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NATURALISTS'  FIELD   CLUB. 


VOLUME  I. 


(January   lOth,  1880,  to  January  22nd,   1881.) 


(The   Authors   only   are    responsible  for   the   statements   and   opinions 
contained  in  their  respective  papers.) 


PUBLISHED    BY    THE   CLUB. 


BUCKHURST     HILL,     ESSEX 


1881 


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MAR  116  1926 


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PRINTED  BY 
James  Jones,    "Woodford  Times"    Office. 


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CONTENTS. 


Page. 
I.-  -The  President's  Inaugural  Address — by  Raphael  Meldola 

F.R.A.S.,  F.C.S.,  &c.    ..  ..  ..  ..  3 

II. — A  Day's  Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex — by  Henry  Walker, 

X^  •  vJT.  O*  ••  ••  ••  ••  ••  ^7 

III, — On  the  Occurrence  of  the  Great  Bustard  (Otis  tarda,  L.) 
and  of  the  Rough-legged  Buzzard  (Buteo  lagopns,  Gm.), 
near  Chelmsford,  during  the  Winter  of  1879 — by 
R.   M.   Christy.  ..  ..  ..  ..  59 

IV. — Note  on  an  Abnormal  Form  of  Cardamine  fvatensis,  L. 

observed  near  Chelmsford — by  John  Gibbs.  . .  64 

V. — Natural  History  Notes— by  R.  M.  Christy  ..  66 

VI. — Two   Notes   on   the  Preservation   of  Plants  with  their 

Natural  Colours  and  Forms— by  James  English.  71 

VII  —Forest  Animals— by  J.  E.  Harting,  F.L.S.,  F.Z.S.,  &c.         74 

VIII. — The  President's  Annual  Address — by  Raphael  Meldola, 

F.R.A.S.,  F.C.S.,  &c.    ..  ..  ..  ..  97 

Proceedings     ..  ..  ..  ..  ..      i— Ixxii 

Index  . .  . .  . .  . .  , .  Ixxii 

Errata  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  Ixxv 


THE  EPPING  FOREST  AND  COUNTY  OF  ESSEX 


ATURALISTS'       f^IELD       ClUB. 


E  U  L  E  S . 


-0- 


I. — The  Society  shall  be  called  "The  Epping  Forest  Obiects. 
AND  County  of  Essex  Naturalists'  Field  Club;"  its 
Head-quarters  shall  be  at  Buckhurst  Hill,  in  the  County  of 
Essex ;  and  its  objects  shall  be  the  study  and  investigation 
of  the  Natural  History,  Geology,  and  Archaeology  of  the 
County  of  Essex  (special  attention  being  given  to  the 
Fauna,  Flora,  Geology,  and  Antiquities  of  Epping  Forest)  ; 
the  publication  of  the  results  of  such  investigations;  the 
formation  of  a  Library  of  Works  of  Local  Interest  and  other 
publications ;  the  formation  of  a  Museum ;  and  the  dis- 
semination of  information  on  Natiu'al  Science  and  Anti- 
quities. 

II. — The  Club   shall  consist   of  Ordinary  and  Honorary     Constitution. 
Members,    including    Ladies ;     the    number   of    Ordinary 
Members   being  unlimited,  and  the  number  of  Honorary 
Members  being  limited  to  twenty. 

III. — The  management  of  the  Club  shall  be  vested  in  a     Mana^'ement 
Council,   consisting   of  a   President,   Treasurer,   Secretarj^ 


Eetirement 
of  Officers. 


Librarian,  and  twenty-five  other  Members,  all  of  whom 
must  be  Ordinary  Members  of  the  Clnb ;  seven  to  form  a 
quorum.  The  President  shall  nommate  four  Members  of 
the  Council  to  act  as  Vice-Presidents  during  his  year  of 
office.  The  President,  Treasurer,  Secretary,  Librarian,  and 
those  fom*  of  the  other  Members  of  the  Council  who  shall 
have  been  longest  in  office  (reckoning  from  their  original 
api)ointment  or  election  if  they  shall  not  have  been  re- 
elected, or  from  their  last  re-election  when  they  shall  have 
been  re-elected)  shall  retire  annually,  but  shall  be  eligible  for 
re-election.  If,  in  consequence  of  several  Members  having 
been  elected  or  appointed  at  the  same  time,  there  shall  be 
any  difficulty  in  determining  which  four  Members  ought  to 
retire  under  this  rule,  those  Members  who  have  been  elected 
or  appointed  at  the  same  time  shall  decide  such  question  by 
mutual  arrangement  between  themselves,  or,  in  default  of 
such  arrangement,  by  lot. 


Nomination  IV. — At  the  Ordinary  Meeting  in  December  nominations 
of  Officers,  shall  be  made  of  Candidates  to  fill  the  offices  of  President, 
Treasurer,  Secretary,  and  Librarian,  and  vacancies  on  the 
Council.  Such  nominations  as  regards  Members  of  the 
Council  other  than  the  President,  Treasurer,  Secretary,  and 
Librarian  shall  be  made  by  Eesolutions,  duly  moved  and 
seconded,  no  Member  being  entitled  to  propose  more  than 
one  Candidate.  The  President,  Treasm-er,  Secretary,  and 
Librarian  shall  be  nominated  by  the  Council.  A  Ust  of  all 
nominations  made  as  above  shall  be  printed  in  alphabetical 
order  upon  the  ballot-paper.  At  the  Annual  General 
Election  of  "  Meeting  in  January  aU  the  above  Officers  and  Members 
Officers,  of  Council  shall  be  elected  by  ballot  from  the  Candidates  ; 
but  any  Member  sliaU  be  at  liberty  to  substitute  on  his  or 
her  ballot-paper  any  other  name  or  names  in  lieu  of  those 
nominated  for  the  offices  of  President,  Treasurer,  Secretary 
and  Librarian. 


Chairman.  ^' — ^^^  ^^^^  absence  of  the  President  and  Vice-Presidents 
the  Members  present  at  any  Meeting  of  the  Club  shall  elect 
a  Chairman  for  that  Meeting:. 


VI.—  Every  Candidate  for  Meinbersliip,  other  than  Original  Election  of 
Members  of  the  Club,  shall  be  proposed  by  two  or  more  Members. 
Members,  who  shall  sign  a  Certificate  (see  Appendix)  in 
recommendation  of  him  or  her,  one  at  least  of  the  proposers 
so  certifying  from  personal  knowledge.  The  Certificate 
shall  be  read  fi'om  the  Chair  at  the  Ordinary  Meeting  follow- 
ing its  receipt  by  the  Secretary,  and  the  Candidate  baUoted 
for  at  the  next  following  Meeting  (not  being  a  Field  Meet- 
ing), one  black  ball  in  six  to  exclude.  [Persons  joining  the 
Club  upon  or  within  two  Calendar  months  from  its  establish- 
ment shall  thereupon  be  considered  Original  Members.] 

VII. — The  Annual  Subscription  for  Ordinary  Members  gvibscrintion 
shall  be  ten  shillings  and  sixpence,  payable  immediately 
after  their  election,  and  afterwards  becoming  due  in  advance 
on  the  first  day  of  January  in  each  year ;  but  Members 
elected  within  two  months  before  the  thirty-first  day  of 
December  shall  be  exempt  fi'om  the  payment  of  subscription 
for  the  year  in  which  they  are  elected.  (Members  residing 
beyond  a  radius  of  fifteen  miles  from  the  Head-quarters  of 
the  Club  shall  not  be  called  upon  to  pay  more  than  an 
Annual  Subscription  of  seven  shiUings  and  sixpence.)  No 
Member  shall  be  entitled  to  any  of  the  privileges  of  the  Club 
whose  subscription  is  twelve  months  in  arrear ;  and  any 
Member  whose  subscription  is  two  years  in  arrear  may  be 
excluded  from  the  Club  by  the  Council. 

VIII. — The  Honorary  Members  shall  be  ladies  or  gentle-  Honorarv 
men  of  eminence  in  Natural  Science  or  Archaeology,  or  who  Members, 
shall  have  done  special  service  to  the  Club,  and  whose  usual 
place  of  residence  is  not  in  the  County  of  Essex ;  and  they  shall 
be  elected  only  at  a  General  Meeting  by  the  Members  upon 
the  recommendation  of  the  Council,  not  more  than  five  to 
be  elected  in  any  one  year.  No  subscription  or  other 
payment  shall  be  required  from  the  Honorary  Members. 

IX. — Any  Ordinary  Member  may  compound  for   his   or     Componnding 
her  Annual  Subscripton  by  a  single  payment  of  £5  5s.  :  all      q  ,     ^i'''    . 


such  sums  to  be  dealt  with  in  such  manner  as  the  Council 
shall  think  fit. 

Privile2:es  of  ■^- — Every  Member,  whether  Ordinary  or  Honorary, 
Members.  «hall  have  the  privilege  of  attending  all  the  Annual,  Ordi- 
nary and  Field  Meetings  of  the  Club,  and  of  introducing 
one  visitor  at  any  such  meeting  (who  shall  enter  his  or  her 
name,  with  that  of  the  Member  by  whom  he  or  she  is  intro- 
duced,  in  a  book  kept  for  that  purpose)  and  shall  be  entitled 
to  receive  a  copy  of  all  publications  of  the  Club  during  his 
or  her  membership,  and  to  the  use  of  the  Library  and 
Musemn  in  accordance  with  the  regulations. 

Eesiffnation        ^^' — Members  wishing  to  resign  at   the   termination  of 
of  Members,     any  year  are  required  to  inform  the  Secretary,  in  writing,  of 

their   intention   to   do   so,    on   or   before   the  first   day   of 

November  in  that  year. 

