104 



serine ancestors, and, if so, he is in this respect less swift-Uke than his 

 brethren who have, with the swifts, adopted the ways of civiUzation. 



Other examples could be cited of this principle by which a super- 

 ficial likeness is produced in really different birds by similar environ- 

 ment, as for instance the resemblance of the shrike or butcher-bird to 

 the hawks ; but, perhaps, in the whole class there is no case where 

 the real difference and the apparent similarity are at once so great as in 

 this of the swift and the swallow. 



-:o:- 



EXCURSION No. 3 (1891). 



The completion of the first section of the Gatineau Valley Rail- 

 way, running into the heart of the Laurentian Mountains, will afford 

 easy access to a district which has always possessed great attractions for 

 the collector and observer in almost every branch of natural history. 

 The excursions of the Field-Naturalists' Club to King's Mountain have 

 usually been amongsi the most satisfactory outings of each season both 

 from a scientific and financial point of view ; but attempts to penetrate 

 €71 masse further into the hills have generally proved unsuccessful owing 

 to the wearisome length of the drive. The Excursion Committee 

 expect shortly to complete arrangements with the Railway Company 

 for an excursion of the Club to the village of La Peche, or Wakefield, 

 which is pleasantly situated in a widening of the valley, at a point where 

 a smaller stream, the Riviere de la Peche, empties into the Gatineau, 

 about twenty-one miles from Ottawa. Several members of the Club 

 can vouch for the beauty ot the scenery upon the route, running, as it 

 does, in and out of the hills along the river bank. 



To be transported to the midst of the Laurentians in an hour's 

 time will be a novel experience for Ottawa excursionists, and it is 

 hoped that a large number of members and their friends will attend. 

 The event will probably take place within the first fifteenjdays of 

 September. Due notice will be given by circular. /'^i'i'QiiC/l/^ 



