64 



the valisneria, when they can get it. They are also very fond of the 

 larvjB of the dragon-fly, to be found in great abundance at the bottom of 

 streams near shore. The bluebills, like the canvas-backs, are only 

 superior to the better classes of the non-divers when they can obtain the 

 wild celery. They are also fond of wild rice, amongst the stalks of 

 which they may be seen constantly diving late in the fall. The 

 " ca-ca-wee " ( Harelda glaciaUsJ or " old wife," is a diver which comes 

 from the north in the spring, passing down the Ottawa when the water 

 is at its greatest height, resting here and there for a day, and following 

 the flood down to the Gulf, or perhaps to the open sea. This bird gets 

 its strange name from the notes of its voice. Its cackling maybe heard 

 quite a distance off. I have seen them frequently, but have never had 

 an opportunity of examining a specimen. There are other ducks which 

 occasionally visit the Ottawa river, the habits of which 1 have not yet 

 had an opportunity to observe. 



REPORT OF THE GEOLOGICAL AND MINERALOGICAL 

 BRANCH FOR THE SEASON OF 1882. 



To the Council of the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club : 



The leaders of ths Geological Branch of the Club beg to report that 

 although no regular sub-excursions of the Club in this branch were held, 

 still small working parties made constant investigations into, the numer- 

 ous palaeozoic exposures in the neighbouring districts. Notes on the 

 most interesting sections and measures were taken, which, when the 

 long needed accurate topographical map of the district is prepared, may 

 pi'ove of no little value in determining the relative ages and exact 

 distribution of the various formations met. The following brief notes 

 of observations made are now submitted as likely to prove of more 

 immediate interest : 



The Chazy Formation. — I. Quite an extensive i)atcli of this for- 

 mation was examined at the Club's second excursion to the Des Chenes 

 Rapids, three miles below Aylmer, P.Q. These measures consist of 



