78 . The Ottawa Naturalist, [July 



hours were spent in the woods and on the shores of the lake, and 

 at 5 o'clock all assembled at the appointed place, to compare 

 notes, and to hear the short addresses which were given by the 

 Leaders of the various branches. 



Mr. Groh, as one of the botanical Leaders, showed several 

 species of sedges, and pointed out particularly that species known 

 as Carex plantaginea, drawing attention to its very broad leaves. 

 He also referred to the great number of species to be found near 

 Ottawa, and to the very large number known in the world. 

 Several kinds of violets were also shown, particular reference 

 being made to the great abundance and luxuriant size of Viola 

 canadensis, which in some cases had grown to a height of over 

 12 inches. Viola pubescens was also shown as an example of a 

 tall leafy-stemmed violet, differing from the last in having the 

 flowers yellow% instead of w^hite. Several interesting points were 

 mentioned in reference to the Indian Cucumber Root, a plant 

 which gets its popular name verv appropriatelv from its crisp, 

 juicy, cucumber-flavoured rhizome. The curious long-branched 

 stigma of this plant was pointed out, also the fact that the 

 liliaceous rule of three is followed in the grouping of its whorls. 

 The Indian Turnip was also shown, and its rootstock or corm 

 contrasted with the Indian Cucumber as to flavour. 



In the stagnant water of McKay's Lake the botanists 

 found specimens of Myriophyllum (Water Milfoil) and several 

 points of interest in connection with this plant were touched 

 upon. Other plants were shown and handed around for in- 

 spection. 



Mr. Wilson was then called upon to give an account of his 

 afternoon's studies in geologv. Those particularlv interested 

 examined the marl deposits on the shores of the lake, finding 

 there many things of engrossing interest. These deposits are of 

 considerable thickness, varving from one to ten feet, as seen in 

 recent exposures. Thev are fifteen feet or more, above the 

 present water-level in the lake, and show that it formerly stood 

 at a higher level, and occupied a larger area than it now covers. 

 The marl is composed of fresh water shells, manv of which are 

 in a perfect state of preservation. Eight species, belonging to 

 six genera were collected and identified, viz. : Planorhis cam- 

 panulatus, P. hicarinaius , P. parvus, Physa heterostropha, Lim- 

 ncBa galhana, Valveta tricarinata, Amnicola porata. and Pisidium 

 abditum. These shells are all abundant except the last named. 

 Besides the species here enumerated there are a few rare ones 

 which have been collected at this place, but were not found on 

 Saturday. Below the marl beds there is in most places, a bed 

 of coarse gravel, and under this several feet of pure sand bedded 



