82 The Ottawa Naturalist. [June 



The address began at quarter past four and ended punctually 

 at 5:15. 



4. May, 1st. — '' Shells," by F. R. Latchford. — The place 

 in nature occupied by shells and their builders, was pointed out, 

 and the classes indicated in which shells have been divided by 

 naturalists. The number, diversity and beauty of the different 

 families were alluded to, and special reference was made to the 

 land and fresh water species found in Canada — particularly 

 those occurring within the sphere of the Club's operations. The 

 best collecting grounds in the vicinity of Ottawa were specified. 

 The sand bars of Duck Island were mentioned as one of the 

 most remarkable stations in Canada for many species of Unio of 

 unusual size or beauty. Instructions were given as to the best 

 means of collecting, and the best methods of cleaning, classifying 

 and preserving shells when collected. A comparison was made 

 of the different localities around Ottawa in which shells abound, 

 the great diversity which exists between the shells in stations 

 apparently alike in character, and an earnest plea urged for an 

 increased interest in the study of shells here and in other parts 

 of Canada. In the discussion which followed, Mr. Latchford 

 stated that he would be glad to place a collection of Canadian 

 shells in the Normal school, if facilities were afforded for dis- 

 playing them to the students. 



5. MAY,8th.—" Botany," by Mr. R.B.White.— In his open- 

 ing remarks the lecturer emphasized the fact that although 

 there is a universal love for flowers few know anything about 

 them. This he attributed to the imaginary difficulty of learning 

 the proper names ; jantil the plant itself is known no attempt 

 should be made to memorize names — when the plants are 

 known the names will soon follow. The study of plants was 

 valuable in that it cultivated observation and reflection, enabled 

 us to better understand the world we live in and added greatly 

 to the pleasure of life. 



After bricfl}' outlining the natural system of classification 

 by means of which plants are divided into families, orders and 

 genera the lecturer told how plants should be studied. He 



