47 
ornamented by an upright horn. Several species of small beetles were also 
taken in or under fungus upon decaying wood, where many varieties can always 
be obtained. One Phellidius cornutus has the thorax of the male produced in two 
long flat horns. Another, Cratoparis lunatus is a weevil. Among these fungi- 
eaters, and, probably, preying upon them, was a black beetle, a species of carabide, 
the members of which family live chiefly—both as larve and in the perfect 
state—upon other insects, The large diagram shows one found under stones 
during the daytime. It is enlarged about twenty diameters in order to show the 
mouth-parts, etc., common to nearly all beetles. 
Spring, with its revivifying influences, is again near at hand, and with the 
first warm days, insects will make their appearance in rapidly-increasing 
numbers. Now, then, is the time to prepare the few simple articles constituting 
the collector’s outfit, so as to be ready to take advantage of the first opportunity 
to go out into the fields and woods, and, note-book in hand, observe and record 
the doings ot their lesser inhabitants. 
On the same evening an instructive paper on “Some plants. col- 
lected during our Excursions” was read by Mr. Fletcher, who also 
handed in the annexed list of plants collected by the Ottawa Field- 
Naturalists’ Club during the season, to be held as a record by the Club. 
This list is arranged after the plan of Professor Macoun’s catalogue, 
buat does not include the A/usct and Lepatice ; these will be published 
next year. 
The’structure and growth of a few of the most interesting were explained, 
the first considered being Clematis verticillaris, or the large mauve-flowered 
woodbine. ‘The chief part of the paper, however,was devoted to Insectivorous 
plants, in connection with which subject detailed descriptions were given of 
“the Pitcher Plant,’ Surracenta purpurea, and the two Sundews, Drosera rotund- 
ifolia and Drosera longifolia, It was pointed out that, although these two species 
take their names from the shape of their leaves, they often approach each other 
so closely that the only sure mode of identifying them is by a microscopical 
examination of the seeds. A curious method of reproduction in Nasturtinm 
lacustre was explained; this plant is aquatic in its habits, and, as is frequently 
the case with such plants, has the submerged leaves very much laciniated or cut 
up. These leaves become detached from the plant very early in the summer. 
before it has done flowering, leaving the stem naked and bare. Why these 
leaves should drop so early is a matter of surprise, until it is explained that 
when each one drops into the water it does not decay, but floats abont on the 
surface, while at its base is gradually developed a young plantlet, which takes 
root and remains stationary as soon as a suitable spot is reached, Mention 
was aiso made of certain marine plants found about Ottawa, such as Rumer 
maritimus, Triglochin maritimum, var. elatum, etc., etc., pointing to the fact, which 
is sustained by geological investigation, that the ocean once extended to this 
now far inland spot. 
At the conclusion of this paper, Mr, Fletcher introduced {o the meeting 
Professor Macoun, of Belleville, a corresponding member of the Club. ‘This 
gentleman made a vigorous speech, setting forth the claims of Natural Science 
aS ameans of training both mind and body to greater and more prolonged 
activity than can be attained by any other course of study, ‘lhe Professor 
opposed the idea that any plants were insectivorous, in which he was supported 
by Dr. Kemp. There was a prolonged discussion on the subject. Mr. Fletcher 
defended his previously expressed belief in the insectivorous proclivities of those 
plants named by him, and gave an account of his own experiments and cited 
some of those of Professor Darwin in England. 
