. There is, thus, a well marked distinction between the two classes Monocotyledones and Dicotyledones, consisting not only in the number of cotyledons, but also in the structure of these depending upon the different function w'hich they have to perform. We have seen that in very many, really in most of the Monocotyledones the cotyledon has acquired a certain shape and internal structure for absorbing the endospenn, for instance the scutellum in 6'rawnne'(^,and the club-shaped organ in SmilacecB, CommelinacecB, ScitammecB, etc., instead of being developed as a free, assimilating leaf as in Alisma, Agave, Sisyrinchium, etc. Such peculiar modifications of the cotyledon- ary leaves are not known from the Dicotyledones', in these they generally have the same function to perform as the proper leaves, to assimilate, or, sometimes, they are also the bearers of reserve food-substances, and are then either epigeic or hypogeic, especial- ly the latter. Another striking contrast between these two classes is the usually much stronger development of the primary root, and of the hypocotyl in the Dicotyledones. Moreo\-er, these two organs have, in the Dicotyledones, very often acquired a certain structure in accordance with their functions ; for instance the primary root may be developed as a storage root, and the hypocotyl may, sometimes, attain quite a considerable increase in thickness and contain abundant deposits of food material, or its function may simply be to raise the cotyledons above the ground, thus liberating them from the seed-coat. In the Monocotyledones , on the other hand, the primary root seldom persists, and hardly ever as a storage root, and the hypocotvl is seldom developed to any great extent, and shows no modifica- '^^^6 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. tion to be compared with the one so frequently observed in the Dicotyledones. One of the most striking peculiarities noticeable inUhe seedlings of the Dicotyledones is the remarkable contrast between the shape of the cotyledons, especially the epigeic, and the final leaves, and it seems almost impossible to bring these into actual correlation. The diversity of form in the cotyledons is quite considerable, even if their shape be usually much simpler than that of the ultimate leaves, a simplification which may have been produced by arrest, rather than being an indication of leaf-forms that characterized the species in by-gone years, as suggested by some authors. Considered by themselves the epigeic cotyledons represent a multitude of forms, of which the following may be enumerated: "Unear" in Clayionia megar- rhiza 'Parry ,' Menispermum Canadense L., Negundo aceroides Moench, Acer saccharinum Wang; "narrow lanceolate" in Platanus occidenialis L.; "ovate" in Viiis^ riparia Michx., V. (Bsiivalis Michx., Ampelopsis quinquefolia Michx., Clitoria Mariana L. ; "obovate" in Rhns copallina L.; "obovate with auriculate base" in Carpinus Caroliniana Walt.; "oblong" in Cornus florida L., Celaslrus scandens L., Liquidamhar Siyraciflua L. ; " elliptic ' ' in Diospyros Virginiana L. , Liriodendron Tidipijera L.! Sanictda Marylandica L., Thaspium barbinode Nutt.; "spathulate" in Ambrosia irifida L.; "oval" in /sJ/x^.-f Toxi- codendron L.; "reniform" in Hedeoma pulegioides Vers., Geranium maculaium L.; "rotund" in Cassia chamcecrista L. ; "bifid" with diverging broad globes in Ipomcea leptophylla Torr., 1 hederacea Jacq.; "bifid" with diverging linear lobes in EschschoUzta 'Californica Cham.; "palmately five-lobed" in Tilia Americana L. . and finally ' ' bipartite with diverging rounded lobes", making the leaf almost obcordate as in Catalpa bignoni- oides Walt. (Fig. 23) ; in Aralia spinosa L. (Fig. 26) the cotyledons are very unequal, the one being obovate, and entire, the other ovate vvith the margins serrate, thus imitating the outline of the leaflets of the mature tree; such distinction in structure _ is, otherwise, very seldom met with, while some modification in size, but not in outline, has been observed in cotyledons of several herbs. We have, thus, in the epigeic cotyledons a number of leaf-types which correspond with those of mature plants, herbs and trees, with the only exception, so far as I know, of the de- compound. If we, on' the other hand, examine the hypogeic cotyledons we notice in these hardly any variation worth speaking of, since these mostly remain enclosed by the seed; they are usually fleshy, entire .' and vary only in length and width, from linear to oblong, etc. To classify the dicotyledonous seedlings is a most difficult task, difficult to the same extent as it is to classify the mature 1909] Seedlings op Ph.enogamous Plants. 237 plants within the frame of biologic types, where the organs of vegetative reproduction, and especially the subterranean, play such an important role. We might classify the seedlings in accordance with the position of the cotyledons, epigeic or hypogeic, and in accordance with the function of the hypocotyl; when the hypocotyl persists, the primar}^ root generally stays active, but when it dies off, the root becomes replaced by second- ary, which may develop from the node of the hypocotyl. Another modification may be noticed in the relative development of the primary root as an organ for storing nutritive matters for instance, sometimes accompanied by the more or less complete suppression of one of the cotyledons. Finally, the singular formation of a cotyledonary tube deserves, also, attention from a biologic point of view ; besides that it has been made the subject of a most interesting treatise by Miss Ethel Sargant for defining the comparative antiquity of Monocotyledones and Dicotyledones. ' The most simple type of dicotyledonous seedlings is un- doubtedly the one in which the primary root persists, and stays as a nutritive root, and in which the main function of the hypo- cotyl is to raise the cotyledons above the ground, thus exposing them to the full effect of the sunlight. In this type the hypocotyl is straight and attains often a considerable length, much exceed- ing that of the subsequent intemodes of the seedling; moreover, the hypocotyl does not increase in thickness beyond the con- tinuous growth of the stele, the parenchymatic tissues remaining mosth' unchanged. This type is exhibited by the majority of our trees and shrubs, furthermore by most of our herbs, and is evidently the most common. Some examples illustrating this type of seedlings may be seen in the accompanying plate, where Platanus occidentalis (Fig. 19), Liriodendron (Fig. 20), Caialpa (Fig. 23), Ipomcea hederacea (Fig. 24), and Tilia Americana (Fig. 25) have been drawn. These seedlings show, also, another point of interest, namely, the peculiar shape of the cotyledons, and the diversity in foliage when compared with the leaves of the mature plants. As the second type, may be mentioned Claytoma megarrhiza (Fig. 27). In this the seedling is very small, and has the coty- ledons raised above ground by a short hypocotyl; the primary root is long, and at first slender with a few ramifications, which are very hairy. At this stage two leaves, succeeding the cotyledons, are already ^•isible, and the seedling is now readv to winter over. At the end of the first season the hypocotyl shows a distinct wrinkling by which the apical bud becomes pulled down beneath the surface of the ground, while the root continues its growth 238 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. vertically and to a very considerable depth. In the following spring the leaves develop, forming a small rosette, while the hypocotyl, and the base of the root commence to increase in thickness, resulting finally in the formation of the very large root which characterizes the species. The plumule develops only a very short axis, and a few leaves, which winter over, and these become then succeeded by a small rosette surrounding the terminal bud, which is purely vegetative, the axis being a monopodium. A similar structure of the hypocotAd and primary axis may be observed in Geranium maculatum L. In this the hypocotyl increases in thickness so as to form a roundish tuber, and the apex of the axis is, also, here vegetative, developing a few leaves during the first season; the primary root persists, but does not increase in thickness to such an extent as in Claytonia. The seedling of Baptisia tinctoria R. Br., shows the same contrac- tion of the hypocotyl and root as observed in Claytonia, but the primary shoot dies down to the cot vie dons, and the vegetative reproduction is secured by the development of two overwintering buds, located in the axils of the cotyleSons. In Gillenia trifoliata Moench (Figs. 36-37), in Ceanoihus Americanus L., and C. ovatus Desf., the 11\-pocotyl simply makes a bend toward the surface of the ground, and cotyledonary buds are, also, developed in these species, one in Gillenia, but two in Ceanoihus, which replace the primary axis above the cotyledons; in these the hypocotyl and primary root persist for several years. We have, thus, in this type a hypocotyl whose function is first to raise the cotyledons and plumule above the ground, and afterwards either by contraction or simply by a bend to bring the overwintering bud or buds nearer to the ground for protection against the cold. A third type is represented by Ranunculus ahortivus L. (Figs. 34 and 35); in this the hypocotyl raises the cotyledons above ground, but soon afterwards it bends downward (Fig. 35) and dies off, together with the primary root. However, just before the hypocotyl and primary root cease to be active, a new root-system becomes developed from the cotyledonary nodus, and these secondary roots soon attach the seedling to the ground and nourish it. A mature specimen of this species, thus, lacks a tap- root; this manner of germinating was, also, observed in R. recurvatus Poir., and is undoubtedly common to several other species of the genus. The same is, furthermore, the case with Sanicula Marylandica L., while in several other Umbelliferae, e.g. Thaspium harhinode Nutt., Osmorhiza longistylis DC, etc., the primary root develops as a persistent taproot with rapid increase in thickness. Somewhat different from this type is the germina- tion of Sarracenia purpurea L., in which a very distinct tuft of long hairs develop at the base of the hypocotyl where the 1909J Seedlings of Ph^nogamous Plants. 239 primary root begins; but also here the hypocotyl and primary root are of short duration as in Ranunculus . Dioncea muscipula EUis (Fig. 22) belongs to the same type, and differs from most of the other Droseraceae by the presence of a distinct primary root, which aborts in most of these. It is interesting to notice that the first leaf succeeding the cotyledons already shows the peculiar structure so very characteristic of Sarracenia and Dioncea. In these types, mentioned above, I have shown some of the most striking modifications observable in the hypocotyl and the primary root, while the cotyledons themselves merely differ in respect to their shape. In the subsequent types, on the other hand, we shall see that some modification may, also, be noticed in these. Let us begin with Deniaria laciniata Muehl. (Fig. 30). Of the two cotyledons only one becomes raised above ground by means of its long petiole, while the other one is short-petioled with the blade enclosed by the seed*; the blade of the green cotyledon is obovate, large in proportion to the size of the seedling. We notice, furthermore, the short, slender primary root, which persists only through the first season. The hypocotyl is very short, and the plumule soon develops into a small, conical tuber, of which the first leaf generally pushes out during the first season as a long-petioled leaf with a green, mostly bicleft blade. In regard to the secondary roots, these show a very rare position since they break out from the axils of the cotyledons, one from each. In this way Dentaria laciniata represents a very interesting type of seedling, dicotyledonous, it is true, but with the normal development of only one of these; The European species of Dentaria are, also, interesting, since both cotyledons are hvpogeic in D. pinnata Lam., but epigeic in D. bulhifera L., and D. digitata Lam. From this we learn that the structure of cotyledons may be very distinct even among closely related species. A still more remarkable type is exhibited by Podophyllum peltatum L. (Fig. 31) in which the long petioles of the two cotyledons form a tube at the base of which the plumule is located; the primary root is well developed, and persists for several years. During the first season the seed-leaves are the only ones of the plant that are visible, the plumule staying dormant until next spring. This type is known from several other plants, and Miss Sargant has given quite a comprehensive list of these, from which the following may be enumerated: Several species of Anemone, Trollius, Eranthis, Delphinium * A similar case has been observed and described by Hill in geophilous species of Peperomia. 240 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. nudicaule, Aconituni Anthora , Leontice vesicaria, tuberous species of Oxalis, Megarrhiza Californica, species of Smyrnhim, Buniimi luteum, ChcErophylluni hulhosum (but not Ch. procuinhens), Dodecatheon, species of Polygonum, and Rheum, and one of the Composites, namely Serratula radiata. However, as stated by Miss Sargant, short petiolar tubes are not uncommon among the seedlings of species allied to those enumerated above, for instance: Ranunculus millefoliatus, Ferula fcetida, Serratula tinctoria, Rheum officinale, etc.; these link the numerous species, in which the cotyledons are merely connate at the base, with those in which the cotyledonary tube is fully developed, and their existence is a strong argument for the derivation of such tubes from the fusion of two cotyledons. i\s the last type of seedlings with epigeic cotyledons may be mentioned the so-called Pseudo-monocotyledones. Characteristic of these is the development of only one of the two cotyledons, the other one being completely suppressed. Members of this type are Claytonia Virginica L. (Fig. 33), Erigenia btdbosa Nutt. (Fig. 32) and Dicentra Cucidlaria D.C. To these may be added, according to Miss Sargant: Corydalis solida, C. cava, C. fabacea, Carum btdbocastanum, Cyclamen persicuni and Pinguicula vulgaris. In Erigenia the primary root soon commences to in- crease in thickness so as to form a round, tuberous bod}^ and the single cotyledon, which consists of a long petiole and a simple, green blade is the only leaf that appears above ground during the first year. Claytonia Virginica genninates in the same way, but in this a leaf may appear in the first season, alternating with "the cotyledon, and with the base partly surrounded by the sheath of this. Dicentra Cuctdlaria is described by Irmisch, and the cotyledon of this species possesses a blade with three very distinct divisions, a structure which otherwise is xevy seldom met with in cotyledons; it is the more peculiar since the blade of the cotyledon in the species of Corydalis is entire. It seems to be characteristic of these Pseudo-monocotyledones , w-ith the exception of Pinguicula, that the subterranean organs (base of petiole, hypocotyl, or root) are more or less tuberous. In passing now to describe some types of seedlings in which the cotyledons are hypogeic, I wish to state that even if this manner of germinating be very distinct from the one in which these leaves are epigeic, there are, nevertheless, some plants which exhibit a kind of transition between both. For instance, if we compare the cotyledons of Phaseolus mdgaris, which at first are hypogeic, but later on become epigeic and green, with those of Phaseolus multiflorus, which are hypogeic and pale, but turn green, when artificially exposed to the sunlight. 1909] Seedlings of Ph^nogamous Plants. 241 Very remarkable is the seedling of Jatropha multifida L., of which the cotyledons are distinctly petioled and by a long hypocotyl raised above ground, but of which the cotyledonary blades remain enclosed by the seed. In certain species of Clematis {C. recta) the cotyledons are normally hypogeic, but at times become epigeic. Hypogeic cotyledons may remain enclosed by the seed all the time, or they might become freed from this and appear then as a pair of small, fleshy, paje leaves. Herbs as well as trees exhibit this manner of germinating, and characteristic of all is that the function of the cotyledons is only to be the bearers of reserve food-substances. The relative development of the primary root is somewhat different ; furthermore, the hypocotyl, and the petioles of the cotyledons. An interesting type is represented by Megarrhiza Calif ornica Torr. In th'is plant the primary root does not commence to grow until the cotyledonary petioles have buried themselves deep in the ground, and these petioles are not onh" very long, but they are, furthermore, united so as to form a long tube, clothed with hairs which perform the same function as root-hairs. Another type is characteristic of certain aquatics, e.g. Nuphar, Nymphcea and Victoria, in which the primary root increases but very little in length during the first stages of germination, its function becoming performed by a wreath of very long root-hairs developing from the base of the root as soon as the seed germinates. In Nehimbium, on the other hand, the root stays rudimentary, and does not even produce the wreath of hairs, so very characteristic of the others. Sometimes the hypocotyl is well differentiated as in Sanguinaria Canadensis L. (Fig. 29), and we have here an interesting type with a persisting primary root (at least for some years), and a hypocotyl which by growing in thickness becomes the first joint of the large, horizontally creeping rhizome ; the fieshv cotyledons soon leave the seed, but without being raised above ground. Furthermore, in this type the first leaf succeeding the cotyledons develops already during the first year, and shows the outline of the blade broadly cordate, and entire, instead of being prominently lobed as the final leaves. In Phryma Lcptostachya L. the cotyledons do not leave the seed, and the hypocotyl is ver}' short ; the primary root develops as a long, somewhat fleshy root, which persists for some years. Phryma lacks a proper rhizome in the stricter sense of the word, since the vegetative reproduction is simply secured by cotyledon- ary buds in the first year, and later on by buds, which develop in the axils of the basal, scale-like leaves of the aerial shoot ; it is a 242 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. kind of rhizome which has been called a "pseudo-rhizome," and is known from many plants, especially with epigeic cotyledons, Galium for instance. To this type belongs, also, Aristolochia Serpentaria L. (Fig. 28), where the cotyledons remain enclosed within the seed; w^here the primary root is well developed, but where there is no hypocotyl, and finally where the vegetative reproduction is effected by only one bud arising from the axil of one of the cotyledons. Aristolochia differs from Phrym'a in another respect, by the first leaf succeeding the cotyledons being scale-like, instead of showing approximatelv the same structure of the final leaves as in Phryma. The most frequent type is, however, the one in which the cotyledons may or may not remain within the seed, and where the primary root develops as a strong persisting root supporting the aerial, woody stem, as in many trees of various genera. Sassafras, Lindera, Quercus, Aesculus, Prunus, etc. In these the primary shoot remains as the only one, no cotyledonary buds being developed, and the earlie.st leaves may possess a distinct blade, or they may be developed merely as small, scale-like organs as in Carya, Jiiglans, Sassafras and others. Finally may be mentioned the very singular seedlings of Persea gratissima Gartn., and Garcinia Cockinchinensis Choisy. In the former the cotyledons are very large, and remain enclosed, each subtending an axillary bud, ready to develop, if the plumule should become injured. The plumule bears in this species two pairs of opposite leaves Vvdth petioles and small blades, while the succeeding five or six leaves are almost scale-like, and very different from the ultimate. Persea thus demonstrates the fact that in seedlings with enclosed hypogeic cotyledons, there may be an alternation of various forms of leaves, while in Juglans and Carya, for instance, all the first leaves are scale-like. Still more remarkable is the seedling of various members of the GuitifercB, especially of Garcinia Cockinchinensis Choisy. No cotyledons are developed, and the primary root soon dies off being replaced by a few very strong secondary roots, develop- ing from the apex of the very large, bean-shaped hypocotyl. In this type the hypocotyl contains a broad parenchyma traversed by numerous resiniferous ducts, and filled with deposits of starch. These dicotyledonous seedlings, thus, illustrate no small variation in respect to the development of cot3dedons, hypocotyl, and root ; furthermore, in regard to the young foliage succeeding the cotyledons. We have seen that in many trees, for instance Carya. Sassafras.Que^-cus, etc., the ea.v\iest foliage consists merely of scale-like leaves, while in Liriodendron . Catalpa Platanus 1909] Seedlings of Ph^nogamous Plants. 