APR 10 19i7 



THE OTTAWA NATURALIST. 



Vol. XI. OTTAWA, MAY, 1897. No. 2. 



REPORT OF THE BOTANICAL SECTION. 



To the Cou7icil of the Ottawa Field- Naturalists' Chib : 



FIELD WORK. 



In the Botanical Branch there has been some good work 

 done. Some of the leaders have attended all the excursions and 

 delivered addresses. Sub-excursions were also held during the 

 spring months until the schools broke up. Two large sub- 

 excursions of the botanical class attending the Normal School, 

 consisting of about 60 ladies and gentlemen, were held. The 

 first one to Rocklifife on May 9, where large collections of spring 

 flowers were made, including Fiola Selkirkei in splendid condi- 

 tion. The addresses at this outing were delivered by Dr. 

 Fletcher and Mr. Sinclair. On the following Saturday an 

 equally large party visited the beaver meadow at Hull, under 

 the guidance of the President, Mr. Sinclair and Dr. Fletcher. 

 Here they were met by Prof. Macoun, who gave an excellent 

 address, speaking particularly of forest trees, and showing how 

 some of the species usually troublesome to beginners could be 

 separated and distinguished. The first excursion to Chelsea 

 on 23rd May added one new species to our Ottawa list, 

 Stellaria uliginosa, found by Dr. Fletcher in several places 

 through Gilmour's Grove. This is thought to have been 

 introduced ; but how such an inconspicuous plant could 

 have been introduced and have spread so widely seems 

 strange. A sub-excursion which was much enjoyed by 

 a few of the members was to the Mcr Bleue on^May 28, when 

 Mr. J. B. Goode, of Montreal, accompanied the party. This 

 gentleman's success in cultivating our native orchidS' is well 

 known. Fine specimens oi Arethusabulbosa and the rare Listera 

 australis were collected. At a sub-excursion in October Elatine 



