PROCEEDINGS FOR 1886. XIII 
tral Station as would illustrate the insects injurious and beneficial to vegetation, and duplicate collec- 
tions of a similar character, as early as practicable for each of the substations.” 
In this connection, it may be stated that Mr. Fletcher, who is at present acting as Honorary 
Entomologist, has, under exceptionally unfavorable conditions, and without being able to devote his 
time to the work, or to employ needed assistance, published a report containing a large amount of 
information about the insects which were found to be most injurious during the past year. The 
report is based upon his personal observations in different sections, and upon voluminous corres- 
pondence from all parts of the Dominion. It is an earnest of what might be accomplished by an 
entomologist having the necessary equipment and assistance to prosecute and record investigations. 
Fortunately, neither from Mr. Fletcher’s report, nor from those of the Entomological Society, do 
we find that any especially destructive new pests were met with during the past year, nor were some 
of the old ones so abundant and devastating as formerly, The ravages of the Larch Saw-Fly (We- 
matus Erichsonii) and of the Spruce-bud Moth (Tortrix fumiferana) showed signs of decrease. The 
Clover-seed Midge (Cecidomyia leguminicola) continued to do serious injury over extended areas, but if 
farmers will act upon the suggestions which have been made in our reports regarding the cultivation 
of this crop, they can harvest a good yield of seed. 
Two of the most destructive insects in Canada for many years past have been the Codling Moth 
(Carpocapsa pomonella) and the Plum Curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar), the former destroying or injur- 
ing probably one-fifth of our apple crop, and the latter often causing a total failure of the crop of 
plums. Numerous remedies have been proposed and employed against these pests, but the labour 
required was, in each instance, considerable, and the results were scarcely ever entirely satisfactory. 
Experiments made during recent years by our members have, however, proved that Paris green is an 
efficient and practicable remedy, when mixed with water and sprayed upon the trees as soon as the 
flowers have been fully fertilized. 
These facts are mentioned by me in order that a knowledge of them may be diffused by the Fel- 
lows of your honorable Society, and by the Delegates to this meeting. 
The loss to the country annually by the ravages of insects upon crops of all kinds is so enormous, 
that it becomes the duty of every society, interested in the prosperity of the country, to do what may 
be in its power to enable agriculturists to conquer their small but numerous foes. 
IX.—From the Société de Géographie de Québec, through AnBk LAFLAMME : — 
Le comité de régie de la Société de Géographie de Québec a l'honneur de faire un rapport des 
opérations de la Société pendant l’année 1885. 
Le bail de notre société avec l’Institut Canadien de Québec expirait le 30 avril 1885, et le prix du 
loyer devenant trop onéreux pour nos ressources, nos directeurs ont dû songer à trouver un autre 
local. Après bien des recherches infructueuses, nous avons décidé de faire un marché avec messieurs 
les commissaires du gouvernement fédéral chargés de l’octroi des licences dans la ville de Québec, par 
lequel nous avons eu l'autorisation d'occuper conjointement avec eux les salles dans lesquelles nous 
nous réunissons encore aujourd'hui. Cette installation n’était que temporaire, et entrainait de sérieux 
inconvénients ; mais nous avons dû nous en contenter jusqu'à ce jour. Nos successeurs seront sans 
doute plus heureux que nous dans leurs démarches pour régler cette importante question ; nous le 
soubaitons vivement. 
Le lac Mistassini a continué d'attirer l'attention publique durant l’année qui vient de s’écouler. 
On se rappelle les démarches nombreuses et pressantes entreprises par notre Société depuis plusieurs 
années pour engager les gouvernements d'Ottawa et de Québec à faire explorer cette immense région 
encore à peu près inconnue. 
Nous voulions connaître les ressources du grand nord de notre province, et nous avions l'ambition 
bien légitime d'assurer à la partie occidentale de la Confédération canadienne les mêmes chances 