Meetings.         XII. — No   fewer   than   eight   Ordinary  Meetings   of  the 

Club  shall  be  held  in  each  year,  at  such  places  and  at  such 

times  as  the  Council  may  appoint ;  the  Council  shall  also 

have  power  to   appoint   Bye-meetings  for   study   or   other 

Field         purposes.     Field  Meetings  shall  also  be  held  at  such  places 

Meetings,     and  times  as  the  Council  may  direct. 

Business  at  XIII. — At  the  Ordinary  Meetings  the  following  business 
Ordinary  shall  be  transacted  : — -The  Minutes  of  the  last  Meeting  shall 
Meetings,  i^e  read  and,  if  approved,  confirmed ;  contributions  to  the 
Club  since  the  last  Meeting  announced,  and,  if  consisting  of 
anything  but  money,  exhibited ;  Certificates  for  new  Mem- 
bers read ;  Ballots  for  new  Members  taken ;  specimens 
exhibited  and  remarks  made  on  the  same  ;  communications 
and  papers  read  and  discussed,  and  any  other  business  which 
the  Chairman  or  Secretary  may  think  it  desirable  to  bring 
before  the  Meeting,  transacted.  After  which  the  Meeting 
shaU  resolve  itself  into  a  Conversazione. 

Field  XIV. — The  Field  Meetings  shall  be  under  the  entire  con- 

Meetings,     trol  of  the  Council,  who  may  appoint  Lecturers,  and  make 


5 


such  other  arrangements  as  they  may  deem  best  for  the 
comfort  of  the  Members  and  then-  friends. 

XV. — The  Annual  General  Meeting  shall  be  held  on  the     Annual 
second  Saturday  in  January,  at  which  the  Report  of  the     General 
Council  on  the  affairs  of  the  Club,  and  the  Balance-sheet     Meeting, 
duly  signed  by  the  Auditors  (to  be  appointed  as  provided  by 
Rule  XVII.)  shall  be  read.     Printed  lists  of  Members  nomi- 
nated for  election  as  President,  Treasurer,  Secretary,  Libra- 
rian, and  members  of  the  Council  having  been  distributed, 
and  the  Chairman  having  appointed  two  or  more  Members 
to  act  as  Scrutineers,  the    Meeting  shall  then  proceed  to 
ballot  for  such  elections.     If  from  any  cause  these  elections, 
or  any  of  them,  do  not  take  place  at  this  Meeting,  they  shall 
be  made  at  the  next  Ordinary  Meeting  of  the  Club. 

■  XVI. — Minutes  shall  be  kept  of  the  proceedings  at  all  Minutes. 
Meetings  of  the  Club,  and  of  those  at  all  Meetings  of  the 
Council,  and  the  Minutes  of  each  Meeting  of  the  Club  (except 
Field  Meetings)  shall  be  read  as  the  first  business  at  the  next 
Meeting  (other  than  a  Field  Meeting),  whether  Annual  or 
Ordinary,  of  the  Club.  And  in  hke  manner  the  Minutes  of 
each  Meeting  of  the  Council  shall  be  read  at  the  next  Meet- 
ing of  the  Council. 

XVII. — The  accounts  of  the  Club  shall  be  audited  by  two     Accounts. 
Members,  one  to  be  appointed  by  the  Council  and  one  by 
the  Members  at  the  Ordinary  Meeting  in  November. 


XVIII. — The  Club,  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Council, 
shall  undertake  the  investigation  of  any  subject  of  a  scientific 
nature,  relating  to  Epping  Forest  or  the  County  of  Essex, 
which  the  Council  shall  think  it  desh-able  to  investigate,  and 
shall,  if  the  Council  shall  so  recommend,  publish  the  results 
of  such  investigations. 


Investiga- 
tions, and 
Publication 
of  results 
of  same. 


XIX. — The  publications  of  the  Club  shall   be  printed  at     PubHcations. 
such  tunes  and  in  such  manner  as  the  Council  shall  direct. 


PreseiTation 

of  Natural 

Objects  and 

Antiquities. 


Judicious 
collecting. 


XX. — The  Club  shall  strongly  discourage  the  practice  of 
removing  rare  plants  from  the  localities  where  they  are  to  be 
found  or  of  which  they  are  characteristic,  and  of  risking  the 
extennination  of  birds  and  other  animals  by  wanton  perse- 
cution ;  and  shall  use  its  influence  with  landowners  and 
others  for  the  protection  of  the  same,  and  to  dispel  the 
prejudices  which  are  leading  to  then*  destruction.  The  rarer 
botanical  specimens  collected  at  the  Field  Meetings  shall  be 
such  as  can  be  gathered  without  disturbing  the  roots  of  the 
plants,  and  notes  of  the  habits  of  birds  shall  be  recorded 
instead  of  collecting  specimens  either  of  the  bu'ds  or  of  their 
eggs.  In  hke  manner  the  Club  shall  endeavour  to  cultivate 
a  fuller  knowledge  of  local  antiquities,  historical,  popular, 
and  idiomatic,  and  to  promote  a  taste  for  carefully  preserv- 
ing the  monuments  of  the  past  from  wanton  injurj',  [This 
rule  is  not  intended  to  restrict  the  judicious  collecting  of 
specimens  by  indi\idual  members  necessary  for  theh" 
studies.] 


Copyrisrht  of  XXI. — The  copyright  in,  and  the  original  copy  of  every 
Papers,  paper,  after  having  been  read  before  the  Club,  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  the  property  of  the  Club,  if  there  shall  be  no 
engagement  with  its  author  to  the  contrary.  But  if  the 
Club  shall  dechne  or  omit  to  publish  any  paper  for  six 
Calendar  months  after  it  shall  have  been  read  before  the 
Club,  such  paper  and  the  copyright  therein  shall  remain  and 
be  the  property'  of  the  author,  the  Club,  however,  having  the 
right  to  take  and  retain  for  its  own  use  one  or  more  copy  or 
copies  of  such  paper.  And  the  non-publication  by  the  Club 
of  any  such  paper  for  the  period  above  mentioned  shall  con- 
stitute or  be  sufficient  e\idence  of  an  engagement  to  the 
effect  above  mentioned  with  the  author  of  the  paper. 

[It  is  recommended  that  everj-  paper  which  is  to  be  read 
before  the  Club  should  be  written  on  foolscap  paper,  on  one 
side  only,  with  a  margin  of  one  inch  on  each  side  of  the  MS.] 


MS.  of 
Papers. 


Eepeal  or        XXII. — No  rule  shall  be  repealed  or  altered,  nor  shaU  any 

Alteration  of     addition  be  made  to  these  rules,  except  by  a  majority  of  votes 

Rules,     of  the  Members  present  at  an  Ordinary  or  Special  Meeting 


held  at  the  head-txuarters  of  the  Clul).  Notice  of  the  inten- 
tion to  move  such  repeal,  alteration  or  addition  having  been 
given  at  the  Ordinary  Meeting  immediately  preceding  the 
meeting  at  which  such  repeal,  alteration  or  addition  shall  be 
moved,  if  such  Meeting  be  an  Ordinary  Meeting,  or  by 
printed  notice  sent  by  post  in  manner  hereinafter  men- 
tioned, when  such  Meeting  shall  be  a  Special  Meeting. 
The  Council  may  at  any  time,  and  shall,  upon  a  requisition  Special 
signed  by  not  less  than  twelve  members,  convene  a  Special  Meeting. 
Meeting ;  and  a  printed  notice  stating  the  purpose  for  which 
the  Meeting  is  convened  shall  be  sent  by  post  to  each 
Member  not  less  than  ten  days  before  the  date  fixed  for  such 
Meeting. 

XXIII. — A   copy    of  these   Rules  sliaU   be   sent   by  the     Copy  of 
Secretary  to  each  Member  upon  election  to  membership  of    Eules  to 
the  Club,  but  no  Member  shaU  be  excused  from  their  opera-     Members, 
tion  on   the  plea  of  not  having  received  or  read  the  said 
Rules. 


APPENDIX. 


-o- 


FORM   OF  PROPOSAL   FOR  MEMBERSHIP. 


of 


being  desirous  of  becoming  a  Member  of  "  The  Epping  Forest  and 
County  of  Essex  Naturalists'  Field  Club,"  we,  the  undersigned  Mem- 
bers of  the  Club,  certif^^  that  we  consider  h  to  be  a  desii-able 
Member  of  the  Club,  and  beg  to  recommend  h  for  election. 

Dated  this day  of ,  188— 

(from  2)ersonal  Tinoiuledge). 


Certificate  read, : 188 — 

Candidate  balloted  for, 188- 

First  Year's  Subscription  or  Life  Composition  paid— 
188_ 


Secretary. 


J.  JONES,   PRINTER,   WOODFORD. 


AN 


INAUGURAL   ADDRESS 


DELIVERED    TO 


THE  mm  mm 


AND 


COUNTY  OF  ESSEX  NATURALISTS^ 

FIELD  CLUB, 


FEBRUARY  28th,  1880. 


BY 


RAPHAEL  MELDOLA,   F.R.A.S,.  FC.S.. 

Sec.  Ent.  Soc,  d'C,  President. 


"  Tongues  in  trees,  books  in  the  running  brooks, 
Sermons  in  stones,  and  good  in  everything." 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  CLUB,  BUCKHURST  HILL 

1880. 


THE 

PRESIDENT'S   INAUGURAL  ADDRESS. 

