283 



Creek, and mentioned in last years' report, is now supposed to have 

 been the young of Rana damituns, and no genuine specimen of E. 

 pahistris has yet been found in this vicinity. The 9th of April is the 

 earliest date recorded last year, as far as we can ascertain, when the 

 first fiog was seen, and by the 13th their croaking was heard commonly 

 On the 1st May toads were observed making their way to the water in 

 great numbers to spawn, and on the 1 3th April tree toads were heard 

 piping in ponds. 



The first snakes were seen unusually early, two garter snakes 

 (Eutcenia sirtalis) having been observed by Mr. Harrington on the 14th 

 April, before the snow was out of the woods. A fine specimen of the 

 milk snake ( Ophiholus Joliatus triangulus) was captured by Mr. Latch- 

 ford, on the Club excursion to Kingsmere, 22nd May. This species 

 appears to be rare in this district. 



On 20th April Mr. Latchford found a large spotted salamander 

 ( Amhlijostoiaa punctatum) under a log, on frozen ground, almost lifeless. 

 This is only the second specimen recorded as taken hei'e. On the same 

 day Mr. Harrington found Jefierson's salamander under stones on a 

 wooded slope near the Hull Cemetry. On 22nd May, Mr. D'Arcy 

 Scott took the first specimen ever recorded in this locality of the two- 

 striped salamander (Spelerpes hilineatus). It was found near Kingsmei-e, 

 and was identified by Dr. Merriam, who was present on that occasion. 



On the 21st August Mr. Harrington procured two specimens of the 

 spotted triton ( Diernyctylus viridescens) during the Club excursion to 

 Casselman. 



No fresh observations have come under our notice with respect to 

 fish during the past year, except the fact that the number of sheeps- 

 head ( Hoploidonotus Qrimniens) off'ered for sale on our market is in- 

 creasing. The leappearance of this species in the Ottawa was alluded 

 to in last year's report. 



Before closing this report we again call attention to the valuable 

 aid a Horded by recording the dates of the first appearance of various 

 animals. Every note made at the time, however insignificant, may 

 have some bearing on facts connected with zoological research. 



The whole respectfully submitted, 



H. B. SMALL. 



Wm. p. LETT. 

 5th February, 1885. Leaders. 



