98 



landscaps, in fact, as can only be found in its perfection beneath the 

 clear skies and in the pure air of Canada. 



Upon reaching the foot of King's Mountain, the vans were stopped 

 and the party alighted. The President, Mr. R. B. Whyte, then an- 

 nounced what the programme was for the day, and gave out the names 

 of those who were^to act as leaders. 



After an hour had been spent profitably and pleasantly in dis- 

 cussing the contents of the luncheon baskets, the work of the day began. 



Upon invitation by the president, most of the party decided to ac- 

 company him to the summit of the mountain. The majority followed 

 the beaten path and worked their way up quietly and easily, but a few 

 venturesome spirits determined to find their way straight up the face of 

 the rocks and it was only after a long and tedious climb that they suc- 

 ceeded in gaining the toj). Tne time at the disposal of the excursionists 

 would only allow them a short while to gaze on the wide panorama 

 s^iread out for many miles beneath them. Looking out through the tops 

 of the trees in the foreground away to the right lay the Chats Lake and 

 rapids connected with Lake Deschenes by the Ottawa River, which like 

 a band of silver marked the mid-distance and extended across the 

 picture until it was lost sight of on the horizon to the extreme left. 

 Immediately in front twelve miles distant lay the cities of Ottawa and 

 Hull, with Aylmer to the right and Gatineau Point to the left. Deep 

 down in the valley at the feet of the spectators lay the smooth surface 

 of King's Mere, reflecting like a mirror the pretty residences on its 

 shores. In every direction could be seen fei-tile farms with their snug 

 and well kept buildings peeping through the luxui-iant forest growth, 

 truly a beautiful picture, speaking of quiet, peace, and happiness. 



Both on the way up and in the descent the naturalists were busily 

 engaged in collecting specimens for study. The V)otanists returned with 

 well filled boxes. Michaelmas Daisies, Golden Rods and various berry- 

 bearing plants were now in perfection and were eagerly gathered by the 

 collectors. As the bottom of the slope was reached the sharp click ! 

 cliok ! click ! of the mineralogists' hammers bore testimony that they 

 were not losing their opportunities. At 4 o'clock the party re-assem- 

 bled. It had been announced at the beginning of the day that the return 

 journey would be by the upper road and it was therefore aiTanged that 