243 Tilia, etc., the leaves possess petioles and blades, but frequently of an outline very distinct from that of the final leaves. In Liriodendron for instance, the earliest leaves are very different from those of the mature tree; they are roundish to obovate, oi even obcordate, and in the mature tree this simple type of leaf occurs only at the very apex or base of the branches. The study of this, frequently very striking, variation in foliage affords much of interest, not only from a morphological point of view, but also, and quite especially, because many of these seedling-leaves may be looked upon as still representing the foliage of ancestral types. In the present paper I wished only to call attention to some of the most salient points observable in the seedlings, so far as concerns the external structure of their organs, and it is readily to be seen that even if the nvmiber of types is not very large, these seedlings nevertheless illustrate several interesting characteristics, indicating to some extent the future growth of the species. The study of mature rhizomes is often very difficult, when the seedling stage is not known ; for instance, when the reproduction depends upon the cotyledonary buds; when the hypocotyl or the primary root, or both, actually become the first visible indication of the rhizome in its many, and highly- differentiated modifications. It is, therefore, necessary to study our plants from this point of view, and I hope the few tvpes which I have described may prove helpful in this respect. The literature upon the subject is very extensive, but there are some works in which very complete lists of papers have been compiled, and among these may be mentioned: Beitrage zur Morphologie und Biologic der Keimung by Klebs (1), and, A theory of the origin of Monocotyledons by Miss Sargant (2). In regard to the Grass-embryo there is a very comprehensive paper by Aug. Schlickum : Morphologischer und anatomischer Vergleich der Kotyledonen und ersten Laubblatter der Keimpflanzen der Monokotylen (3), in which the reader will find a well drawn comparison between the various theories that have been express- ed in regard to this very complicated structure. (1). Untersuch. Bot. IiLstitut, Tubingen, 1881-1885, p. 536. (2). Ann. of Botany, Vol. 17, 1903, p. 1. (3). Bibliotheca Botanica Stuttgart, 1896. See also: B. JOnsson in Lund's Univ. Arsskr. Vol. 38, 1902; Arthur W. Hill in Ann. of Bot. Vol. 19 and 21, 1905-1907, and Sir John Lubbock, Contributions to the knowledge of seedlings, 1892. 244 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. EXPLANATION OF THE LETTERS USED IX THE PLATES. Cot. = cotyledon; H. = hypocotyl; R.=primary root; Li = first leaf succeed- ing cotyledon; PL. = plumule; B.=bud; S. = scutellum; E. = epiblast. Explanation of Figures. Fig. Fi Plate VII. 19. Seedling of Platanus occidentalis L. 20. " Liriodendron Tidipifera L. 21. " Sarracenia purpurea L. 22. - " DioncBj, mus'cipula Ellis. . 23. " Catalpa bignonioidcs Walt. 24. ■' Ipomcra hedcracca Jacq. 25. " Tilia Americana L. . 26. " Aralia spinosa L. 2 7. " Claytonia megarrhiza Parry. Plate VIII. 28. Seedling of Aristolochia Serpcntaria L. 29. " Sangitinaria Canadensis L: 30. " Dentaria laciniata Muehl. 31. " Podophyllum peltatnm h. . 32. " Erigcnia biilbosa Nutt. 33. " Clayrtonia Virginica L 34 and 35. Raminculus abortiviis L,. . 36 and 37. Gillenia trifoliata Moench. . Natural size. . 6x . 6x f of f of . 3 X Natural size. .-> X GALL MIDGES OF THE GOLDENROD. By E. P. Felt, State Entomologist, Albany, N.Y. Goldenrod or Solidago, a doniinant characteristic American genus, represented b}^ numerous species and varieties, supports an extensive fauna. This is particularly true of the Cecidomyiidae or gall midges dependent for sustenance upon members of this extensive genus. Every portion of the plant is subject to levy, including the blossom and leaf buds, the leaves, the young branches, the larger stems and even the subterranean rootstock, some species producing galls on several portions of the plant. This is particularlv true of Asphondylia moiiacha which may breed in apparently unaffected florets, inhabits the small apical rosette galls on the branches of Solidago graminifolia and may also be found in peculiar oval cells formed between two adherent leaves on several species of Solidago. These latter galls are evidently caused by the parent depositing eggs between the loosely apposed leaves of unfolding apical buds. The activity of the larva causes the leaf tissues to fuse around the point of injury and, as a result, the affected leaves adhere even after the natural growth of the plant separates their bases and causes them to assume an approximatelv horizontal position. The 1909] Gall Midges of the Goldenrod. 245 peculiar, long, fusiform galls of Rhopalomyia jusijormis and Rhopaloniyia pedicellata may occur among the flower buds, arise from the leaves or even from portions of the stem, indicating that these two species in all probability have a somewhat extended breeding period. Goldenrod is a marked favorite with the genus Rhopalomyia, some 17 species existing at its expense and producing galls on all portions of the plant. Nine species of Baldratia may be reared from members' of this genus all producing characteristic blister-like, apparently fungous affected, variously colored spots in the leaf tissues. The four species of Lasioptera reared from this genus live for the most part in goldenrod stems, while the peculiar Camptoneuromyia adhesa has been, reared from the oval gall between adherent leaves noticed above, in connection with Asphondylia monacha. It is probable that further rearings would result in the discovery of additional species living upon goldenrod. The following table of galls supplemented by extremely brief descriptions of the insects bred therefrom, will doubtless prove of service to any one interested in this subject. Members of the genus Rhopalomyia are usually rather large, reddish or reddish browm insects, easily recognized by the simple claws, theuni- or biarticulate palps and the stemmed ante nnal segments (in the male at least) bearing distinct whorls of hairs. The frac- tion following the number of antennal segments indicates the relative length of the stem of the fifth antennal segment, the length of the basal enlargement being the unit of length in every instance. Members of the genus Lasioptera and Baldratia are easily distinguished by the usually fuscous and white markings, and the dark scales along the anterior border of the wings, the first and second veins being very close to costa. The two genera are readilv separated by the fact that Lasioptera has quadri- articulate p'alpi, while Baldratia has these organs uni- or biarticulate. Members of the latter genus breed almost ex- clusively in blister galls though a few may be found emerging from under the epidermis of nearly normal leaves. The genus Camptoneuromyia is allied to Lasioptera and easily distinguished therefrom by the strongly curved third vein which unites with costa near the distal third. The heavy bodied Asphondylia has long, cylindric antennal segments and a needle-like ovipositor. Flower galls. Gall greenish or reddish, subglobular, bud-like, 2 mm in diameter. Male, length 2.5 mm, yellowish red, 18-20 antennal segments, stem 1. Rhopalomyia racemicola O.S. 246 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb, Gall green, cylindric, densely pubescent, 6 mm long. Male,, length 2.5 mm, abdomen dark brown, 18-20 antennal segments, stem }. Rhopalomyia anthophila O. S. Bred from anundescribed flower gall. Male, length 1.5 mm, abdomen light brown, 17 antennal segments, stem L The female with 15 sessile antennal segments. Rhopalomyia cruziana Felt. Bred from apparently unaffected florets. Adult, length 4-5 mm, dark brown, the tarsi broadly white banded. Asphondylia nwnacha O. S. Bred presumably from apparently unaffected florets. Adult, length 4 mm, reddish brown, the tarsi fuscous yellowish. , Asphondylia johnsoni Felt. Leaf galls. Apical bud galls. Gall green, composed of loose, convolute developing leaves. Female, length 1 mm, abdomen dark brown, mid and posterior tarsi yellowish, 17 antennal segments. Baldratia convohita Felt. Gall a loose pod of adherent leaves. Female, length 1.25 mm, abdomen dark red, 15 antennal segments. Dasyneura folliculi Felt. Apical rosette galls. On Solidago canadensis. Female, length 6 mm, abdomen dark brown, 24-25 an- tennal segments. Rhopalomyia Carolina Felt. Male, length 4 mm, abdomen fuscous yellowish, 21 antennal segments, stem f . Female 5 mm long. R}iopalom,yia albipennis Felt. Male, length 3 mm, abdomen fuscous 3^ellowish, 16 antennal segments, stem 1^. Oligotrophus inquilinus Felt. On Solidago canadensis and 5. serotina. Male, length 2.5 mm, abdomen fuscous yellowish, 20 antennal segments, stem 1 J. Female, length 3-4 mm, abdomen fuscous red, 21 antennal segments, sub- sessile. Rhopalomyia capitata Felt. Male, length 1.5 mm, abdomen fuscous yellowish, 20 antennal segments, stem IJ. Female, length 2 mm, 19 antennal segments, stem f. Rhopalomyia inquisitor Felt. On Solidago graminifolia. Gall green, closely resembling that of Oedaspis polita. Adult, length 4 mm, dark brown, the tarsi white banded. Asphondylia monacha O. S. 1909] Gall Midges of the Goldenrod. 247 Presumably bred from same gall. Female, length 1 mm, abdomen light yellowish, 16 antennal segments. Lasioptera favescens Felt. A subapical or lateral oval gall. Male, length 2.5 mm, abdomen light yellowish, 17 antennal segments, stem f. Female, 15 antennal segments. Rhopalomyia lanceolata Felt. On Solid a go sempervirens . Asphondylia monacha O. S. Galls attached to one, or at most, two leaves. On Solidago graniinifolia. Gall greenish, red marked, ribbed, fusiform, sessile, length 6 mm. Male, length 2 mm, abdomen dark fuscous, 19 antennal segments, stem §. Female, length 3 mm, 18 antennal segments. Rhopalomyia fiisiformis Felt. Gall green, red marked, fusiform, stemmed, length 13-14 mm. Male, length 2 mm, abdomen fuscous yellowish, 19 antennal segments, stem J. Female, length 3 mm, abdomen dark red, 18-19 antennal segments. Rhopalomyia pedicellata Felt. On Solidago rugosa. Gall green, red marked, fusiform, length 1.6 mm. Female, length 2 mm, abdomen dull red, 17 antennal segments. Rhopalomyia clarkei Felt. On Solidago canadensis and 5. serotina. Oval galls between adherent leaves. Adult, length 1 mm, abdomen dark brown, 2 0-2 2 antennal segments. C ayn pioneiiromyia adhesa Felt. Bred from similar galls. Asphondylia monacha O. S. Bred from similar gall. Female, length 2 mm, abdomen silvery. 22 antennal segments. Lasioptera argeniisquamae Felt. Blister-like galls occuring in leaf tissues. Gall oval, black, on Solidago graminifolia. Male, length 1.5 mm, abdominal segments white margined pos- teriorly, tarsi banded, 16 antennal- segments. Baldratia carbonijera Felt. Gall grayish brown, blue margined, on Solidago squar- rosa. Male, length 1.5 mm, abdominal segments white spotted, 19 antennal segments. Baldratia squarrosae Felt. Gall rosy, on Solidago rugosa. Female, length 2 mm, abdominal segments white margined, posterior tars 248 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. narrowly annulate, 22 antennal segments. Baldratia rosea Felt. Gall oval, yellowish. Male, length 1.25 mm, abdomen light fuscous yellowish, 13 antennal segments. Baldratia socialis Felt. Female, length 1.5 mm, abdominal segments white margined, 16 antennal segments. Baldratia fuscoanulata Felt. Male, length 1.25 mm, abdomen reddish brown, 14-15 antennal segments. Baldratia rubra Felt. Gall lunate, yellowish. Female, length 2.5 mm, abdo- men dark brown, 21 antennal segments. Baldratia flavolMiiata Felt. Probably from blister gall. Female, length 1.25 mm, abdomen deep carmine, 12 sessile antennal segments. Dasynetira carhonaria Felt. Elongate, brown leaf spot, possibly reared therefrom. Male, length 1 mm, pale yellowish, slender. Lestodiplosis solidaginis Felt. Male, length 1 mm, bright yellowish, slender. Lestodiplosis triangularis Felt. Stem galls. On Solidago graminifolia. Gall and adult described above. Rhopalomyia fusiformis Felt. Gall and adult described above. Rhopalomyia pedicellata Felt. Gall green, subglobular, near tip, 1.5 cm in diameter. Female, length 3 mm, abdomen dark brown, 19 antennal seg- ments. Rhopalom,yia lobata Felt. On Solidago, various species. Gall a long, uniform swelling of the stem, near the tip of the stem. Male, lehgth 2 mm, abdomen white spotted, 15-17 antennal segments. Female, 21-22 antennal seg- ments. Lasioptera cylindrigallae Felt. Gall irregular, eccentric, usually near the base of stem. Adult similar to above. Lasioptera tumifica Beutm. Gall large, suboval, near the ground. Male, length 1.5 mm,' abdomen reddish, 23 antennal segments, stem |. Female, length 4 mm. Rhopalomyia hirtipes O. S. Galls bulb-like, at base of stem. Male, length 2.5 mm, fuscous yellowish, 18 antennal segments, stem f. Female, length 3 mm, abdomen pale yellowish. Rhopalomyia bulbula Felt. 1909] Gall Midges of the Goldenrod. 249 Gall stout, cylindric, on rootstoek. Male, length 2.5 mm, abdomen brick red, 19 antennal segments, stem f. Female, length 4 mm, abdomen dark brown, 18 anten- nal segments. Rhopalomyia thompsoni Felt. r:,i NEW MEMBERS. The following have been elected ordinary members of the Club at recent meetings of the Council :- — Mrs. Oakeley, Ottawa. Miss L. E. Hunt, Ottawa. Mr. J. E. Smyth, Ottawa. Miss M. Haldane, Ottawa. Miss A. E. Johnston, Ottaw^a. Mr. A. S. Cram, Ottawa. Mr. H. R. MacMillan, Ottawa. MEETING OF BOTANICAL BRANCH. Meeting held at the home of Mr. A. E. Attwood, January 4th, 1909. Present: Mr. A. E". Attwood, Prof. John Macoun, Rev. G. Eifrig, Messrs. R. B. White, G. H. Clark, W. C. Ewing, H. R. MacMillan, F. H. Reed, D. A. Campbell, T. E. Clarke, J. W. Gibson, Jas. M. Macoun, W. Bond, H. Groh, and L. H. Newsman. The subject forming the basis for the evening's discussion was as follows: — "The Meaning of some Common Plant Names." Mr. Attwood introduced the subject by explaining how he had come to question the significance of certain names by which some plants had come to be popularly known. The first case cited was that of the word "acorn." This was shown to have come from "oak-corn," or "oak-grain," corn coming from the Latin "comu," a horn — something hard and homy. "Com" is also the term by which the most important grain of any country is known. Some of the more striking illustrations of the unique and interesting derivations of certain names are found in the following : — Pomegranate, from L. pomuni, an apple; granatus, having many grains or seeds. Catkin, after the domestic cat,* and kin, meaning little; thus, a little cat or pussy, hence, pussy wallow. Cabbage, from the Latin caput, a head. Cauliflower, cabbage flower, or possibly a corruption of the French chotifetir. NiNEBARK, meaning a shrub with many layers of bark, the word "nine" being commonly used to express an unlimited number, as "nine-days' w^onder." 250 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. Snakeroot, derived from the supposed efficacy of the plant to which the name is appHed in curing snake bites. Buckwheat, or "beech" wheat, the grain resembhng a beechnut. Spearmint may be a corruption of spiremint, so named on account of the spire-Uke inflorescence of this plant ; or it may have been suggested on account of the spear-shaped leaves which it produces. Strawberry is a corruption of strayberry, applied to this plant on account of its straggling habit of growth. Altogether about 150 plant names were examined into and some exceedingly interesting revelations were brought to light respecting their derivation and meaning. Since Mr. Attwood has agreed to deal with this matter in a special article at a later date, we shall not refer to it at greater length at present. Before the meeting adjourned Mr. H. R. MacMillan of the Forestry Branch was asked to speak briefly on some subject of scientific interest to foresters. The subject chosen was "Why a Forester should be a Botanist." It was pointed out that it was necessary for a forester to be acquainted with all branches of botany — systematic, physiological, histological and ecological. "A knowledge of systematic botany," continued the speaker, "is necessary because in making hasty examination of the resources of any locality, the forester must depend upon the development of the flora and the species represented for sug- gestions as to the possibiHties of the region. A forester's crop is trees. In order to understand thoroughly their processes of growth, the phenomena of their reproduction and the develop- ment of their different organs, a detailed knowledge of .plant physiology is necessary. Plant histology is another branch of botany which plays an important role in forestry, especially in the study of the utilization of woods. During past years attempts have been made to manufacture- wood pulp from inferior species of timber, notably balsam and the cheaper resinous pines. That processes have been discovered that make the use of these trees suitable for the manufacture of paper is due to the close study that has been made of the structure of such woods, the discovery of the differences in their inner anatomy which stands in the way of their utilization, and the invention of processes to overcome the difficulties." "That division of botany known as plant ecology is simply forestry minus the commercial element. Forests are great plant societies and it is the forester's business to learn what are the natural conditions which combine to form the habitat in which may always be found certain forest types. Having ascer- 1909] Meetin'g of Botanical Branch. 