252 The Ottawa Naturalist. [January 



mational names, but indicate rather, in two cases at least, a 

 biological zone, a life-zone. The term " Perry sandstone" is also 

 referred to (p. 14), and as is the case also of similar nomenclature 

 in the g-old-bearing^ series of Nova Scotia, no true formalional 

 names are assigned. For such names as the " Perry sandstones" 

 the " Perry formation " could be easily adopted ; for " Mispec 

 group" the term " Mispec formation " employed, whilst substi- 

 tutes are decidedly necessary for such expressiona as " Dadoxylon 

 sandstone," " Cordaite shales," etc. , which refer to biological 

 characters rather than stand as names of a definite formation. 

 Dr. Ells has given us in this interesting address the nomenclature 

 used up to recent years. It is manifestly high time, especially in 

 Eastern Canada, that some new and more modern classification 

 be adopted. Formational names ought to be given to the slate 

 and quartzite series in the oold-bearing series of Nova Scotia. 

 If areas exist which can be mapped out over extensive tracts, why 

 not adopt some name which will be applied for instance, one to 

 the lower and another name for the upper division of the gold- 

 bearing rocks of Nova Scotia. The last statement refers more 

 particularly to the nomenclature used in the excellent reports and 

 on the maps of Mr. E. R. Faribault, where the names "slate 

 series" and " quartzite series" are employed as formational names 

 but are names merely based on a description of their lithological 

 characters. Dr. Ells's paper is full of suggestions, and deserves 

 careful perusal. 



H. M. A. 



SOIREES. 



The first soiree in the winter course was held in the assembly 

 hall of the Normal School, November 28th, when Prof. John Ma- 

 coun occupied the chair. Dr. MacCabe principal of the Normal 

 School, in a brief and forcible address bade the club welcome. He 

 spoke of the educational work done by the club and emphasized 

 the necessity of field work in the study of nature. Dr. H. M. 

 Ami, the president of the club, then delivered his inaugural ad- 

 dress, speaking of the work accomplished by the late E. Billings, 

 who by his energy and patient research did so much for palseon- 



