ee Fev eee Te. et ey we ESS ~s¥ ee . he ee a ee ee ey oe . LD Ae a en eee ae +*Pewen . Ce a ee ee aa ow ee Pee ey . Rae a a oe a ee owes ‘ COGS ors OWNS ose eS eeovre* * WSSSSe Fave ewe ¥ ty eonvre Seve tere es " ~ wwe* , . Vest ewe * m ‘ vs ope > PS 99s ee ee »ey eevee ee eeey +e. ‘vewt eee vee vs ee * ete ee eke ces ss es ee, Ae a NNR OS PR ei eae I ES ON Re NE a i Eo a ove ge we © ee cave | (an) aad eee OS A ee EG SS eee «See | ee ae Vee On Be oem of rs were ee ‘ ee ee ee ee ee ee eis ee eee ee OWE ee Oe Ve we lek ee 2 a ee ee ad ee d vi eer oer - Pe ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ' ~ i “-* + ‘ ; i ; ‘ O.-8-2 ‘ ° . se? es ; ‘ eae *-« : ‘ ‘ s ‘ ‘ ; ee . ee ee . . e-0- 4-8 -b-e~* 23 s- a 4 ” . ‘ : . 444 ~ . + .<@ ‘ . ‘ een : . ‘ - 08s ‘ ‘ : 4 aw ' oe oo oe oe) . : ‘ -* .* + ee * Pade aad pone — Moe et te ae +. és ~ 3 jas -: ~ 523% a-¢é a nk a ae oe ns a Le A o-8. 6.44 e ~ HARVARD UNIVERSITY. LIBRARY OF THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. 98, FHS Bought (yore to, 1917. 1897. VOL. XI. 1808. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST, Being VOL. XIII of the TRANSACTIONS of the OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB. Organized March, 1879. Incorporated March, 1884. OTTAWA, CANADA: Printed for the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club by Paynter & Abbott. 1897. APR JO 1917 APRIL, 1897. VOL. XI, No. I. Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club CONTENTS. 1. Title page for Vol. XI, THz OrrawA NATURALIST Bae Bs 1 2 Patron, Council, Committees, Leaders and Editorial Staff of the Ditaws Field- Naturalists” Clnb for 1897-98. eel Ce Se 3 3. List of Ordinary and Gamrearadine Mean O.F.N.C. ee Mish eae bE 4 4, Annual report of the Council of the O.F.N.C. Bs Ra sed aes mii 7 5 Treasurer’s Statement, 1896-97, by D. B. Dowling, B A. Sc. ee 10 6. Report of the Entomological Branch, by W. H. Harrington, Jamies Fletcher, and w. attiaeon, 11 7. Report of the Geological Branch of the O. F. N. C. for 1896-97, by H. M. Bh R. W. Ells, W. F. Ferrier. ae 17 8. Contribution to the Paleontology of the Post- se deposits of ae Ottaw a 2 Valley, be Henry M. Ami, M.A., F.G.S 20 9. The late Professor Ville_Obituary 1 watiee by F. T. Shutt M.A.,F.C.S. ... hy cack 26 10. Notes for the month of March, Ottawa, 1897, By H. B. Small Esq. Bice Q7 11. Ornithology—-Announcement and Notes for January, February and aes 1807 : By W. T. Macoun, Esq. ooh: Se a. ssh ie Nes ek Ys 29 OTTAWA, CANADA. PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF PAYNTER & senor, 48 RIDEAU STREET. Second Ceneral Excursion of the Club to Pickanock, Gatineau Valley, Saturday, June 19th 1897, 1.45 p.m. Rates as usual. os { ; ‘ v “Entered at the Ottawa Post Office as second-class matter. J. lL. ORME & SON, Pianos, Organs and Musical Instruments. 189 SPARKS ST. Best Grades of Hard and Soft Coal. A. ROSENTHAL, OFFICE, COR. ELGIN & QUEEN STS. Telephones 586 and 579. Jeweller and Optician. eo KENNY) BHOs. Tailors to Cc te oS 87 SPARKS ST. His Excellency THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. || WELCH, MARGETSON & CO’S A. J. STEPHENS, Shirts, Collars and Cuffs. eo iis Chia CUT a El TIN ES FO es R. McG TREE N, 39 SPARKS ST. 49 SPARKS STREET. Boots and Shoes Made to Measure. RUNS EASY! Nothing to hold it back. Has neither HTS NTS SEARKS STREET. ARPETS S$ faults of construction nor flaws of material. Goes ‘‘to the front” where it belongs. Its the ‘97 “RED BIRD” metchurnma ch Go. | | 104 BANE sv J. G. BUTTERWORTH & Co., WM. EOWE, Importer of Artists’ Materials and Artistic All-Rail Scranton Coal. Interior Decorations. Manufacturer of White Lead, Paints & Colors. 86 SPARKS STREET. Howe’s Block, - - OTTAWA. THOMAS LIGGET ™ "ors pumas C. H. THORBURN, : as Books and Stationery, BATH & OCs FOUNTAIN PENS. 330 Views of Ottawa. 80 Sparks St. English Blended Black Tea. PITTAWAY’S ati mae eee STREET J. & T. BALLANTYNE, Fy 5 . nN a ° BMEIO ‘sdopurqyoog put sagnestoed ‘suouowg SuanqousnueHL pues sujjsoduy 0) 8. adOH SHAVE . PS eS Ne a eR I a THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB, 1897-1898, Patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF ABERDEEN, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. President: Pror. EDwArD E. PriNcE, B.A., F.L.S. Wice=PPresidents Dr. H. M. Ami, M.A., F.G.S. W. Hague Harrington, F.R.S.C. Acting Librarian : W. H. Harrington. Secretary: .- Treasurer: Mr. Andrew Halkett. John Craig, Esq. _ (Marine and Fisheries Dept.) (Central Experimental Farm.) Committee : : joie: Bletcher,UL-D:, K2R.S.C. Miss A. H. Living. Frank T. Shutt, Esq., M. Ben WelGnSe a Geoklannen: W. T. Macoun, Esq. «© Marion Whyte. Standing Committees of Council: Publishing: H.M. Ami, W. H. Harrington, F. T. Shutt, J. Craig, W. T. Macouu, Miss Whyte. Excursions: J. Fletcher, J. conte A. Halkett, Miss Living, Miss Harmer. Sotrées: H. M. Ami, J. Fletcher, J. Craig, W. H. Harrington, Miss Whyte. Leaders : Geology: Dr. Ells, Mr. Ferrier, Dr. Ami. Botany: Mr. J. Craig, Mr. J. M. Macoun, Mr. R. B, Whyte. Entomology: Dr. Fletcher, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Simpson. Conchology : Mr. Latchford, Mr. Halkett, Mr. O’Brien. Ornithology; Mr. A. G. Kingston, Mr. W. T. Macoun, Miss Harmer, Mr. Lees. Zoology: Prof. Prince, Prof. Macoun, Mr. H. B. Small. “THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.” Bditor: Henry M. Ami, M.A., D.Sc., F.G.S. Lssociate Editors : Mr. A. E. Bartow, M.A., F.G.S.A.—Geological Survey of Candia: Denbaang of Geology. ~* Mr. W. F. Ferrier, B.A.Sc., F.G.S.—Geological Survey of Canada—Depart- ment of Mineralog ry and Lithology. ProF. JOHN Macoun, M.A., F.L.S.—Dominion Botanist, Geological Survey of Canada—Department of Botany. Mr. JAMES FLETCHER, Central Experimental Farm.—Department of Comchology. Mr. W. H. HARRINGTON, Post Office Department.—Department of Zxtomology. Mr. W. T. Macoun—Central Experimental Farm-—Department of Ormztholoey. Prof, E. E. PRINCE, B.A., F.L.S.—Commissioner of Fisheries for Canada— Department of Biology and general Zoology. “Ottawa Naturalist” and Membership Fee to O.F.N.C. only $1.00 per annum. THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, April, Adams, Prof. F. D., M.A. Sc., Ph. D. Allan, Hon. Geo. W., D.C.L.,7.R.G.S., Pies Sn w.3 (Orontos) Allan, W. A. Amie ee Ms esa Dy Scull GaSe Ge SA Ami, Mrs. H. M. Anderson, JLzeut.-Col. W. P., C. &., NU Ole Anderson, Mrs. W.P. Armstrong, John R. Atwood, A. E., 4Z.A. Ballantyne, Miss I. M. Ballantyne, James. Baptie, George, 1.4., U.D. Barlow, A.E., 4/.4., F.G.S.A. Barrett, W. J. Bate, H. Gerald. Bate, H. N. Beddoe, Chas. H. Beeman, T., 7. Z. (Perth, Ont.) Bell, E. B. Bell, Robert, B.A4p4.Sc., .D., LL.D., ERIS Enn, 85 Gang 19 Gosek Bell, Miss H. N. Belleau, Eugene. Bethune peo) Coy Sey aes Cea F.R.S.C., (Port Hope, Ont.) Bigger, Howell. Billings, W. R. Bishop, Miss A. M. ‘‘ Elmsleigh.” Blanchet, W. H. Boardman, Wm. F. Bolton, Miss Eliza. Borden, Hon. F. W., ning, N.S.) Boville, T. C., B.A. Bowen, Miss Alice, (Quebec. ) Bowerman, J. T., B.A. Bowles, W. C. Brewster, W., (Cambridge, Mass., U.S.) Broadbent, Ralph L. Brown, Mrs. R. D. Brumell, H. Peareth, 7.G..S. A. Burgess, T. J. W.., J2.D., #.2.S.C., (Montreal.) Burland, J. H., B.4pp.Sc., F.R.S. (Montreal). M.D., M.P., (Can- 1897. Burland, Mrs. G. Burland, Robt. Burman, Rev. W. A. Campbell, D. A. Campbell, A. M., Campbell, R. H. Chamberlin, Mrs. Brown. Chubbuck, C. E. D. Cobbold, Paul. Coleman, Miss Helena, (Toronto). Conovan, H. W. E. Cornu, Félix, AZ D., (Angers, Que.) Cone; Io We Courtney, R. M. (Montreal. ) Cousens, W. C., 4Z.D. Cowley, R. H., B.A. Craig, John. Dawson, G.M., C.47.G., LL. D.S., Assoc. RS.MF. AGF Dawson, So ling A/D), Dickieson, M. G. Dimock, W. D., &.A., Dixon, F. A. Dowling, D. B., B.A. Sc. Doyon, J. A. Dresser, J. A. 42.4. (Richmond, Que.) Dulau & Co., (London, Eng.) Dwight, Jonathan, Jr., am Eaton, D. I. Elkins, A. ay GIB sy. IERILS Ss 5 ville, Que.) Ells, R. W., ZZ.D., 7.G.S.A. Evans, Jno. D., C.#., (Trenton, Ont.) Ewart, D. Faribault, E. R., C.Z. Fedarb, F. We Rernice wales BVA: SG, He Geol Gusecle Ferrier, Mrs. W. F. Fleming, Sandford, C. 4.G., C. £., PRACT VERS Ge Fletcher, James, 7.Z.S., 7.R.S.C. Fortescue, L. Fortescue, Mrs. L. Fréchette, Howells. Fuller, Thos., &.C.A. Freeland, Dr. A, Gallup, A. H B. (Montreal). (Perth, Ont.) 2 Sy PRES FURS. C. (Truro, N.S.) (New York. (Lennox- 1897.] Gérin, Léon, B.A. Gilmour, T. Glashan, J. C. Gobeil A., B.A. Gorman, M. J., ZZ.B. Grant, Six J. A. K.C.ILG., M.D., F.R.C.S., Edin., F.R.S.C., F.G.S: Green, C. de Blois. (Osoyoos, B.C.) Grist, Henry. Grist, Miss Mary L. Hardie, John. Hardie, Miss Jessie. Halkett, Andrew. Halkett, Mrs. Andrew. Harmer, Miss G., (Hintonburgh, Ont.) Harmon, Miss A. Maria. Harrington, W. Hague, [DIRS (Ce Harrington, Mrs. W. H. Harrison, Edward. Hay, Sr., George Hay, G. U., #.2.S.C., (St. John, N.B.) Hayes, W. H. Hayter, F., B.A. Hodgins, Rev. F. B., B.A. (Toronto.) Honeyman, H. O., B.A. (Aylmer, Que.) Hope, James. Hughes, Chas., (Montreal. ) James, C. C., AZ. A. (Toronto. ) Jenkins, S. J., B.A. Johnston, J. F. E., C.£. Johnston, Mrs. Wm. Johnston, Robt. A. A. Jones, C. J. Kearns, J. C. Kee, Miss Margaret. Keefer, Thos. C., C.Z., F.R.S.C. Keeley, D. H. Kenny, Thos. Kingston, A. G. Klotz, Oskar. Klock, Alonzo J., B.A.Sc. Kemp, E. Lambart, Hon. O. H. Lambe, L. M., 7.G.S., #.G.S.A. Latchford, F. R., B.A. Lee, Miss Katharine. Lees, Miss Jessie. Lees, Miss V. Lees, W. A. D. Lees, Mrs. W. A. D. LeSueur, W. D., 4.4. Library, Leg. Assembly, (Quebec.) Library of Parliament. Lindsay A. Living, Miss A. Marion. Living, Miss M. LIST OF MEMBERS. Lovick, Miss G. Lowe, John. MacCabe, J. A., ZZ.D., F. McConnell, R. G., B.4., McConnell, Arthur, B.C. MacCraken, John I., 3.4. MacKay, A. H. B.A., B.Sc., F.R.S.C. (Halifax. ) MacLaughlin, T. J. MacFarlane, T., £Z., F7.R.S.C. McGuirl, W. MacLeod, H. A. F., C.Z. McDougall, A. H., 4.4. McDougall, P. A,, AZ D. McElhinney, M. P. McEvoy, Jas., B.A.Sc. McGill, A., B.A., B.Sc. McInnes, Wm., &.A., 7.G.S.A. McLaughlin, S. (Los Angeles, Cal.) McMinn, W. J. R., B.A. McMorran, R. M. McNab, Chas. McNab, ev. E- (Mattawa). McNaughton, H. F. Macoun, Prof. John, 12 SK Ce Macoun, W. T. Macoun, J. M. Marsh, H. S., 4./.C. Matheson, D. WIA ELS, Mathews, Miss Annie L. Mearns, Dr. E. A (U.S.A.) Morris, Miss F. Meneilly, W. J., (Toronto.) O’Brien, S. E. Odell, W. S. Panet, Maurice. Paquet, F. X. Perley, AZajor Henry F., C.£. Poirier, Hox. P. S., M.A., (Shédiac, N.B.) Porter, J. A., B.4., ALD. Pratt, H. O. E., B.A. Prévost, L. C., A.D. Prince, P7vof. E. E. B.A., 7.L.S. Prudhomme, O.F. Robert, J. A., B.A.Sc. (Montreal. ) Robertson, Prof. J. W. Robertson, N. Robins, R. N., (Sherbrooke, Que.) Ross, W. A., /.