251 tained this, the forester decides upon the most important tree in that society and studies how best it can be reproduced. Forestry has for its object the reproduction of the most valuable species of timber on forest lands. Timber is reproduced by. natural means wherever possible, by producing the conditions of light, soil and moisture upon which the plant, or tree in this case, thrives best. The problem is rendered more difficult by the fact that the conditions must be produced over large areas and without expense to the lumberman. For instance, spruce requires for natural reproduction shade, mineral soil and moisture. This tree is reproduced by so managing the lumber- ing operations that only the large trees are taken. The trees remaining furnish the shade and the seed; the logging opera- tion tears up the ground, exposes mineral soil and a natural reproduction of young spruce is the result. If the reproduction is successful, it presupposes good botany; if it has not cost too much it has been good forestry." After a short discussion on the remarks made by Mr. MacMillan,a number of very interesting botanical specimens were shown by different members of the Club. Some of these had been collected between 30 and 40 years ago from points around Ottawa at that time, but now covered by large public and private buildings. Mr. Eifrig showed specimens of charred apples and wheat, probably 3,000 years old, which he collected during the past summer at Lake Pfaffikon, Switzerland, near the ruins of the homes of the pile dwellers. These people built their homes and storehouses on piles over the water, presumably for the sake-of protection. Some of these were burned in course of time, and the charred remains precipitated into the water, where they sank, and, being beyond the reach of air and also protected through being charred, have been preserved all these vears. L. H. N. REVIEW. Fishes of Ontario. Check List of Vertebrates of Ontario Fishes. By C. W. Nash (Lecturer on Biology, Ontario Dept. of Agric); Education Department, Toronto, 1908. A new work on fishes by a Canadian author is a rare event, and doubly welcome on that account. As far as this work goes it will be very useful, and there vnll be a great demand for it. Probably few- persons are like the late J. A. Froude, the his- torian, who declared that, owing to their cold clammy character. 252 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. fishes were repulsive to him. Most people find the finny tribes attractive whether gliding gracefully about in an aquarium, or tugging at the end of a baited line, or smoking hot on a dinner plate. Hence a book on fishes, especially if their metallic and varied forms be artistically depicted in illustrative plates, is coveted by everybody. It is surprising how deficient our Canadian literature is in this respect. We have almost unrivalled fish and fisheries, 3^et how few^ Canadian books to tell us about them. The issue of this handsome, w^ell-illustrated work bv the Board of Education, as one of the Series of Ver- tebrate Lists issued with the imprimatur of the Minister of Education, Toronto, is on every account notable. Professor Ramsay Wright long ago prepared, as an ap- pendix to the Ontario Game and Fish Commission Report, a description of economic fishes with plates, and it has been of high utility and value. The Fisheries Department of Ontario has also published more or less popular descriptions and plates of fishes in its annual reports. The most of the plates in these works have been reproductions of the well-known United States Fishery Bureau figures, which have been most widelv and generously loaned by the Washington authorities. The late Mr. Montpetit, of Montreal, issued a book on our fresh-water fishes, but it had little scientific value. Mr. Nash's book is very beautifully printed and contains 40 original drawings of fish, 32 being full-page plates and 8 small drawings in the text. The author has long been known, for his skill as an artist and readers of the Canadian Magazine have been delighted with his sketches of birds and fishes. The present work shows him not only as an artist working con amore, but an accurate student of nature. The text is thoroughly scientific, and owes much, as all works on North American fishes must do, to the classic volumes of Jordan and Evermann. Had Mr. Nash relied more upon his own descriptive powers, as an ardent naturalist, his work would have had increased value. The technical descriptions by the famous American authors often hide rather than reveal the characters of the fish described. Mr. Nash might himself have described the common e^l, for example, as "serpent-like in form, tail portion laterally flattened" but in this list the description of the genus runs "bodv elongate, sub-terete, compressed posteriorly, covered with embedded scales which are linear in form and placed obliquelv, some of them at right angles to the others." The common bow-fin or lake dog-fish (Amia) has the "body oblong, compressed behind, terete anteriorly, head subconical anteriorly bluntish, slightly depressed, its superficial bones corrugated and very hard, 1909] Review. 2 53 scarcely covered by skin, etc., but these features apply to manv other genera. Most of the existing works on American fishes have this grave fault that the descriptions of genera and species are overloaded with details not sufficiently diagnostic and of no aid in distinguishing a fish from its allies. They might as well include the further information that each respective genus and species is "permanently aquatic in habit." Now for one or two detailed suggestions. In the general definition of the Pisces (p. 7) the word "vertical" should be added to describe the plane in which the unpaired dorsal and anal fins stand. "The median line of the body with one or more fins" is not suf- ficient. The fine old Canadian name "Maskinonge" should have been used in this book rather than the United States Mascalonge, which is a non-descript term invented by tourist anglers who were ignorant of the origin of the word "Maskinonge" a voyagetir's form of the Indian Mas, "great," and Kenosha, "fish." Hence the short form "lunge" is wholly misleading and arose from confusion with the French term for the great lake trout, viz., lunge (i.e. 'longe,' the long fish). As to the Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma), which Mr. Nash states has worked its way into Ontario from the Ohio and Mississippi valleys, through the canals, it is a native Canadian fish, and was recorded by the late Edward Jack on the St. John River, at Fredericton, N.B., and no doubt occurs in the St. Lawrence and doubtless also in the Ottawa River, where it appears to be called "whitefish" and is caught by anglers at the foot of the Chaudiere Falls. The Mooneye {Hiodon) also occurs in the Ottawa River, and ranges, as Mr.' Nash states, from the St. Lawrence to Lake Superior. The author speaks of the Green Pike {Lucius reticulatus) as not apparently common; but probably more widespread than appears. This prettily marked species is found as far east as the Kennebeccasis River, N.B., and is scattered generally over eastern Canada. The omission of some interesting species is to be regretted (such as Dr. H. M. Smith's Coregonus osmerijormis), especially as an introduced Pacific species, the Steelhead is described (p. 63) and twenty pounds specified as its maximum size. Jordan and Evermann name that weight, but specimens are plentiful in the Eraser River of twenty-seven up to thirty-six pounds weight . The book is a catalogue of specimens in the Biological Section of the Provinical Museum and this limitation accounts for the exclusion of many species that should be fotmd in a list of fishes of Ontario. Mr. Nash has found space not only for much faunistic information which the working naturalist will 254 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Feb. appreciate, but he includes notes on habit, food and distribu- tion. He holds that the salmon feeds in fresh water, and the Ontario Salmo salar must have done so, though the salmon migrating from the sea ceases to feed, there can be no doubt. In British Columbia rivers there is not food for the vast schools of ascending fish, and in all no doubt as spawning time approaches they fast and the stomach is clogged with dense tenacious mucus, a result of a kind of catarrh as described by Dr. Noel Paton in the Scottish salmon, and familiar too in the lake white- fish. Tastes differ and Mr. Nash, in stating that the lake ling or burbot is considered worthless as food, cannot be aware of the opinion of many fishermen that there is no better food fish, the meat being white and of good flavour like the cod or haddock, its nearest relatives. The fall-fish (SemoHlus corporalis) is served up as whitefish at some Ontario Fishing Clubs notwith- standing Mr. Nash's view that as a food fish it does not take high rank. It has good table qualities however. It is plain that Mr. Nash's work is full of interest, but fishermen will dispute many points until the end of time. If a second edition is called for, as will certainly soon be the case, the value of the plates would be increased by clearly outlining in each figure the three or four gill-cover elements, and by in- dicating as correctly as possible the exact number of rays in the unpaired fins. The author is to be congratulated on the very few misprints; but on p. 9 Icthyomyzon should be Ichthy- omyzon, on p. 63 Cristimover in two places should be Cristivomer, and on p. 118 saggitaie should be sagittate. The name of the authority should also be appended to each scientific name. Finally, the occurrence of other examples of Polyodon (the paddle fish) in Canada than the two mentioned, was noted in an article in the Ottawa Naturalist in 1899, p. 153, and the addition of an index would be an improvement. It is a most useful, indeed valuable^ and creditable publication, and all interested in Ontario fishes will feel indebted to its author. C. PURE WHITE CALYPSO BOREALIS. It may be of interest that a pure white Calypso was ob- tained by me at Thetis Lake last spring. I am not aware that such a specimen has previously been reported. I transplanted the bulb with the object of ascertaining whether the habit _ was constant but I fear that the hordes of robins which insisted pon scratching up the moss covering have destroyed the bulb. ^^ ^ ' T- R. Anderson, Victoria, B.C. LiSRARYlai THE OTTAWA NATURALIS • VOL. XXII. OTTAWA, MARCH, 1909 No. 12. NOTES ON A THREAD-LEGGED BUG. By H. F. Wickham, Iowa City, Iowa. In about twenty years collecting at Iowa City, I had never met with a fully grown specimen of the wonderfully emaciated insect that goes by the name of Eniesa longipes, De Geer. Therefore was much rejoicing when my wife picked up one from a somewhat dusty comer of the bedroom floor, at a time when the house was undergoing repairs and subject to the passage of many feet. For twelve months this remained a solitary treasure, but in November of 1907 another was taken on a window, and during the winter a third specimen was found dead on a fly screen at the opposite end of the cellar. Suspicion became strong that we were entertaining a colony unawares, and future developments have fully justified this impression. Last September, on the second day of the month, a neighbor living next door came to see me, bearing one of these curious beasts, which he had found crawling on his clothes. While we were seated on my porch discussing previous finds, I holding this latest acquisition in my hand, he called my attention to another crawling along my arm. "I wonder if they flv," he said, but I replied that it seemed unlikely since the insect was so ungainly and the wings so very small in proportion, the thoracic segments showing none of the structure common to many small-winged insects of good flight. Scarcely had I made out my case, when another of the bugs came along, in full flight, only two or three feet in front of our faces and alighted on one of the pillars where it was easily caught. This gave me plenty of specimens for cabinet purposes and for class demonstration, so when still another female came to hand I put her in a box where she would have plenty of room to run, if she so desired, and waited to see what would happen. Running, however, was not her forte, she preferred to stand, rocking up and down on her long threadlike middle and hind legs, holding the shorter raptorial front pair, with the tibiae folded back, out in front of her, and any urging only forced her into a slow walk. She ate 2 56 The Ottawa Naturalist [March nothing, perhaps of necessity, for I do not recollect that I gave her any room-mates, but before long she began to lay eggs at random in her prison, fastening them by one side to the walls of the box. In all she laid about a dozen, then died. The eggs bore a close resemblance to small caraway vSeeds, being curved in about the same way, the convex side, Vjv which each was attached, smooth under ordinary powers of the hand lens, the rest of the surface ornamented with about ten or twelve longi- tudinal rows of scale-like projections. One end of the egg was rounded off, the other bore a structure like the lid of a jar with a tapering peg in the middle. After a few days the eggs were carefully detached from their moorings and put in a pill box on my library table where they were duly forgotten for a space of several weeks. One evening in the middle of November, while looking for some specimens that had been mislaid, I opened the box and was pleased to see the first little bug out of the egg, a miniature of his mother, even to the rocking motion with which he re- sponded to my letting the light into his dark abode. Next day, two more came on the scene, and the day following brought out a fourth. In all cases the infants had escaped from the egg by pushing off the handled lid, which however often remained attached to the shell as by a hinge. The fifth bug died when half way out, and no more got even that far, so I still have several eggs to serve the original purpose of mounts for micro- scopic slides. The young animals were almost perfectly colorless and all died within three or four days, though I had hoped that the stronger would manage to keep alive at the expense of the more newly born until a few mosquitoes or gnats could be obtained from the cellarway which furnishes that sort of entomological material allr winter. Some of the little bugs have been mounted in balsam on slides and.whenr projected on a screen by means of the microscope attachment of our stereopticon, show the characteristic elonga- tion of antennae, body and legs ver}^ nicely. The front legs have the same spiny teeth as in fully grown individuals showing that the insect pursues a predaceous life from birth. Their history ought to be fairh' easily followed by any one who has the fortune to find females in the fall of the year. A part of the eggs might be kept in a warm room as mine were, if provision were made in advance for supplying the young with food when they ap- peared, but it would probably be better to keep a good propor- tion of them in a cool cellar until spring, this would doubtless retard hatching until that season, most likely the natural period of appearance. 1909] Notes ON a Thread-Legged Bug 257 Most of our texts and reference books contain only short notices of Emesa longipes, but Mr. P. R. Uhler, in the Standard Natural History, has given a more complete account. He says, "When lodged on the twig of a tree or bush it has the curious habit of swinging backw^ards and forwards like some of the long-legged spiders, such as Phalangium. The species is quite common in many parts of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, from Massachusetts to Florida, and west to Central Texas. In Maryland its principal home is in the young pine trees where it may be seen with its two fore legs placed close together and stretched out in front. Occasionally it leaves the trees and takes shelter in sheds, outhouses and bams where it may be seen overhead swinging by its long legs from a rafter or the lining of the roof. The immature form may be found roam- ing over the trees during early summer, but by the middle of August it acquires the organs of flight and becomes a fully developed adult. We do not yet know where it deposits the eggs; but from analogy we are led to believe that these are glued to the twigs of bushes and trees." Mr. Summers, in a paper on the Hemiptera of Tennessee, writes that it may be seen in old stables and outhouses, hanging from the rafters or crawling slowly about in search of flies and other insects which it seizes with its front legs. Dr. Howard, in the Insect Book, says that one species frequents spiders'webs and robs the spiders of their prey. THE LATE DR. JAMES FLETCHER. A Voice from the Pacific. The Memorial Number of the Ottawa Naturalist, whilst containing many touching tributes to the memory of our dearl}- beloved friend, is conspicuous by the absence of any from this side of the Dominion. I, therefore, ask the privilege of con- tributing a few words to the memory of one of whom it may be truh' said "Amictis hviniani generis." Mv acquaintance with Dr. Fletcher, whilst of not as long standing as some others, dates back to the time of his first visit to the West in the very early eighties, when we at once became true and fast friends which subsequent meetings only served to accentuate; for, as it has been said of him, "to know him was to love him." Our work both in our public and private capacities has been carried on, certainly to my own advantage, and with mutual pleasure, and I can unreservedly say that what little I know of Natural History is due to the teachings of our 258 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March lamented friend. Our work in connection with our respective pubUc positions took us all over the settled portions of British Columbia, excepting the extreme north, and during these journeys not only under his guidance were we able to collate information of invaluable character, but were enabled to ac- compHsh many excursions in search of specimens relating to otir work. Amongst the many points visited I may particularly mention Mount Arrowsmith, Mount Benson, Mount Che-am and the Rockies and Selkirks— points of which Dr. Fletcher to the last spoke w^ith enthusiasm, and even as late as October last, suggested a further visit to his beloved Che-am. It was here that he captured his first specimen of Erebia vidleri, to his infinite delight, as he had long sought in vain for its habitat. The astonishing activity of Dr. Fletcher, his untiring energy, his keen appreciation of the beauties of Nature, his quickness to observe anything new or interesting, his unfaiHng good humour, even under the most adverse circumstances, his close observance of the idiosyncracies and habits of m:n and animals, his love of the young and desire to impart knowledge and create a liking for nature study, and his thoughtfulness for the comfort and pleasure of others, all contributed to making him the general favorite he was and rendering every moment enjoyable which was spent in the company of this truly great man'. Illustrative of his indefatigable activity I may mention the following incident: After a hard day's tramp, camped under a clump of hemlocks on a beautiful grassy slope of Che-am, and after our evening meal and pipe, about the time that one's thoughts are of bed, he proposed a walk in the moonlight to the top of the ridge. Tired as I was, I felt loth to leave the camp fire, but I consented, albeit somewhat reluctantly. The result amplv repaid us; the whole of the surrounding snow-clad peaks including Mount Baker lay clothed in the soft moonlight seem- inglv towering above us. the whole a scene of surpassing beauty. We 'retired to our rest impressed with the grandeur of nature and the littleness of human efforts in comparison. In all his visits to our home in Victoria he ever displayed the greatest pleasure in everything appertaining to our home life, and was ever ready to contribute to our happiness by those acts of kindness for which he was so justly celebrated. Only on his last visit, rather than I should be detained by duty, he undertook to read proofs for the press, which he did late into the night, whilst the rest of the company present enjoyed them- selves in another room, in order that I should be able to ac- company him. This, our last trip together, was taken the next day to the Dominion Biological Station