6 

 EDITORIAL. 



The present number is the first Quarterly part of Vol. Ill of the 

 Ottawa Naturalist, 



After careful consideration the council has decided to publish the 

 magazine, for this year at any rate, in quarterly parts of not less than 

 48 pages. The scope of the publication has also been widened so as to 

 include papers by members of the club upon the General Natural History 

 of Canada, without being restricted as heretofore to this locality only. 



It is hoped in this way largely to augment the usefulness of the 

 Club, and at the same time to draw to our ranks naturalists from all 

 parts of the Dominion. 



It has been arranged by the leaders in the different branohes to 

 take charge of the weekly sub- excursions in the following rotation : the 

 first Saturday in the month will be under the direction of the leaders in 

 Geology; the second, of the Botanical leaders; the third, of those in Orni- 

 thology and Entomology ; and the fourth of Zoology and Conchology. 

 The general Post Office will be as heretofore the rendezvous, and the 

 start will be made every Saturday punctually at at 2 p.m. 



When the General Monthly Excursion is held upon a Saturday it 

 will take the place of the weekly sub-excui\sion. 



The first General Excursion of the Club will be held this Spring on 

 the 17th May, to Kingsmere in the Chelsea Mountains, and will be duly 

 announced by circular. 



The members are earnestly urged to consult with the leaders, with- 

 out delay, as to the best means of carrying on effective study and useful 

 investigation during the coming season. 



We feel it our duty to call the attention of our readers to the adver- 

 tisements, as we consider it incumbent upon the members of the club 

 to patronize those firms which so materially assist us in carrying on our 

 work. 



J. FLETCHER, 



Editor. 