€:C., Ross, C. Ross, Hon. G. W. Rothwell, Miss Lina. Saint-Cyr, D. N., (Quebec.) Saunders, Fredk. A. Saunders, Prof. W., #.L.S., #.2.5.C., Firs Ono 6 Saunders, W. E., (London, Ont.) Scott, Fred., (Toronto.) Scott,, P., 44. D., (Southampton, Ont.) Scott, W. Scott, W., B.A., (Toronto.) Syootttis Wives Woy YPGn/8t Scott, Miss Mary. Salina; Ae IRS Cr, Cu6Gy JUL IDs, EARS ONE Gea S ace el GE Gael Senate of Canada, The. Shenick, Miss A., B.Sc. Sloane, Wy Woy We alo, MoI Coy 18s Cos Simpson, Willibert. Sinclair, S. B., B.A. Syonelils JetG IB Small, H. Beaumont, 47. D. Small, W. N. Smith, Cagt. W. H. (Halifax, N.S.) Sowter, T. W. E. Stackhouse, O. C. Steckel, R., C.£. Stevenson, Chas. (Montréal). Summerby, Wm. J., 47.A., (Russell, Ont.) Sutherland, J. C., (Richmond, Que.) Sweetland, John, JZ. D. Symmes, Thos. (Aylmer). Symes wea Bane AGe: Thayne, E. Stewart. Thompson, T. W. Thorburn, John, 47.4., LL.D. Topley, H. N. Topley, Mrs. W. J. Treadwell, C. W., &.A4., B.C.L. Tyndall, Miss A. (Cummings’ Bridge). ‘yeahs lo IB, ee Aly 2a Sey 17 Goes F.G.S.A. CORRESPONDI THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April Waghorne, Fev. A. C. (St. Johns, Nfld.) Wait,-F. G., B.A. - Walker, B. E., #.G.S. (Toronto). Wallace, J.W., JZ. D., (Buckingham, Que.) Walsh, A. R. Warwick, F.W., 4. Sc. (Buckingham, Que.) Watters, Henry. Watts, J. W. H., &.C.A. Weldon, Prof. :R. C., (Halifax, N.S.) Weston, T. C., #.G.S.A. Whelan, P. Whelan, Miss. White, George R. White, James (Snelgrove, Ont.) White, Zzezut.-Col. Wm. White, W. R. Q.C. (Pembroke, Ont.) Wihauner nes, jo Isy MEAGaSon YS: Cor F.G.S.A. Whitley, C. F., &..S.A. Whyte, Miss Isabella. Whyte, J. G. Whyte, Miss Ethel. Whyte, Miss Marion. Whyte, R. B. Whyte, Mrs. R. B. Williams, Miss E. Willimott, Chas. W. Willing, T. N. (Olds, N.W.T.) Wilson, W. J., Ph. B. Wilson, Mrs. R. Wintle, E. D. (Montreal). Wood, Josiah, 47. P. (Sackville, N.B.) Woods, J. W. Woods, Mrs. J. W. Wright, W. R. Young, Kev. C. J., WZ. A. (Lansdowne, Ont.) NG MEMBERS. HILL, ALBERT J. A7.4., C.Z., New Westminster, B.C. MERRIAM, Dr. C. HART, Department of OrMEROD, Miss E. A., &. R. Met. Soc., SMITH, PRor. JOHN B., Rutger’s College, Agriculture, Washington, U.S. Torrington House, St. Albans, England. New Brunswick, N.J. Taylor, Rev. G. W., #.R.S.C. (Nanaimo, B.C.) THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. Vou. XI. OTTAWA, APRIL, 1897. No. 1. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OTTAWA FIELD- NATURALISTS’ CLUB, 1806-97. The Council elected by you on the 17th March, 1896, now submits for your consideration the following as its account of the Club’s work during the year 1896-97 : The number of members at present on the roll is 248. Fourteen meetings of the Council were held during the year. At the first of these, according to custom, Leaders in the several branches, viz.: Geology, Botany, Entomology, Ornitho- logy, Conchology and Zoology, were appointed, besides an Editor and Associate-Editors for the publication of the OTTAWA NATURALIST. At the invitation of the Royal Society of Canada to send a delegate, our President, Mr. Shutt, was chosen to represent us, At its meeting he presented the annual account of the work of the Club, which will be found incorporated in the Royal: Society of Canada’s Transactions. Under the auspices of the Club, three General Excursions were held during the summer. The first was to Chelsea on Saturday 23rd May, 1896, and a full account of this excursion can be read in the June number of the NATURALIST. The second was to Rockland on the 2oth _ June, of which a full account is published in the July number of the NATURALIST. The third was on the 26th September to Galetta and Marshall’s Bay on the Mississip::i and Ottawa rivers respectively, of which a full account is recorded in the October number of the NATURALIST. Besides the General Excursion, a number of Sub-excursions were held on Saturday afternoons, and proved to be of great interest to those who attended them. 8 . THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April THE OTTAWA NATURALIST, the official organ of the Club has been under the editorship of Dr. Ami, with a staff of asso- ciate editors. This periodical will compare favourably with other publications of the kind, its articles being of a varied char- acter, thoroughly scientific in tone, yet popular enough to meet the tastes of all students of Natural History who peruse its pages. ne The Library—mostly made up of valuable exchanges from other clubs or societies—has been under the management of Mr. Sinclair. The work devolving upon the Librarian has of late increased to such an extent that the appointment of an Assistant Librarian is desirable. During the absence of the Secretary from the Capital, in an official capacity, Miss Marion Whyte kindly and efficiently per- formed the work of that officer. Jointly with the Literary and Scientific Society the Club held seven soirees during the winter months, and by the kind permission of the Ottawa Teachers’ Association, a lecture by Prof. Cox, of McGill University, entitled: “Electricals Dis- charges in High Vacua,” was incorporated in the series. The seven soirees in their course were as follows :— Nov. 19, 1896.—Conversazione —Exhibition of microscopical objects, specimens of natural history and lantern slides. Short addresses were. delivered by Mr. Shutt, President of the Club) ; My. - Klotz, (President) of, the Witeranyagand Scientific Society ; Dr. MacCabe, Principal of the Normal School ; and Mr. Macdougall, President cf the Ottawa Teachers’ Association. Dec. 17.—A lecture entitled: “Goethe,” by Prof. L. R. Gregor, of McGill University. Jan. 14, 1897.—A lecture entitled : “ Under the Midnight Sun— A Trip to Iceland” (with original sciopticon views), by Prof. Mavor, of Toronto University. Jan. 21.—Addresses on “ Recent Explorations in Canada,” by Dr. G. M. Dawson, Dr. Robert Bell, Mr. J. B. Tyrrell and Mr. A. P. Low. 1897.] ANNUAL REPORT. 9 Feb. 4.—A lecture entitled: “Lyrical poetry of the Elizabethans. Dy Mir. D.C Scott, Mar. 4.—A lecture entitled : ‘‘ Weather,” by Mr. Otto J. Klotz. Mar. 11.—A lecture entitled : “Fruit and Fruit Districts of Canada ” (illustrated), by Mr. John Craig. His Excellency the Governor General was present at this lecture and took part in the discussion that followed. _ A lecture by Dr.. Macphail, of the University of Bishop’s College, Montreal, on “The American Lobster,” postponed from 18th February, was delivered on Thursday, 18th March. The lecture was illustrated with lantern slides and specimens. On the resolution of the Council, the collection of mounted birds, &c., in the glass case in the Normal School were named by the leaders of the Ornithological branch. A memorial to the Hon. Minister of Education was drawn up by a Committee, appointed by the Council, and then signed by members of the Council and members of the Club, asking for a grant of $300 annually towards the publication of the NATURALIST. The thanks of the Club are due to Dr. MacCabe, Principal of the Normal School, and to the Minister of Education for their courteous kindness in granting the use of the Assembly Hall for the course of lectures, and to Dr. MacCabe for the use of a room ~ for the Council meetings. One word in conclusion which is really in the interest of the Club. Many of the members are still in arrears in the payment of their annual fee, and such are therefore urged without further delay to hand the amount due to the Treasurer, and thus remove from the Club what otherwise will be a blemish as it begins another year of its history. ANDREW HALKETT, PRANK ie SEIU IE, Secretary. President. IO THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [April TREASURER’S STATEMENT. RECEIPTS. Balaneeionvhand! Manch a1.SthaSoOtocre. = a4 (ane nree So 25e16 IM(SMIOS GS SSS (CUI VERS oo a ai ns aod. ee See a os $126 00 s fra RENT GOALS Gey 8 Siaonts ERO i eo sein ze aa wee ye 36 50 i SACI GA CLV QING Cy cenureeoneeattie nite Rt aaron If 00 17.3" 30 (WV GHUGLESTSU SONG: Cre tn ven raalan Nahai ae eco yee Ve ea ea I 61 AGIOS SNE NES! WA VATA ol bi 5 weg eae Sede a Ss dubs 88 25 PSUUINOTS GEXthASS jcy.s ove aie teak ye area toe Recerca. teas eee ee 26 85 AEG CUSTOMS. Sasreg L)>, Save ine Sua Rotor eae ne acme rec oe oe 10 80 AMOLAETECEMpES een ctew ate ce ce eee ae $326 20 EXPENSES. Ati VAC ravest OOS areca: ee eee $216 45 PRANTL AL eo ei tetecete ee nie ae a 2 50 IPOSEARE Soe Ciel esas ana eaed Met uae ys, Ga mae LOno Mailing and wrapping. ....... 2 af Meco er USE RGALS OV is $244 92 Soirées and Lectures : Circulars postcards snotices ccna ere $10 75 antenna oor-kee penn CeCe. acres ca ne ee nee 14 35 ————— 25 10 Generally postave sas cesu cae iett wea kee ae eee a eae 7 60 SUALLONTE NY, 5586 ees cas yatak 0 Ey 008s oy ns rete Ne ee 1 38 Printing authors extras: alee. toc acter aa aye mee 14 55 SSUMGIIES oe atin cee pone, Cote ee aires aati eta ah a a 7 05 Total) expensesiy) oh cae eee er $300 60 Cashon J hamd ii yin ee ene pane nee 25 60 $326 20. Audited and found correct, March 18th, 1897. (Seb) Ie une : R. B. Wuyrte, Auditors. 1897. | REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH. II RELOKRE OFTHE. ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, To the Council of the Ottawa Freld-Naturalists Club : The Leaders have much pleasure in presenting the follow- ing brief report on the work of the year 1896-97. COLEOPTERA.— The species belonging to this order are now so well represented in our collections that many additions can- not be expected, except as the result of very careful and special collecting in such families as the Dytiscide and Hydrophilide, which are chiefly aquatic forms, or the Staphylinide, many of which live in, or upon, decaying vegetable matter or fungi A few additions to our list are, however, annually made, even in the groups which have been more fully worked up, and occasion- ally some very rare species is accidently obtained. From time to time our territory is reached by insects, either American or foreign, which have gradually spread from more distant points. Some of these species multiply very rapidly, and thus may, in a few years after the first individuals are noticed, become quite abundant. Such has been the case with Aphodius prodromus Brahm., mentioned in‘ previous reports, and which is now every- where met with. Another instance is Spheridium scarabcoides Linn., first found at Casselman in May 1895, and which Mr. Simpson last summer found to be abundant at King’s Mere. It is somewhat curious that, though so plentiful there, careful search in the more immediate vicinity of the city has failed to produce specimens. A-pretty little steel-blue weevil was last summer observed for the first time, viz., Cetorhynchus cyanipen- nis Germ. This species appears to have been first noticed in America about ten years ago (Entomologica Americana Vol. V., p. 57.) but it must now be somewhat widely distributed as a specimen taken at Toronto was received for examination. In Ottawa it has occurred upon garden-cress. A rare beetle picked up on the railway track near Casselman is Hylecetus /ugqubris 12 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April Say, belonging to the family Lymexylide, of