at Departure Bay, of 1909] Epig-«a repexs 259 which the Rev. George W. Taylor, another Ufe long friend of Dr. Fletcher's, is curator, where we spent a couple of days. On parting from him, he with his usual thoughtfulness, insisted on carrying mv case to the waiting conveyance, as he considered I was still an invalid. Little did we think it was to be our final parting. I can bear witness to the inestimable value of the assistance he afforded this province in all those questions affecting the welfare of the agriculturist and the people generally; that to the other parts of the Dominion and to mankind in general are but too well known and have been dilated upon by abler pens. And noYv' arises the question, how can his place be filled? In our hearts at least there is a void which we feel that time can but partially cure, and in bidding farewell to one who has so endeared himself to all and whose life was so successfully and disinterestedly devoted to the welfare of his country, we may well say, "He so sepulchred in such pomp dost lie That kings for such a tomb would wish to die." J. R. Anderson. Victoria, B.C., 26th January, 1909. EPIG/EA REPENS IN WATERLOO COUNTY As all references to the habitat of Epigcea repens, L., I have seen, have been "sandy or rocky woods especially under ever- greens," a description of the conditions under which it grows wherever I have found it in Waterloo Coiinty may be of interest. I have collected it at three stations and always in cold cedar swamps with Ledtim groenlandicum, Oeder. At one large swamp where it is abundant it is difficult to reach while in bloom, owing to the inundated condition of the swamp in spring, but although very wet in its surroundings it is mostly found on hummocks, old rotten logs, and more elevated places such as is mostly found around the roots of cedars. Nothing can better describe the conditions under which it grows than the following list of trees and plants that are immediately associated with it: Ledum groenlandicum, Oeder; Dalibarda repens, L.; Chiogenes hispidtda (L.) T. and G. ; Cypripedium reginae, Walt.; Tiarclla cordifolia, L.; Caltha palustris, L.; Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.; Thuja occidentalis, L.; Taxus minor (L.) Britton, and Larix laricina (DuRoi) Koch. W. Herriot, Gait, Ont. 260 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March CARIBOU ON THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS. News comes from Massett, Queen Charlotte Islands, that some Indians have just arrived there from the interior of Graham Island, bringing with them the heads and hides of three caribou. They stated that they had also seen a calf, which, however, escaped. A letter just received from the Rev. W. E. Collison confirms this report, and encloses a photograph he had himself taken of the animals. The British Columbian Government had already despatched the curator of the Victoria Museum to look for deer on the Queen Charlotte Island, but the specimens just referred to reached Massett before his arrival there. He will, however, doubtless secure them, and before long we shall have a specialist's report on them. They presumably belong to the species de- scribed by Mr. Ernest Thompson Seton, in the Ottawa Naturalist for February, 1900, as Rangijer daivsoni. At last, then, the long debated question as to the existence of caribou on the Queen Charlotte Islands has been settled in the affirmative. The present writer, whose intimate acquaintance with the Islands extends nearly over twenty years — eight of which he resided at Massett — has been amongst those who dis- believed in the existence of caribou there. It seemed so im- probable that such large and active animals could have existed so long in so comparatively small an area, and yet remain unseen; for, if we except the fragment on which Mr. Thompson Seton founded his species, which seemed to have a doubtful history, it is a well-known fact that no caribou have been killed during the period just named, nor are there any animals on the Islands likely to prey on caribou. Even if only moderately prolific, they must in this period have increased to such an extent that they could hardly escape notice. However, they are there, and they must be another example of the truth of Darwin's state- ment in his Origin of Species: "Where any species becomes very rare, close interbreeding will help to exterminate it. Authors have thought that this comes into play in accounting for the deterioration of the aurochs in Lithuania, of red deer in Scot- land, and of bears in Norway." It is comforting to see that the provincial government have passed an Order in Council prohibiting the hunting, killing, or taking of caribou on the Queen Charlotte Islands. One only hopes that the order will reach Massett in time to prevent the Haidas making an indiscriminate slaughter of what remains of these interesting animals. J. H. Keen. 1909] The Burrowing Owl 261 THE BURROWING OWL {CUNICULARIA HYPOGMA). This interesting bird is at the time of writing very rare in this district, although some ten or twelve years ago it was to be found in certain spots, living in pairs as a rule, although I knew of one colony of some dozen individuals living together in an assemblage of burrows on the edge of a tract of barren prairie land, the soil of which was so strongly impregnated with alkali that the only vegetation was a few scattered tussocks of coarse grass and stunted shrubs, among which the owls had taken up their quarters. The birds might be seen walking about among the mounds at the entrance of their underground dwellings, taking short flights over the prairies, and on the approach of danger retreating into the safety of the burrows. These owls are abroad at night as well as during the day, and at that time utter a peculiar cry, of two notes repeated at intervals. The sound may be heard for a considerable distance in the darkness, but if one attempts to catch sight of the per- former by creeping up to the spot from which the sound comes, it ceases suddenly, the bird no doubt seeking safety underground. I dug up the residence of a pair of these birds and found a tunnel running in a sloping direction to the depth of some three feet at the end of which was a chamber roughly oval in form, with no lining of grass or other material, and on the floor of this lay the bodies of four mice, the head of each one had been devoured, the bodies we must suppose were being kept against days of scarcity. This seems to me a peculiar habit, for a carnivorous bird, especiallv as there were no voimg to provide for. This interesting colony has been long extinct, and the solitary pair which had their home near the spot for a few years, have long since deserted it, owing to the ploughing up of their building — or perhaps I should say, digging site. Sometimes in the evening the call note may still be heard, but it comes from a long distance, and is a rare sound. E. P. Vexables, Vernon, B.C. MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL. January 26th — The following members in attendance: the President, Mr. A. E. Attwood, ^Miss Q. Jackson, Miss E. E. Curry, Rev. G. Eifrig, Messrs. A. Halkett. A. McNeill, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman, and T. E. Clarke. The following were elected to membership : — • 262 The Ottawa Naturalist [March Mr. Thos. McMillan, Seaforth, Ont. Mr. J. A. Munro, Toronto.' Hon. Mrs. O. H. Lambart, Ottawa. Mr. G. Michaud, Ottawa. On request of the Natural History Museum of Hamburg it was decided to exchange publications with the Museum. The Publishing Committee were requested to report at the next meeting of Council on the state of that portion of the Library now stored in the basement of the Normal School and to make some recommendation as to what should be done with it. February 9th — Present: the President, Mr. A. E. Attwood, Messrs. A. Halkett, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, E. E. Lemieux, A. McNeill, L. H. Newman and T. E. Clarke. Miss W. K. Bentley, Ottawa, was elected a member of the Club. The Publishing Committee presented a report showing progress on the work of dealing with the Library question. ' T. E. C. BIRDS OBSERVED AT OTTAWA, ONTARIO, WINTER 1908-1909. By G. Eifrig. The present winter has been a very successful one for Ottawa, from an ornithological point of view at least. While it has not been an unqualified success from the standpoint of the winter itself, inasmuch as the essentials of winter hereabouts, cold and snow, are remarkable for their low quantity, and therefore coal- dealers presumably will pronounce it a dismal failure, yet the birds and especially the true Canadian winter birds have taken to our fine capital city in greater number and variety than in many years since and probably for many years to come. To begin with the rarest , on December 13th a flock of about thirty Bohemian Waxwings or Chatterers (Ampelis garrulus) took up their residence in the Metcalfe-O'Connor Streets' district where they feasted on the berries of the many mount- ain-ash trees to be found in that part of the city. They usually divided into small flocks and spread out over this area, and then they joined forces again for the night. From about January 12th, hov/ever, they concentrated themselves at the corner of Slater and O'Connor Streets, where a small rowan tree offered berries to them that seemed to be more to their taste than any others. Here and on neighboring larger trees they 1909] Birds Observed at Ottawa. 263 could be seen every day, sometimes only a part of the flock and then again all, until the 24th of January, when the queer rain and subsequent freezing coated everything thickly with ice. They were, however, seen as late as February 22nd. This and the species next mentioned are about the two most irregular and erratic birds we have. Their coming and going follows no recognizable rule or law; they are in no wise migrants, but only aimless wanderers. They may come here next winter again, in greater numbers than in this, or the}" may not again turn up for many years. Their breeding range and habits are but imperfectly known. In winter they may turn up anywhere, but in summer they have only been seen in the stunted spruce stands around Hudson Bay ; in the Mackenzie Basin at Great Bear Lake ; at the sources of the Athabasca River and high up in the Rocky Mount- ains in British Columbia, and at Banff and Canmore. Thev make their nests of moss, etc., well up in pines and firs. It is a beautiful bird, much like the Cedarbird, only larger and handsomer. On February 7th a flock of the rare and pretty Evening Grosbeaks (Hesperiphona vespertina) put in an appearance in the Somerset-Cartier Streets' neighborhood. While they are not at all averse to rowan berries, they prefer the seeds of the Manitoba or ash-leaved maple {Acer Negundo). There were thirteen of them, and the males in their handsome yellow, white, black and dark olive-brown plumage certainly presented a fine sight. They would' often alight on the roofs of houses or sheds and eat snow and perhaps clean themselves in it. The females and young are much less conspicuous, being a uniform gray over the head and body, the wings being black and white, and a tinge of olive on the neck and breast. A flock of seven was seen on the Experimental Farm. In their proclivities for apparently aimless, erratic wandering, this species is just like the Waxwings, and they also share the same breeding range. Bird-lovers here consider them.selves fortunate in having seen these two rare species in one winter, which perhaps will not happen again in a life-time. Many observers in other places look for these birds diligently all their lives and never see them. Besides these, our more common, but none the less equally welcome winter visitors, the Pine Grosbeaks {Pinicola enudeator) , are here again in numbers. They too are most numerous in the same general district, where the first two stayed. When one sees below a rowan tree debris of berries lying about, he may be sure that some of these birds have been there eating, or are still there. When eating, which they nearly always do, they are very silent, and it sometimes takes a good hard look to discover them 264 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March in the trees, even when these are withovit leaves. These birds were seen as late as February 2Sth. The White-winged Crossbill {Loxia leucoplera) was here in great numbers late in fall and some at least must have remained for the winter, because on February 8th, a part of one was found at the Experimental Farm by Mr. Groh. The other part had just been eaten by a Northern Shrike. This cross-bill is in its wander- ings and appearances almost just as unreliable and erratic as the first two species named. Of similar habits, only not to the same degree, are the Redpoll {Acanthis linaria) and the Pine Siskin {Spinus pinus). Both of these little birds haA^e been here this winter in more than usual numbers. Even three of the rare Hoary Redpolls (A. hornentannii exilipes) were seen January 24th in a yard on Wurtemberg Street. An extremely rare freak in nature was seen by the writer on January 19th on Rideau Street. In a flock of English Sparrows nearly at his feet, was a red English Sparrow. Nor was the red over only a small area, or of an indistinct, brownish hue, but very bright and general. It was a crimson shade below, like the red of the male Pine Grosbeak, and a brick-red like the American Crossbill on the back. Otherwise, in size, build, shape and behavior, he was like the English Sparrows in whose company he was; also, the wings and tail were like those of this far too common denizen of our streets. For several reasons it is not likely that this bird was a h3^brid between the common sparrow and, say the Purple Finch or one of the Crossbills. It must, therefore, have been a case of erythrism, like there are cases of melanism and albinism. In fact there are usually some albino or partly albino English Sparrows to be seen in winter in our streets, as during this winter, when some with large patches or a collar of white have been seen near By market. A first record for Ottawa is the occurrence, November 2nd, of several King Eiders (Somateria speciahilis). Four of these were shot and mounted. On December 2nd another flock of 75, mostly young ones, came up the river and stayed for a while near some of the boathouses on the river. Ten of these were shot by the ever present gunners. The remainder went up the river and were observed as far as Pembroke, Ont. Finally, those mysterious wanderers from far northern shores, the Brunnich Murre {Uria lomvia), appeared again, December 1st, when six were seen. On the 19th of the same month they came in large numbers, about 500 being seen winging their way up the river. Many of course fall victims to the numerous gunners, with which our river seems to be lined, in and out of 1909] Birds Observed at Ottawa. 265 season. The case of this bird is a very perplexing one. Their coming is no migration in the common sense of the word. In fact, they are lost the moment they leave salt water. All that come here and are not shot perish of starvation, as they do not seem to be able to find suitable food in any river or lake. Why they should year after year persist in coming up here to perish is hard to say. And, to cap the climax, the Robin {Merula nigratoria) has been with us nearly all winter. A little flock of four was seen in various places up till Christmas, and then took up its head- quarters in the trees around the City Hall, where they could be seen during even the coldest days we have had. Certainly a novel sight for Ottawa. Also, a Aleadowlark (Sturnella magna) was seen in the middle of this winter, namely January 10th, at the Rifle Range. Why these birds, which are not supposed to winter here, stayed here this winter, or came here, is hard to tel). Did they know the winter would be a mild one? MEETING OF THE BOTANICAL BRANCH. Held at the residence of Mr. E. R. Cameron, 21st December, 1908. Present: Prof. J. Macoun, Dr. Ami, Rev. G. Eifrig, Dr. Blackader, and Messrs. Cory, E. R. Cameron, J. M. Macoun, W. T. Macoun, Attwood, Whyte, MacMillan, D. Cameron, Jacombe, Witten, Bond and Groh. The first part of the evening was devoted to some subject of general botanical interest. Prof. Macoun exhibited a copy of the newly-issued edition of Gray's Manual, and gave some explanation of the need which existed for such a work, as well as some interesting information about the methods and pains- taking labor by which it had been brought to its present revised form. In order to cover a more natural floral area than hereto- fore, it was necessary- to make exhaustive explorations of the Eastern portion of Canada so as to include its flora. Likewise, in order to bring the work into line with recent ideas of classifica- tion and the latest findings of botanical science, the sequence of the families has been entirely changed, and changes in nomenclature have been adopted. Prof. Macoun referred to Britton and Brown's botany as an effort to forestall this work, but considered that this was such a superior and admirable book that it should be everywhere welcomed. Prof. Macoun also spoke about the Ottawa Flora which he is engaged in preparing. He invited all members who have 266 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March collected in the Ottawa district, to furnish lists of plants in their collections, so that every reliable record might be included and due credit be given. The remainder of the evening was given up to a discussion of forestry methods, which was also introduced by Prof. Macoun. He held that the hope of re-afforestation depends upon following Nature's own method. In Nature, uncovered areas first grow up to small stuff of the poplar type, which after a time is gradually displaced by conifers and other valuable trees. Forestry was astray in its efforts if it did not recognize this principle. In reply Mr. MacMillan, of the Forestry IDept., agreed that Nature's methods must be studied, but maintained that those are the lines now being followed in tree planting. Tree planting, however, is only a very insignificant part of forestry in a country like Canada. The forestry problem here is such a large one that for the present little can be undertaken beyond studying the conditions with a ^•iew to properly husbanding and protecting the existing forests, by scientific lumbering operations and fire protection. Fires are the greatest scourge of the forest, and carelessness and indifference are largely responsible for the loss from this cause. Settlers are willing that they should run their course, so long as their personal property is not endangered. The fire which destroyed Fernie was burning in the woods for a month before that disaster. Vancouver Island will soon be without forests and without vegetation if fires are allowed to bum un- checked, as they were last summer. Mr. MacMillan remarked that there is no timber of export size on the east slopes of the Rockies to-day. Prof. Macoun stated that in 1879 from Mattawa to Winnipeg, and from Kananaskis to Vancouver was continuous forest, where now onlv isolated patches remain. The proof sheets of a list of Herbaceous Perennials at the Central Experimental Farm were shown by Mr. W. T. Macoun, <^'\ and Mr. Eifrig exhibited a number of European plants collected ^ during the past summer. \P H. G. O ^ AN EARLY BAT. ^ A specimen of the Brown Bat was captured by Mr. Walter O^ Venner, of Quebec, as it was flying about the corridors of the ^ Parliament Buildings during the evening of February 24th. The warm weather of that or the previous day had probably- caused it to leave its winter quarters. This species Vespertillo fuscus, Beauv., is common in the vicinity of Ottawa, but the occurrence of an active specimen at this season of the year seems worthv of record. J. M. Macoun. INDEX TO THE OTTAWA NATURALIST, VOL. XXH, 1908-9 PAGE Aclinostroma tenuifilatum. . 