Delivered  February  28th,  1880. 


Ladies  and  Gentlemen, 

Before  proceeding  to  consider  the  objects  and 
functions  of  the  ''  Epping  Forest  and  County  of  Essex  Natu- 
ralist's Field  Club,"  it  is  my  pleasing  duty  to  return  thanks 
for  the  honour  which  you  have  conferred  upon  me  in  electing 
me  as  your  first  President.  In  taking  upon  myself  the 
honourable  duties  of  this  position,  which  I  shall  endeavour  to 
discharge  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  I  cannot  but  regret  that 
this  chair  is  not  occupied  by  some  gentleman  liaving  more 
claim  than  myself  to  be  considered  as  a  naturalist.  Although 
long  devoted  to  this  study,  the  pressure  of  work  of  more 
immediate  necessity  has  left  me  without  the  time  necessary 
to  follow  up  the  subject  with  that  persistency  so  necessary  for 
the  achievement  of  useful  results  in  anv  branch  of  science.  I 
accept  the  position  with  the  more  pleasure,  however,  as 
having  been  a  former  inhabitant  of  the  Forest  District,  and  a 
constant  frequenter  of  the  Forest  itself,  in  whose  glades  my 
own  early  tastes  for  field  natural  history  first  found  full  scope 
for  gratification. 

As  already  stated  in  our  preliminary  circulars,  considering 
the  proximity  of  Epping  Forest  to  London,  and  the  fine  field 
which  it  offers  to  the  naturalist,  it  is  a  matter  of  surprise  that 
no  such  Society  as  that  which  we  may  now  congratulate  our- 
selves upon  having  called  into  existence  has  hitherto  been 
formed.  The  idea  of  establishing  such  a  Club  has  long  been 
present,  although  but  vaguely,  in  the  minds  of  many  habitues 
of  the  Forest  and  surrounding  country,  but  no  defined  scheme 
was   broached   till    our   energetic    Honorary  Secretary,    Mr, 


William  Cole,  took  the  subject  up,  and  by  his  zeal  and  energy 
gave  to  this 

' '  Airy  nothing 
A  local  habitation  and  a  name." 

Our  Society,  in  general  terms,  may  be  said  to  have  for  its 
scope  the  study  of  nature  in  the  field.  So  many  eminent 
writers  have  already  treated  of  the  advantages  to  be  derived 
from  the  study  of  nature  at  first  hand,  instead  of  from  books 
and  museums,  that  any  remarks  which  I  might  have  to  offer  on 
this  subject  could  not  but  be  the  echoes  of  opinions  already 
expressed.  In  the  words  of  Goethe  we  may  exclaim  : — 
"Nature!  we  are  surrounded  and  embraced  by  her :  power- 
less to  separate  ourselves  from  her,  and  powerless  to  penetrate 

beyond  her She  is  ever  shaping  new  forms  :  what  is 

has  never  yet  been  ;  what  has  been  comes  not  again.     Every- 
thing is  new,  and  yet  nought  but  the  old We  live  in 

her  midst  and  know  her  not.     She  is  incessantly  speaking 
to  us " 

That  the  Epping  Forest  and  County  Field  Club  has  met  a 
public  want  let  the  facts  now  speak  for  themselves.  Although 
not  quite  two  months  old,  we  already  number  more  than  140 
original  members.  Our  cause  has  been  warmly  taken  up  by 
the  press ;  in  its  first  attempts  to  struggle  into  existence  the 
infant  Society  has  met  with  kindly  encouragement  on  all 
sides,  and  many  of  the  foremost  naturalists  of  this  country 
have  signified  their  approval  of  our  objects.  It  is  unnecessary 
for  us,  therefore,  to  plead  any  excuse  for  our  raison  cVetrc — it 
only  remains  for  us  to  show  those  who  have  so  readily  ex- 
tended the  hand  of  encouragement,  by  our  future  work,  that 
their  sympathy  has  not  been  given  in  vain.  We  now  look 
forward — I  may  add  with  confidence — to  receiving  from  our 
members  substantial  support  in  the  way  of  contributions  to 
our  publications,  exhibitions  of  specimens  at  our  meetings, 
and  the  discussion  of  problems  in  natural  science  in  that 
amicable  spirit  which  is  most  conducive  to  the  real  advance- 
ment of  knowledge. 

In  forming  a  Society  such  as  the  present  Field  Club  our 
primary  object  is  of  course  the  furthering  of  science — the 
annual  addition  of  something,  however  humble,  to  the  general 


stock  of  human  knowledge.     In  Epping  Forest  and  the  County 
of  Essex  we  have  a  fine  area  to  work  in,  and  I  am  happy  to 
say  that  we  already  include  in  our  ranks  many  members  well 
versed  in  special  branches  of  natural  history  (using  this  term 
in  its  widest  sense)  to  whom  we  shall  look  for  assistance  in 
their  respective  subjects ;  and  I  am  also  glad  to  be  able  to 
announce   that    many  eminent   specialists   outside  our   own 
Society  have  promised  their  valuable  aid  in  identifying  speci- 
mens or  in  other  ways  promoting  the  objects  of  the  Club. 
Our  chief  object,  the  advancement  of  natural  science,  will  be 
best  effected  by  the  publication  of  original  papers,  notes,  and 
discussions.     But  we  must  likewise  bear  in  mind  that  science 
will  be  also  indirectly  promoted  by  mutual  intercourse  and 
instruction,  and,  above  all,  by  fostering  and  educating  the 
scientific  faculty  in  our  younger  members.     Who  knows  but 
that  in  the  County  of  Essex  there  may  be  another  John  Eay 
or  some  future  Darwin  waiting  only  for  encouragement  and 
the  spirit  of  emulation  to  develop  faculties  which  will  subse- 
quently establish   him   in  a   high  position  in   the  world   of 
science.     The  discovery  of  such  an  individual  would  surely  be 
of  far  greater  importance  to  science  than  the  discovery  of  a 
species  new  to  the  British  fauna  or  flora.     It  is  our  duty  to 
go  forth  into  the  highways  and  byeways  and  bring  such  mem- 
bers into  our  fold.     The  sociable  gatherings  of  a  Field  Club 
are  far  more  calculated  to  inspire  the  young  scientific  aspirant 
with  confidence  in  his  own  powers  than  the  more   formal 
meetings  of  a  learned  Society,  where  stern  discussion  is  neces- 
sary,   and   where   valuable   metal   must   be   separated   from 
useless  dross  by  a  process  of  rigid  criticism.     Nor  can  our 
older    members,   whether  naturalists   or   not,    fail   to  derive 
benefit  from   association  with   those   who  have  studied   for 
themselves  some  page  in  the  great  book  of  nature.     In  these 
days  when   science  is  progressing  with  such  gigantic  strides 
that  no  one  man  can  keep  pace  with  its  development  in  all 
branches — when  specialism  has  become  an  absolute  necessity 
for  individual  advancement,  and  when  results  of  value  can 
only  be  obtained  by  rigidly  limiting  oneself  to  some  restricted 
subject,  and  ignoring,  for  the  time,  the  rest  of  nature — there 
is  much  to  be  learnt  by  interchanging  ideas  \vith  those  who 


6 

are  occupied  with  subjects  distinct  from  one's  own.  It  has 
often  been  said  that  to  be  thoroughly  educated  we  should 
**know  something  of  everything  and  everything  of  some- 
thing ;"  the  specialist,  however,  being  obliged  to  ignore  the 
existence  of  nature  outside  his  own  subject,  is  too  apt  to 
think  that  beyond  his  own  province  there  is  nothing  worth 
investigating — he  has  been  travelling  for  a  great  many  years 
down  a  lane  between  dead  walls  in  which  it  is  sometimes 
necessary  to  make  a  breach  in  order  to  show  him  that  there 
is  open  country  beyond.  If  the  friendly  gatherings  of  our  Club 
are  in  any  way  conducive  to  enlarging  the  ideas,  on  the  one 
hand,  of  those  who  have  never  yet  directly  asked  a  question  of 
nature,  and,  on  the  other,  of  those  who  have  spent  years  in 
prying  laboriously  into  some  obscure  corner  of  her  domain, 
one  of  our  main  objects  will  have  been  accomplished. 

Thus,    in   addition  to  the    acquisition    of   new  knowledge, 
Field  Clubs  are    capable  of  doing  good  work  in  the  way  of 
education.     The    faculty    of    paramount    importance    to    the 
scientist  is  that  of  observation,  and  no  study  is  better  calcu- 
lated   to  develop    this    faculty  than  that    of  natural  history. 
The  power  of  observation  comes  naturally  to  the  young,  but 
unfortunately  is    too    often    extinguished    before    maturity  is 
reached  by  the  ignorance  of  those  whose  solemn  duty  it  should 
have  been  to  have  assisted  the  development  of  this  instinct. 
Charles  Dickens  says  (''David  Copperfield,"  Chap.  II.)  : — '*I 
believe  the  powers  of  observation  in  numbers  of  very  young 
children  to  be  quite  wonderful  for  its  closeness  and  accuracy. 
Indeed,  I  think  that  most  grown  men  who  are  remarkable  in 
this  respect  may  with  greater  propriety  be  said  not  to  have 
lost  the  faculty,  than  to  have  acquired  it ;   the  rather,   as  I 
generally   observe    such   men   to   retain    a    certain   freshness 
and  gentleness,  and  capacity  of  being  pleased,  which  are  also 
an    inheritance  they  have  preserved   from  their    childhood." 
Comparing  our  young   Society  with  a  growing  child,   let   us 
foster  among  our  members  this  observational  faculty,  and  let 
us  hope  that  we  shall  reach  a  vigorous  intellectual  manhood, 
and  in  due  time  become  a  *'  feeder  "  of  the  learned  societies. 

