170 



of those observed is now very complete, numbeiing 203 species, and 

 the reports of the leaders contain many valuable facts lelating to the 

 habits of our pretty songsters, but only one paper has been read, that 

 on the ducks. A beginner entering this field has much to attract and 

 occupy his attention. Although the list must be very complete their 

 ■migratory habits allow every possibility of discovering a new species. 

 Besides tlieir general habits and characteristics there are many subjects 

 adapted for special lines of observation. Their eggs and nests furnish 

 a study of themselves ; the arrival and dei)arture of the various species 

 •is a point that is receiving particular att,ention just now, and to M'hich 

 should be given a lai'ge share of our time ; their songs would make an 

 intei'esting series of observations, while their ])0wer of communicating 

 with one another would jtrovide the subject for an excellent paper. 

 It has always appeared to me that birds, of all members of the animal 

 series, are the ones most suited for our lady members. It is here that 

 nature puts on her most showy and pleasing attire, no long tramps are 

 ■required to seek them in their haunts, nor any tedious work required 

 to prepare collections. A bird may almost always be watched in its 

 native state and a few minutes reference to the handbook establish its 

 identity. Unlike other members of the animal kingdom, they are 

 visitors, not residents. Some spend the summer with i^s aiul take their 

 departure for the south on the approach* of cold, while others come for 

 >ihelter in the winter months from a still colder north, others again 

 only rest a short time in journeying from one clime to another. These 

 pretty visitors are looked on with a more friendly interest when it is 

 remembered that they will return again after several montlis of wander- 

 ing, and the very same bird, fed and watched one season, returns the 

 next. 



Ill the classes of reptiles and amphibians Ave find another field as 

 yet undisturbed. We want some one to tell us what kind of turtles are 

 to be found I'ere, what snakes, what lizards, what frogs, and many other 

 interesting members. For those with limited time these branche^s are 

 particularly suitable, they are easily sought for and obtained and their 

 number is not great. In a stroll to the nearest woods or along the 

 Ottawa or Rideau rivers several species may be noticed. The whole 

 iUuniber will not exceed 50 species. The study of their habits will 



