12 The Ottawa Naturalist. [April 



local list, and the work of specialists has made a thorough study 

 of the local flora necessary. This list is to be issued as a publica- 

 tion ot the Geological Survey. The Botanical Branch invite the 

 co-operation of all local botanists in this work of revision, and 

 would call special attention to the Rosacea? ; the study of this 

 large order of plants will certainly result in the addition of several 

 species to the local list. 



Zoological Branch. 



The Zoological Branch held two very profitable meetings 

 during the winter. At the first meeting Prof. Prince read an in- 

 teresting paper on the function of the swim bladder of fishes, an 

 outline of which appears in the report of the branch. At the 

 second meeting Prof. Macoun pointed out the great amount of 

 work that can be done in procuring specimens of the numerous 

 species of small mammals to be found near Ottawa, and also 

 pointed out the ease with whi.h this could be done. 



The report of the Zoological Branch contains a list prepared 

 by Mr. Halkett of the fishes of the Ottawa district preserved in 

 the Fisheries Museum with the localities were they were taken. 

 It also records a number of interesting observations made by 

 members of the branch during the year. 



Ornithological Branch. 



The Ornithological Branch, although small, consists of a 

 number of enthusiastic workers. Monthly meetings have been 

 held since early last fall at which much systematic work has been 

 planned. The vicinity of Ottawa is to be divided among the mem- 

 bers of tht branch for active field work, and the antiquated local 

 list published by the Club many years ago is to be thoroughly 

 worked over. Some interesting additions have already been made 

 to the local records, such as the appearance of the Short-billed 

 Marsh Wren, a breeding record of the Screech Owl, and the casual 

 occurence of the Glaucous Gull. The Great Grey Owl, a rare 

 visitor from the north, has been seen this winter. One specimen 

 was secured in East Templeton and another near South March. 

 One of these, a very fine specimen, is now in the collection of 

 Rev. Mr. Eifrig. 



Mr. W. E. Saunders of London, who is an active member of 