Our  most  useful  work  will  thus  be  at  first  the  observation 
and  recording  of  the   phenomena  of  that  district  which  we 


have  fixed  upon  as  the  field  for  our  studies.  With  this  alone 
we  have  a  large  and  pleasant  task  in  hand.  The  County  of 
Essex,  and  especially  Epping  Forest,  has  already  been  worked 
by  many  highly  competent  observers,  but  nature's  stores  are 
inexhaustible — there  are  no  blind  alleys  in  science,  and  what 
has  been  already  recorded  must  serve  as  the  point  of  depar- 
ture for  our  future  work.  The  observations  of  our  prede- 
cessors, moreover,  are  to  a  great  extent  scattered  throughout 
various  publications,  and  are  therefore  without  that  local 
significance  to  which  a  true  scientific  meaning  may  one  day  be 
attached.  We  must  make  it  a  part  of  our  duties  to  centralize 
these  observations,  and  in  time  we  may  aspire  to  the  proud 
position  of  seeing  our  publications  regarded  as  the  authority 
in  all  that  relates  to  the  natural  history  of  the  county. 

With  regard  to  the  special  nature  of  the  observations  with 
which  we  may  commence  our  labours,  no  definite  programme 
can  be  laid  down  at  starting.  This  must  be  entirely  left  to 
the  taste  and  knowledge  of  our  members,  and  I  can  here  only 
offer  a  few  general  suggestions.  Some  remarks  recently  made 
to  the  Dulwich  College  Science  Society  by  my  friend  and 
colleague  Mr.  W.  L.  Distant  are  equally  applicable  to  our 
own  Club : — **  The  object  of  the  Society  is  to  promote  and 
increase  the  knowledge  of  the  natural  history  of  the  neigh- 
bourhood, and  the  first  step,  but  the  most  indispensable  one 
towards  it,  is  to  aim  at  having  a  complete  catalogue  of  its 
flora  and  fauna.  In  other  v/ords,  before  we  can  study  the 
inhabitants  with  any  amount  of  completeness  we  must  possess 
their  names  and  addresses.  The  Society  should  thus  be  a 
Biological  Registry  Office.  But  this  is  not  all.  In  certain 
communities  which  are  still  in  an  arrested  or  undeveloped 
condition  of  culture  there  exists  a  system  of  espionage  or 
secret  police,  the  aim  of  which  is  to  know  as  much  about 
everybody  as  possible,  from  purely  unscientific  motives.  I 
would  advocate  in  the  strictest  scientific  sense  that  you  estab- 
lish a  bureaucracy  in  this  neighbourhood  in  wiiicli  man  only 
shall  escape  your  domiciliary  visits,  by  which  a  rabbit  shall 
not  leave  his  burrow  without  in  some  way  you  have  an  expla- 
nation of  his  goings  out  and  of  his  comings  in  ;  that  every  bird 
shall  be  *  suspect '  who,  sojourning  here  for  a  period  only  of 


8 

the  year,  mysteriously  disappears  for  the  remainder  ;  and  that 
the  strictest  pohce  supervision  should  entail  on  all  insects 
whose  purposes  or  habits  are  unknown." 


When  we  look  at  the  numerous  woodland  patches  scattered 
throughout  the  County  of  Essex,  we  can  entertain  no  doubt 
but  that  our  district  was  originally  covered  with  forest.     It  is 
recorded   that   in   the   reign   of   Henry   III.    a    royal   forest 
extended  right  across  the  county  in  a  north-easterly  direction 
from    Stratford   Bridge    to    Manningtree.      In   the    reign    of 
Charles  I.  the  great  Waltham  Forest  comprised  Epping  and 
the  now  almost  extinct   Hainhault   Forests,   thus  forming  a 
large  woodland  area  bounded  to  the  east  by  the  Eiver  Roding, 
to  the  west  by  the   River  Lea,   to   the  south  by  the   great 
Chelmsford  and  Colchester  road,  and  stretching  northwards 
for  sixteen  miles  as  far  as  Roy  don,  almost  on  the  boundary  of 
the   county.      Thus,    as   might   have   been   anticipated,    our 
district  is  especially  rich  in  woodland  species.     Epping  Forest 
itself,  so  far  as  my  own  experience  goes,  certainly  does  not 
appear  to  be  so  productive  from  a  collecting  point  of  view  as 
some  of  the  woods  of  Kent  and  Surrey  to  the  South  of  Lon- 
don ;  but  our  county,  taken  as  a  whole,  has  furnished  many 
rarities.     We  shall  hope  in  the  course  of  time  to  be  in  a  posi- 
tion to  furnish  local  catalogues  of  animals  and  plants,  for  the 
preparation   of   which  we  shall   look   to   our   ornithologists, 
botanists,  entomologists,  microscopists,  &c.     I  do  not  propose 
on  the  present  occasion  to  enter  into  much  detail  respecting 
the  natural  productions  of  our  district,  as  I  should  thus  only 
have  to  tax  your  patience  with  a  long  list  of  specific  names  ; 
but  I  will  restrict  myself  to  a  few  general  remarks. 

Mr.  Edward  Newman  has  given  the  names  of  seven  species 
of  bats'''  as  being  found  in  the  Forest ;  and  with  regard  to 
birds,  Mr.  James  English,  one  of  our  members,  whose  name  as 
a  collector  was  long  associated  with  that  of  the  late  Henry 
Doubleday  of  Epping,  has  recorded  about  120  species,'''  20  of 
which  are  occasional  visitors  driven  into  the  Forest  by  stress 
of  weather  or  other  causes.     The  total  number  of  birds  consi- 

*  See  Appendix. 


dered  by  the  best  authorities  to  be  truly  British  is  about  350 
species,  so  that  in  Epping  Forest  alone  this  interesting  class  is 
fairly  represented ;  and  if  we  included  the  species  found  in  other 
parts  of  the  county,  and  particularly  on  the  coast,  the  list  would 
doubtless  be  considerably  increased.  I  may  likewise  state 
that  three  specimens  of  the  Great  Bustard  have  recently  been 
shot  in  the  county.  The  list  of  insects  of  Epping  Forest  and 
other  parts  of  the  county  includes  many  rare  species.  Thus 
in  the  way  of  beetles,  Mr.  T.  R.  Billups,  one  of  our  members, 
has  lately  succeeded  in  capturing  at  West  Ham  a  species 
which  had  not  been  met  with  for  nearly  seventy  years — viz., 
Spercheu8  emarginatus  ;  and  in  the  same  locality  numerous 
other  rare  and  local  species,  such  as  Xantholinus  fidgidus, 
Philorithus  thermaritm,  Stenus  fornicatus,  Quedius  pnncticollis, 
the  new  Helopliorits  cequalis,  &c.  At  Loughton  this  same 
collector  has  taken  the  very  scarce  Euplcctus  amhiguus.  Of 
the  sixty-seven  species  of  butterflies  found  in  Britain,  forty-six 
are  mentioned  by  Newman  as  occurring  in  Essex,  and  three 
or  four  more  species  may  possibly  be  added  if  search  is  made 
for  them  in  those  parts  of  the  county  that  are  on  the  chalk. 
From  a  list  of  the  larger  moths  drawn  up  for  me  by  Mr.  Cole, 
it  appears  also  that  the  collector  may  be  rewarded  by  many 
prizes,  whilst  among  the  smaller  species  of  Deltoides,  Pyralites, 
Crambites,  Tortrices,  and  Tineina,  I  am  persuaded  that  there 
is  yet  a  very  rich  harvest  to  be  gathered  in  the  Forest  and 
elsewhere  in  the  county.  To  the  lepidopterist,  indeed,  our 
district  has  already  been  made  famous  by  the  capture  of  such 
species  as  Erastria  venustula  by  the  late  Henry  Doubleday, 
and  Sophronia  emortualis  by  Mr.  Charles  Healy.  Epping 
Forest  has  furnished  also  the  rare  GlupJiisia  crenata,  the 
almost  unique  Eupithecia  egenaria  and  Stigmonota  leguminana, 
whilst  Mr.  Cole  last  autumn  succeeded  in  adding  a  very  pretty 
geometer,  SterrJia  sacraria,  to  the  list  of  Essex  Lepidoptera. 
Then  again  we  have  Geometra  smaragdaria — the  "Essex 
Emerald  " — a  rare  moth  well  known  to  be  a  speciality  of  our 
county,  found  in  the  low  marshes  about  Southend,  St.  Osyth, 
&c. ;  and  also  the  extremely  local  Aleucis  'pictaria  found  about 
Loughton.  With  respect  to  Hymenoptera,  I  am  informed  by 
Mr.  E.  A.  Fitch,  who  is  an  authority  on  the  subject  of  galls, 


10 

that  of  his  Hst  of  forty-one  cynipideous  oak-galls  known  as 
British,  he  has  found  all  but  six  in  Essex.  In  1868  only  four- 
teen species  were  known  as  British,  so  that  twenty-seven 
species  have  been  added  in  twelve  years — a  fact  which  surely 
offers  encouragement  to  our  workers  to  pursue  further  investi- 
gations in  this  direction.  The  absence  of  sandy  banks  will 
account  for  our  poverty  in  fossorial  Hymenoptera.  Of  other 
orders  of  insects,  Mr.  Doubleday  has  published  a  list  of  thirty 
species  of  dragon-flies  (OdoncUa)  as  being  known  to  occur  in 
our  Forest,  this  number  being  about  two-thirds  of  the  British 
species. 

