145 



betweiti a lar^e number of oar members a great and enduring friend- 

 ship. It is certainly worth recording that there is this feehng of frater- 

 nity among those banded together to study nature. 



MP'.MBERSHIP. 



Our membership roll now stands at 275, having gained 26 new 

 members during the pist year. This, I think, is a very creditable 

 record. The prospects are that we shall still further increase in the 

 near future, as there are unmistakable signs of increased vitality and 

 activity. With much regret I announce the loss by death of four mem- 

 bers. Of these, I might meniion particularly, the Abbe Provencher, 

 the well known entomologist of Quebec, and Mr. W. P. Lett, our 

 respected citizen, who for so m my years contributed towards our 

 winter programmes, papers which were always listened to with great 

 interest. 



EXCURSIONS. 



I must now refer briefly to our Excursions, which have become such 

 a noted feature of our summer life. We have had three general 

 excursions this year, two of which were to explore the enchanting 

 district lately opened up by the Gatineau River R.R. The natural 

 scenery of the Gatineau Valley, bold and romantic, has been enjoyed by 

 all who accompanied us. Nearly five hundred took, advantage of these 

 opportunities to " naturalize," and the unanimous verdict was that these 

 outings were a great success. The third general excursion was held to 

 Casselman, on the Canada Atlantic Railway, but owing to the weather 

 being unpropitious our attendance was small. The Saturday afternoon 

 sub-excursions to points in the immediate neighborhood continued 

 throughout the summer season. 



JOURNAI,. 



During the past year, the Ottawa Naturalist appeared regularly 

 and promptly, month by month. In it have been published many 

 papers of more than passing interest and merit. The volume is one 

 that reflects great credit upon the Club and its editor. For the arduous 

 task of editing we owe our heartiest thanks to Mr. Fletcher, " the father 

 of the Club," w'lo has spared no pains in this, his labour of love, to 

 produce the society journil of which we are deservedly proud. 