27 inflect itni 27 Aeshna constrict a 34 " Z 54 Y 54 W 55 Alaska Lemming Mouse 182 Alopcciirus occidentalis 24 American Woodcock in Mani- toba 186 Ami. H. M., articles by. . 66, 215 Antphiagrion saucium 21 Anax Junius 53 Anderson, J. R., articles by .. 187, 254,257 Anogra nuttallii 24 " . pallida 24 Argia putrida 20 ■■ violacea 20 Bartramian Sandpiper, nest- ing of 163 Basiceschna janata 5 5 Bethvlidae 72, 77 Bird 'Migration, 1907 Q7 Bird Xotes from Gait, Ont . . 29 Birds observed at Ottawa, winter 1908-1909 262 Blackader, E. H., article by. 187 Blackbird, Bronze 178 Rusty 178 Blue Jay 178 Bluebird 17 5 Blue Birds of the Maritime Provinces 174 Black-fruited Thorn in On- tario U)4 Bohemian Waxwing 2(12 Botanical Branch, meetings of 100, 249, 265 Botanical Xotes 24, 80 Bouteiller, James, article by. 97 Borer ia grafiana 56 Brown, W. J., articles by.. 88, 163 Brunnich Murre '. . . . 264 PAGE Bryce, P. H., iirticle by 33 Bubo virginianus 46 Burrowing Owl 261 Bittotnus umbcllatiis 80. 187 Calopteryx mac n lata 17 ccquabilis 18 Calypso borcalis, pure white.. 254 Caribou on the Queen Char- lotte Islands 260 Ceratorhina monocerata 183 Ceropalidae 69, 73 Chroinagrion condituni 21 Chrysididce 72,76 Clangula amcricana 66 Clark, G. H., article by 102 Clathrodictyon vcrsicitlositm. . 25 Driiminondcnse 26 jastigiatiim.. . . 26 variolar c 26 Clionychia ottau'g,cnsis . ...... 108 Clionychia (?) gibbosa 109 Conditions Unfavorable to the Resumption of Growth by the dormant embryo in Seeds .'.... 101 Cordnlegaster diastatops 53 Cooper's Hawk, nesting of.... 88 Cotton-tail Rabbit in On- tario 158 Criddle, Xorman, article by.. 153 Crossbill, White-winged. . . 264 Ctenodonta nasiita 106 parvidcns 113 Cunicularia hypogcea.. .... 261 Cupressoxylon macrocarpoides 82 Cynipid Galls in Acorns 44 Cyrtodonta breviuscida 107 Cypripediuni arietinum.. . t. . 163 Danewort 80 Dent, W. A., article by 184 Destruction of Wolves 32 Pidyniops tra}isversa 56 Dioscorca villosa at Sarnia. . . 184 Dorocordulia libera 5f> 55490 268 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March PAGE Dragonflies of the Ottawa District 16 49 Early Devonic History of North-eastern North America; Review of 66 Earlv Wake-robin • • 187 Eifrig, G., articles by 66 262 Enallagma hagcni 22 ebrium 22 " exsulans 23 Emcsa longpipcs 2?5 Entomological Branch, meet- ings of 43,122.129 Entomological Branch, Re- port of, 1907 •'^ Entomological Notes from Central New Brunswick. . . 98 Entomological Society of On- tario 1?? EpicESchna heros -^^ Epicordiilia prince ps ■ ■ ■ 5 / Epigcea re pens, in Waterloo County 2^9 Epilobiiim tvyomingense ^24 Ennomus stibsignaritts. 1 1 ' Erigeron yelloivstonensis 24 Erythemi's simplicicollis _• 61 Euminidse • • ■ ' 1- '-^ Evening Grosbeak ■ 2 63 Excursions : Programme of . . j 1 Fauna Ottawaetisis, Hymen- optera 69 Felt, E. P., article by 244 Fishes of Ontario, Review of. 251 Fletcher J., articles by.. 80, 81. 164 Fletcher, James, LL.b., obi- tuary notice • ■ 18 ^ Fletcher, James. Memorial Meeting • ■ \^_\ Tribute by A. E. Attwood. Un W.White 192 W.Saunders... 192 W.H.Harring- ton.. 196 R. B.Whvte... 206 Arthur Gibson. 207 JohnMacoun.. 212 H M. Ami 21.^ F. T Shutt.. . . 220 G.Eilrig.. 222 E. R. Cameron. 222 T.J.MacLavigh- lin 223 W. J.Topley... 224 S. B. Sinclair. . 226 P.^GE Fletcher, Dr., proposed per- manent memorial to. .... . 234 Fletcher, Dr., his work its influence on Canadian Agri- culture 192 Fletcher, Dr., Reminiscences of 196 Fletcher, Dr., as a Botanist . 20 Fletcher, Dr., as an Entomo- logist 207 Fletcher, Dr., as a Naturalist 212 Fletcher, Dr., as a Leader. . . 215 Fletcher, Dr., Published Writings of 227 Fletcher, The late Dr., a voice from the Pacific 257 Fleming, J. H., article by. . . 158 Flowering-rush 80, 187 Fossil Woods from the Creta- ceous of Alberta 82 Gall Midges of the Goldenrod 244 Gibson, Arthur, articles by . . 117, 135, 140, 164, 189,207,226,227 Gomphiis vastus 52 brevis 52 exilis 52 cornntiis 53 Great Horned Owl -1-6 Greene, E. L., article by. ... 179 Groh, Herbert, article by... . 22/ Grosbeak, Evening 263 Pine 263 Halkett , Andrew, article by . 131 Harrington, W. H., articles by.. 69, 196 Helocordidia uhleri _• 58 Henslow Sparrow, nesting of, in Ontario 115 Herriot,W., articles by 29,187,259 Holm, Theo., articles by. 165, 23.i Indigo Bunting 178 Infant Cannibalism among animals 125 Ischnura posita 50 vcrticalis 50 Keen, J. H., article by ... . 260 King Eiders 264 Kingfisher, Belted 179 Klotz, Otto, article by 136 Lepidoptera of Lake Rosseau, Ont 140 Lestes cogener 18 ungiiiciilatiis 19 uncatns 19 disjunct lis 19 " forcipatris 50 1909] Index 269 PAGE Lestes rcctangitlaris 51 Leticorhinia hitdsonica 59 intacta 59 Libel I II la inccsta 62 cxitsta 62 Inctuosa 62 pulchclla 62 " quadrhnactdata 63 Lymncea nmbilicata 89 humilis 90 capcrata 90 MacoLin, John, article by. ... 212 Macoun, J. M., articles by. 24, 32, 266 Mafwmia illinoicnsis 56 Martin, Purple 178 Meadowlark 265 Meteorological Optics 136 Michaud, G., article by 188 Modiolopsis parviuscula 106 fabcrformis 110 Moore. W. H., articles by. 98, 175 Mutillidffi '. . 72, 78 Myrmosidae 72,78 Nature Study, Importance of, with some suggestions as to methods 145 Nehalcnnia irenc 21 Neurocordiilia yamaskancnsis 57 New Birds for British Col- umbia 81 Nitrogen Compounds in Rain and Snow 132 Notes on Silurian stromato- poroids from Hudson's Bay 25 Nuthatch, White-breasted..'. 175 Red-breasted 176 Odonata of the Ottawa Dis- trict 16 •Ornithological Branch, Re- port of, 1907-1908 46 Orthodesma antiqumn Ill Ottawa- Field Naturalists' Club: List of Members 4 Reportof Council, 1907-08. 7 Treasurer's Statement, 1907-08 15 Council Meetings. . .30, 38, 79, 91, 157, 261 Excursions 48, 79, 92, 119, 120, 121. 158, 160, 162 Parks, W. A., article by 25 Pelecypoda of the Chazy Formation in Canada 105 Penhallow, D. P., article by. 82 Pcronyscus michiganensis.. . . 164 Phagnogamous Plants, Ob- servations on Seedlings of. 165. 235 Pha;ocyma, Species of, found in Canada 133 Picca albertcnsis 82 Pine Grosbeak 263 " Siskin 264 Plathcmis lydia 63 Power, J. F., article by 145 Prince, E. E., article by 125 Psilocorsis flctcherella 226 Putorius rixosus 182 Redpoll 264 Hoary 264 Rhinocerus Auklet 183 Rhus glabra 179 " Ithacensis 181 Robin 265 Sambitcns Ebuliis 80 Saunders, W., article by 192 Saunders, W. E., articles bv. . 115, 163, 164 Sequoia albertcnsis 83 Slate-colored Junco, unusual nesting habit of 164 Smith, J. B., article by 133 Snajjping Turtle, note on.. . . 131 Snow-white Eugonia, remark- able visitation of 117 Some Bird Habits 153 Some Sanitary Considerations regarding the construction, health and ventilation of houses 33 Soivteria canadensis 112 Sparrow, red English 264 Spring of 1908 32 Squirrel eating a bird 188 Stromatopora constcllata 28 " carteri 28 wilsoni 28 " indianensis . ... 28 Sutherland, J. C, article by. 139 Swallow, Tree 177 Barn 177 CHff 177 Sympetrum costifcrum 60 " vicinuin 60 " semicinctiim 60 " rtibicundnhim.. . . 60 " obtrtisum 61 Synaptomys wrangeli 182 Tetragoneuria cynosiira 57 " spinigera 58 " canis 58 270 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March PAGE Three-legged Bug, Notes on a 355 Thymus serpylluni, at Rich- mond, Que 139 Thynnidae 72,78 TiphiidjE 72,78 Trillium nivale 187 Two Newly Introduced Flo- wering Plants 80 Vanuxemia montrcalcnsis. ... 107 " parvnla Ill Venables, E. P., article by. . 261 Vespertillo fuscus 266 Vespidse 69, 74 Vireo, Blue-headed 177 Walker, E. M., articles by. . 16, 49 Walker, Brvant, article by. . 89 PAGE Wallis, J. B., article by 187 Warbler, Myrtle 176 Black-throated Blue 176 Parula 177 Nashville 177 Weasel, Least 182 White aves, J. F., articles bv. 105, 182 White-winged Crossbill 264 Whyte, R. B., article by 206 Wickham, H. F., article by. 255 Winter Birds of the Cobalt Region 65 Woodpecker at a Show 187 Worm-eating Warbler in On- tario 163 Zoological Notes for 1908... . 182, \ THE APRIL, 1908 VOL. XXII, No. 1 OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists* Club. CONTENTS. PAGE List of Members 4 Report of the Council ---------7 Treasurer's Statement ---------15 Dragonflies (Odonata) of the Ottawa District. By E. M. Wallcer, B.A., M.B. 16 Botanical Notes ----------24 Notes on Silurian Stromatoporoids from Hudson's Bay. By W. A. Parks, Ph.D. 25 Bird Notes from Gait, Ont. 29 Council Meetings - - - - - 30 Excursions -----------31 The Spring of 1908 32 Destruction of Wolves 32 ISSUED MAY 7, 1908 ^.^1m7*7> OTTAWA, CANADA • -»-' ( I | 3 R A R V ' The Rolla L Grain Co Limiteo 3P Wellington St ^^v y ^ Kntered at the Ottawa Post Office as second class matter. ^t^T^^SSS^' ^*k \NB DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. I o o Qc :) O OQ OQ O Q (0 o § CM Ul JARVIS 157 Bank St. "THE > "THE BOOKSTORE'' Phone 732 BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek your trade. 3 STORES, OTTAWA, CANADA ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS IVIADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 i 138 Bank St. n 9 LnmnHed SLEEPING BAGS OTTAWA *"■> Factory . HULL. 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MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottawa > d > G M H 0 0 - Z That Eve Strain ^i^^^^^^"^^ musgrove's dispensary iliai LyyV,/ ^••^"*»* by graduate optician 212 BANK STREET ^be ©ttawa irielt)^1Raturalt0t0' Club, 1908-'1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. president : ^ A. E. Attwood, M.A. IDicespresfDents: A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. librarian : C. H. Young. SecretariS: Q;rea0urer: T. E. Clarke, B.A. Arthur Gibeon, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm). Committee : Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. McNeil. Mr. L. H. Newman. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOitore : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. Standing Committees ot Council: Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soiries: H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, A. Gibson, A. Halket, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaDers : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. Wilson. fioio«y; J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D.A.Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Yotmg, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Editor: James M. Macoun, (Geological Survey of Canada). Hssociate Editors: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study . Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St. — Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1.00 per annum THE MAY, 1908 VOL. XXn, No. 2 OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PAGE Some Sanitary Considerations Regarding the Construction, Health and Ventilation of Houses. By Peter H.Bryce, M.A. , M.D. L.R.C.P.S., - - - - - - - - - 33 Council Meeting ----------38 Report of the Entomological Branch, 1907 39 Meeting of Entomological Branch __-_-- 43 Report of the Ornithological Branch, 1907-08 - - - - 46 Excursions -- -48 ISSUED MAY 27, 1908. OTTAWA. CANADA • The f^oLLA L Grain Co Limited Wellington St. Bntered at the Ottawa Post Office as secotul class piatter. WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. J-^-^Vlo BOOKSTORE'' 157 Bank St. Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek your* trade. 3 STORES, OTTAWA, CANADA ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS phone 395 138 Bank St. LDMSdetf SLEEPING BAGS OTTAWA A~o WINNIPEG Factory . HULL. SILK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A. Specialty For Quotations PHONE 3512 Ottawra. Sample Room, Canadian Building-. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Friurth 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 SI and upwards, on which interest will be al- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottav^a R. H, KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Ba..k Street Ottawa L\SURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY& SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P. STEWART 224-226 BANK STREET] 701 SOMERSET STREET) ^i lAW'A. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA. ONT BRANCHES — Toronto. Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, TT i« 1 T^-1- 1 Special Insect Cases Vertical Filing- and and Natural History _. -~ — . . Cabinets made to various Office Devices^ order. BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO SELL EVERYTHING The Rolla L. Grain Co. LIMITED Printers, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers I 174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. .jt OTTAWA, ONTARIO j THE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in IS large superb volumes. Vol. 1— Bird Neighbors. Vol. 6— Butterflies. Vol. 11 — Trees. Vol. 2— Game Birds. Vol. 7— Moths. Vol. 12— Frogs. Vol. 3— Bird Homes. Vol. 8 — Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. Vol. 4 — .^nimaIs. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — Mosses and Lichens. Vol. 5— Fishes. Vol. 10— Mushrooms. Vol. 15— SheUs. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAY, PAOE & CO., 133 East 1 0th Street, New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of yotir new puui for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer niosi favorable terms. O. S.KT. GRAVES BROS, fine hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. CUR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEMS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. "^ If^^^^i ^'^■ ^^ATHe^ London Leather The famous" CROSS Leather is universahy accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE Aai OSTERiVIOOR MATTRESSES STEWART & CO. 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge we DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons Booksellers, Stationers Bookbinders, Printers Sparks St. Ottawa J.G BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREtT, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST QUAI.n V LOWEST PRICE COAL 58 SPARKS ST. .^ Phone 461 I^^ORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. }\ QmrUT Of a Centary's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation. JAMES DAVEY, Manager Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT Phone 13S0 specialist in ARTISTIC HARDWARE AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets American Entomological Co. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genume Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coiiections, ar.d cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply List No. 7 ami Listof Entomoloirical Puljlirations for sale Just out. Write for it. Insi'ct List No. 6 still iu force GEORGE FRANCK, Manager SSStuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.y Publisher of Phone Books on Views of Ottawa 902 N'ature Study C. H. THORBURN Books & Stationery 8o SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McQIFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS io6 Sparks Street \ 24 Rideau Street OTTAWA GEO. H. HOPPER, Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 S95 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley. OTTAWA ™ SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agem 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters : 10-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottawa That Eye Strain can be relieved by glasses. Kyes tested free- of char^o bv urad'iate optician /V\USGROVE'S DISPENSARY 212 BANK STREET ZTbe ©ttawa jfielO^IRaturaliste' Club, lOOS^'lQOQ SecretacB: T. E. Clarke, B.A. (470 O'Connor Street). Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. McNeil. patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. preetOent : A. E. Attwood, M.A. Dice*ipre0(Dent9 : A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xibrarian : C. H. Young. Committee : Mr ITreagurer: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm). L. H. Newman. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOitors : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. StanDfng Committeee of Council: Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, T,. H. Newman. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soiries: H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, A. Gibson. A. Halket, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaOers : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins. M. F. Connor, M. Wilson. fiotoM)'.- J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D.A.Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince. A. Halkett, W. S. Odell. E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil THE OTTAWA NATURALIST EOitOt: James M. Macoun, (Geological Survey of Canada) H^sociate EDitors: Dr. H. M. Ami. Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Pahvon- tology. Dr. Jas Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm — Botany & Nature Study Ho.N'. F. R. Latchford. — Department oi Conchologv. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St.— Dept. of Ornilholngv Prof. E. E. Prince. Com. of Fisheries for Canada — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept of Meteorology. IVIembership Fee to O.^.H.O., with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1.00 per annum THE JUNE, 1908 VOL. XXn, Ho. 3 OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PAGE The Dragonflies of the Ottawa District. By E. M. Walker, B.A., • M.B., Toronto. 49 Winter Birds of the Cobalt Region ------ 65 Review of Dr. J. M. Clarke's Geology of a Portion of Gaspe Pen- insula, Que. By H. M. Ami. 66 ISSUED JUNE 19, 1908. OTTAWA. CANADA: The Rolla L Grain Co. Limitep Wellington St. KiUered at the Ottawa Post Office as second class matter. WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, o o O CQ 00 o Ul Q UJ Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. 0) o CM UJ I: J-^-^V -l-^ BOOKSTORE'' 157 Bank St. Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek your trade. 3 STORES, OTTAWA, CANADA ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAIMTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS phone 395 138 Bank St. LQMnHedl SLEEPiNG BAGS OTTAWA AND WINNIPEG, Factory . HULL. S/LK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A Specialty For Quotations PHONE 3512 Ottawa. Sample Room, CAnadian Buildinsr. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth Ave. Rideau Street Somerset Street Main Street, Htill, Que. At each of the above named offices, savings accovmts may be opened with a deposit of $1 and upwards, on which interest will be al- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS. LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY & SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P STEWART 224-226 BANK STREET] ^^^.,... I-. 0 1CVVAI\.A 701 SOMERSET STREET! OTTAWA. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST.. OTTAWA, ONT BRANCHES — Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, .,_ ,. , ,^.,. , Special Insect Cases Vertical Filing" and and Natural History r-\.rn r^ • Cabinets made to various Office Devices. order. BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO SELL EVERYTHING The RoUa L. Grain Co. LIMITED Printers, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers I 174-6-S WtLI.INGTON ST. ^ OTTAWA, ONTARIO / THE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. VoL 1 — Bird Neighbors. VoL 6— Butterflies. Vol. 11 — Trees. Vol. 2— Game Birds. Vol. 7— Moths. Vol. 12 — Frogs. Vol. 3— Bird Homes. Vol. 8 — Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. Vol. 4 — Animals. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — -Mosses and Lichens. Vol. 5— Fishes. Vol. 10— Mvishrooms. Vol. 15— Shells. