156 



party then examined the mineral baths and wells in the vicinity of the 

 hotel, and some regaled themselves on the celebrated saline waters- 

 Mr. Whyte then led the way to the vast peat bog known as the Mer 

 Blene. Some time was spent in visiting the gas spring and lighting the 

 bubbles of gas as they ix>se to the surface of the water. The bog itsel^ 

 was very attractive ; blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum and its var" 

 atrococcum with black berries) were very abundant, and in even greater 

 profusion were the not unpleasant berries of the Choke-berry (Pyrus 

 arbutijolia var. melanocarpa) . The most conspicuous object was the 

 beautiful ruddy Cotton Rush Eriophorum Virginicum), with here and 

 there a patch of the white variety. The lovely White-fringed Orchis 

 {HabeMaria blephariglottis) was found in quantities, as well as many 

 other peat-loving plants. 



On reassembling at the railway station Mr. Whyte addressed those 

 present in the happy and entertaining style now so well known to the 

 members of the Club. He spoke of the plants gathered during the 

 excursion. He was followed by Messrs. Fletcher and Kingston, who 

 delivered addresses respectively upon insects and birds. Mr. Kingston's 

 remarks upon the Chimney-swift were listened to with great interest. 



Excursion No. 5, to Kirk's Ferry. — The last excursion of the 

 season was to the above favourite locality and was well attended. At 

 9.30 on Saturday morning 6th September six large vans carried off a 

 merry party of over 100 to the grand old Laurentian hills, now magni- 

 ficent in their glorious autumn array of purple, green, bronze, and gold. 

 The weather was all that could possibly be desired, clear, bright and 

 hot ; but tempered by a gentle breeze. A most enjoyable day was spent 

 by all. Those who did not care to follow the energetic leaders sought 

 out shady nooks amongst the rocks by the rapids or strolled quietly 

 through the mountain woods. Prof. Macoun who had just returned 

 from the Rocky Mountains was heartily welcomed by the members of 

 the club. 



An hour was well spent, before leaving for home, in listening to 

 the leaders' addresses. 



The acting President, Mr. R. B. Whyte, first called upon Prof. 

 Macoun, who gave two most instructive addresses, the first upon the 

 classification of Fungi and the way to distinguish between edible and 