To  the  botanist  our  district  offers  a  fine  field — Epping 
Forest  is  indeed  regarded  as  being  among  the  richest  localities 
for  plants  in  the  vicinity  of  London ;  but  I  should  be  over- 
stepping the  bounds  of  all  reasonable  time  did  I  attempt  to 
specify  any  of  the  rare  flowering  plants,  ferns,  fungi,  mosses, 
and  lichens  that  nature  has  so  lavishly  spread  through  the 
county.  At  present  the  standard  work  of  reference  for  our 
botanist  is  Gibson's  *'  Flora  of  Essex,"  published  in  1862,  and 
there  is  an  older  and  now  extremely  rare  book  by  Eichard 
Warner  entitled  **  Plautae  Woodfordiensis,"  published  so  far 
back  as  1771.^'= 

The  outdoor  study  of  the  natural  history  of  the  county  will 
of  course  be  conducted  as  heretofore  by  our  members  indepen- 
dently, each  according  to  his  particular  subject,  but  the  for- 
mation of  this  Club  will,  I  venture  to  think,  add  greatly  to 
the  i^est  of  their  pursuits.  The  pleasure  of  adding  some  new 
or  rare  species  to  the  Essex  fauna  or  flora,  or  of  making  some 
new  and  interesting  observation,  will  assuredly  be  greatly 
enhanced  by  knowing  that  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Club 
the  captor  or  observer  will  have  an  opportunity  of  making 
known  his  results  to  those  of  kindred  tastes,  and  an  additional 
impulse  will  thus  be  given  to  his  work.  Such  observations  as 
our  members  may  bring  forward,  or  such  specimens  as  may 
be  exhibited  at  our  meetings,  will  be  gladly  welcomed  by  the 
Council,  and  will  be  recorded  in  our  publications. 

To  many,  and  especially  to  our  younger  members,  the  new 
Club  may  perhaps  be  a  means  of  inducement  for  taking  up  the 

*   See  Appendix, 


11 

study  of  some  branch  of  natural  history  for  the  first  thne. 
Every  one  of  our  members  who  may  possess  any  special 
knowledge  will,  I  am  sure,  gladly  lay  open  the  stores  of  his 
information  for  the  assistance  of  such  beginners.  Were  I 
asked  how  such  studies  ought  to  be  commenced,  I  would  un- 
liesitatingly  say — begin  by  making  a  collection.  Fix  upon 
some  group  of  animals  or  plants  that  may  specially  appeal  to 
your  interest,  and  get  together  as  many  species  as  you  can, 
collecting  them  in  all  cases  where  possible  with  your  own 
hand,  and  noting  their  habits  and  localities  in  so  doing.  You 
will  tlius  get  together  a  certain  amount  of  raw  materials 
whicli  will  require  further  study  in  order  to  arrange  them  ; 
you  are  in  the  position  of  a  child  with  a  dissected  puzzle, 
and  the  problem  before  you  is  to  arrange  your  collection 
naturally — i.e.,  to  bring  together  those  forms  that  are  akin 
and  to  separate  those  which  are  not  allied.  In  this  way  by 
referring  to  standard  works,  or  still  better  to  living  authorities, 
the  great  principle  of  biological  classification  will  gradually 
dawn  upon  you,  the  organic  forms  by  which  you  are  sur- 
rounded will  become  imbued  with  a  new  interest,  you  will  be 
born  again  into  the  kingdom  of  nature,  and  the  lowliest  plant 
or  the  most  minute  insect  that  you  had  formerly  passed  un- 
heeded by  will  no  longer  be  in  your  eyes  as  unmeaning  frag- 
ments, but  will  become  portions  of  a  great  system — parts 
of  that 

"  Stupendous  whole, 
Whose  body  Nature  is,  and  God  the  soul." 

In  order  to  grasp  this  principle  of  classification  tlioroughly 
and  scientifically,  it  is  not  sufficient  to  know  that  this  or  that 
book  catalogues  the  species  in  such  or  such  order.  You  must 
ask  in  every  particular  case  ivhy  these  species  have  been 
grouped  together  and  those  separated  from  them.  The  system 
of  making  a  collection  first  and  then  arranging  it  from  some 
already  classified  cabinet  is,  I  am  persuaded,  a  most  pernicious 
one  so  far  as  the  educational  value  of  collecting  natural 
history  specimens  is  concerned.  It  is  those  who  have  accu- 
nmlated  row  upon  row  of  insects  without  any  ultimate  object 
in  view  beyond  the  mere  possession  of  specimens  who  have 
made  of  ''the  mere  collector"  a  "nay word  and  a  common 


12 

recreation,"  and  the  gulf  which  separates  such  cohectors  from 
the  much-despised  maker  of  ornamental  wall-cases  is  not  a 
very  wide  one.     I  would  emphatically  urge  upon  those  about 
to  take  up  the  scientific  study  of  natural  history  from  the  very 
necessary  beginning  of  making  and  arranging  a  collection — 
eradicate  from  your  disposition  the  desire  of  possessing  "  fine 
series ;"  let  the  cacoethes  carpendi  once  take  possession  of  you 
and  your  career  as  a  scientific  biologist  is  doomed.     We  shall 
hope  that  the  taste  for  collecting  which  may  be  engendered  in 
the  county  by  the  foundation  of  this  Field  Club  w^ill,  as  en- 
forced in  our  rules,  be  exercised  judiciously  and  moderately . 
In  the  case  of  insects,  excepting  of  course  in  species  of  great 
variabihty,  some  three  or  four,  or  at  most  half-a-dozen,  speci- 
mens are  amply  sufficient  for  all  purposes  of  study.     There 
are  many  who  have  assisted  in  the  wholesale  extermination 
of  some  species  almost  extinct  for  the  mere  gratification  of 
possessing  a  "  finer  series"  than  their  neighbours  ;  such  collec- 
tors are  guilty  of  nothing  less  than  a  biological  crime  as  heinous 
in  the  eyes  of  the  naturalist  as  would  be  the  destruction  of 
some  ''  ancient  monument"  in  the  opinion  of  the  archaeologist. 
In  the  course   of   time  and    as  our    Society  continues   to 
flourish — as  it  surely  will  if  it  only  fulfils  the  promises  of  its 
early  youth — we  shall  hope  to  establish  permanent  collections 
in   a  museum,  and  any  specimens  which  our  members  may 
like  to  contribute  for  furnishing  the  nucleus  of  such  a  public 
collection  will  at  any  time  be  thankfully  received.     During 
the  first  years  of  our  existence,  when  our  funds  will  be  neces- 
sarily limited,  we  shall  of  course  be  unable  without  external 
aid  to  establish  anything  in  the  way  of  a  Natural  History 
Museum  that  would  be  at  all  worthy  of  the  County  Club— the 
growth  of  such  an  institution  will  be  a  work  of  time ;  but  in 
order  to  accelerate  matters  I  would  suggest  that  a  "  Museum 
Fund  "  be  started  among  our  members,  and  that  our  Treasurer 
should  keep  a  separate  account  of  such  donations,  which  would 
be  allowed  to  accumulate,  and  from  time  to  time  increased  by 
such  sums  from  our  general  income    as   the  Council  might 
think  proper  to  devote  to  this  object,  until  a  sufiicient  amount 
is  obtained  to  warrant  our  fixiniJ  upon   some  place  for  our 
permanent  head-quarters, 


18 

Apart  from  the  obvious  advantages  of  having  in  one  build- 
ing our  collections,  library,  and  meeting-room,  and  of  leading 
an  independent  instead  of  a  parasitical  existence,  the  forma- 
tion of  a  permanent  museum  would,  I  am  convinced,  promote 
our  objects  in  many  other  ways.  Our  "  Biological  Eegistry 
Office  "  would  become  better  known  throughout  the  county, 
and  useful  specimens  which  by  accident  might  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  non-scientific  would  naturally  be  sent  to  our 
museum.  Then  the  large  number  of  species  which  would 
have  at  first  to  be  collected  would  lead  our  active  workers  to 
co-operate  for  a  common  object — the  formation  of  a  typical 
collection  representing  the  natural  history  of  the  county.  In 
this  undertaking  our  would-be  beginners  might  well  take  a 
part,  and  in  so  doing  would  commence  to  derive  those  educa- 
tional advantages  arising  from  the  study  of  field  zoology  and 
botany  to  which  I  have  already  referred. 

It  will  be  far  more  satisfactory  to  have  a  general  collection 
formed  in  all  parts  of  the  county  by  our  own  members  for  the 
express  purpose  of  being  deposited  in  our  cabinets  than  to 
exhibit  the  "tag,  rag,  and  bobtail"  of  old  collections,  or  to 
expose  to  public  view  the  faded  and  dilapidated  specimens  to 
be  seen  in  many  local  museums,  both  at  home  and  abroad, 
the  authorities  of  which  should  regard  their  tattered  posses- 
sions with  much  the  same  feelings  as  did  Sir  John  Falstaff  his 
ragged  regiment.  In  addition  to  collections  of  species  illus- 
trating the  actual  productions  of  our  district,  it  would  be  most 
especially  desirable  in  the  case  of  insects  to  have  preparations 
showing  the  life-history  at  every  stage  of  transformation,  and 
dissected  specimens  illustrating  the  structure  and  anatomy. 
In  time  we  might  thus  come  to  possess  a  collection  both  of 
educational  and  technical  value  that  would  not  be  unworthy 
of  a  Field  Club  which  already  includes  members  of  many 
of  the  most  influential  families  in  the  county,  and  which 
might  ultimately  become  of  scientific  use  to  specialists 
outside  our  own  ranks—**  a  consummation  devoutly  to  be 
wished." 


