90 The Ottawa Naturalist. • July 



air. Vtola afftnis grew in the crevices of the rocks beside the 

 river. In a creek bottom V. cucidlata was very beautiful. V. 

 pi'ionosepala was also collected at the edge of the woods as well as 

 V. Dicksom. Coyylus Americana was added to the flora of the 

 district, by Prof. Macoun. Dr. Fletcher found an interesting 

 hybrid between Osmunda claytoinana and Osmiinda cinnamomea 

 growing in a clearing where both of these ferns were very abun- 

 dant. The strawberry blossoms {Fiagaria Virgimand) presented 

 a strange appearance in one place ; the petals were modified so as 

 to bear anthers at their tips, and could be seen in all st>»ges of 

 transition from petals to anthers. Although spring only be- 

 gan on the ist of May, this season's growth has been very rapid- 

 The Ostrich Ferns in the alluvial soil of the river bottom were 

 fully five teet in height, and so dense as to resemble a picture of 

 tropical vegetation. Phlox divaricata was found; but the splendid 

 beds of this beautiful flower which formerly occured on the south 

 bank of the river have been almost destroyed by the forest fires — 

 On the north bank clumps of Rudbeckia laciniata were found in 

 one spot. The only land shell of interest was Helix Sayi. 



The Second General Excursion was held on May 28th to Gil 

 mour's Grove, Chelsea. Through the kindness of Messrs. Gilmour 

 and Hughson, the beautiful grove overlooking the grand rapids on 

 the Gatineau River was thrown open to the club, and about 200 

 members and their friends took the opportunity of again investi- 

 gating this rich locality. The day was simply perfect for such an 

 outing, and many interesting specimens rewarded the collectors. 

 Mr. Arthur Gibson and Mr. D. A. Campbell captured many insects 

 of interest; among these, Thecla uiphon, Amblyscirtes samoset and 

 Nisoniades juvenalis may be mentioned. The botanical treasures 

 as usual were most numerous among the collections. Cypripeduiin 

 acaiile was found in small numbers; other orchids exhibited at the 

 end of the day were Orchis spectabilis with the whole flower purple, 

 and Habenaria Hookeri; Viola prionosepala carpeted the woo is ia- 

 one place. A prize off"ered for competition by Miss Cowan for the 

 largest number of species observed, was won by Miss Constance 

 Anderson. Several ferns were collected, and Miss K. Lee exhi- 

 bited fine plants of Woodsia Ilvensis, and Aspleniuni Trichomanes 

 Dr. Fletcher showed a specimen oi Botrychiiim mafricaricefolinin, 

 of species which had only once before been found in the district, 

 at Casselman, many years ago. 