which no repre- sentative had previously been recorded within our district. On referring to Henshaw’s check-list of N. A. Coleoptera, it appears that there .are still thirteen families of which no examples have yet been captured here. Several of these fami- lies are, however, represented by single species, and altogether furnish only about thirty forms. Many of these are southern or western, but a few may be found to occur here if collecting is carefully continued. Unfortunately at present the collectors are few in number, and unable throughout the season to devote to collecting the time necessary to assure the capture of species which may occur only for brief periods, or in very small num- bers. Mr. Simpson last summer collected assiduously at King’s Mere, and was rewarded by many fine species, such as the beautiful longicorns Purpuricenus humeralis Fab. and Antho- philax malachiticus Hald. He obtained also additional speci- mens of the interesting and somewhat rare staphylinid, Lommechusa cava Lec., a dweller in ants’ nests, and many other members of the same family, of which some have been determined by Mr. Wickham, and several additions thereby made to our lists. Many undetermined species in nearly all families are still in our collections, and there still remains plenty of work for local Coleopterists. Among the eminent entomologists who for many years rendered invaluable assistance, none did so more willingly or more painstakingly than Dr. John Hamilton, of Allegheny, Pa., who recently died in Florida) He was one of the foremost of American Coleopterists and the author of numerous valuable contributions to the leading entomological publications. Many of these dealt with Canadian insects, and special attention was given by him to the geographical distribution of northern species. He was also a very careful and industrious collector, as is well evidenced by almost his latest production, a Catalogue 1897. | REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH. 13 of the Coleoptera of South-western Pennsylvania (1895). The species enumerated therein numbered 2,153 and were mostly from the neighbourhood of Allegheny. His death will be sincerely regretted throughout the entomological world. LEPIDOPTERA.—Moths and butterflies were abundant dur- ing the past summer, and although no new Diurnals were added to the local list, good series were obtained of some desirable species. The native white butterfly Pzerzs oleracea in the form hiemalzs which flies at the end of May was remarkably abundant in Clarke’s wood near the Experimental Farm. The Camberwell Beauty, Vanessa antiopa, was injuriously abundant in many places around the city upon elm trees and willows. The Semi- colon Butterfly, Grapta tnterrogationis, also appeared in unusual numbers this year, the caterpillars being found everywhere on elonperces) Lhe Sprine Azure, Lycena Lucia, a pretty little blue butterfly, was noted laying its eggs on the flowers of Viburnum lantana, an introduced ornamental European shrub. This was of interest because the same butterfly has previously been recorded as ovipositing at Ottawa on the flowers of Vzbur- num pubescens an unusual food plant. Some nice captures were made in the shape of rare moths. Specimens of Amphzon nessus and Dolba Hyleus were taken by Mr. C. Young at Meech’s Lake, and a most interesting capture was reported by Mr. Harry May of the Imperial Moth, Eacles Imperialts. he latter collector among other good things took several specimens of the lovely Luna Moth. On May 2nda fine specimen of the beautiful and active little moth Brephos mfans was taken flying along a road at Rockcliffe. Breeding experiments have been continued by members of the section, with useful results. A fine female Paonzas exceca- tus was bred from eggs laid by a female sent from St. Elmo, B.C. Eggs of the very rare butterfly Erebza discoidalzs were sent from Olds, N.W.T., by Mr. T. N. Willing, and the whole life history, 4 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. | [ April with the exception of the pupa, has been secured from these eges. Mr. Willing also sent eggs of Argynnzs Freya from which Mr. Scudder reared the larve to the last stage in Boston, U.S., but unfortunately they then all died. It is hoped that future experiments with these species will be more successful. HYMENOPTERA.—Satisfactory advance has been made in our knowledge of such members of this order as inhabit this region, and the number of forms which have been collected ex- ceeds probably even that of our Coleoptera, the smaller parasitic species being remarkably numerous. Collections during the past summer were not so extensive as in some former seasons, but such an amount of undetermined and unarranged material has accumulated in our cabinets that there has been no lack of forms to study and to profitably employ the winter evenings. A preliminary list has been prepared of the species belonging to the family Proctotrypide ; the first portion of which was printed in the December issue of the OTTAWA NATURALIST, while the remainder is now in type and will appear in the March number. These minute insects have in the past been greatly unmolested by Canadian collectors, so that new and interesting species have proved very numerous, as will be seen by the list which contains in all over 150 species. A case is exhibited this evening con- taining examples of all the species except such as are known only by type speeimens in the collection of Mr. Ashmead, who has described nearly all the species. It will’we observed that these insects are all very small, and with few exceptions require a microscopical examination for their indentification. They are all parasitic in their mode of life, infesting the eggs and larve of other insects, but only a small proportion of the species has yet been bred, so we have yet to ascertain upon what insects many of the most common species are parasites. One very remarkable instance of the manner in which such minute parasites destroy other insects has been recorded in a 1897. | REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH. 15 recent Bulletin (No. 7, New Series) of the Division of Entomo- lesyonine Us. Wept. of Acric, ) Uhe author Mr. LO: How ard, under the title “ A Case of Excessive Parasitism,” relates the fate of some scale-insects, Lecanzum fletchert Cockerell, which had been obtained in June upon one of the cedar hedges at the Ottawa Experimental Farm. From 80 scales there were obtained 127 parasites ; others, however, had previously issued so that 97% per cent. of the scales were infested. Six species of intruders werere presented, viz. :—Coccophagus cognatus How., C. fletcheri . n.sp., Aphycus pulvinaria How., Sncyrtus flavus How., Chilo- neurns albzcornts How., and Blastothrix longipennis How. Other scale-insects, such as the Elm Lecanium, have also been found very much infested by similar tiny foes, by which the balance of Nature is kept finely adjusted, and the spread of the very in- jurious scales is rapidly checked. A very interesting little Braconid has again been rared from puparia of a small fly named Phytomyza geanulis Loew. The larvee of this fly are miners in the leaves of our common Columbine (Aquwilegia Canadensis) and much disfigure them by causing large white irregular streaks and blotches. Mr. Ashmead, who found the parasite to be un- described has named it Mesora phytomyzwe and will publish its description in his forthcoming monograph of the Braconide. MISCELLANEOUS. —In other orders little or no work, at least of a systematic nature, has been done, but the Leaders have en- deavoured to make arrangements by which these, at present, neglected groups may receive more attention and may have the species belonging to them gradually collected and determined. This must be done if the Club desires to fulfill the object for which it was specially organised, viz. the accumulation and publication of a full knowledge of the geology, flora and fauna of the district. Injurious insects in the Ottawa district were not particularly noticeable during last year. Cabbage and radish maggots were 16 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April probably the species most complained. of. The army-worm, which last year did serious damage to crops in almost every county of Ontario, was at Ottawa only represented by a few of the moths taken by collectors. In other districts they are re- ported as having occurred in myriads. A local outbreak of the Tussock moth on the shade trees of Toronto created much interest. In was not a new attack, having been watched by the Leaders from time to time for the last ten years when passing through Toronto to attend the annual meeting of the Entomo- logical Society of Ontario. The sudden increase in the numbers, however, attracted the attention of the City Council, and mainly through the energy of Alderman John Hallam, steps have been taken to destroy the eggs during this winter. In this way there is no doubt the beautiful shade trees for which Toronto is cele- brated will be saved. Among interesting insects sent in for identification, men- tion may be made, as illustrating unexpected foods for insects, of a small beetle received from Mr. E. Carew Gibson, of Victoria, B.C. This is Trigonogenius farctus and was found feeding in both the larval and perfect form in atin of Cayenne pepper. Another species with the same habits, Sitodrepa panicea, called the bread beetle, was also received a few years ago from Mr J. F. Whiteaves of the Geological Survey. Lasvoderma serricome, the cigarette beetle, as its common name indicates, has has a penchant for chewing tobacco and is occasionally very injurious in cigar and cigarette factories. Among general work done during the year may be mentioned the determination of specimens sent in by collectors in various localities from Newfoundland to British Columbia ; work which, although it occupies time which might be given to the study of our own insects, is cheerfully performed in order to en- courage those taking up entomology. A considerable knowledge is at the same time attained of the distribution of our insects. LOO/ |p” REPORT OF GEOLOGICAL BRANCH. eee iy Two short lists of Ottawa spiders have been published, as a commencement toward a knowledge of our clever little spinners, whose habits are well deserving of study, and will be found to vary greatly in different groups. No collections have been entered for the prize which was offered by the Council at the opening of the season as a stimulus toward collecting by our younger members. In conclusion we desire to acknowledge the receipt from our learned corresponding member, Miss E. A. Ormerod, of her Twentieth Report, which is a most valuable and interesting record of her observations upon Injurious Insects in Great Britain during the year 1896. Her work is of a most instructive and admirable character. W. H. HARRINGTON, Jj SBILIEACTSN EIR, W. SIMPSON. 