59 



twenty-five visited New Edinburgh. The geologists examined a num- 

 ber of waterworks' excavations, and the botanists and entotuologists 

 rambled about Hemlock Lake in search of treasures. The usual 

 "talks" were given on re-assembling near Rideau Hall; Mv. Ami 

 speaking first as geological Leader. Several excavations on Cveightou 

 street had been visited, which exposed Utica shales, highly bituminous 

 and rich in fossil remains. Some good specimens had been secured by 

 various members, including species probably new to the local lists. 

 Mr. Harrington drew attention to the manner in which the upper 

 portions of the ])alings of the Rideau Hall fence were scraped, and 

 explained that this was the work of our large wasps, which utilized the 

 fibres of the wood for making the i)aper of which they composed their 

 nests. After making some further remarks on the habits of these 

 interesting insects, he exhibited specimens of the two species of tent- 

 caterpilhirs, Bomhyx disstrla and Americana, pointing out the distinc- 

 tive markings and their beauty. Mr. Pletcher, in a very lucid and 

 interesting way, explained the characteristic features of the following 

 plants, and pointed out how certain of them might be distinguished 

 from closely allied fefjecies : Linncea borealis, Sonicula canadensis, 

 Medeola virginica, Orchis sjieckibiiis, Seneciso aureus, Arahis perfoliatay 

 Rhus toxicodendron, Viburnu/n aceri/olium, V. ])ubescens, Acer 

 saccharinum, do. var. nigrum, A. pennsylvanicum, A. spicatum, 

 Arenaria aerpylUfolia, Pelea gracilis, Cm'Cx longirostris and Fraxinus. 

 a?nericana. 



Sixth. On the 18th June a very pleasant visit was paid to the 

 Experimental Farm. It had been the intention of the leaders to first 

 visit Dow's Swamp, but, through some misunderstanding, the vans 

 engaged did not appear at two o'clock, and when they were obtained it 

 was so late that it was deemed best to drive straight to the Fai'm. 

 The geologists were left temporai'ily at a quarry near the St. Louis Dam^ 

 while the remainder of the party ke})t on to the residence of the 

 Director, Prof. Saunders, who received them very cordially. After a 

 few minutes rest and conversation, those who desired to collect were 

 conducted by the Professor to a wooded ti-act near by, where, for an 

 hour or so, they hunted assiduously and with gool succe-ss. After this, 

 a time, only too brief, was* devoted to inspecting the work accomplished 



