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EXCURSION TO KIRK'S FERRY. 



The Filth General Excursion was held on the 17tli SepteniUei'. 

 The locality chosen for investigation was Kirk's Ferry, on the Gatineau 

 River, about 12 miles from the city. The weather was perfect. It 

 was one of oui' lovely Canadian autumn days, with a soft warm breeze, 

 a bright sun, and the damp air filled with the scent of the woods. The 

 members turned out in good numbers, and three heavily loaded vans 

 carried the happy party from the dust of the city out into the pure air 

 of the fields. The Chaudiere Falls first attracted- the attention of the 

 ])arty. On account of the exceptional drought of this season, the water 

 in the Ottawa River was so low that workmen wi're walkina: riijlit 

 across the river within 100 feet of the edge of the Fall, an occurrence 

 which had never been previously recorded. 



The bri 'ije over Bricrham's Creek was beinor repaired and one of 

 the vans having gone by tlio Chelsea Road would have had a long 

 i-eturn journey but for the low water. Owing to this, however, they 

 wfre able to drive over the ci eek and join the rest of the party without 

 trouble. 



As tiie mountains were approached there were frequent exclam- 

 ations of surprise and admiration at the gorgeous tints of the landscape. 

 The vivid autumnal hues of the Maples, Beeches and Ashes, combined 

 with the sombre shade of the Evergreens, rendered the scene one of 

 great magnificence. Nor was the foreground less attractive. Beneath 

 the shade of the spreading Butternut tree,-', which grow in great 

 luxuriance along the JNlountain Road, graceful ferns and lovely mosses 

 find a fitting home. Bright berries and gaudy fungi, too, add to the 

 beauty of the picture. It was with difficulty that the leaders could 

 restrain the impatience of the members till the destination' was reached 

 about no:>n. Here they were led by the President to a secluded bay 

 where the luncheon baskets were opened. In front were the wild 

 rapids of the Gatineau, fringed by a beach of silver sand, behind rugged 

 rocks thickly clothed with verdure a lonely spot, where some of the 

 party chose to spend the whole day. After lunch the different leaders 

 made up their pUrlies and started off without delay so as to have as 



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