17th March, 1897. REPORT OF THE GEOLOGICAL BRANCH OF THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB FOR 1896-97. To the Council of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists Club : In presenting the fifteenth Annual Report of this Branch of the Club’s work for 1896-97, your leaders have to announce that considerable progress has been made and_ renewed vigour is evident from the number of papers written on the geology of this district and also from the interest manifest when- ever excursions or sub-excursions of the Club are held. During the early part of the season a number of geological sub-excursions were held to objective points about the Capital on both sides of the Ottawa River. The quarries and cuttings along the railroad track in Hull, Que., were visited, and an interesting series of fossils obtained. Upwards of thirty species were recorded from the “dump” along the Aylmer electric road. 18 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [April Your leaders also report special interest taken in the geological section at the three general excursions of the Club held during the year. ~ Chelsea, Que.—The first place visited was Chelsea, Que., a station along the Ottawa & Gatineau Valley Railway. Both Dr, Ami and Mr. W. J. Wilson were present and took part: in the discussions and gave addresses after the day’s outing on re- assembling in Gilmour’s Grove. The marine shells of the terraces which flank the Laurentide hills at this point were care- fully described and specimens of Saxicava rugosa, Macoma fragilis and Balanus crenatus, were exhibited and distributed to many who were not fortunate enongh to join the geologists, General notes on the Archaan rocks were also given by the leaders. The altitude of the Chelsea station, above tide or sea level is feet, and the marine shells came from about the same level. Rockland Quart ‘ries. —The second! general excursion of the ‘Club was essentially a geological one, when the Rockland quarries were visited. Messrs. D. B. Dowling and W. J. Wilson, of the Geological staff, led the party and answered the various questions put to them by the members and excursionists present. The large amount of rock-material excavated from the quarries was greatly admired and the large and beautiful blocks of fine- grained and compact limestone were examined. To Mr. A. Stewart and W. C. Edwards, Esq., M.P., the Club again owes a debt of gratitude for favours received during the day ; to Mr, Edwards for kindly piacing his steamer at. the disposal of our Club gratis, and to Mr. Stewart for permission to inspect his quarries as well as for refreshments served to all on arriving at the quarries. Galetta, Ont.—This excursion was truly a naturalists’ field- day, and the results of the geological researches have ae been embodied in the OTTAWA NATURALIST, Vol. X, No. 7, p 142, for October, 1896, so that it will not be necessary to g° into any further details at this time. During the month of October a very interesting and never- 1897. | REPORT OF GEOLOGICAL BRANCH. 19 to-be-forgotten excursion to Besserer’s Grove was held in search of Pleistocene fossils, nodules, &c., in the marine clays of that locality. Dr. Adams’s geology class, at McGill, was in attend- ance, and a number of local geologists were also present. Numerous and fine specimens of Madlotus villosus were obtained, besides numerous fragments of plants, Eguzseta, Popu- lus balsamifera, Fucu sdigitatus, Penhallow, besides mollusca : Macoma fragilis, Saxicava rugosa, Natica affinis, and Leda (Portlandia) arctica, Gray. Some of the undetermined plant material has been laid aside for future examination by Prof. - Penhallow, of McGill University. In the foregoing volume of THE OTTAWA NATURALIST, published during the season of 1896-97, and elsewhere, several interesting papers were published or noted as bearing upon the geology of Ottawa and vicinity, Prominent amongst these is a very interesting paper on “ The Geology along the Ottawa and Parry Sound Railway,” by Dr. R. W. Ells.* In this paper Dr. Ells has described the leading geographical features of a new tract of country that has been but recently opened to excur- sionists and travellers, and we trust that this excellent contribu- tion to the geological history of the eastern section of the Parry Sound Railway will be followed by another upon the western seetion, which no doubt includes great many points of paramount interest both from an economic and a scientific standpoint, as the rock-formations belong to what has been termed the great “ Archean Complex.” Principal Dresser’s paper on the “ Petrography of some of the rocks of Chelsea, Que.,” is also an important contribution to the geological fund of knowledge of that interesting series of Archean rocks associated with the old “ Ottawa gneiss.” H. M. AMI, ( Kia) Wi Shs: -Leaders. W. F. FERRIER, | *OrrAWwA NATURALIST, Vol. X, No. 9, pp. 165-173, Ottawa, December, 1896. 20 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [April CONTRIBUTION TO THE “PALHONOLOGY OF THE POST PLIOCENE DEPOSITS OF THE OTTAWA VALLEY. By Henry M. Ami, M.A., D.Sc. In connection with the Pleistocene fossils of the Ottawa district, the writer has brought together a few notes which may be deemed of service to those who wish to carry on further investigations in this promising field. The evidences of fossil marine organisms in the sands, clays and gravels about Ottawa are as follows :— (1) In his “ Contributions to the Plerstocene flora of Canada”* Prof. D. P. Penhallow has noted the occurrence of many species of trees and plants in the concretionary nodules found in the marine clays of Green’s Creek, Besserers, &c., in the Leda Clay formation (Pleistocene) of the Ottawa Valley. From the col- lections of nodules recently made at Besserer’s Grove and sent to Prof. Penhallow for examination he has recognised the following interesting floraas may be also gathered from a letter by Dr. Penhallow. 1. Betula lutea. 8. Potamogeton perfoliatus. 2. Cyperacez. 9. < pusillus. 3. Equisetum limosum. 10. ae rutilans. 4. Fucus digitatus. 11. Potentilla Anserina. 5. Hypnum fluitans. 12. Vallisneria sp. 6. Populus balsamifera. 13. Typha latifolia (?). 7 «¢ grandidentata. = : (2) In “ Geological History of Plants” + Sir William Dawson has recorded the following species of fossil plants from the nodules found at Green’s Creek by himself and other collectors : 1. Potentilla Canadensis. 7. Potamogeton perfoliatus. 2. Drosera rotundifolia. 8. cs pusillus. 3. Acer spicatum. g. Equisetum scirpoides. 4. Gaylussaccia resinosa. 10. Fontinalis, sp. 5. Populus balsamifera. 11. Fucus or Ulva, sp. 6. Thuja occidentalis. 12. Carices and Graminez, several species. Regarding these plants Sir William argues (p. 232): “I re- gard the plants above-mentioned as probably belonging to the *Trans, Royal Soc. Canada, Vol. II, New Series, Sect. IV, pp. 59-77, Ottawa, 1896. +Intern. Scientific Series, Vol. LVI, 1892. 1897. | AMI—POST-PLIOCENE FOSSILS. Zn period of greatest refrigeration of which we have any evidence,” and then goes on to say: “of course, not including that mythi- cal period of universal incasement in ice of which I have else- where endeavoured to show in so far as Canada is concerned, there is no evidence whatever.” (3) From Green’s Creek Prof. Penhallow records the fol- lowing species of fossil plants (pp. 74 and 76, loc. cit. supra.) 1. Acer saccharinum. 12. Fucus digitatus. 2. Algze sp. 13. Gaylussaccea resinosa. 3. Brasenia peltata. 14. Gramineez, sp. 4. Bromus ciliatus. 15. Oryzopsis asperifolia. 5. Cyperacez. 16. Populus balsamifera. 6. Carex Magellanica. 17. Populus grandidentata. 7. Drosera rotundifolia. 18. Potamogeton pectinatus. 8. Equisetum limosum. 19. Potamogeton perfoliatus. g.. Equisetum scirpoides. 20. Potamogeton pusillus. Io. Equisetum sylvaticum. 21. Potamogeton rutilans. 11.. Fontinalis ? sp. 22. Potentilla Anserina. Taking these lists and putting them together we have altogether a series of no less than twenty-six species of fossij plants from the calcareous nodules of Green’s Creek and Besserers, a few miles below Ottawa City. We are confident in stating that this number will probably be doubled before many years if the members of the Geological section of the Club make it a point to visit the localities in ques- tion and obtain more material. We have a number of other collections which have afforded the following species. (4) STEWART’S COLLECTION—A.--Collected along the banks of Green’s Creek, near the bridge at Cyrville, Russell, Ontario, by John Stewart, 1893. I. Saxicava rugosa, L. 3. Balanus crenatus, Bruguiére. 2. Leda (Portlandia) arctica, Gray. 4. Mallotus villosus, Cuvier. B.—Collected along the banks of Green’s Creek and the Ottawa River near the mouth of the Creek, Gloucester, Russell County, Ont. John Stewart, 1893. 22 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [April 1. Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. 5. Balanus crenatus, Bruguiére. 2. Saxicava rugosa Linn. 6. Mallotus villosus, Cuvier. 3. Leda (Portlandia) arctica gray. 7. Cottus uncinatus, Reinhardt. 4. Cylichna alba or C. minuta. (5) Graham's Brickyard, Ottawa East, collected by H. M. Ami, 1893. 1. Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. 4. Cylichna alba, Brown. 2. Macoma calcarea? Chemnitz. 5. Balanus crenatus, Bruguiére. 3. Leda (Portlandia) arctica, Gray. 6. Natica affinis, Gmelin. (6) Nepean, Ont. right bank of the Rideau River and Canal, Manotick Road. Collected by R. H. Campbell, 1891-92. 1. Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. — 5. Balanus crenatus, Bruguiere. 2. Saxicava rugosa, Linnzeus. A large variety-of this species or a 3. Saxicava rugosa, var. form intermediate between B. crena- 4. Mytilus edulis, Linn. (Very abundant). tus and B. Hameri. (7) About two miles from Metcalfe, Ontario, collected y G. H. Wilson, Ottawa, August 2oth, 1895. 1. Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. 3. Mytilus edulis, Linn. 2. Balanus crenatus, Bruguiere. (8) MacGregor’s Lake,two miles north of Perkin’s Mills ,Oue: ae above sea level, collected by Dr. Ells, 1893. . Saxicava rugosa, Linn.—In great numbers, and with a remarkably thick test. (9) Near Cantley, Que.: collected by Dr. R. W. Ells, 1893. 1. Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. 3. Leda (Portlandia) aretica, Gray. 2. Saxicava rugosa, Liun. (10) Besserer's Grove, shore of Ottawa Rziver in calcareous nodules Ontario side. Collected by Dr. R. W. Ells, 1893. t. Mallotus villosus, Cuvier. 3. Saxicava rugosa, Linnzeus. 2. Leda (Portlandia) arctica, Gray. 4. Populus balsamifera. And a number of other fossil plants which are no doubt similar to these described by Prof. Penhallow from the same locality. (11) Chelsea, Que., about 1500 paces north of Chelsea Station along the Ottawa and Gatineau Valley Ratlway, May 26th, 1894. Collected by members of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club. 1. Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. 3. Balanus crenatus, Bruguiere. 2. Saxicava rugosa, Linneeus. 1897.| Carp Village, Ontario. AMI—POST-PLIOCENE FOSSILS. 23 (12) Carp Station, Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway, pee by H M. Ami, 1894. 2 . Saxicava rugosa, Linnzeus. 3 Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. 3: In a coarse, stratified gravel deposit. Balanus crenatus, Bruguiére. (13) Odell’s brickyard, Ohi East, in the Leda clay form- ation. Collected by W.S. Odell, Esq., H. M. Ami etc. 1889-1896. . Discorbina sp., and other species of 1. Craniella Logani, Dawson sp. 5. Polystomella crispa. 2. Thuja occidentalis.—Branches of the 6. Dentalina sp. cedar tree fairly well preserved. 7. Nonionina sp. 3. Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. 8 4. Saxicava rugosa. Linnzeus. foraminifere. In the Geology of Canada 1863, the chapter on ‘“‘ Superficial ” Geology contains interesting remarks upon the post-tertiary formations of the Ottawa Valley, and amongst the species of fossil organisms recorded on pp. 916-917, from Green’s are the following : + 15 SAU PW bY on p. 917 of the “ Geology of Canada,” I. Saxicava rugosa, 3 Creek* (14) Green’s Creek, Ottawa River, collected by members of the Geol. Survey Staff. Cyclopterus lumpus. 8 . Cottus sp. 9 . Tellina Greenlandica (Macoma fragilis) 10 . Saxicava rugosa, L. ile Drosera rotundifolia. 12, . Trifolium repens. 03, . Potentilla Norvegica. 14. . Potentilla tridentata. . Potentilla Canadensis. . Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Populus balsamifera. Potamogeton perfoliatus. Potamogeton natans. - Mallotus villosus. ** (15) At Grenville,on the Lower Ottawa, 120 feet above the level of the sea, the following species were found and are recorded oO 1863: Balanus Hameri. 2. Tellina Greenlandica(Macoma fragilis). 4. Balanus crenatus. (16) Amongst the earliest records of discoveries of fcssils in the Ottawa Valley is that of a species Phoca, bones of which were Wm * Green’s Creek enters the Ottawa at 118 feet above sea-level. .) Dawson. + Many of which were recorded from observations made by Principal (now Sir To these may be added a species of Gasterosteus, sp. indt. ** Also found at Lake Chaudiere, 183 ft. above tide; on the Madawaska, 206 ft. above tide, and at Fort Coulonge, 365 ft. above tide. 24 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April found by the late Mr. E. Billings and sent to Prof. Leidy, of Philadelphia, who described the same and illustrated them in the Proceedings of the Academy of Sciences for 1856.* The bones of the posterior extremeties discovered were also figured in Vol. 1 of the Canadian Naturalist and Geologist, by Mr. Billings. There is also a portion of the pelorcard of a Phoca in the collections of the Geological Survey. Feather of Bird—Several feathers of birds have been found during the past sixteen years. © In 1881, the Marquis of Lorne, mreseneed to the Geological Museum at Ottawa a magnificent specimen of fossil feather, (genus and species of the bird unknown), and since then several . specimens were collected and recorded by the writer from the nodules of the clays both at Green’s Creek or along the Ora River at Besserers. (17) Wright’s brick-clay pits, north of Moore’s property, Aylmer Road, Tétreauville, Que. collected by H. M. Ami and Ruggles Wright, 1889. In a sandy layer about 30 feet below the surface of the ground in hill side: 3 I. Saxicava rugosa. 2. Phoca sp. probably young of Phoca vitulina. Amongst the specimens recently acquired by the Peter Redpath Museum from the Pleistocene of the Ottawa Valley is that of a portion of the lower jaw of a young seal, Pagophzlus Grenlandicus. This species was recorded in the Report of the Geol. Branch for 1893-94,t and formed part of the collection of fossil organic remains which Sir James Grant had in his possession. (18) Dundas Co., Ont.—Found in the front part of lot 9, con- cession V., township of Matilda. Collected by members of the Iroquois High School Natural Science Association, 1895-1896: 1. Macoma fragilis Fabricius. 2. Saxicava rugosa Linnzeus. * See also Can. Nat. & Geol. 1858, paper by Principal J. Wm. Dawson ‘‘On the newer Pliocene and post-pliocene deposits cf the vicinity of Montreal, with notices of fossils recently discovered in them.” + Ottawa Naturalist, Vol. VIII., No. 7, pp. 103-104, Ottawa, Oct., 1894. 1897. | REPORT OF THE GEOLOGICAL BRANCH. 25 This record from Dundas is, as far as we know, the most westerly one made of the occurrence of marine shells from raised beaches along the valley of the St. Lawrence between Montreal and Kingston ; but bones of the Beluga Vermontana (a white whale) have been recorded from near Cornwall and in the Riviere Beaudette gravel beds. __ (19) At the last locality mentioned, the late N. J. Giroux obtained the following species of marine organisms : 1. Macoma fragilis, Fabricius. 5. Balanus crenatus, Burguiere. ; 2. Macoma calcarea, Chemnitz. 6. Balanus Hameri, very large and fine 3. Saxicava rugosa, Linnzeus. individuals in a beautiful state of 4. Leda (Portlandia) arctica, Gray. preservation. (20) Fosszl [nsects.—Green’s Creek and Besserer’s Grove, Ottawa River, in calcareous nodules : I. Tenebrio calculensis, Scudder. 3. Foraax ledensis, Scudder. 2. Byrrhus Ottawaensis, Scudder. 4. Phryganea ejecta, Scudder. Of these, No. 3 was ccllected at Green’s Creek by Sir Wm. Dawson, and Nos. 1, 2, and 4 were obtained in nodules from the same locality by the writer. Further researches will no doubt reveal an interesting insect fauna. So far, all our fossil insects from Green’s Creek are forms which are not known as existing species to-day. The foregoing species were found in the marine beds of the Ottawa or St. Lawrence valleys ; but amongst the newer over- lying deposits—of fresh water and estuarine origin,—marl deposits form a conspicuous and interesting group, and hold fossil shells, &c. Among the interesting species recorded from shell-marl deposits in the Ottawa Valley are the following : (21) Lake Clear, near Eganville,* Ontario. I. Physa heterostropha. 5. Cyclas orbicularis. 2. Planorbis campanulatus. 6. Unio complanatus. 3. Planorbis bicarinatus. 7. Anodon fluviatilis. 4. Paludina decisa. SS a eee ee A ae re ee ee * Report of Progress, Geol. Surv. Can., p. r49, Montreal, 1857. 26 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April (22) Hemlock Lake, New Edinburgh, east of Ottawa, Ontario. Collected by H. M. Ami, 1881: 1. Valvata tricarinata. g. Limneea desidiosa. - 2. Amnicola porata. to. Mesodon albolabris. 3. Physa heterostropha. 11. Mesodon albolabris var dentifera. 4. Planorbis campanulatus. 12. Mesodon Sayi. 5. Planorbis bicarinatus. 13. Patula alternata. 6. Planorbis parvus. 14. Hyalina indentata. 7. Limnza galbana, Binney. An extinct 15. Hyalima arborca. species. 16. Conulus fulvus. 8. Limnzea stagnalis. ; 17. Pisidium abditum. These shells are found imbedded in a soft white calcareo- argillaceous matrix which has been utilized in the manufacture of white brick in the Ottawa Valley. aS (So INEUS WO Ns, INOS SOR (GI OMGI Ss WOUIL IE. It is with sincere regret that we chronicle the death of Professor Georges Ville, which resulted from heart disease on the 22nd February last at his home in the Jardin des Plantes | Paris. Professor Ville’s life-work was the study of problems in vegetable physiology as applied to agriculture, and the success that attended his scientific investigations—and his no less scien- tific and eminently practical teachings—have made his name to be honorably knowa and revered, not only in his native country but throughout the civilized world. Agriculture, during the past quarter of a century, has ad- vanced greatly ; it may now rank with the sciences. This has been due to such men as Ville—men naturally endowed with the qualities of observation and research and whose minds and methods have been trained by years of careful work under the guidance of scientific principles. Georges Ville was at once strictly scientific and truly practical, and it was for that reason 1897. ] OBITUARY—THE. LATE GEORGES VILLE. 27 his results have proved of such permanent and immediate value to agriculturists. _ Ville established the value of artificial fertilizers in keeping up the fertility of soil. By trial-plot and vegetative experiments carried on in pots, he was able to demonstrate to the eye the effect, on certain soils and with certain crops, of suitable forms of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash and lime on plant growth, This method of making the crops show the deficiencies, or other- wise, in plant food—or, as it has been tersely put, “ making the plant analyse the soil,” is now recognized as the only infallible guide to rational and economic manuring—and it is in vogue- wherever progress in farming is being made. Professor Ville was born at Port Saint Esprit.in 1824, and at the time of his death occupied the Chair of Vegetable Physio- logy in the Muséum d’ Histoire Naturclle, Jardin des Plantes. He has been called the Lavoisier of Agriculture, for what that great man did for chemistry that did Ville for scientific agriculture. He has introduced exactness ; he has explained underlying principles ; he has illustrated in the most graphic ways the truths of agriculture. In this way Ville has helped farmers to help Ehemselves, for he has shown them how their work may be carried on with true economy. His published works are many and cover many of the branches of modern agriculture. Certainly one of his chief is “L’ Analyse de la Terre par les Plantes,” a classical work, giving the results of many years’ careful investigation in pot experi- ments with various fertilizers —F. T. S. NOTES FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, OTTAWA, 1897. By H. B. SMALL, Esq. Although March set in exceedingly cold, the generality of of the month was marked with taulty high temperature. More snow, however, fell in this district than all through the previous part of the winter. Spring birds arrived earlier than usual. Crows.—On Oth instant, first flight of crows passed over. Although some of these birds winter around the Experimental Farm and the slaughter-houses up the Rideau river, they do not seem to extend their flight till the mild weather evidences itself, when they apparently wing their way to the ice on the Ottawa 28 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April river, where they find abundant food in the refuse deposited there. Song sparrow.-—This bird seldom appears before the 27th instant, but one was heard and afterwards seen by three different people on 18th instant, in a garden between Wilbrod and Theo- dore streets. In 1894 this bird was seen on March 11th, in 1895 on April 3rd, in 1896 on April 1oth. Its advent depends on the weather south, and this year a warm south wind had been blow- ing two days and nights prior to its appearance. Robins.