it was oi-ganizod, proved to V^e ratliei- disappointing ; it was held on June 

 2nd. Tills excursion was to liave baen held on 19th of May but was post- 

 poned on account of the weatlier. JSTo le^s than one hundred and 

 thirty-one members and friends of the Chib left tlie city in six 

 vans, and went via Hull and Chelsea to Kirk's ferry, one of the prettiest 

 and most enchanting spots on the Gatineau River. The weather bulletin 

 gave as probabilities for the day, higher temperture with bright and 

 cleai- weather for the Lakes and Lower St. Lawrence districts. But 

 this report was entirely out and the day was characterized by a series 

 of showers finally culminating in a steady downpour. The excursionists 

 determined despite the weather to make the best of it. The country 

 traversed was really enchanting and on all sides the sights were charming, 

 as the tender green foliage of the forest and of the farm crops covered 

 the ground everywhere with a verdure of the pureso hue. The difi'arent 

 terraces were ascended in order and when tlie last plateau was i-eached 

 there followed the picturesque scenery peculiar to the Laurentide hills, 

 the line of demarcation between the two being very sharply defined and 

 marking clearly the boundary of cultivated land. Many beautiful 

 flowering plants were observed and collected on the way and a number 

 of geological specimens was obtained from a small opening or mine for 

 phosphate of lime on the west side of the road, about ten miles from the 

 city. 



The vans reached Kirk's ferry about 12.30 \}.m. and from that time 

 until the return, rain fell steadily, much to the disappointment of all. 

 This did not deter the JSTaturalists however from enjoying the mid-day 

 meal and the various parties sought shelter in different quarters of the 

 woods near the river bank and falls, whilst others remained in the vans, 

 where perfect covering could be found. It was impracticable to organ- 

 ize the accustomed working jjarties of botanists, geologists, and entomolo- 

 gists, etc., aud accordingly not much scienti&c work was done. One or 

 two new species of i)lants and several insects said by the Entomologists 

 to be of value were collected. The party I'eached the city again at 

 7 o'clock in remai'lcably good spirits, the tedium of the drive home 

 having been relieved, as was attested by tlie frequent peals of merry 

 laughter, by good stories and stirring songs. 



