246 Canadian Record of Science. 
AuTUMN FIELD Day. 
For the first time in its history, the Natural History So- 
ciety this year instituted a new departure in its annual 
excursions, by providing an Autumn Field Day. The So- 
ciety, however, is under great obligations to Mr. Gibb for 
causing it to adopt such a popular course, since it was his 
earnest and most cordial invitation to accept the hospitality 
of his country residence, that brought about such a result. 
The Field Day was held on the 29th of September. The 
excursionists, to the number of one hundred twenty, pro- 
ceeding to Abbotsford via the Canada Pacific, and there 
found a most hospitable welcome and an abundant provision 
for all their wants. Immediately upon arrival the various 
announcements for the day were made, after which the party 
had abundant opportunity to inspect the large and valuable 
orchards in the immediate vicinity, where, thanks to the 
energy of Mr. Gibb, a centre of fruit culture is gradually 
being built up, which is destined to produce an important 
influence upon the fruit industry of this Province. Mr. 
Gibb himself has a large number of important varieties of 
Russian apples, and also a valuable collection of ornamental 
and forest trees, the adaptability of which, to this climate, 
he is endeavoring to determine. 
After a bountiful lunch, the excursionists distributed in 
various directions under the leadership of Sir Wm. Dawson, 
Prof. Penhallow, Mr. Holden, Mr. Gibb and others. The 
largest party proceeded to the summit of Yamaska Moun- 
tain, whence a most extended view of the surrounding 
country was obtained, and where Sir Wm. Dawson delivered 
an address upon the peculiar geological features of the 
vicinity. 
The collections made were chiefly geological, although a 
number of interesting botanical specimens were brought in, 
amongst others various species of Lycopodium, Agaricus, 
Aster; a number of ferns and Geranium Robertianum. On 
re-assembling at the house, addresses on the Natural History 
of the locality, were made by Sir Wm. Dawson and Prof. 
Penhallow, and a vote of thanks tendered Mr. Gibb by Prof. 
Bovey. : 
The day was fine, notwithstanding a snow-storm on the 
summit of Mount Yamaska, and the party returned to the 
city with the feeling that it had been a day of much pleasure 
and great profit. 