—The first reliable appearance of this bird was on March 22nd, on a telegraph wire on Theodore strect where it. was in full song. It was reported as seen on the Glebe property, Mutchmor street, a few days prior to this, but it may have been a shrike which was mistaken for it, as my informant said it was chasing sparrows. Thunder —On 20th instant the first thunder shower occurred at 3 p.m., two vivid flashes of lightning and heavy peals of thunder being noticed, with a heavy down- -pour like a summer shower. Earthquake,—A heavy earthquake shock was experienced at 6h. 2 m. p.m., felt east as far as Father Point and west in the Kingston district. Montreal seems to have felt the heaviest shock. Grossbeak.—An unusually large number of these birds, known in England as the Hawfinch, have visited Ottawa during February and March, the attraction apparently being the abund- ant berries of the mountain ash, as that tree has been largely planted in grounds surrounding public buildings, and the trees are gaining maturity, the crop of berries is larger than in former years. This may account for the preponderance in the number of these birds over years ago. Redpole.—Quite a number of these birds have been seen in in and around Ottawa during the winter. Their song is sug- gestive of spring, and unless the bird is seen it might easily be mistaken for one of our spring emigrants. Purple finch—I am not certain if a flock of birds seen in the Park one day early in March consisted of these birds, but from the notes I heard I am much inclined to think they were this finch. I could not get within sufficient distance to see them plainly, as they were very shy and took flight at approach. Shrike or Butcher Bird—One of these birds was seen for several days on Daly avenue, near King street, in the locality where it has appeared several winters Whether the same bird, or some of its progemy, or a fresh arrival cannot be ascertained. 1897.] NOTES, REVIEWS AND COMMENTS. 29 Frequenting the one locality would give colour to the first theory. Swallows—On the 28th instant, white-breasted swallows were observed on the Ridean river, between Cummings’ brigde and the falls. I could not determine whether they were the white-breasted or the bank swallow. | Bluebirds.—Although I have not seen any of them myself, I have reliable authority that they have been seen in the closing days of the month, but I could not get the actual date of their arrival. Probably 27th or 28th—H. B. SMALL. ORNITHOLOGY. Nature has provided us with no more delightful or interest- ing objects for study than the birds. They are our “feathered poets of the grove” each with his own peculiar strain of melody ; ‘now sweet, now sad, now boisterous, now seeming to tell in long and varied song some tale that thrills us as we listen. What wonderful and beautiful markings they have! There are few who can fail to enjoy the sight of a brilliantly coloured or deli- cately marked bird, or when the hidden nest is found, the eggs unrivalled in colouring even by the bird which laid them. To watch them building their nests, catching their food, hopping about from branch to branch apparently with no object, or stretching their wings for a long flight, is a pleasure which can be shared by all. But half the joy is lost unless we have learned the songs and calls of the different birds ; unless we recognize them whenever seen and in whatever plumage they are dressed, be it in that of the full-grown male, the less brightly marked female, the young bird, or in that of the winter season ; unless we can tell them from their habit of flight even when too distant for the colour of the bird to be ascertained ; or unless when we find the tiny nest in the thicket, or the large one in the lofty tree we know what bird has built the nest or what bird has laid the eggs. It is hoped that throughout this year a greater interest will be manifested in our birds. Here isa field for the young people with untold pleasure in store for all who are eager for it. The leaders of the Club will most gladly assist any who desire to begin the study of our birds. 30 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [ April BIRD NOTES FOR JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND MARCH. The following persons have kindly consented to co-operate in order to make the records of the arrivals, departures, nesting and other habits of our birds more accurate: Miss G. Harmer, Mr. H. B. Small, Mr. Geo. White, Mr. A. G. Kingston, Dr. J. Fletcher, Mr. W. A.-D. Lees and Prof. J. Macoun. The assist- ance of all others who are interested in birds is earnestly requested. { Crow.—This is a winter bird at Ottawa. A few forsake the dense woods at intervals throughout the winter in search of food. They have been seen all winter at the Experimental: Farm. A flock was observed by Mr. Small on the 6th of March, and by Mr. White on the 11th of March. PINE GROSBEAK. —For the past few winters this bird has visited Ottawa in large nnmbers. In the opinion of Mr. Small the reason they have been so abundant of late years is that the European mountain ash, of which many have been planted about Ottawa, are now fruiting heavily, thus providing this bird with food. They seem to-enjoy eating the buds of the spruce, and the fruit of the green ash at the Experimental Farm. The first flock of these birds, recorded, was one of ten seen by Mr White on the rst of January. They were shot by Mr. G. Muir- head in the Rideau Hall grounds on the 30th of March.. Dr. Fletcher contributes the following interesting notes on this bird : “The winter of 1896-97 must undoubtedly be characterised as having béen a remarkably mild one and yet the large num- bers of the beautiful Pine Grosbeaks which enlivened our streets were a conspicuous feature of the season.. The usual statement with regard to these birds is that they frequent cities most in cold winters. During January and February the mountain ash trees in the city attracted large flocks of these pretty, gentle birds, and, owing to their well-known tameness, which is referred to by several writers, large numbers were caught or killed by thoughtless boys and idle men. This is much to be regretted, for, although these winter visitors have a very sweet plaintive song, they are not at all suitable birds for domestication in cages. They are greedy and untidy feeders, scattering their food through the bars of their cages, and besides this they live, asa rule, only a few months in captivity, generally getting thinner and pining away during the hot summer months.” 1897.] NOTES, REVIEWS AND COMMENTS. 31 RED POLL —This bird has been quite abundant during the ‘’ months of January, February and March. They are usually seen feeding on the fruit of the birch.” WHITE-WINGED CROSS-BILL.—A flock of these birds was observed by Miss Harmer on the 5th of January, and were also noticed by her at different times throughout the the month. The following notes on the Cedar-bird and Bohemian wax- wing have also been kindly contributed by Dr. Fletcher :— “ CEDAR WAX-WING (Ampelis cedrorum). In occasional years during the winter months flocks of wax-wings have been seen feeding with the Pine grosbeaks upon the mountain ash berries in Ottawa. These have been supposed to be the Bohemian wax-wing because they came in the winter time. On March 2nd, 1880, and on February 23rd, 1885, I made a note in my diary that flocks of wax-wings were seen at Stewarton, which were decidedly smaller than the Bohemian wax-wing and lacked the chestnut colour beneath the tail and the white bars on the wing, both conspicuous marks of the Bohemian wax-wing (Ampelis garrulus). During the present winter large flocks of wax-wings consisting of both species were abundant, from the middle of January until the beginning of April. Mr. George White having had his attention called to the matter, kindly shot some specimens of the smaller species, whieh he identified as undoubtedly true cedroum.” PINE SISKIN.—Quite abundant up to the end of March. One shot by Mr. G. Muirhead near Rideau Hall on the 30th of that month. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH—-Observed by Mr. Lees dntine the month of January. SHRIKE OR BUTCHER-BIRD.— One of these birds was seen by Mr. Small for several days on Daly Avenue, near King St. during the month of March. He says it has appeared in that - locality for several winters. HORNED LARK.—A small flock of horned larks was seen near the office at the Experimental Farm on the 22nd of Febru- ary by Dr. J. Fletcher, Mr. H. S. Marsh and Mr. W. T. Macoun. They continued in small flocks throughout March. PURPLE FINCH.—One was seen by Mr. White at the pump- house near Pooley’s bridge, on the 2nd of March. A ‘flock of birds which he thinks by their notes was this finch, was observed by Mr. Small in Major’s Hill Park early in March. Dr. Fletcher saw them on the 5th of March. SONG SPARROW.-—The records for the arrival of this bird for the past few years as given by Mr. Small are, 1894, 11th of 32 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [April March ; 1895, 3rd of April ; 1896, 10th of April ; 1897, 18th of March, which is the earliest date recorded this year, although heard by Mr. H. S. Marsh, Experimental Farm on the 17th of March, but it was not seen there until 22nd March, and by the 24th Dr. Fletcher reports it as abundant. RoBIN.—The robin was observed by Miss Harmer, Mr. Lees, Mr. Small, and Dr. Fletcher on the 22nd of March ; the latter says that Mr. T. J. McLaughlin told him he heard one on the 21st of March. — PURPLE GRACKLE.-—The earliest date is that given by Mr. White. He observed three males on the 22nd of March and females on the 29th of March. It was seen by Mr. Lees on the 23rd of March and by Dr. Fletcher on the 24th of March. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.— Seen by Miss Harmer on 23rd of March, and by Dr. Fletcher on the 24th of March. Other records are some days later. Junco.—First date recorded is by Dr. Fletcher on 23rd of March. WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW.—Both Mr. White and Mr. Small record the arrival of this bird on the 28th of March. Five were seen by Mr. White. On the 29th, Mr. Young saw a flock near Hurdman’s Bridge. VESPER SPARROW.—One specimen of this bird was seen by Dr. Fletcher at the Experimental Farm on the 23rd of March, but was not seen again until April. WILD GoosE —Two large flocks were seen by Mr. White passing over the city on the 31st of March. It was observed by Miss Harmer on the 1st of April. EVENING GROSBEAK.