Hi 



the common edible fungi found in the neighbourhood of Ottawa, and 

 also referred to the use made of the Fly Agaric (Agaricus muscariiis) by 

 the peasants of Northern Russia, who steep it in alcohol to produce- 

 prolonged intoxication. 



Dr. Baptie said that many fungi undoubtedly contained a very 

 powerful poison, and that people who collected or ate mushi'ooms ought 

 to examine them carefully. He also drew attention to the fact that 

 some species might be quite wholesome when fresh, but might become- 

 poisonous as soon as decomposition set in. 



Fourth. The fourth meeting of the winter course was held on the 

 evening of February 14th, and was made very interesting by the leaders- 

 of the entomological section. The report on the work of the branch 

 during the season of 1888 was read by Mr, Fletcher. Several new 

 and rare species had been added to the list of species i-ecorded from 

 the locality since the last report, and much useful work in economic 

 entomology had been prosecuted. 



Mr. W. H. Harrington delivered an admirable address upon the 

 Capricorn beetles, which commit sucli serious ravages by boring timber 

 after it is cut in the woods. This address was illustrated by a beautiful 

 collection of these beetles whicli had been made in the locality by Mr. 

 Han-ington. 



There was considerable discussion upon the habits of insects, and 

 many enquiries were made as to the best methods of meeting the 

 attacks of injurious species. 



THE ANNUAL MEETING. 



The annual meeting for the election of officei's for the coming year 

 will be held on Tuesday, l^th March, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon in 

 the usual place, the museum of the Ottawa Literary and Scientific 

 Society. All the members ai'e earnestly i-equested to be present, as- 

 matters of great importance to the welfare of the club are to be dis- 

 cussed. Any who have not already paid their subscriptions are 

 requested to do so before the meeting. 





