Things to be observed in Canada. 5 



occurring here. The subject is a difficult one, but many of these 

 creatures are exceedingly curious in structure and habits ; and 

 collections of facts and specimens might be made, by any one 

 having time to devote to such pursuits. 



Among the vertebrated animals, though there is little ground 

 so completely untraversed as in some of the lower forms of life, 

 much may still be done. In one department the late Prof. McCul- 

 loch and Prof. Hall long since set a good example, in collecting 

 birds and other vertebrates, and preparing lists of those frequenting 

 or rarely visiting this locality. The geographical distribution of 

 the higher animals as illustrated by such collections and lists, is 

 in itself a very important subject. 



The fishes of our rivers afford a fertile subject of inquiry. 

 Many of the smaller species are probably undescribed, and there 

 are some of peculiar interest which deserve study in their habits 

 and modes of life. T refer especially to the Lepidosteus* and the 

 Amia,f those ancient forms of ganoid fishes which remind us so 

 strongly of the antique species found fossil in the Palaeozoic rocks, 

 and a minute acquaintance with whose habits might throw most 

 interesting light on the condition of the world in those bygone 

 periods. Information on their spawning grounds, their haunts at 

 different stages of growth, their food, their winter and summer 

 resorts, their migrations, their peculiar instincts, if carefully col- 

 lected, would be of inestimable value. Living specimens, which 

 might be kept in vivaria aud examined at leisure, would also be 

 of great interest, and might be procured by many persons who 

 have not themselves time or inclination for such studies. Agassiz, 

 who has already so ably illustrated the structures and affinities of 

 these animals, has invited collectors to contribute specimens for 

 his great work now in progress ; and any facts relating to the 

 habits of these inhabitants of our waters* will be gladly received 

 for this journal. I should add here, that Mr. Fowler, one of our 

 members, has prepared a number of accurate and beautiful draw- 

 ings of Canadian fishes, and can thus perpetuate for us the fleeting 

 tints of our specimens. 



Even the smaller quadrupeds of Canada are by no means well 

 ascertained. The mice, the shrews, the bats, are very imperfectly 

 known. There may be unknown specks. There certainly are 

 many unknown facts in distribution and habits. Mr. Billings has 



* Bony Pike, Gar Fish, Poisson arm6e. 



f Marsh fish, Mud fish, Poisson de marais, Poisson Castor, 