—The visit of Mr. G. Muirhead, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S, to Rideau Hall, will be remembered by all lovers of birds. While hunting for birds near Rideau Hall on the morning of the 30th of March he had the good fortune to shoot two female specimens of the rare and beautiful evening grosbeak, never before recorded at Ottawa, and but very seldom in any other part of Ontario. The usual range of this bird is “Pacific coast to Rocky. Mountains ; Northern America east to Lake Superior” Mr. Muirhead is . the author of “ Birds of Berwickshire,” a large work in two volumes in which are given the descriptions, habits, arrivals and departures of all birds known to occur as residents, migrants, or casuals. W. T. MACcOUN, Associate Editor —Ornithology. ‘Aapuney weirs s,exhg Jo qoyoradoag pue dejwing susp ‘oyAg “WH JOHN MURPHY & CO., Pa oe VW AT TERS, Ghemist and Druggist, replete, with a full assort- Every Department is now Telephone 75. ment of high-class Noveli- 195 Sparks Street, ties for the present season. OTTAWA. 66 and 68 Sparks Street, OTTAWA. THE : Russell House, OTTAWA. 1K. X. ST. JACQUES, Proprietor. GRAHAM BROS. Seedsmen and Florists, _R. A, MCCORMICK, 29 Sparks St., Ottawa. Prescription Druggist, Seeds, Bulbs, Plants, Cut Flowers, 75 SPARKS STREET, Floral Designs. Phone 159. ‘Ottawa. Catalogue on Application. C. C, RAY. D. MURPHY. J. W. McRAE. ¢. M. HOLBROOK, CCS RAVE CO., 1138 Sparks Street, COAL DEALERS, OFFICE : 1 & Hurdman, Diamonds, Watches, Jewellery, °7 S?#rns oy. ec OTTAWA. 53 Sparks Street, Ottawa. Trouser Stretchers, 50c. per pair. | Telephone 461. J. & R. CRAIG, Tailors, 105 Sparks St., Ottawa. THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB, 1897-1898, Patron: THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF ABERDEEN, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA. President : Pror. EDWARD E. PRINCE, B.A., F.L.S. Vice=Presidents H. M. Ami, M.A., F.G.S. W. Hague Harrington, F.R.8.C: Acting Librarian : W. H. Harrington. Secretary : Treasurer: Mr. Andrew Halkett. John Craig, Esq. f(Marine and Fisheries Dept.) (Central Experimental Farm.) Committee ; James Fletcher, LL.D., F.R.S.C. Miss A. M. Living. Frank T. Shutt, Esq., M.A., F.C.S. «¢ G. Harmer. W. T. Macoun, Esq. «¢ Marion Whyte. : Standing Committees of Council: Publishing: H. M. Ami, W. H. Harrington, F. T. Shutt, J. Craig, W. T. Macoun, Miss Whyte. Excursions: J. Fletcher, J. Craig, A. Halkett, Miss Living, Miss Harmer. © Soirées: H. M. Ami, J. Fletcher, J. Craig, W. H. Harrington, Miss Whyte. Leaders : Geology: Dr. Ells, Mr. Ferrier, Dr. Ami. Botany: Mr. J. Craig, Mr. J. M. Macoun, Mr. R. B. Whyte. Entomology: Dr. Fletcher, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Simpson. Conchology: Mr. Latchford, Mr. Halkett, Mr. O’Brien. Ornithology: Mr. A. G. Kingston, Mr. W. T. Macoun, Miss Harmer, Zoology: Prof. Prince, Prof. Macoun, Mr. H. B. Small. “THE OTTAWA NATURALIST.” Woitor: Henry M. Ami, M.A., D.Sc., F.G.S. Fissoctate oitors : Mr. A. E. BARLow, M.A., F.G.S.A.—Geological Survey of Canada—Department of Geology. Mr. W. F. FERRIER, B.A.Sc., F.G.S.—Geological Survey of Canada—Depart- ment of AZineralogy and Lithology. Pror. JoHN Macoun, M.A., F.L.S.—Dominion Botanist, Geological Survey of ‘ Canada—Department of Botany. Dr. JAMES FLETCHER, Central Experimental Farm.—Department of Conchology. Mr. W. H. HARRINGTON, Post Office Department.—Department of Extomology. Mr. W. T. Macoun—Central Experimental Farm-——Department of Ovzztholocy. Pror. E. E. Prince, B.A., F.L.S.—Commissioner of Fisheries for Canada— Department of Szolegy and general Zoology. “‘Ottawa Naturalist” and Membership Fee to O.F.N.C. only $1.00 per annum. Annual Field-day, Natural Hist. Soc. of Montreal, Calumet, Saturday June 5th, 1897. Members of O.F.N.C. ie invited. Rate: $1.95, Ottawa to Calumet and return. MAY, 1897. VOL. XI, No. 2. THE OTTAWA NATURA Published by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club CONTENTS. 1. Report of the Botanical Secton Bei Laie eis hee pets Bes See 33 2 Botanical Notes, by Prof. Macoun .... Baer Maoh? ds sna ae pee 37 3. Bird Notes for April, by W. T. Macoun .... at aalate atts ties a Br 38 4, Weather Notes, by H. B. Small ele te Bian se nt 1 Eps 41 5. Meteorological Observations, 1896 ee Ceaye Hele ate NE LANG ASoe 42 6. Annual Meeting of Literary & Scientific Society may deaths a ae Le CASS 44 7. Weather, by Otto J, Klotz Mtr as eee yaa wath SES ee Sens Nts 45 OTTAWA, CANADA. PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF PAYNTER & ABBOTT, 48 RIDEAU STREET. Remember excursion to Pickanock June roth. Special Train leaving C.P.R. Station at 9.15 a.m., returns at 820 pm. Fare: Members, $1.00; non-Members, $1.10; Children, half rate. Eatered at the Ottawa Post Office as second-class matter. pt THOMAS LIGGET. ™ fvoven tig sraoe or canrers, Ere, (77 & 179 SPARKS STREET. J. L. ORME & SON, Pianos, Organs and Musical Instruments. 189 SPARKS ST. J. & T. BALLANTYNE, - Best Grades of Hard and Soft Coal. OFFICE, COR. ELGIN & QUEEN STS. Telephones 586 and 579. . KENNY: BROS Tailors to His Excellency A. ROSENTHAL, Jeweller and Optician. 87 SPARKS ST. THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. || WELCH, MARGETSON & CO’S (Shits! Collars and Cuffs. (\R. McGIFFIN, 49 SPARKS STREET. A. J. STEPHENS, FINE SHOR 39 SPARKS ST. Boots and Shoes Made to Measure. RUNS GAS | Nothing to hold it back. Has neither faults of construction nor flaws of material. Goes ‘‘to the front” where it belongs. It’s the 97 “RED BIRD” metchum c& Co. 104 BANK sv. J.G. BUTTERWORTH & Co, | WM. HOWE, All-Rail Scranton Coal. Interior Decorations. Manufacturer of White Lead, Paints & Colors. Importer of Artists’ Materials and Artistic 86 SPARKS. STREET. Howe’s Block, - - OTTAWA. C. H. THORBURN, TRY Books and Stationery, BATE & O'S FOUNTAIN PENS. 320 Views of Ottawa. 80 Sparks St. English Blended Black Tea. _ PITTAWAY TTAWAY'S | Td agate es SSE ees BMBIIO ‘sropurqyoog pug’ saaiosmocd TSISUOHUIG, SUCATIORINULT pue sunaodury “00 2 AdOH SUNVE be ~~ eS RET he tee Ved ae x Ta eee ore tints RST om ; : ‘ 4 See Came a Sia tied teen ee kh ee hob! a WSS ARS aN Bn ee RT ae t Xu pom BSE ERE RRL. of eeaby ptr eae ee a a i a ore ae A BM ee Sd ie THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. MouXxI. OTTAWA, MAY, 1897. No. 2. REPORT OF THE BOTANICAL SECTION. To the Council of the Ottawa Freld-Naturalists’ Club : ; FIELD WORK. _ In the Botanical Branch there has been some good work done. Some of the leaders have attended all the excursions and delivered addresses. Sub-excursions were also held during the spring months until the schools broke up. Two large sub- excursions of the botanical class attending the Normal School, consisting of about 60 ladies and gentlemen, were held. The first one to Rockliffe on May 9, where large collections of spring flowers were made, including Viola Selkirkei in splendid condi« -tion. The addresses at this outing were delivered by Dr. Fletcher and Mr. Sinclair. On the following Saturday an equally large party visited the beaver meadow at Hull, under the guidance of the President, Mr. Sinclair and Dr. Fletcher. Here they were met by Prof. Macoun, who gave an excellent address, speaking particularly of forest trees, and showing how some of the species usually troublesome to beginners could. be separated and distinguished. The first excursion to Chelsea on 23rd May added one new species to our Ottawa list, Stellaria uliginosa, found by Dr. Fletcher in several places through Gilmour’s Grove. This is thought to have been introduced ; but how such an inconspicuous plant could have been introduced and have spread so widely seems strange. A sub-excursion which was much enjoyed by a few of the members was to the Mer Bleue on,May 28, when Mr. ‘ne B. Goode, of Montreal, accompanied the party. This gentleman’s success in cultivating our native orchids is well known. Fine specimens of Avethusa bulbosa and the rare Listera australis were collected. Ata sub-excursion in October Eladine 34 THE Orrawa NATURALIST. [May americana was found by Prof. Macoun along the shore of the Ottawa near Tetreauville. BOTANICAL ARBORETUM AT CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM. A matter of much interest to the members of our club is the advantage we now have in free access to the Botanic Garden at the Central Experimental Farm. This garden is now assuming the position of a valuable educational adjunct to the City of Ottawa. Begun in 1887 by the botanist of the experimental farms, Dr. J. Fletcher, it has been added to year after year and is now well worthy of a visit by all interested in botany or gardening. It is now in charge of Mr. W. T. Macoun, the foreman of forestry, who has published several interesting notes in the OTTAWA NATURALIST. The collections have been increased from all available sources, the chief effort having been to gather together and have properly labelled a_ reference collection of all plants which would grow in this climate. Last year a great deal was done to get the perennial border in order and there are now no less than 907 species and varieties of perennials included in 222 genera. This number too will be very much increased next year, as seeds of nearly 400 additional species have been procured, which will be forced in the greenhouse early this spring and many of which will flower next autumn. At the end of 1896 there were nearly 2,000 different kinds of trees and shrubs in the arboretum, most of which have been there, or in the nursery rows, for one or more winters and will probably be found hardy at Ottawa. This question will be pretty well tested by the severe winters we have experienced this year and last. Arrangements have been made for increas- ing several of the groups next spring. The collections of some of the groups of flowering and otherwise ornamental shrubs are now very complete, as for instance, the genus Syrvzmga called in English Lilac, is represented by 88 different named forms, a 1897.] BOTANICAL REPORT. 