192 



sponges but tliey were based upon imperfect specimens. The 

 first specimens examined consisted merely of the stems with the 

 sponge scraped off, and were supposed to be the skeletons of the 

 parasitic polyps (Palythoa). Later it was supposed that the stalk. 

 grew upward from the sponge. As more perfect specimens were ob- 

 tained, and closely allied species were obtained in other seas, the true 

 method of growth was determined. I have no time to refer to author- 

 ities, but will quote from the brief account of Prof. Hyatt in the 

 Standard Natural Histoi-y : 



" The sponge itself is * * * of a light brown colour, and friable 

 Avhen dry. The top is usually occupied with a number of cloacal aper- 

 tures surrounding a central prominence which is in reality the end of 

 the stem. The stem is spun by the tissues, as a supporting column, of 

 elongated spicules bound together and growing in a spiral as the 

 animal progresses upwards. The lower end of the stem becomes 

 frayed out, and sinks into the mud as the animal grows, but constant 

 additions to the upper end compensate for this and form a column 



which sometirres reaches a foot in length. 



W. Hague Harrington. 

 Otawa, Jan. 15, 1892. 



:o: 



REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH FOR 1891. 



(Read March 12th, i8gi.) 



To tJie Council of i/ie Ottawa Field-Naturalists^ Club. 



Gentlemen. — The leaders are pleased to announce an increased 

 interest in this branch. Several of the younger members have collected 

 regularly throughout the season, and have been remarkably successful 

 in obtaining rare and valuable species. 



In this connection special mention may be made of Mr. Willibert 

 Simpson, Mr. Reginald Bradley and Masters Tommy and Beverley 

 McLaughlin. The joint collection made by the last named took the 

 prize at the Central Canada Exhibition. Wiih reference to this 

 association and the prizes that have been offered at the annual exhibi- 

 tions, the leaders trust that greater efforts will be made to exhibit larger 



