112 THE Ottawa NATURALIST. [August 
can Elm. Cut-leaved Birch, the Rowan trees, White Pine, 
Norway Spruce, and several varieties of the American Arbor- 
vite or White Vedar. Ten minutes was spent in guessing the 
plants and animals described in a number of poetical selections 
read by one of the leaders, the object being to endeavour to ap- 
preciate the spirit of the poets in their interpretation of nature 
July 7. For illustrations in physical geography, no better 
region can be found than the vicinity of McKay’s lake. On one 
side is a bank of marl which time and great pressure would con- 
vert into limestone. An inquisitive student plunged his magnet 
into the sand and was surprised to see minute particles of mag- 
netite adhering to it. Some apparently clear water was collected 
in a bottle from one of the inflowing streams. After allowing it 
to stand, a distinct sediment was observable: thus was demon- 
strated one of the agencies tending to the obliteration of lakes. 
Evidence of the other agency was seen in the gorge cut by the 
outflowing water through the barrier which separates the lake 
from the Ottawa river. The exploration of this outlet is full of 
interest; at and near its mouth are to be seen examples of a 
canyon, a bay, a delta, a cape, a river, a mountain. 
July to. The teachers took advantage of the invitation of | 
Mr. J. B. Lewis to see his magnificent collection of shrubs and 
flowering perennials, which have been brought from all parts of 
the world regardless of expense. The collections of Rhododen- 
drons and Delphiniums were particularly admired. 
July 11. The peninsula north of the Little Chaudiere rapids 
was the field investigated. The Red Cedar (/uniperus Virginiana ) 
was the most interesting tree observed, and it was gratifying to 
have evidence of the development of observing powers in the 
assertions of several of the students that the red cedar resembles 
a juniper rather than the so-called White Cedar ( Thuya occident- 
alis). Dr. H. M. Ami was present and gave an address pointing 
out to the teachers illustrations of tilting, outcrop, stratification, 
syncline, anticline, etc., in the Trenton limestone. 
July 12. The Seed Division of the Department of Agricul- 
ture was visited, where there was an opportunity of seeing a sys- 
tematic application of Nature Study. The objects and methods 
of this Division were explained in a lucid manner by Mr. G. H. 
Clarke and Mr. L. H. Newman. The teachers were much im- 
pressed with the value of careful seed breeding when they were 
informed that recently a single ear ot Indian corn, the product of 
56 years of intelligent selection, was sold for $11. 
July 13. Two hours were spent in company with the aris- 
tocracy of plants in the garden of Mr. R. B. Whyte. The stately 
beauty of Le/ium candidum was especially attractive to the ladies. 
Mr. Whyte’s magnificent collection of Poppies was much admired. 