35 Spirea by 71, and Lonicera by 84. All the plants and trees in the arboretum and botanic garden are planted in duplicate, and records are kept of the time of planting, the source from whence derived and how they have fared from year to year. Visitors are cordially invited to visit the gardens, and Mr. Macoun will be glad to give any information concerning the plants in his charge. An interesting botanical fact brought to the notice of the leaders during the past summer by Mr. H. B. Small was the value of the tubers of the Marsh Wound-wort (Stachys palustris) as a vegetable; these have been tried and found excellent, equalling in size and quality the cultivated Szachys affinzs from Japan now cultivated to some extent in the gardens of the curious. S. palustrzs is found in abundance in Manitoba. PRESERVE OUR BEAUTIFUL WILD FLOWERS. The leaders of the Botanical Branch wish to direct attention to a somewhat important feature bearing upon the preservation of the flora of our fields and swamps. It is this, many species of the more beautiful and showy native flowers, notably orchids, are becoming somewhat scarce in the immediate vicinity of Ottawa, owing to the depredations of mere pot-hunting botan- ists. We can sympathise with those who have a genuine desire to introduce into their gardens the best types of our most orna- mental wild. flowers, but view with much disfavour the indis- criminate distruction of beautiful wild plants by pseudo-botanists and other people who are seized with a momentary desire to cultivate these flowers in their own gardens, but who fail, after uprooting the plants, to carry their good intentions into effect. Cypridpedium pubescens has become almost extinct in this locality. C. acaule is not to be found in Dows’ swamp, where it was formerly abundant, and we might mention many other examples equally deplorable. fs REGIONS NOT WELL EXPLORED. “We would draw the attention of the members of the Club to the fact ‘that on account of transportation facilities our excur- 36 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [May sions bring us each year over nearly the same ground and there- fore there are other parts of the country comparatively unex- plored—that is in the modern sense of the word. For instance, between Gatineau Point and Templeton there is an interesting region which has been worked but little. The locality between Billings’ Bridge and Metcalfe, Dr. Fletcher reports as being but hastily worked over. The Lievre River region offers also an interesting field to the botanist. ADVANTAGES OF SPECIALIZING. We would urge also that it is desirable that we should have within the Club’s ranks as many specialists as possible. In the botanical field there is ample opportunity afforded for special investigation in many of its departments. The services of the specialist are now indispensable in the identification of doubtful species. The eye of the specialist notes variations and detects differences at first not apparent to the general student. Among the rich fields open for investigation are the sedges, water plants and willows. We trust that some of these botanical branches will be taken up by enthusiastic naturalists during the coming year, RB. Wrivaues Leaders in Botany, yous CRAIG. J. M. MACOUN. NOTES. To the members of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club and of the Ottawa Literary and Scientific Society who had the pleasure of listening to Prof. James Mavor’s lecture on “ Ice- land,” as well as to the readers of THE OTTAWA NATURALIST who were not present on that occasion, we have much pleasure in stating that a detailed account of Prof. Mavor’s tours and studies in Iceland has appeared in the Transactions of the Glasgow Philosophical Society for 1890-91. The amount of valuable information contained in the very interesting and ex- tended account of Iceland and its inhabitants cannot be over- estimated. From a socialogical standpoint, Prof. Mavor’s contribution to the study of Iceland, its people and their history, is one of intense interest, and will be read with delight and satisfaction.—H. M. A. 1897.] BOTANICAL NOTES. : 37 BOTANICAL NOTES. With the breaking up of the winter many eves are turned to the coming of the birds, the opening of the buds and the advance of spring generally, but too few record their observa- tions. On account of this lack of making a record scarcely any two observers agree as to the lateness or earliness of any par- ticular spring, and the writer asks that any botanical notes con- sidered worthy of insertion should be sent to one of the editors of the NATURALIST, who will see that they are published, if deemed worthy of publication. Two causes have power to produce an early spring with us. The chief one is a light snow fall, which requires only a few comparatively warm days to take it all off the ground. The second is the absence of severe cold at night which checks the expansion of the buds and retards the melting of the snow and the heating of the soil. Both these causes have worked together the past month and the result is an early spring without any warm days. In noting the first appearance of flowers in the early days of spring we have always selected the same tree and for Hepaticas the same bank, so that although others may have noted things earlier our observations refer to absolute heat. Up to the present time of writing the following flowers have been seen :— Hepatica triloba (May flower), April 7, 1897; April 14, 1896 ; Acer dasycarpum (Silver maple), April 8, 1897 ; April 16, 1896 ; Alnus incana (Common alder), April 11, 1897 ; April 18, 1896 ; Acer rubrum (Red Maple), April 23, delayed by cool weather ; Ulmus americana (American elm), April 23, delayed by cool weather ; Salix candida (Hoary willow), April 26; Populus tremuloides (American aspen), April 26; Populus grandidentata (Large-toothed aspen), April 26 ; Negundo aceroides (Box elder), April 27. JOHN MACOUN. 38 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [May BIRD NOTES FOR APRIL. It is very gratifying to find that those who promised to help in making our observations of birds more reliable and com- plete, have heartily co-operated in the work. ‘The result is that we are able to publish this month notes on no less than fifty-one species of birds, and we trust that throughout the summer con- tinued interest will be manifested. Let all be accurate and certain of their records, as otherwise they will be misleading. Downy Woodpecker—Observed by Mr. Lees on the Ist. Blue Bird—Both Mr. White and Dr. Fletcher recorded this bird on the 2nd. The blue-bird is becoming very rare at Ottawa ; it was heard at the Experimental Farm on the 5th, but has never been seen there this spring. Miss Harmer has not seen one since 1895 until this spring. | Tree Sparrow—This very pretty sparrow was quite abun- dant at Ottawa during the month of April. Miss Harmer recorded the arrival of this bird on the 2nd. On the 4th it was observed by Mr. Lees and Mr. White. Meadow Lark—Was seen by Mr. H. S. Marsh on the 3rd, and by Mr. Lees on the 6th. Cow Bird—Was seen by Mr. Lees on the 4th; by Miss Harmer on the 5th, and by Mr. White and Mr. Macoun on the 6th. Phoebe—Observed by Miss Harmer on the 4th. Herring Gull—Mr. White saw four on Deschenes Lake near Aylmer on the 4th. On the 6th they were seen flying over Carling’s Lake near the Experimental Farm. Vesper Sparrow—Although Dr. Fletcher reports having seen one specimen of this bird on the 23rd of March, it is not recorded again until the 5th of April, when one was heard by Miss Harmer, but not seen by her until the 8th. Other records are later. . Golden-crowned Kinglet—Observed by Mr. Lees on the 6th. 1897.] BIRD NOTES. 39 White-rumped Shrike—Observed by Miss Harmer on the roth. : Chipping Sparrow—Miss Harmer saw this bird on the 11th of April, but the next date on which this bird was recorded was not until the 18th, when it was seen by Mr. Lees. Red Poll—A flock of from three to four hundred was seen by Miss Harmer on the 11th. Marsh Hawk—Seen by Mr. Lees on the 11th. Goshawk—One specimen was observed by Mr. White on Wurtemburg street on the 11th. Blue Heron—Seen by Mr. White on the 1 ai: Vellow-bellied Woodpecker—Seen by Mr. White on the 13th. Killdeer Plover—Miss Harmer saw this bird on the 14th ; the next record is Mr. White’s on the roth. Kingfisher—Seen by Mr. White on the 14th. Savannah Sparrow—Observed by Mr. White and Mr. Lees on the 15th. Wood Duck, Black Duck, Mallard, and a: seen by Mr. White on the 16th. American Bittern—Seen by Mr. White on the 16th. Golden-winged Woodpecker or Flicker—Seen by Mr. Marsh on the 16th, and by Miss Harmer on the 18th. 2 Brown Creeper—Seen by Dr. Fletcher on the 17th. Barn Swallow—Seen by Mr. White and Mr. Lees on the 18th. Fish Hawk—Seen by Mr. Lees on the 18th and by Mr. White on the roth. Sparrow Hawk—Seen by Mr. White on the toth. Pine Grosbeak, Wax-wing—Dr. Fletcher~- writes: “An interesting record is the following: The weather during the first part of the month and until the morning of the roth of April, was very mild indeed. At 8 o’clock a.m. the thermometer stood at 54° Far. About that time an enormous flock of Pine Grosbeaks suddenly appeared and remained on the trees around - 40 THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. [May my house for about an hour before they flew away; with them were upwards of 100 wax-wings, which remained all that day and the next. During the morning of the 19th a high northerly wind sprang up and the thermometer ran down to 17° Far. and everything was frozen solid again asin winter. The wax-wings clustered together closely on the trees, breasting the gale in compact flocks remaining motionless for over an hour at a time.” ; Wilson’s Thrush—Seen by Mr White on the 21Ist- Ruby-crowned Kinglet—Seen by Mr. White on the 21st. Pewee—Seen by Mr. Small on the 21st and by Dr. Fletcher on the 24th. . Myrtle Warbler—Mr. Small observed this bird working on the elm trees on the 21st. House Wren—Seen by Dr. Fletcher on the 21st. Chimney Swift—Mr. White observed this bird an the 22nd and Mr. Small on the 23rd. White throated Sparrow—This bird was seen by Mr. White on the 23rd and by Miss Harmer and Dr. Fletcher on the 25th. Spotted Sandpiper—Seen by Mr. White on the 24th. Great Crested Flycatcher—Seen by Miss Harmer on the 24th. Cedar Birds and Bohemian Wax-wing—A flock of about thirty Cedar Birds was seen feeding on the fruit of the high bush cranberry at the Experimental Farm on the 24th of April by Mr. Macoun. One specimen of Bohemian wax-wing was ob- served with flock. Dr. Fletcher and Mr. Marsh also saw this bird. The Cedar birds fed for several days on the high bush cranberry. Winter Wren—Prof. Macoun saw this bird in the woods near Ottawa on the 24th. Hermit Thrush—Seen by Mr. White on the 25th. Bank Swallow—Seen by Mr. Lees on the 25th. Baltimore Oriole—Seen by Dr. Fletcher on the 25th. 1897. | BIRD NOTES. Al Sharp-shinned Hawk—Mr, White is the first to record this bird on the 27th, but one was seen early in March near the Ex- perimental Farm. Lrown Thrush—Seen by Mr. Macoun at the Experimental Farm on the 26th. Perched on the topmost bough of some tree this delightful songster filled the air with melody in the early morning during the month. Greater Yellow Legs—Mr. White saw this bird on the 27th, and one was shot by Mr. Marsh on the 20th. Loon—Seen by Mr. White on the 30th. Orange Crowned Thrush—Seen by Prof. Macoun on the 30th. : fox Sparrow—Seen by Prof. Macoun on the 30th. Yellow-billed Cuckoo—Seen by Prof. Macoun on the 3oth. W..T. Macoun, Associate Editor, Ornithology WEATHER NOTES. April r9.—High south warm wind all previous night cul- minating to heavy n.w. gale in forenoon, the thermometer falling from 50 to 34 in 30 minutes. Sharp frost set in and during night of 19th temperature fell to + 12°, with ice an inch thick on water pails next morning. April 25.—Heavy thunderstorm at 3.15 a.m., with bright fork lightning in the south. April 26—Heavy thunderstorm at 4.30 p.m., with bright lightning and heavy rain, EEPULag to a downpour, gale from north and temperature + 34°. May z—Thunder at 6.30 a.m. May 9—Heavy thunderstorm, dividing off north fhe south at II p.m. May r4—Heavy thunderstorm with bright lightning at noon. 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