1^ 1^ 

 I i 



ted during the diffex-ent geological epochs were next discussed, and the 

 origin, mode of occurrence and distribution of some of the commoner 

 ones, such as coal, petroleum, lead, silver, copper, iron, gold and phos- 

 l>hate were touched upon. Mr. Ami showed that the study of Geology 

 wa.s useful, healthful and interesting, and that it was not so difficult as 

 to deter any of his hearers from entering its attractive fields. In in- 

 vestigating the geological features of any locality, a few fundamental 

 l>rinciples alone were necessary for the beginner. The leading rocks 

 occurring about Ottawa weie then considered, with the different forma- 

 tions exhibited. There were two well defined series of rocks ; those of 

 igneous and those of aqueous origin. The Chel.sea hills afforded examples 

 of the former, whilst the Parliament Hill belonged to the second, being 

 of f-edimentary origin. The various ways in which such stratified rocks 

 were formed were briefly outlined, and the sequence given of the forma- 

 tions found at Ottawa, with the forms of life which characterize them. 

 In conclusion Mr. Ami referred to the extensive fields open for study 

 at Ottawa, and made an earnest ap[ieal to those present to become 

 workers. 



A number of specimens were e.xhibited, amongst whicli was one 

 of " mountain cork," a mineral of rare occurrence, which had been 

 sent to him by Mr. Warwick, of Buckingham. Several interesting 

 points were di.scussed by IMessrs. Stewart, Fletcher, AVhyte and the 

 lecturer. 



Fourth. On Monday, 30th January, u valuable address was given 

 by Mr. F. Pi. Latchford on Conchology. Shells, he stated, were por- 

 tions of certain animals called Molluscs, and were objects in many in- 

 stances both of utility and beauty, while the softer portions of many 

 species, such a<< the oyster, mussel, and clam, furnished large supplies 

 of palatable and nutrituous food. They might conveniently bo divided 

 into two great groups, viz., univalves and bivalves. The lutter were 

 represented more largely in America than in any other part of the 

 world. In the basin drained \>y the Oi.io Kiver fur instance there 

 were found about three hundred species of Unionida', whilst all 

 Europe fumi.shed only seven or eight. While freshwater shells of 

 some families were well represented in Canada, the land shells dimin- 

 ished greaHy lotli in species and in(li%idi;als ms these nnithern latitudes 