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO., 133 East 1 6th Street, New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you ofjcr most favorable terms. O. Xat. GRAVES BROS, f'ne hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEiWS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., L'd. ^^^ f^3^i ^^ ^£ath^^ London Leather The famous' Ci^OSS Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated . - - CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE Aai OSPERcVIOOR MATTRESSES STEWART & CO. 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons ^SZ^i^r Sparks St. Ottawa i J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST C^ r\ A T LOWEST QUALITY V^V-ZX^J—r PRICE 58 SPARKS ST. jt Phone 461 li^ORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. Jl Quarter of a Century's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manager Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 1350 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets ft merican Entomological Oo. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genmne Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coliections, and cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply List No. 7 ami List of Entomological PuWlrations for sale just out. Write for it. lusect List No. 6 still in force GEORGE FRANCK, Manager SSStuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.Y Publisher of Phone Views of Ottawa 902 Books on Nattire Study C. H. THORBURN Books & Stationery 80 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McQIFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS I OTTAWA 106 Sparks Street 24 Rideau Street GEO. H. HOPPER. Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 395 BANK ST., Cqr. Waverley, OTTAWA m SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agent 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottawa 0 > > c M z 0 k 0 2 That Eye Strain can be relieved by glasses. Eyes tested free of charge by graduate optician MUSGROVE'S DISPENSARY 313 BANK STREET ^be Ottawa Jicl^^'Waturaliste* Club, 1 908*' 1 909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. prediOent : A. E. Attwood, M.A. IPfcc-presiOents : A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xtbratian : C. H. Young. Secretary: treasurer: T. E. Clarke, B.A. Arthur Gibson, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm). Committee : Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. MgNeil. Mr. L. H. Newman. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOitors : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. Standing Committees of Council : Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman. Alex, McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soirees: H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, A. Gibson, A. Halket, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaOets : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor. M. Wilson. 5otany.' J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D.A.Campbell, S. B Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. Archeology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil THE OTTAWA NATURALIST BOitot: James M. Macoun, (Geological Survey of Canada"). ?l00ociate Bditord: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm, — Botany & Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St. — Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1 .00 per annum JULY, 1908 VOL. XXn, No. 4 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PAGE Fauna Ottawaensis : Hymenoptera — Superfamily III — Vespoidea. By W. Hague Harrington, F.R.S.C. ... - 69 Council Meeting. -.._.--_- 79 Excursions. --.___.__- 79 Botanical Note ; Two newly introduced plants. By Dr. J. Fletcher. 80 New Birds for British Columbia. _..___ 81 Report on a Collection of Fossil Woods from the Cretaceous of Alberta. By D. P. Penhallow, D.Sc, F.R.S.C, F.G.S.A. 82 Nesting of Cooper's Hawk. By W. J. Brown - ... 88 ISSUED JULY 10, 1908. OTTAWA, CANADA ; The Rolla L. Grain Co. Limited Wellington St. Entered at the Ottawa Post Office as second clast viatter. WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS o o DC :5 o ca ^^ OQ O Q UJ JAMES OGILVY, Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. Ms (0 o LU J Alx V 1 O BOOKSTORE'' 157 Bank St. Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek your trade. 3 STORES, OTTAWA, CANADA ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St Lnimnited. SLEEPING BAGS A'- WINHIPEO, Faotory - HULL. SiLK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A Specialty For Quotations PHONE 3512 Ottawa Sample Rooni, Canadian Buildingr. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth 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 al- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY & SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P STEWART 224-226 BANK STREET] ^__,.,... L:~-2^^^^^ 701 SOMERSET street) OTTAWA. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST.. OTTAWA, ONT BRANCHES — Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, TT i.* 1 T-'-f _i Special Insect Cases Vertical riling" and and Natural History ^~ -- --. . Cabinets made to various Office Devices. order. BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO SELL EVERYTHING The Roiia L. Grain Co. LIMITED Piinters, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers I 174-6-,s WtLI-lNGTON ST. .jt OTTAWA, ONTARIO i THE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. Vol. 1— Bird Neighbors. Vol. 6— Butterflies. Vol. 11— Trees. Vol. 2— Game Birds. Vol. 7— Moths. Vol. 12— Frogs. Vol. 3— Bird Homes. Vol. 8— Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. Vol. 4 — Animals. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — Mosses and Lichens. Vol. 5— Fishes. Vol. 10— Mushrooms. Vol. IS— Shells. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO., 133 East i6th Street, New York, U.S. Please send tne descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer most favorable terms. O. Nat. GRAVES BROS, fine hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. CuR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEi\lS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., L d. "^ |f,;^^.^f ^^ ^^4THe^ London Leather The famous CROSS Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold m Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated - - - CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And OSPERiVIOOR MATTRESSES STEWART & CO. 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bndg-e WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons Booksellers, Stationers Bookbinders, Printers Sparks St. Ottawa J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST QUALITY LOWEST PRICE COAL 58 SPARKS ST. Jt Phone 461 I!L^ TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. H Qmmr of a Century's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manag^er Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 1350 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets American Entomologiaal Go. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genuine Schraitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coiiections, and cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Sniiply List No. 7 ami Listof Entomoloffical Pulilloationa fur sale just out. Write for It. Insect List No. C still iu force GEORGE FRANCK, Manager SSStuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.y Publisher of Views of Ottawa Phone 902 Books on Nature Study C H. THORBURN Books & Stationery So SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McGIFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS } OTTAWA io6 Sparks Street 24 Rideau Street GEO. n, HOPPER, Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 395 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley, OTTAWA m SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agent 35 QUEEN ST, OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottjiwa That Eye Strain IHS > 13 C M H Z CD 0 0 Is can be relieved by glasses, e of charge optician MUSGROVE'S DISPENSARY 212 BANK STREET ITbe ©ttawa Jielt)*'1Raturalist0* Club, 1908^1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. preslDcnt : A. E. Attwood, M.A. IDiccspresiOents : A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xtbrarfan : C. H. Young. Secretary: treasurer: . T. E. Clarke, B.A. Arthur Gibson, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm). Committee: Mr. L. H. Newman. Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux Mr. Alex. McNeil. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOitors : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. StanDing Committees of Council: Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Mjss E. E. Currie. Soiries: A. Gibson. H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, A. Halket, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaDers : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. Wil.son. Bofany; J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D.A.Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST acting jSDitor: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm. Hssoclate BOltors: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St. — Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1.00 per annum ,r^ BANK ST. -- A^mJST, 1908 **■'*' VOL. XXII, Ho. 6 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PACK Lymnaea umbilicata C. B. Adams in Canada. By Bryant Walker 89 Council Meeting. ---91 Excursions. --____---- 92 Bird Migration, 1907. Observations made on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, by James Bouteiller 96 Entomological Notes from Central New Brunswick. By Wm. H. Moore, Scotch Lake, N.B. ------- 98 Botanical Branch - - - - - - - - - 100 Conditions Unfavorable to the Resumption of Growth by the dor- mant embryo in seeds. By G. H. Clark, B.S.A. - - 102 ISSUED AUGUST 6, 1908. OTTAWA. CANADA; Thb Rolla L Grain Co. Limited -^''''oGi'Cyly X Wellington St. /^\^v». s^^* ^ \ Entered at the Ottawa Post Office as second class matter. / f^ ^fciQ^jfc t\ ^^\ LIBRARY WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, cc o P OQ fey CO CQ 5 o Q (0 o CM UJ Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. j rirv. V 1 O BOOKSTORE" 157 Bank St. Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on meir»it they seek your trade. 3 STORES, OTTAWA, CANADA ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St. LnMnlted. SLEEPiNG BAGS OTTAWA A~a WINNIPEG, Faotory . HULL. SILK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A iSpecialty For Quotations PHONE 3512 Ottawa. Sample Room, Canadian Buildingr, Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) 67 Sparks Street Your Patronage Solicited Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth 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 al- lowed. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY & SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P. STEWART 224-226 BANK STREET) ^__-,_,^ ------—— 701 SOMERSET STREET/ ^^ 1 AW A. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT. BRANCHES — Toronto. Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, __ ,. , ._.,. , Special Insect Cases Vertical Filing and and Natural History y-N /-/- T-^w • Cabinets made to various Ofnce Devices. order. BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO SELL EVERYTHING The Rolla L Grain Co. LIMITED Printer^}, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers V 174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. ^ OTTAWA, ONTARIO j THE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. Vol. 1— Bird Ncitjhbors. Vol. 6— Butterflies. Vol. 11 — Trees. Vol. 2— Game Birds. Vol. 7— Moths. Vol. 12— Frogs. Vol. 3— Bird Homes. Vol. 8 — Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. Vol. 4 — Animals. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — Mosses and Lichens. Vol. 5 — Fishes. Vol. 10 — Mushrooms. Vol. IS — Shells. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO., \IZ East i()th Street, New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer most favorable terms. O. Nat. GRAVES BROS, f'ne hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEMS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. ^^ -paRks st. ^^4THe^ London Leatmer The famous "CROSS" Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated - - - CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And 03TERIVI00R MATTRESSES STEWART & CO, 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge Zbc Ottawa Jlel^-I^aturaliets* Club, 1908^1909 ^ Patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. preslDcnt: A. E. Attwood, M.A. \Dtce»pre0t£)ent9 : A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. ILlbcatian: C. H. Young. Secretary : ^reaenrer : T. E. Clarke, B.A. Arthur Gibson, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm). Committee : Mr. L. H. Newman. Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. McNeil. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOttorg : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. Standing dommltteeg of Council: • Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soirees: A. Halkett, H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaOere : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. Wilson. Boton)'; J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D.A.Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST acting JEOitot: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm.) Hesoclate EOitors: Dr. H. M. Ami. Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Oflfice Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St.— Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1.00 per annum WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons Booksellers, Stationers Bookbinders, Printers Sparks St. Ottawa J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST QUALITY LOWEST PRICE COAL 58 SPARKS ST. ^ Phone 461 B5 TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. n Qurm of a eentury's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $5,000,000 each, is ^le best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manager Ottawa Braxch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 13S0 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets ^oierican Eotooiologicel Co. Dealers im Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genuine Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coliections, and cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply List No. 7 and List of Entomoloaical Publications for sale just out. Write fcr it. Insect List No. 6 still in force GEORGE FRANCK, Manager SSStuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.y Publisher of Views of Ottawa Phone 902 Books on Nature Study C. H. THORBURN Books & Stationery So SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McGIFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS \ OTTAWA io6 Sparks Street 24 Rideau Street GEO. H. HOPPER. Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 395 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley, OTTAWA ™E SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agent 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 sparks Street, Ottawa I That Eye Strain | can be relieved by glasses, yes tested free of charge by graduate optician MUSGROVE'S DISPENSARY 212 BANK STREET SEPTEMBER, 1908 VOL. XXII, No. 6 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PAGE The Pelecypoda or Bivalve Mollusca of the Chazy formation in Canada. By J. F Whiteaves. 105 Nesting of Henslow Sparrow in Ontario. By W. E. Saunders, London, Ont. --------- 115 A remarkable visitation of the Snow-white Eugonia. By Arthur Gibson, Central Experimental Farm. - - - - 117 Excursions. ---------- 119 Meetings of the Entomological Branch - - - - - 122 ISSUED SEPTEMBER 3. 1908. / OTTAWA, CANADA; The Rolla L Grain Co. Limited /^^\C>^/ Wellington St. y^O^..^-r2""S**. ^^^^ ETitered at the Ottawa Post Office as second clast matter. /^O /^ -» If^"^ ^\ ^] \NE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, OS o O (M UJ Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. jxiiX V ivj BOOfCSTORE" 157 Bank St. Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on meril they seek yout« trade. 3 stores, Ottawa, Canada ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAIIMTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St. LnmSited SLEEPING BAGS AND Faotory . HULL. SILK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A S-pecialty For Quotatiens PHONE 3512 Ottawa Sample Room, Canadian Buildine. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth 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 al- lowed. L ROSEI^TIIAL Sl SOliS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY&SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW P. STEWART 224 - 226 701 SOM IN Wall paper BANK STREET) ^_,_.,,-„ ERSET STREET] OTTAWA. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST.. OTTAWA. ONT. BRANCHES — Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, ,_ .. , T-"i- 1 Special Insect Cases Vertical Filing- and and Natural History ^>. rr T-^ • Cabinets made to various Office Devices. order. BRYSOIN, GRAHAM & CO SELL EVERYTHING The Rolla L Grain Co. LIMITED Printer.-;, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers \ 174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. j* OTTAWA, ONTARIO / THE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. Vol. 1— Bin! Neicjhbors. Vol. 6— Butterflies. Vol. 1 1— Trees. Vol. 2— Game Birds. Vol. 7 — Moths. Vol. 12— Frogs. Vol. 3 — Bird Homes. Vol. S — Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. \o\. 4 — .Animals. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — Mosses and Lichens. Vol. 5— Fishes. Vol. 10— Mushrooms. Vol. IS— Shells. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO., 133 East i6th Street, New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer most favorable teniis. O. Nat. GRAVES BROS, f'^e hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING ^ SYSTE/\1S / Office Furniture and Equi pment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. 1" i^PAR^^s ST. London LEAinEk The famous CROSS Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated - - - CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And OSTERMOOR MATTRESSES STEWART & CO, 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons Booksellers, Stationers Bookbinders, Printers Sparks St. Ottawa J.G.BUTTERWORTH& Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST QUALITY COAL LOWEST PRICE 58 SPARKS ST. ^ Phone 461 I!L^ TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. B QmrUY of a gcntury's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from S500 to S5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manager Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 1350 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets 'merican Entomological Go. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genmne Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coiiections, and cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply Lis* Nn. 7. ami Listnf Entniiioloaical Puhllriitions for sain justout. Write fur it. Insect List No. listili in force GEORGE FRANCK, Manager 55 Stuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.Y Publisher of Views of Ottawa Phone 902 Books on Nature Study C. H. THORBURN Books & Stationery 80 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McGIFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS 106 Sparks Street \ 24 Rideau Street OTTAWA GEO. H. HOPPER. Groceries and Dairy Produce Phoxe 1967 395 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley, OTTAWA ™ SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agent 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottawa That Eye Strain rAs'tesSr^Arrar^e MUSGROVE'S DISPENSARY by graduate optician 212 BANK STREET Ztbe ©ttawa jielD^'Waturaltste' Club, 1908*'1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. president : A. E. Attwood, M.A. IDfcespresiDents : A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xtbrarian : C. H. Young. Secretary: Zvcaemci: T. E. Clarke, B.A. Arthur Gibson, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Fann). Committee : Mr. L. H. Newman. Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux Mr. Alex. McNeil. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOitors : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. ' ^ StanOing dommltteeg of Council: Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newlaan. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. || Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, ClH. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soiries: A. Halkett, H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaDccB : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. Wilson. Botany: J. Fletcher, John JVlacoun, D. A. Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Yoimg, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST acting BOitor: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm.) associate BOitors: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada .^ — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Paleon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department.— Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St.— Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klot» — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1.00 per annum OCTOBER, 1908 VOL. XXn, No. 7 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PAGE Infant Cannibalism among Animals. By Prof. E. E . Prince. - 125 Meeting of the Entomological Branch. . . - . . 129 Note on a Young Specimen of the Snapping Turtle. - - - 131 The Nitrogen Compounds in Rain and Snow. - . - - " 132 Notes on the Species of Phaeocyma found in Canada. By John B. Smith, Sc. D. - - . - - - - - 133 Additional Notes to Dr. Smith's paper. By Arthur Gibson. - 135 Meteorological Optics. By Otto Klotz, LL.D., F.R.A.S. - - 136 The Occurrence of Thymus Serpyllum at Richmond, Que. By J. C.Sutherland, B. A. 139 Notes on the Lepidoptera of Lake Rosseau District, Muskoka, Ontario. By Arthur Gibson, Central Experimental Farm. 140 ISSUED OCTOBER 12. 1908. OTTAWA. CANADA • V^z-SsTJ^W" Thb Rolla L Grain Co. UMiT,nt^/^0^ *x\V* Wellington St. j '^ /^ ''m>'6t^' ^\0', Kntered at th* Ottawa Post Office aa seeond claaa matter. WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, oe o o >. oc d CQ O Q UJ (0 O CM UJ Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 6i Sparks St. JARVIS' 157 Bank St. "THE BOOKSTORE" Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek your trade. 3 STORES, Ottawa, Canada ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St. LnMnHed SLEEPING BAGS OTTAWA *"■> WINNIPEG, Factory . HULL. SILK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A tSpeciailtx For Quotations PHONE 3512 Ottawa. Sample Room, Canadian Building:. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth 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 al- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY & SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P. STEWART 224.226 BANK STREET! -._,^-.... -^— ^— — 701 SOMERSET STREET! OTTAnVA. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST.. OTTAWA. ONT. BRANCHES— Toronto. Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filing and SrNitu"rirHfs?ory various Office Devices. o'^rfer"'' "'"' '" BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO. SELL EVERYTHING The Rolla L Grain Co. LIMITED Printers, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers I 174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. ^ OTTAWA, ONTARIO ; I HE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. Vol. 1— Bird Neighbors. Vol. 6— Butterflies. Vol.11 — Trees. Vol. 2— Game Birds. Vol. 7— Moths. Vol. 12 — Frogs. Vol. 3 — Bird Homes. Vol. 8 — Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. Vol. 4 — Animals. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — Mosses and Lichens Vol. 5— Fishes. Vol. 10— Mushrooms. Vol. IS— Shells. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAV, PAGE & CO., 133 East i6th Street, New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for -the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer most favorable terms. O. Nat. GRAVES BROS, f'ne hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEMS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. 143 SPARKS ST. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. ^^4THe^ London Leather The famous "CROSS Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AMD SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And OSTERMOOR MATTRESSES STEWART & CO, 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons Booksellers, Stationers Bookbinders, Printers Sparks St. Ottawa J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST QUALITY LOWEST PRICE COAL 58 SPARKS ST. Jt Phone 461 BP TORONTO GENERALTRUST8 CORPORATION. J\ Qumr Of a Century's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from S500 to $5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manager Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 1350 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets American Entomological Go. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genume Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coiiections, and ci the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply List Ko. 7 and List of Kntomolosrioal PuMlrations for sale just out. Write for It. Insect List No. 6 still in force GEORGE FRANCK, Manager 55 Stuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.y Publisher of Views of Ottawa Phone 902 Books on Nature Study C H. THORBURN Books & Stationery 8o SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McGIFFlN MEN'S FURNISHINGS } OTTAWA io6 Sparks Street 24 Rideau Street GEO. H. HOPPER, Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 395 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley, OTTAWA m SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agent 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. ■ OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottawa That Eve Strain ^^^^^^i^^^ musgrove's dispensary Ai*Mi, 1-^jw ^"Uli* by graduate optician 212 BANK STREET Zbc Ottawa jrielt)*1Ratura lists' Club, 1908»»1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. presiDent : A. E. Attwood, M.A. lOicespresi&ente : A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xibratian : Sccrctatg: T. E. Clarke, B.A. (470 O'Connor Street). Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. McNeil. C. H. Young. Committee : treasurer: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm). Mr. L. H. Newman. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuDitorg : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. Standing Committees of Council: Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soir6es: A. Halkett, H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaOcrs : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. Wilson. Botany: J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D. A. Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Tlctincj BOttor: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm.) ?l960ciate JEOitors: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada.— Dept. of Palceon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St.— Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C>, with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1 .OO per> annum NOVEMBER, 1908 VOL. XXn, No. 8 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PAOB The Importance of Nature Study, with some suggestions as to Methods, By J. F. Power, M.A. 145 Some Bird Habits. By Norman Criddle. - - - - - 153 Council Meeting. - - 157 The Cotton-tail Rabbit in Ontario. By J. H. Fleming. - - 158 Excursions : Central Experimental Farm ; Beaver Meadow and Fairy Lake ; McKay's Lake. 168 Notes : Worm-eating Warbler in Ontario ; Nesting of Bar- tramian Sandpiper; Cypripedium arietinum on Shore of Lake Erie ; Unusual nesting habit of Slate-colored Junco; Extension of the Range of Peronyscus Michi- ganensis; Black-fruited Thorn in Ontario. _ - - 163 ISSUED NOVEMBER 2, 1908 OTTAWA. CANADA ; Thb Rolla L Crain Co. Limited Wellington St. finttrtd at tk« Ottawa Post Office as second clast malttr. WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, o o OC ;) O OQ :)^ OQ O Q UJ (0 o s CM Ul a: Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. THE JAlxVlO BOOKSTORE" 157 Bank St. Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on mei^it they seek your trade. 3 stores, Ottawa, Canada ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St. Lnmnitedl SLEEPING BAGS OTTAWA AND Factory . HULL, WINNIPEG, StLK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A Specialty For Quotations PHONE 3512 Ottawa Sample Room, Canadian Buildingr. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth 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 al- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY & SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER R STEWART 224-226 bank streetj^-,-, ^. 701 somerset street/ O^ lAWA. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST.. OTTAWA. ONT. BRANCHES — Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, .__ . , .,^.,. , Special Insect Cases Vertical Filing and and Natural History _. -.- -^ . Cabinets made to various Office Devices. order. BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO SELL EVERYTHING — ^ TheRolla L Grain Co. LIMITED Printers, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers 1 174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. Jt OTTAWA, ONTARIO j I HE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. Vol. 1— Birrl Neighbors. VoL 6— Butterflies. Vol. 11 — Trees. Vol. 2— rrame Birds. Vol. 7— Moths. Vol. 12— Frogs. Vol. 3— Bird Homes. Vol. 8 — Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. Vol. 4 — Animals. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — Mosses and Lichens. Vol. 5 — Fishes. Vol. 10 — Mushrooms. Vol. IS — Shells. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAV, PAGE & CO., 133 East i6th Street, New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer most favorable terms. O. Nat. GRAVES BROS, f'ne hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEMS Oftlce Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. "^ ^^,^^^f. ^^• ^^4THe^ London Leather The famous "CROSS Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And 03TERM00R MATTRESSES STEWART & CO. 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons Booksellers, Stationers Bookbinders, Printers Sparks St. Ottawa J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST f^ /^ A T LOWEST QUALITY t. ^1 f r\ I ^ PRICE 58 SPARKS ST. jX Phone 461 I^^ TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. J\ Quarter of a Century's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Mana^y Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 13S0 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets American Entomologiaal Co. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genuine Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coiiections, and cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply List No. 7 ami List of Entomoloifical Publication for sale just out. Write for it. Insect List No. 6 still in force GEORGE FRANCK, Manager SSStuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.y Publisher of Views of Ottawa Phone 902 Books on Nature Study C. H. THORBURN Books & Stationery 8o SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McGIFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS io6 Sparks Street 1 24 Rideau Street OTTAWA GEO. H. HOPPER, Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 395 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley, OTTAWA ILE SMITH PREMIER The World's j» Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agem 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottawa U > 5 c H k 2 W 0 k 2 That Eve Strain ^t^^^^f'S^ musgrove's dispensary 1 llUt X^JfV k-'""lAl ^jyg^^j^j^tg^p^j^j^jj 212 BANK STREET Ebe Qtttixosi jrtel^«•Vlatura^0t0' Club, 1908^1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. president : A. E. Attwood, M.A. IPice-pregiOents : A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xibrarian :] ^ C. H. Young. " Secretary: ^Treasurer: T. E. Clarke, B.A. Arthur Gibson, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm) Committee : Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. L. H. Newman. Miss Q. Jackson. Mr. E. E. Lemieiix. Miss E. E. Currie. Mr. Alex. McNeil. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOitore : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. Standing Committees of Council : Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoim, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soiries: A. Halkett, H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, Miss M.»B. Williams. XeaOers : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. Wilson. Botany: J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D. A. Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A, McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Yovmg, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. Archeology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. (Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Hcting £Ditor: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm.) ^ ' HsBociate £Ditord: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeon- tology. Dr. J as. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr, W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev, G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St.— Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E, E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Mambepship Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalfst," $1.00 per annum DECEMBER, 1908 VOL. XXII, No. 9 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PAOS Observations on Seedlings of North American Phsenogamous Plants. By Theo. Holm, Brookland, D.C. - - - 165 Blue Birds of the Maritime Provinces. By W. H. Moore, Scotch Lake, N.B. - - 174 Is Rhus glabra in Canada? By E. L. Greene, U.S. Nat. Museum, Washington, D.C. - ' - - - - - - - 179 Zoological Notes for 1908. By J. F. Whiteaves - - - - 182 Dioscorea villosa at Sarnia. By W. A. Dent, Sarnia, Ont. - - 184 Notes : The occurrence of the American Woodcock in Manitoba ; Entomological Society of Ontario; The Flowering-rush; A Woodpecker at a Show; The Early Wake-robin; Squirrel eating a Bird ; Notice of death of Dr. James Fletcher 185 ISSUED DECEMBER 8, 1908. OTTAWA. CANADA -. ''Sv"^^*"''^^-/ Thb Rolla L Grain Co. Limited ^ yffl m, Ol "' Wellington St. StUtred at the Ottawa Post Office as second class malttr. WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. THE J -^■'^ * ■■• ^ BOOKSTORE" 157 Bank St. Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS (( Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek youn trade. 3 STORES, OTTAWA, CANADA ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St. Lnminited. SLEEPING BAGS OTTAWA «"■> Faotory . HULL. WINNIPEG, SILK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A Specialty For QuAtations PHONE 3512 Ottawai Sample Room, Canadian Buildinsr. Phono 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BAIOC OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth 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 al- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY & SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P. STEWART 224''- 226 701 SOM BANK STREETj^-,^ .... ERSET street}^ A lAWA. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QL'EEN ST., OTTAWA. ONT. BRANCHES— Toronto. Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, __ , , __.,. , Special Insect Cases Vertical Filing" and and Natural H.Story /-N/-/- T^ • Cabinets made to various Office Devices. order. BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO SELL EVERYTHING The Rolla L. Grain Co. LIMITED Pfinter.-i, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers V 174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. j* OTTAWA, ONTARIO ) mE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. Vol. 1— Bird NeiRhbors. Vol. 6— Butterflies. Vol. 11 — Trees. Vol. 2— Game Birds. Vol. 7 — Moths. Vol.12 — Frogs. Vol. 3 — Bird Homes. Vol. 8 — Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. ^'ol. 4 — Animals. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — Mosses and Lichens. Vol. 5 — Fishes. Vol. 10 — Mushrooms. Vol. IS — Shells. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO., 133 East i6th Street, New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer most favorable terms. O. Nat. GRAVES BROS, fine hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEMS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. 143 SPARKS ST. I'll. Ill,- ,m:;,-,. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. ^^4THe^ London LeAittER The famous "CROSS Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY eiRKS AND SONS Lknited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And 03TERM00R MATTRESSES STEWART & CO. 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons Booksellers, Stationers Bookbinders, Printers Sparks St. Ottawa 03 0 On 0 H J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST C^ C^ A T LOWEST QUALITY y,'^ ' r\ I ^ PRICE 58 SPARKS ST. ^ Phone 461 * TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. 7{ Quarter of a Century's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manager Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 13S0 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets American Entomological Co. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genume Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Collections, and cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply List No. 7 and Listof Entomolosrical Publli-atlon for sale Just out. Write for it. Insect List No. 6 still in fore GEORGE FRANCK, Manager 5SS c M H That Eve Strain ETes'LSrf^ri'o^f^^Se musgrove's dispensary J ** by graduate optician 212 BANK STREET z GD ^ 0 0 0 2 iCbe ©ttawa 3rtelt)^"naturali6t0' Club, 1908^1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY. GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. president : A. E. Attwood, M.A. Vice^predidents: A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xibrarian :] C. H. Young. Secretarfi: ^Treasurer: ^•,n A-o^^""^®'. ^•^- Arthur Gibson, WO O Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm). Committee : ^^- J; ¥; Macoun. Mr. L. H. Newman. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. McNeil. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOftorg : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. Standing Committees of Council: P«&/»5/»*ng.-A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H.H.Pitts, L.H.Newman. Alex. „ . McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux. T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Sotries: A. Halkett, H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, Miss M. B. Williams. Xea&era : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. Wilson. Botany: J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D. A. Campbell, S. B. Sinclair. A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Orntthology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett. W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter. J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST acting EDitor: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm.) associate BOitors: Dr. H. M. Ami. Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Paleon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study . Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St. — Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to OtF.N.C, with "Ottawa Naturalist, " $1.00 per annum JANUARY, 1909 VOL. xxn, Ho. 10 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. JAMES FLETCHER, LL.D. MEMORIAL NUMBER Tributes by Mr. A. E. Attwood, Lieut. -Col. W. White, Dr. W. Saunders, Mr. W. H. Harrington, Mr. R. B. Whyte, Mr. Arthur Gibson, Prof. John Macoun, Dr. H. M. Ami, Mr. Frank T. Shutt, Rev. G. Eifrig, Mr. E. R. Cameron, Mr. T. J. MacLaughlin, Mr. W. J. Topley and Dr. S.B.Sinclair. ISSUED JANUARY 12, 1909. OTTAWA, CANADA; The Rolla L. Grain Co. Limited Wellingtom St. KtUfre-i at the Ottawa Post Office as seaond class matter. ^^iy. WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS Ul OC o Ui (0 OC ;) O CQ ^^ OQ O Q (0 o CM UJ JAMES OGILVY, Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. JARVIS' 157 Bank St. "THE BOOKSTORE" Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek your trade. 3 STORES, OTTAWA, CANADA ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St. w Lnmnitedl SLEEPING BAGS OTTAWA A.O WINNIPEG, Factory . HULL. SILK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A. Specinlty For Quotations PHONE 3512 Ottawa Sample Room, Canadian Buildingr. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Yoiir Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Foiirth Ave. Rideau Street Somerset Street Main Street, Hiill, 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 al- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY & SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P. STEWART "4-226 BANK STREET! — -^— — ^— — 701 SOMERSET STREET) OTTAVV A. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST.. OTTAWA, ONT. BRANCHES — Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, Special Insect Cases Vertical Filing" and and Natural History Cabinets made to various Office Devices. order. BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO. SELL EVERYTHING The Rolla L Grain Co. LIMITED Printers, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers 174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. ^ OTTAWA, ONTARIO^ THE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. Vol. 1-Bird Neighbors. Vol. 6-Butterflies. Vol. H-Tree^. Vol. 2-Game Birds. Vo - 7-Moths \o • 2 brogs ■i7„i ■! Rjrrl Homes Vol. S — Insects. Vol. IJ — Keptiies. Vo ■ i-An^als Vol. Q-Wild Flowers Vol. 14-Mosses and Lichens. Vol: S^FiXs. Vol. I0-M«shrooms. Vol. IS-Shells. TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO., 133 East i()th Street, New York, U.S. Please said me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer nwst favorable terms. O. Nat. GRAVES BROS, f'ne hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEMS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. '^•' f^^^^ st. ^^4THe^ London Leather The famous "CROSS" Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And OSTERVIOOR MATTRESSES STEWART & CO. 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons rsr.Sr Sparks St. Ottawa o 0 J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST C^ C^ A T LOWEST QUALITY V^VyXXj-^ PRICE 58 SPARKS ST. jt Phone 461 I^^ORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. Jf Quarter of a Century's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manager Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 1350 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets American Entomological Go. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genuine Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coiiections, and cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply List No. 7 and Listof EDtomological Publication for sale Just out. Write for it. Insect List No. 6 still in fore GEORGE FRANCK, Manager SSStuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.y Publisher of Views of Ottawa Phone 902 Books on Nature Study C. H. THORBURN Books & Stationery 80 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McGIFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS } OTTAWA 106 Sparks Street 24 Rideau Street GEO. H. HOPPER, Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 395 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley. OTTAWA ™ SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agem 35 QUEEN ST, OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottawa H i > d > M c M That Eye strain -"'^^^"-^'"'''"^^^'^^ z ^ n 0 Eyes tested free of charge by graduate optician MUSGROVE'S DISPENSARY 212 BANK STREET JLbc ©ttawa JtelD^'Waturaliets' Club, 1908*- 1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. predtdent : A. E. Attwood, M.A. Vice«pre0tl>entd : A. Halkett, Rev. G. Eifrig. Xlbratian : C. H. Young. SectetatB: XTrcaeuret: T~. E. Clarke, B.A. Arthur Gibson, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm). Committee : Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. McNeil. Mr. L. H. Newman. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOitorg : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. StanDitid Committees of Council: PM6«5Wng.-A.Gibson,J.M. Macoun, H.H.Pitts, L.H.Newman. Alex McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soiries: A. Halkett, H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, Miss M. B. Williams. Xeadetd : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. 'F. Connor, M. Wilson. Botany: J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D. A. Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Yotmg, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Beting BOitot: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm.) ?l00ociate Editors : Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Oface Department.— Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St. — Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1 .00 pep annum FEBRUARY, 1909 VOL. xxn, No. 11 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club. CONTENTS. PAGE Observations on Seedlings of North American Phaenogamous Plants ' By Theo. Holm, Brookland, D.C. ----- 235 Gall Midges of the Goldenrod. By E. P. Felt, State Entomologist, Albany, N.Y. ---_-_--- 244 New Members -----.____ 249 Meeting of Botanical Branch --__..- 249 Review: Fishes of Ontario -------- 251 Note: Pure White Calypso borealis ------ 254 ISSUED FEBRUARY b. 1909. OTTAWA. CANADA • The Rolla L. Grain Co. Limited Wellington St Bnttred at the Ottawa Pout Oflici' as second class mattrr. WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. JARVIS' 157 Bank St. "THE BOOKSTORE" Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek your trade. 3 STORES, Ottawa, Canada ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St. LnDnnnited SLEEPING BAGS OTTAWA AND , Factory . HULL. WINNIPEG, SILK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A. Specialty For Quotations PHONE 3512 Ottawa Sample Room, Canadian Building:. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth 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 ^- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY &: CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY & SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P. STEWART 224^226 BANK STREET) -.^^-,,,- 701 SOMERSET STREET! OJ^TAvv A. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA. ONT BRANCHES — Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, Vertical Filincr anH Special insect Cases V CI ncdi ruing ana ^^^ Natural History various Office Devices. o^rSer^'" ""^^^ '"^ BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO. SELL EVERYTHING TheRolla L Grain Co. LIMITED Printers, Bookbinders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers V^174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. ^ OTTAWA, ONTARIO THE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. ^r°}- i~?""^ ^T?f^i''^°'^- Vol. 6— Butterflies. Vol. 11— Trees |S =|S'„ri |?,:tKi. ^.\i=S^„. - TEAR OFF HERE DOUBLEDAY. PAGE & CO., 133 East i6th Street. New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer most favorable terms. ^ O. Nat. GRAVES BROS. FINE HARDWARE Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEMS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. ^" f^^i ^'^^ ^^ATHe^ London Leather The famous "CROSS" Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated ... CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And OSTERMOOR MATTRESSES STEWART & CO. 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons riwS,prr Spai-ks St. Ottawa J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA Ltd. LOWEST PRICE THE C. C RAY CO. BEST C^C^ A T QUALITY v^vyxi-j-^ 58 SPARKS ST. ^ Phone 461 I^^ TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. H Quarter of a Century's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $5,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that you may confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manag:er Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE? 1350 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets American Entomological Go. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genuine Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Coliections, and cf the American Entomolog^ical Company Insect Pins Supply List No. 7 and List of Entomolosrlcal PuWIfatlon for sale just out. Write for it. Insect List No. 6 still in fore GEORGE FRANCK, Manager SSStuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.y Publisher of Views of Ottawa Phone 902 Books on Nature Study C H. THORBURN Books & Stationery 80 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McGIFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS 106 Sparks Street 24 Rideau Street } OTTAWA GEO. H. HOPPER, Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 395 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley. OTTAWA ILE SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agent 35 QUEEN ST, OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 sparks Street, Ottawa D > T3 C H H z w f^ 0 a 2 That Eve Strain f^i^^^^^^'i^^ musgrove's dispensary l.llUt X^jrV ^liUl 11 by graduate optician 212 BANK STREET ^be ©ttawa jrielD^-IRaturaliste' Club, 1908^1909 Secretary: T. E. Clarke, B.A. (470 O'Connor Street). patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. preslDcnt : A. E. Attwood, M.A. IDtceslprestOents: A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. librarian : C. H. Young. r. T. M. r. H. H. Mr. H. H. Pitts. Mr. E. E. Lemieux- Mr. Alex. McNeil. treasurer : Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm). Committee : Mr. L. H. Newman. Miss Q. Jackson. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. RuOitors: R. B. Whyte. F. T. Sbutt. Standing aommitteeg of Council: Publishing: A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H. H. Pitts, L. H. Newman. Alex McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, >E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soiries: A. Halkett. H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H. Newman, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaOers: Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins, M. F. Connor, M. Wilson. Bo^an)/.- J. Fletcher, John Macoun, D.A.Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W, Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince. A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. ArchcBology: T. W. E. Sowter. J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz. A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST Hcting lEOitot: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm.) Associate lEOitors: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palaeon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany & Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St. — Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturalist," $1.00 per annum THE MARCH, 1909 VOL. XXn, No. 12 OTTAWA NATURALIST Published by The Ottawa Field-NaturaUsts' Club. CONTENTS. Notes on a Thread-Legged Bug. By H. F. Wickham - - - 255 The Late Dr. James Fletcher. By J. R. Anderson - - - 257 Epigaea repens in Waterloo County. By W. Herriot - - - 259 Caribou on the Queen Charlotte Islands. By J. H. Keen , - 260 The Burrowing Owl. By E. P. Venables - - - - - 261 Meetings of the Council ....... 261 Birds Observed at Ottawa, Ont., Winter 1908-1909. By G. Eifrig 262 Meetings of the Botanical Branch ----._ -265 Note : An Early Bat -___ .___ 266 Index 267 ISSUED MARCH 12. 1909. OTTAWA, CANADA; Fhb Rolla L. Grain Co. Limited /Q^ Wellington St. /J^ i*.- KfUtrtd cU th» Ottawa Post Offiot as second class matter. |UJ I \,\ ^ " WE DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS JAMES OGILVY, Bookseller, Stationer and Publisher 63 Sparks St. Hi oe o X UJ (0 0: ::) O OQ y> id OQ UJ Q UJ o CM UJ I- J-**--KVl0 BOOKSTORE" 157 Bank St. Phone 732 "THE BOOKSTORE" SELLS GOOD BOOKS "Merit" placed ALLEN & COCHRANE THE RED CROSS DRUGGISTS at the head in the drug business of Ottawa — on merit they seek your trade. 3 STORES, OTTAWA, CANADA ASK FOR OUR CELEBRATED FLOOR AND HOUSE PAINTS MADE IN OTTAWA OTTAWA PAINT WORKS Phone 395 138 Bank St. n 9 Lnmnttedl SLEEPING BAGS OTTAWA »"- WIMHIPEC, Factory . HULL. SILK TENTS Wholesale Manufacturers Lumbermen's and Contractors' Supplies, Outfitting Survey Parties, Exploration and Outing Parties of any kind, A. Specialty For Quotatiorts PHONE 3512 Ottawa. Sample Room, Canadian Buildingr. Phone 4463 ROONEY & COOPER TAILORS (Ladies and Gentlemen) Your Patronage Solicited 67 Sparks Street Ottawa THE BANK OF OTTAWA Head Office and Main Branch Wellington Street, Ottawa LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES Cor. Bank and Gloucester Sts. Cor. Bank and Gladstone Ave. Cor. Bank and Fourth 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 al- lowed. A. ROSENTHAL & SONS, LTD. JEWELLERS AND OPTICIANS Goldsmith's Hall Ottawa R. H. KENNY & CO. HIGH CLASS TAILORS 96 Bank Street Ottawa INSURE IN Mutual Life of Canada H. MOONEY& SON General Agents III Sparks Street Ottawa 0 D CO 0 r 0 D CD EVERYTHING NEW IN WALL PAPER P. STEWART -J-'.l^s'yV |;|||?1 OTTAWA. Library Bureau of Canada HEAD OFFICE— 201 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA, ONT BRANCHES — Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg. Inventors of the Card System, T7- i-* 1 i-«'i' 1 Special Insect Cases Vertical Filing and and Natural History i-^r/^ T^ • Cabinets made to various Office Devices. order. BRYSON, GRAHAM & CO SELL EVERYTHING The Rolla L. Grain Co. LIMITED Printers, Bool^binders and Loose-Leaf Manufacturers V 174-6-8 WELLINGTON ST. ^ OTTAWA, ONTARIO / THE NEW NATURE LIBRARY Now complete in 15 large superb volumes. Vol.1 — Bird Neighbors. Vol.6 — Butterflies. Vol.11 — Trees. Vol.2 — Game Birds. Vol.7 — Moths. Vol.12 — Frogs. Vol. 3 — Bird Homes. Vol. 8 — Insects. Vol. 13 — Reptiles. Vol. 4 — Animals. Vol. 9 — Wild Flowers Vol. 14 — Mosses and Lichens. Vol. 5— Fishes. Vol. 10 — Mushrooms. Vol. 15— Shells. TEAR OFF HERE -^ DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & CO., 133 East 1 6th Street, New York, U.S. Please send me descriptive circulars and full details of your new plan for the purchase of your Nature Library. I understand you offer most favorable terms. O. Nat. GRAVES BROS, f'ne hardware Large Assortment of Fishing and other Sporting Goods. Camp Supplies. COR. SPARKS AND METCALFE STREETS, OTTAWA. FILING SYSTEMS Office Furniture and Equipment in Wood and Steel. THE OFFICE SPECIALTY MFG. CO., Ltd. "' fl^i st. ^^4THe^ London Leather The famous "CROSS Leather is universally accepted as the acknowledged standard of ex- cellence and is sold in Canada exclusively by HENRY BIRKS AND SONS Limited. When in want of High Grade Furniture Call and See Our Stock AGENTS for the Celebrated CREX PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE And OSTERMOOR MATTRESSES STEWART & CO, 34 Rideau Street Just Below the Bridge M^£ DEAL WITH OUR ADVERTISERS James Hope & Sons Booksellers. Stationers Bookbinders, Printers Sparks St. Ottawa J.G.BUTTERWORTH&Co. ALL-RAIL SCRANTON COAL HAS NO EQUAL 86 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA THE C. C. RAY CO. Ltd. BEST r^r^ A T LOWEST QUALITY \^\JJr\.l.^ PRICE 58 SPARKS ST. ^ Phone 461 I^^ TORONTO GENERAL TRUSTS CORPORATION. n Quarter of a Century's Successful administration of ESTATES ranging in value from $500 to $6,000,000 each, is the best guarantee that youimay confidently name as your EXECUTOR and TRUSTEE this Corporation JAMES DAVEY, Manager Ottawa Branch: Cor. SPARKS and ELGIN STS. CHARLES WATT specialist in Phone ARTISTIC HARDWARE 1350 AND KITCHEN FURNISHINGS Bank & Somerset Streets American Entomological Go. Dealers in Insects and Entomological Supplies The only makers of the genmne Schmitt Insect Boxes. Manufacturers of Cabinets and Cases for Insect Collections, and cf the American Entomological Company Insect Pins Supply List No. 7 and List of Kntomolostical Publlj-atlon for sale Just out. Write for 't. Insect List No. fi still in fore GEORGE FRANCK, Manager SSStuyvesant Av., BROOKLYN, n.Y Publisher of Phone Views of Ottawa 902 Books on Nature Study C. H. THORBURN Books & Stationery 80 SPARKS STREET, OTTAWA R. McGJFFIN MEN'S FURNISHINGS 106 Sparks Street 1 OTTAWA 24 Rideau Street J GEO. H. HOPPER, Groceries and Dairy Produce Phone 1967 395 BANK ST., Cor. Waverley, OTTAWA m SMITH PREMIER The World's ^ Best Typewriter E. R. McNeill, Agent 35 QUEEN ST., OTTAWA HENRY J. SIMS & Co. Furriers and Hatters 110-112 SPARKS ST. - OTTAWA. MASSON'S SHOES 72 Sparks Street, Ottawa a > S3 C Z GD r r W 0 k 2 TU ^ r ^ e*^«:r> «" be relieved by glasses. MUSGROVE'S DISPENSARY That Eye Strain ir^^^viv^L^-^- '^^^^ n» bane ^t^et ^be ©ttawa Jielt)**MaturaIi9t0' Club, 1908*1909 patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GREY, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. IPreslDent : A. E. Attwood, M.A. lt)ice»ipresiOcntB: A. Halkett. Rev. G. Eifrig. Xtbcarian : C. H. Young. Secceurg: Creagutet: T. E. Clarke. B.A. Arthur Gibson, (470 O'Connor Street). (Central Experimental Farm). dommlttee : Mr. J. M. Macoun. Mr. L. H. Newman. Mr, H. H. Pitts. Miss Q. Jackson. Mr. E. E. Lemieux. Mr. Alex. McNeil. Miss E. E. Currie. Miss M. B. Williams. HuOltore : R. B. Whyte. F. T. Shutt. StanDing CommlttceB of Council: PMWti/itwg.- A. Gibson, J. M. Macoun, H.H.Pitts, L.H.Newman. Alex. McNeil, Miss Q. Jackson. Excursions: G. Eifrig, E. E. Lemieux, T. E. Clarke, C. H. Young, A. McNeil, Miss E. E. Currie. Soirees: A. Halkett. H. H. Pitts, J. M. Macoun, E. E. Lemieux, L. H Newman, Miss M. B. Williams. XeaOers : Geology: H. M. Ami, W. J. Wilson, W. H. Collins. M. F. Connor M. Wilson. 5o'; J. Fletcher, John Macoun. D.A.Campbell, S. B. Sinclair, A. McNeil, L. H. Newman, T. E. Clarke. Entomology: W. H. Harrington, J. Fletcher, A. Gibson, C. H. Young, J. W. Baldwin. Conchology: J. F. Whiteaves, F. R. Latchford, J. Fletcher, S. E. O'Brien. Ornithology: G. Eifrig, W. T. Macoun, A. G. Kingston, A. H. Gallup, H. F. Tufts. Zoology: E. E. Prince, A. Halkett, W. S. Odell, E. E. Lemieux. Archaeology: T. W. E. Sowter, J. Ballantyne. Meteorology: Otto Klotz, A. E. Attwood, D. A. Campbell, A. McNeil. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST 2Hcting lEDttor: Arthur Gibson, (Central Experimental Farm.) Hssoctate BDUorS: Dr. H. M. Ami, Geological Survey of Canada. — Department of Geology. Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Geological Survey of Canada. — Dept. of Palceon- tology. Dr. Jas. Fletcher, Central Experimental Farm. — Botany& Nature Study. Hon. F. R. Latchford. — Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Post Office Department. — Dept. of Entomology. Rev. G. Eifrig, 210 Wilbrod St. — Dept. of Ornithology. Prof. E. E. Prince, Com. of Fisheries for Canada. — Dept. of Zoology. Dr. Otto Klotz — Dept. of Meteorology. Membership Fee to O.F.N.C., with "Ottawa Naturallat," $1.00 per annum APR, 1943 ^; MBI. WHOI LIBRAR.y li)H IfiHG 5