PKOCEBDINGS FOR 1885. IX 



were also calleil, and gave evidence, before the Committee, as to tiie ravages of inseels in Canada, 

 and as to the advantages which would result fiom the appointment of a competent Entomologist. 

 The Department of Agriculture, impressed by the importance of the subject as thus biought before 

 its notice, has since appointed as Entomologist one of the most energetic officers and workers of 

 our Society, Mr. James Fletcher, who has issued a Pieliminary Kejwrt, briefly describing (he most 

 noticeable injuries caused by insects last season to the various crops. 



In the United States great attention is still jiaid to the study of economic entomology. Several 

 of the States, as well as the Federal Government, make liberal provisions for the investigations of 

 appointed Entomologists. The published leports of such investigations are exceedingly valuable; 

 and fu]-nish, with tlie exception of that supplied by the Entomological Society of Ontario, almost 

 the only reliable information regarding the injurious insects infesting our orchards, fields and 

 gai-dens. 



It is a matter of no little importance that as full information us can be obtained should bo 

 circulated as widely as possible among our farmers, and to this end the appointment of an Entomolo- 

 gist by the Department of Agricultuie is an important step in the right direction. 



IV. From the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, through Mr. W. L. Scott: — 



As delegate from the Ottawa Field Naturalists' Club I am able to report that the last year has been 

 for it one of continued progress and success. Its twofold work of studying local natural history, and 

 of endeavoui'ing to pojnilarize science has been vigorously prosecuted and its membershij) has been 

 laj-gely increased. Forty persons joined the Club during the year, of whom several reside in distant 

 parts of the country and have sought to evidence their interest in the welfare of the Club by enrolling 

 themselves in its ranks. The membership is now one hundicd and seventy. 



Four large excursions were held last summei', at the first of which the Club was honoured by the 

 presence of many fellows of your honourable Society, and delegates thereto. Sub-excursions of 

 working parties were also held on altei'nate Saturdays during the season and contributed largely to 

 a fuller knowledge of our geological formations and of our fauna and floia. 



At the winter Soirees (six in number), Reports by the leaders appointed in Zoologj', Botany, 

 Entomologj-, Conchology, Ornithology and General Zoology, were presented, and the following papers 

 of much interest and value were read ; — 



1. The President's Address, by Dr. H. Beaumont Small. 



2. The Canadian Otter, by W. Pitman Lett. 



3. The Minerals of the Ottawa District, by C. W. Willimott. 



■i. Wheat (with special reference to that grown in Ottawa District), by William Scott. 



5. Our Saw-flies and Horn-tails, by W. H. Harrington. 



6. Local Trenton Fossils, by W. B. Billings. 



Classes in Botany, Mineralogy and Ornithology were conducted dui-ing several weeks, — the first- 

 named subject, under the veiy interesting treatment of Professor Maeoun, being specially attractive to 

 the members and their friends. 



It has been the aim of the Club since its formation to make its published Transactions as complete 

 and valuable as its circumstances will permit, and No. 5 (Vol. II. No. 1, pp. 152) which was 

 published during the year, is one which would be creditable to any older and wealthier Society. No. 0, 

 which is now in the hands of the Publishing Committee, will contain the Report and Papers befoi-e 

 referred to, as well as Annual Reports of Librarian, Treasurer, Council, etc. 



The library of the Club has received numerous valuable donations and exchanges, including the 

 magnificont volume of the Transactions of your honotii'able Society, for which I am instructed to 

 convey to you the thanks of the Club. 



Pr<j. 18S5. li. 