The  geological  features  of  the  County  of  Essex  ha\'e  been 


14 

mapped  out  broadly  by  the  Geological  Survey/'^  but  there  is 
yet  much  work  to  be  done  in  the  way  of  filling  in  details, 
especially   with   regard   to   the   Drift    and   other    superficial 
deposits.     Geologically  considered,   our  district  is   compara- 
tively modern,  the   oldest  forjnation  being  the   chalk  which 
crops  out  on  the  Essex  shore  of  the  Thames  about  Purfleet, 
and  extends  to  just  beyond   Little  Thurrock,   a  distance  of 
some  five  miles  in  an  easterly  direction.     Overlying  this  strip 
of  chalk  at  its  eastern  extremity  there  is  a  detached  patch  of 
Thanet  sand.     A  line  drawn  across  from  Grays  Thurrock  to 
Stifford,  the  northern  limit  of  the  chalk  at  about  its  widest 
part,  would  be  nearly  one  mile  and  three-quarters  in  length.    At 
Bishop  Stortford  the  chalk  again  appears.    The  thickness  of  this 
formation  in  the  London  Basin  is  from  over  600  to  more  than 
1,000  feet ;  a  boring  carried  do^\m  into  the  Ganlt  at  Loughton 
Station  gave  a  thickness  of  about  690  feet,  and  at  Harwich  a 
boring  to  a  depth  of  1,042  feet  carried  down  into  strata  below 
the  Gault  showed  the  chalk  to  be  888  feet  thick.     Cretaceous 
fossils  have  been  obtained  in  some  abundance  from  the  chalk 
pits  at  Grays  and  Purfleet.     By  far  the  larger  portion  of  our 
county  stands  on  the  tertiary  formations  above  the  chalk.     Of 
the  Lower  Eocene  series  the  Thanet  Sands  are  present  in  a 
broken  band  of  about  one  mile  in  width  at  its  widest  part, 
and  of  an  average  thickness  of  about  thirty  feet,  which  crops 
out  to  the  north  of  Purfleet,  and  following  the  chalk  extends 
eastward  along  the  valley  of  the  Thames.     The  chalk  pits  at 
Purfleet  and  Grays  show  well  the  junction  of  the  two  forma- 
tions.    Next  in   order   above  the  Thanet   beds  we  have  the 
Woolwich  and  Reading  beds  following  the  former,  as  a  narrow 
strip  commencing  about  Wennington  and  extending  eastwards 
to  Stifibrd,  where  the  strip  commences  to  broaden  out,  and 
another  patch  of  the  same  beds  is  found  about  Stratford  and 
West  Ham,  to  the  east  of  the  alluvium  of  the  Lea  valley. 
The  Woolwich  and  Reading  beds  have  an  average  thickness  of 
about  fifty  feet.     The  uppermost  member  of  the  Lower  Eocene 

*  In  making  the  following  rough  sketch  of  the  geology  of  the  county  I 
have  largely  availed  nwself  of  the  admirable  publications  of  Mr.  W. 
Wliitaker,  of  H.M.  Geological  Survey,  as  well  as  of  the  maps  published 
by  the  Survey. 


15 

formatiou,  the  Loudon  Clay,  although  to  a  great  extent  covered 
by  Drift  deposits,  forms  by  far  the  larger  portion  of  the  beds  on 
which  our  district  stands.     The  hills  in  many  parts  of  Essex — 
such  for  instance  as  the  ridge  extending  from  Chingford  to 
Waltham  Abbey  and  the  range  about  Havering-atte-Bower 
and  Brentwood — are  entirely  of  London  Clay,  in  many  cases 
capped  with  outhers  of  Bagshot  sand  and  Drift  formations. 
We  have  but  to  call  to  mind  High  Beech  in  our  own  neighbour- 
liood  to  see  that  the  most  picturesque  features  of  the  county 
are   due  to   this   formation.      Sections  of  the  London  Clay, 
wliich  is  about  420  feet  thick  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
metropolis,  have  been  exposed  in  Essex  at  Buckhurst  Hill, 
Th'eydon,  Brentwood,  Stifford,  Upminster,  Warley,  &c.,   and 
sections    of    this   formation    showing    its    junction  with   the 
Woolwich  and  Eeading  beds  have  been  exposed  at  Bishop 
Stortford  and  Roydon.     The  Middle  Eocene  period  is  repre- 
sented in  our  county  by  the  Bagshot  Sands  already  alluded 
to,    which   form    outliers    capping   many   of    our   hills,    such 
as   at   High   Beech,    Crabtree    Hill   near   Lambourn,    South 
Weald,  Havering,  Blackmore,   and  large  patches  stretching 
northwards   from   Warley   Common   to    beyond    Brentwood 
and  again  about  Kelvedon  Hatch,     One  other  very  interest- 
ing formation  of   Pliocene  date — the  Crag — just  commences 
to  appear  in  the  north-eastern  corner  of  the  county  at  Man- 
ningtree,  south  of  the  Stour  valley,  and  Walton-on-the-Naze 
has  furnished  Red  Crag  fossils  of  special  geological  interest. 

At  about  that  period  of  the  earth's  history  when  the  Crag 
formations  were  deposited,  our  globe,  owing  to  a  certain  com- 
bination of  astronomical  events,  began  to  experience  those 
great  climatic  changes  which  resulted  in  the  Glacial  Period, 
during  which  the  whole  of  the  northern  portions  of  Europe 
and  America  were  laid  under  an  icy  covering  of  great  glaciers 
which  flowed  down  from  all  the  mountain  slopes  and  high 
lands,  levelling  up  the  valleys,  and  becoming  confluent,  formed 
a  gigantic  ice-sheet,  which  extended  southwards  into  regions 
which  now  enjoy  a  temperate  climate,  whilst  floating  icebergs 
and  rafts  drifted  even  into  tropical  seas,  and  there  thawing, 
scattered  their  accumulated  burdens  of  rock  fragments  and 
miscellaneous  cUhris  over  the  sea  bottom.     The  Glacial  Epoch, 


16 

which  began   about  240,000  years  ago  and  lasted  tor  some 
160,000  years,  does  not  appear  to  have  been  one  unmterrupted 
era  of  intense  arctic  chmate,  but  several  milder  periods  inter- 
vened, when  the  great  ice-sheet  retreated  northwards  and  the 
glaciers   remained   confined   to   the   mountain-tops,    till    the 
recurrence  of  the  glacial  climate  again  caused  them  to  spread 
to  the  lowlands  and  once  more  to  push  their  way  southwards. 
During  those  mild  inter-glacial  periods,  when  the  arctic  forms 
that  inhabited  this  country  had  retreated  wdth  the  glaciers, 
animals   such  as   the   mammoth,  rhinoceros,  hippopotamus, 
lion,  tiger,  bear,  hyaena,  &c.,  became  inhabitants  of  Britain, 
which   was   then   connected   with  the  continent  of   Europe 
across  what  is  now  the  German  Ocean.     The  old  inter-glacial 
mammals — and  probably  Palaeolithic  man  was  among  them — 
would  have  told  of  mighty  revolutions  in  physical  geography 
could  they  have  kept  records,  as  our  island,  after  they  had 
taken  possession  of  it,  became  submerged  beneath  the  sea  to 
an  immense  depth,  till  only  the  high  lands  appeared  above 
the  waters,  forming  an  archipelago.     Then  followed  a  final 
return  of  glacial  conditions,  when  the  great  ice-covering  for 
the  last  time  enwrapped  our  country,  which  slowly  rose  from 
the  frozen  ocean  and  once  again  became  a  portion  of  the 
continent.     As  the  more  genial  climate  which  has  lasted  to 
our  own  times  came  on,  the  ice-sheet  slowly  disappeared ; 
glaciers  lingered  for  some  time  on  our  mountains,  and  finally 
vanished,  to  return  no  more  till  the  next  glacial  epoch.     It 
was   during  these  continental   states   of   Britain,  when   the 
Thames   was   a   tributary   of  the   Ehine,   that   the   country 
became  the  home  of  those  animals  and  plants  the  survivors 
of   which   constitute   our  present   fauna   and  flora,  the   sea 
finally  sweeping  away  the  land  connection  and  leaving  our 
island  much  as  we  now  find  it. 

The  records  of  **  the  great  ice  age "  are  more  forcibly 
impressed  upon  the  mountainous  districts  of  Wales,  Scotland, 
and  the  Lake  District  than  in  the  southern  portions  of  Eng- 
land. The  great  submergence  which  preceded  the  last  glacial 
relapse  left  only  the  south  of  our  island  above  the  sea,  and  a 
line  drawn  across  the  country  from  the  mouth  of  the  Thames 
to  the   mouth  of   the    Severn   represents   the   southernmost 


17 

boundary  of  glacial  action  in  this  country.  Those  superficial 
deposits  which  I  have  formerly  alluded  to  as  Drift  are  mostly 
of  glacial  origin,  and  sections  have  been  exposed  in  the  imme- 
diate neighbourhood  of  London,  as  at  Muswell  Hill  and 
Finchley,  and  also  on  the  hills  of  our  county  at  Theydon 
Mount,  Buckhurst  Hill,  Epping,  Stondon  Massey,  Hutton,  &c. 

