1909] Birds Observed at Ottawa. 265 



season. The case of this bird is a very perplexing one. Their 

 coming is no migration in the common sense of the word. In fact, 

 they are lost the moment they leave salt water. All that come 

 here and are not shot perish of starvation, as they do not seem to 

 be able to find suitable food in any river or lake. Why they 

 should year after year persist in coming up here to perish is hard 

 to say. 



And, to cap the climax, the Robin {Merula nigratoria) has 

 been with us nearly all winter. A little flock of four was seen in 

 various places up till Christmas, and then took up its head- 

 quarters in the trees around the City Hall, where they could be 

 seen during even the coldest days we have had. Certainly a 

 novel sight for Ottawa. 



Also, a Aleadowlark (Sturnella magna) was seen in the 

 middle of this winter, namely January 10th, at the Rifle Range. 

 Why these birds, which are not supposed to winter here, stayed 

 here this winter, or came here, is hard to tel). Did they know 

 the winter would be a mild one? 



MEETING OF THE BOTANICAL BRANCH. 



Held at the residence of Mr. E. R. Cameron, 21st December, 

 1908. Present: Prof. J. Macoun, Dr. Ami, Rev. G. Eifrig, Dr. 

 Blackader, and Messrs. Cory, E. R. Cameron, J. M. Macoun, 

 W. T. Macoun, Attwood, Whyte, MacMillan, D. Cameron, 

 Jacombe, Witten, Bond and Groh. 



The first part of the evening was devoted to some subject 

 of general botanical interest. Prof. Macoun exhibited a copy 

 of the newly-issued edition of Gray's Manual, and gave some 

 explanation of the need which existed for such a work, as well as 

 some interesting information about the methods and pains- 

 taking labor by which it had been brought to its present revised 

 form. In order to cover a more natural floral area than hereto- 

 fore, it was necessary- to make exhaustive explorations of the 

 Eastern portion of Canada so as to include its flora. Likewise, 

 in order to bring the work into line with recent ideas of classifica- 

 tion and the latest findings of botanical science, the sequence of the 

 families has been entirely changed, and changes in nomenclature 

 have been adopted. Prof. Macoun referred to Britton and 

 Brown's botany as an effort to forestall this work, but considered 

 that this was such a superior and admirable book that it should 

 be everywhere welcomed. 



Prof. Macoun also spoke about the Ottawa Flora which he is 

 engaged in preparing. He invited all members who have 



