1903] Second Autumn Sub-Excursion. 141 



of the outing-, and invited anyone present who wished for informa- 

 tion to ask questions, when they would be answered by the 

 Leaders. In reply to a question, Dr. Fletcher pointed out the 

 botanical differences between the Blue Beech {Carpinus Carolin- 

 iana, Walt.), and its near relative the Iron-wood or Hop Horn- 

 beam {Ostrya Virginiana [Mill.] Willd.). He then referred to 

 some of the specimens collected during the afternoon, and drew 

 attention specially to the Trailing Arbutus, which was shown with 

 its fully formed flower buds, even then ready to expand and give 

 forth their delicious perfume with the first warm breath of next 

 spring. He spoke also of some of the common reptiles, and gave 

 interesting facts about their useful lives, illustrating his remarks 

 at the same time by showing some fine living- specimens of Picker- 

 ing's Tree Toad and the Leopard Frog. While pointing out the 

 beauties of a large specimen of the latter, and the value of his 

 livery of gold, bronze, black, and green for protective purposes, 

 the frog, apparently not relishing the notoriety he was getting, or 

 in an excess of modest confusion when the eyes of about thirty 

 young ladies were directed towards his points of beauty, sprang 

 wildly forth from the demonstrator's hands in an effort to escape. 

 He was, however, soon captured by one of the active young ladies 

 and brought back again to be further studied. When finished 

 with, he was given his liberty, and showed his appreciation by 

 quickly disappearing into the grass. Before closing, Dr. Fletcher 

 spoke of the advantages to be derived from such outings as we 

 were then enjoying, and the special value of our club to all lovers of 

 nature, claiming that it was not organized nor conducted for scien- 

 tific students only, but provided an easy road with a wide-open 

 door, inviting and encouraging all those who wanted to know more 

 about nature and the common objects about them, to come in and 

 learn more. They would thus become happier men and women, 

 and more useful citizens. 



A large proportion of the excursionists consisted of Normal 

 School students, and among others who were present were the 

 First Vice-President, the Secretary and the Treasurer of the Club, 

 and Dr. J. F. Whiteaves, Leader in Conchology, who during the 

 afternoon kindly pointed out many things of interest in the rocks. 