I  have  thought  it  necessary  to  lay  before  you  this  brief 
sketch  of  the  existing  knowledge  respecting  the  Glacial  Period 
because  the  latter  forms  an  epoch  in  the  life  of  the  earth 
from  which  must  be  dated  the  present  aspect  of  our  country 
and  of  its  living  forms,  and  further,  because  a  large  field  for 
labour  here  lies  before  our  geological  members  in  attempting 
to  determine  the  relative  ages  of  the  various  Drift  deposits  of 
our  own  district,  and  thus  contributing  our  mite  towards 
erecting  the  structure  of  that  noble  science  which  regards 
"  ages  as  its  days." 

Although  leading  authorities  are  now  agreed  that  man 
existed  prior  to  the  Glacial  Epoch,  the  most  convincing  proofs 
that  we  have  of  his  existence  are  of  inter-glacial  and  post- 
glacial age.  The  savage  predecessors  of  the  various  peoples 
that  have  been  known  to  successively  inhabit  our  country 
during  the  historical  period — prehistoric  man,  who  roamed 
through  Britain  and  dwelt  in  our  caves  when  the  mammoth, 
the  hippopotamus,  the  rhinoceros,  the  reindeer,  and  other 
animals  here  extinct  formed  a  portion  of  our  fauna,  has  left 
his  traces  in  the  rude  flint  implements  of  our  ancient  river 
gravels.  Our  county  is  situated  in  that  portion  of  England 
which  has  been  most  prolific  m  yielding  implements  of  early 
human  workmanship  belonging  to  the  old  stone  or  Palaeolithic 
age,  and  we  are  fortunate  in  having  on  our  southern  boundary 
the  broad  alluvium  of  the  Thames,  with  that  of  its  tributary 
streams,  such  as  the  Lea  and  the  Eoding.  The  Thames 
alluvium  stretches,  according  to  Mr.  Prestwich,  from  above 
Maidenhead  to  the  sea,  varying  in  width  from  two  to  nine 
miles,  and  in  thickness  from  five  to  fifteen  feet.  Flint  imple- 
ments have  been  found  at  many  places  along  the  Thames 
Valley,  and  quite  recently  Mr.  Worthington  Smith  has  dis- 
covered such  implements  in  the  valley  of  the  Lea.  This 
gentleman  writes  to  me  ; — "  Up  to  the  present  time  I  have 


18 

found  thirty-one  Palaeolithic  implements  in  the  gravels  on 
both  sides  of  the  Lea  between  Clapton  and  Leyton  or  Forest 
Gate.  These  implements  are  mostly  pointed  or  lanceolate,  a 
few  ovate.  I  have  also  found  seven  *  trimmed  flakes,'  as  they 
are  termed — i.e.,  flints  chipped  all  over  one  side  (like  an  imple- 
ment), the  other  side  being  plain  or  nearly  so.  Add  to  this 
several  hundreds  of  flakes  of  all  sorts  and  sizes — a  few  bones 
and  fragments  of  mammoths'  tusks,  &c."  Among  numerous 
microscopic  objects  found  in  the  gravel  of  the  Lea  Valley,  at 
a  depth  of  twelve  feet,  Mr.  Smith  has  also  discovered  some 
liuman  hair,  which  he  believes  to  be  of  Palaeolithic  age.  The 
remains  of  animals  of  post-glacial  age  have  been  discovered 
plentifully  in  the  chalk  quarries  and  brick-earth  pits  at  Gray's 
Thurrock  and  Ilford  '■'•'• — these  districts  indeed  appear  to  be 
veritable  geological  Tom  Tiddler's  grounds — and  sections  of 
Post-glacial  beds  have  likewise  been  exposed  at  Leyton, 
Aveley,  Plaistow,  and  in  the  Eoding  Valley  at  Theydon  Bois. 
Among  more  recent  deposits  we  have  an  old  sunken  forest  in 
the  peat  opposite  Walthamstow  Marshes,  which  extends  for 
several  miles,  and  is  exposed  at  low  water. 

Palaeolithic  man  was  followed  by  his  Neolithic  successors, 
who  peopled  this  country  after  the  last  great  glacial  submer- 
gence ;  then  we  have  evidence  of  those  advances  in  civiliza- 
tion which  resulted  in  the  use  of  bronze,  and  finally  in  the 
iron  age.  The  great  geological  record  here  passes  into  the 
historical  period,  the  study  of  which  comes  into  the  province 
of  archaeology.  On  this  subject  I  shall  have  very  little  to 
say.  Good  work  has  been  done,  and  w411  no  doubt  continue 
to  be  done,  by  the  Essex  Archaeological  Society,  and  the  fine 
collection  of  antiquities  in  the  Colchester  Museum  is  partly 
the  result  of  their  labours.  The  ancient  earthworks  recently 
discovered  in  Epping  Eorest  by  Mr.  B.  H.  Cowper,  and  sur- 
veyed by  Mr.  William  D'Oyley,  will  be  of  special  archseo- 
logical  interest   to  us.     The  Loughton  Camp  is  supposed  to 

*  Among  the  mammalian  remains  found  in  these  pits  are  the  mam- 
moth, two  species  of  elephants,  hippopotamus,  rhinoceros,  hyaena,  bison, 
two  species  of  bears,  Irish  elk,  cave  lion,  wolf,  &c.  Si?  Antonio  Brady's 
Museum,  at  Stratford-le-Point,  contained  a  collection  of  Post-glacial 
fossils  of  world-wide  celebrity,  now  presented  to  the  British  Museum. 


19 

have  been  the  work  of  the  Ancient  Britons,  and  the  Camp  at 
Anibrosbury  Banks  that  of  their  Eoman  enemies/'' 


That  surviving  remnant  of  primitive  forest,  of  some  4,900 
acres,  which  we  claim  as  the  chief  centre  of  our  studies,  is,  by 
Act  of  Parhament,  to  remain  for  ever  unenclosed  and  unbuilt 
upon  ;  and,  as  a  Society  founded  for  promoting  a  knowledge 
of  the  natural  history  of  the  neighbourhood,  we  cannot  but 
rejoice  that  such  a  state  of  affairs  has  been  established — 
chiefly  by  the  energetic  action  of  the  Corporation  of  London. 
But  while,  as  naturalists,  we  rejoice  at  the  large  area  thus 
unreservedly  thrown  open  for  our  investigations,  as  men  we 
must  not  forget  to  give  our  sympathy  to  those  who  have 
indirectly  suffered  by  the  culpable  actions  of  the  depre- 
dators. 

As  to  the  future  of  the  Forest,  we  cannot  do  more  than 
forcibly  support  the  views  unanimously  expressed  wherever 
the  subject  has  been  discussed — that  it  should  be  left  alone  as 
much  as  possible.  By  this  means  alone  can  it  be  preserved 
as  a  "  Natural  Forest."  The  workings  of  nature  are  con- 
nected and  bound  up  in  such  endless  and  unsuspected  ways 
that  any  interference  on  the  part  of  man  may  unknowingly 
upset  the  adjustments  that  have  taken  ages  for  their  perfec- 
tion ;  and  in  addition  to  any  obvious  results  that  may  follow 
from  some  change  made  in  primitive  forest  land  there  may 
ensue  an  endless  chain  of  consequences  to  the  animals  and 
plants  that  were  totally  unlooked  for.  The  opinions  of 
naturalists  have  already  been  expressed  on  this  point — fore- 
most among  whom  Mr.  A.  K.  Wallace  f  has  pointed  out  the 
evils  that  would  arise  from  indiscriminate  and  extensive 
draining.  With  regard  to  the  large  tract  of  land  of  nearly 
1,000  acres  which  was  formerly  enclosed  and  in  most  part 
cultivated,  but  which  is  now  thrown  open  and  added  to  the 
Forest,  we  have  a  magnificent  area  for  experimental  natural 

*  See  the  pamphlet  on  this  subject  by  Mr.  B.  H.  Cowper,  published  by 
the  Committee  of  the  Eppmg  Forest  Fund. 

t  Fortnightly  Revieir,  Nov.  1st,  1878.  See  also  the  paper  by  Mr.  Wm, 
Paul,  and  the  discussion  in  the  Journal  of  tire  Society  of  Arts,  Jan.  30, 1880. 


20 

history,  and  we  shall  anxiously  watch  the  proceedings  of  the 
Conservators  with  respect  to  this  portion.  For  my  own  part, 
I  cannot  help  expressing  the  opinion  that  Mr.  AVallace's  sug- 
gestion to  make  this  tract  into  "  several  distinct  portions  of 
forest,  each  composed  solely  of  trees  and  shrubs  which  are 
natives  of  one  of  the  great  forest  regions  of  the  temperate 
zone,"  appears  to  be  most  feasible  and  inexpensive. 

The  Epping  Forest  and  County  of  Essex  Naturalists'  Field 
Club  has  been  formed  in  a  county  already  made  famous  in  the 
annals  of  science  by  such  names  as  those  of  the  illustrious 
John  Eay,  son  of  a  blacksmith,  who  was  born  in  1627  and 
died  in  1705  at  Black  Notley,  betw^een  Witham  and  Braintree  ; 
of  Dr.  Derham  (1657 — 1735),  rector  of  Upminster,  whose 
'' Physico-Theology  "  went  tlirough  at  least  thirteen  editions. 
Samuel  Dale  (1659 — 1739),  an  Essex  Naturalist,  wrote  the 
"  History  of  Harwich"  (1730),  and  Eichard  Warner  (1711— 
1775)  was  the  author  of  the  ''Plantae  Woodfordiensis "  to 
which  I  have  already  referred.  In  more  recent  times  our 
county  produced  the  celebrated  Edward  Doubleday,  and  the 
Epping  Naturalist,  his  brother,  Henry  Doubleday,  who  was 
born  in  1809  and  died  in  1875.  Francis  Walker,  the  entomo- 
logist, born  also  in  1809,  died  at  his  residence.  Elm  Hall, 
Wanstead,  in  1874.  Let  us  hope  that  to  this  list  the  future 
historian  of  science  may  have  to  add  the  names  of  some  whose 
natural  history  studies  were  first  instigated  by  the  foundation 
of  this  Field  Club. 

When  our  Society  shall  have  arrived  at  that  happy  mecha- 
nical condition  known  as  a  '*  moving  equilibrium,"  I  would 
suggest  that  those  of  our  members  who  have  kindred  tastes 
should  co-operate  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  natural  history 
in  fields  where  "  many  hands  can  make  light  work."  Thus 
our  entomologists  might  work  together  for  two  or  three 
seasons  and  devote  their  entire  attention  to  collecting  some 
neglected  order,  such  as  the  Dijjtera,  Hemiptera,  &c.,  and  thus 
hasten  the  accmiiulation  of  materials  necessary  for  the  pro- 
duction of  local  catalogues,  and  the  same  might  be  done  for 
other  groups  of  animals  or  plants. 

Our  field  meetings  will,  I  trust,  lead  to  many  a  social 
ramble,  the  pleasures  of  which  will  be  greatly  enhanced  by 


21 

having  some  definite  object  in  view.  We  must  strive  to  get 
beyond  that  often-quoted  Peter  Bell  to  v^^hoin 

"  A  primrose  by  the  river's  brim, 
A  yellow  primrose  was  to  him, 
And  it  was  nothing  more  " 

— an  unfortunate  individual  whom  we  as  naturalists  must 
regard  as  a  type  of  the  blissfully  ignorant.  In  science  igno- 
rance is  not  bliss,  and  no  advance  will  be  made  if  we  rest 
contented  with  ''it  was  nothing  more."  Nature  is  one — 
her  votaries  are  many — but  how  few  are  her  prophets ! 
There  is  no  natural  phenomenon,  however  apparently  in- 
significant, which  does  not  appeal  to  us — there  is  not  a 
pebble  on  our  hill  tops  that  does  not  incessantly  cry  out  to 
us  with  a  hundred  tongues  to  read  and  learn.  Surely  to  the 
naturalist  of  all  others  is  it  given  to  find — 

"  Tongues  in  trees,  books  in  the  running  brooks, 
Sermons  in  stones,  and  good  in  everything." 


APPEN  DIX. 


THE  BATS  OF  EPPING  FOREST. 

(From  Mr.  Edward  Newman's  List.) 


Flecotus  auritus.     The  Long-eared  Bat. 
Synotus  barbastellus.     The  Barbastelle. 
Vesperugo  pipistrellus .     The  Pipistrelle. 
Vesperugo  noctula.     The  Noctule. 
Vespertilio  Nattereri.     Natterer's  Bat. 


Daubenton'  s 


Vespertilio    Dauhentonii. 

Bat. 
respertilio  mystacinus.     The  Whiskered 

Bat. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  EPPING  FOREST. 

(From  Mr.  Jariies  Emjlislis  List.) 


Daulias  luscinia.     Nightingale. 
Ruticilla  pho:nicurus.     Kedstart. 
Erithacus  riibecula.     Redbreast. 
Pratincola  rubicola.     Stonechat. 
Pratincola  rubetra.     Wliinchat. 
Saxicola  amanthe.     Wheatear. 
T Urdus  viscivorus.     Missel  Thrush. 
Turdus  musciciis.     Song  Thrush, 
Turdus  iliacus.     Redwing. 
Turdus  pilaris.     Fieldfare. 
Turdus  merula.     Blackbird. 
*Turdus  torquatus.     Ring  Ouzel. 
Troglodytes  parvulus.     Wren. 
Regulus  cristatus.     Gold-crest. 
Phylloscopus  coUybita,     Chiffchaff. 
Phylloscopus  trochilus.     Willow  Wren. 
Phylloscopus  sibilatri.r.     Wood  Wren. 
Sylvia  rufa.     Whitethroat. 
Sylvia  curruca.     Lesser  Whitethroat. 
Sylvia  salicaria.     Garden  Warbler. 
Sylvia  atricapilla.     Blackcap. 
Calamodus schcenobcenus.    Sedge  Warbler, 


Locustellancevia.     Grasshopper  Warbler. 
Parus  major.     Great  Titmouse. 
Par  us  cwruleus.     Blue  Titmouse. 
Parus  ater.     Cole  Titmouse. 
Parus  palustris .     ^ilarsh  Titmouse. 
Acredulacandata.  Long-tailed  Titmouse. 
*Lanius  excubitor.     Great  Grey  Shrike. 
Lanius  collurio.     Red-backed  Shrike. 
*Ampelis  garrulus.     Waxwing. 
*Muscicapa  atricapilla.    Pied  Flycatcher. 
Muscicapa  grisola.     Spotted  Flycatcher. 
Motacilla  lugubris.     Pied  Wagtail. 
Motacilla  sulpliurea.     Grey  Wagtail. 
Motacilla  llayi.     Yellow  Wagtail. 
Antlius  trivialis.     Tree  Pipit. 
Anthus  praiensis.     INIeadow  Pipit. 
Accentor  imdularis.     Hedge  Sparrow. 
Pyrrhula  Euroixea.     Bullfinch. 
Ligurinus  chloris.     Greenfinch. 
Garduelis  elegans.     Goldfinch. 
*  Carduelis  spinus.     Siskin. 
*Linota  linaria.     Mealy  Redpoll 


24 


The  Birds  of  Eioping  Forest  {contimiccT) . 


Linota  rufescens.     Lesser  Redpoll. 
Linota  canndbina.     Linnet. 

*  Linota  jlavirostris .     Twite . 
Coccothraastes  vuhjaris.     Hawfincli. 
Fringilla  ccdehs.     Chaffinch. 
Fringilla  montif  ring  ilia.     Brambling. 
Passer  montanus.     Tree  Sparrow. 
Passer  domesticus.     House  Sparrow. 
*Loxia  curvirostra.     Crossbill. 
Emheriza  miliaria.     Bunting. 
Emberiza  citrinella.     Yellowliammer. 
Emheriza  melanocephala.     Black-headed 

Bunting. 
Plectrophanes  nivalis.     Snow  Buntuig. 
Stnrnus  vulgaris.     Starling. 
Pica  rustica.     Magpie. 
Gamilus  glandarius.     Jay. 
Corvus  monedula.     Jackdaw. 
Corvus  friigilegus.     Rook. 
Corvus  corax.     Raven. 
Corvus  corone.     Carrion  Crow. 

*  Corvus  comix.     Hooded  Crow. 
Certhia  familiaris.     Tree-Creeper. 
Sitta  ccpsia.     Nuthatch. 
Hirundo  rustica.     Swallow. 
Chelidon  nrbica.     Martin. 
*Cotyle  riparia.     Sand  Martin. 
Alauda  arvensis.     Skylark. 
Alauda  arborea.     Woodlark. 
*ljpupa  epops.     Hoopoe. 
Picus  major.     Spotted  Woodpecker. 
Picusminor.  Lesser  Spotted  Woodpecker. 
Gecinus  viridis.     Green  Woodpecker. 
Jynx  torquilla.     Wryneck. 
Cuculus  canorus.     Cuckoo. 
Caprimulgus  Europants.     Nightjar. 
Cypselus  apus.     Swift. 

Alcedo  hispida.     Kingiisher. 

*  Occasional  visitors   driven  into   the 
circumstances. 


Columba  palumbus.     Ring  Dove. 
Columba  amas.     Stock  Dove. 
Turtur  auritus.     Turtle  Dove. 
Aluco  Jiammeus .     Barn  Owl. 
Asio  otus.     Long-eared  Owl. 
Asio  (iccipitrinus.     Short-eared  Owl. 
Strix  stridula.     Tawny  Owl. 
Accipiter  nisus.     Sparrow  Hawk. 
*Bxiteo  vulgaris.     Buzzard. 
*Falco  peregrinus.     Peregrine  Falcon. 
*Falco  subbuteo.     Hobby. 
Falco  tinnunculus.     Kestrel. 
Phasianus  colchicus.     Pheasant. 
Caccabis  rufa.     Red-legged  Partridge. 
Perdix  cinerea.     Partridge. 
Ardea  cinerea.     Heron. 
*ArdeUa  minuta.     Little  Bittern. 
Scolopax  rnsticola.     Woodcock. 
GaUinago  gallinaria.     Common-  Snipe. 
Limnocryptes  gallinula.     Jack  Snipe. 
*Phalaropus  fulicarius.    Grey  Phalarope. 
Vanellus  cristatus.     Lapwing. 
Charadrius  pluvialis.     Golden  Plover. 
* (Edicnemus  scolopax.     Stone  Curlew. 
Rallus  aquaticus.     Water  Rail. 
Crex  pratensis.     Corn  Crake. 
*Porzana  maruetta.     Spotted  Crake. 
Gallinula  chloropus.     Moor-hen. 
*Rissa  tridactyla.     Kittiwake. 
*2Iergulus  alle.     Little  Auk. 
Podiceps  minor.     Little  Grebe. 
*Procellaria      leucorrhoa.        Fork-tailed 

Petrel. 
*Proc  el  I  aria  pelagic  a.     Storm  Petrel. 
*Pujfimts  anglorum.     ]\Ianx  Shearwater 
Mareca  Penelope.     Widgeon. 
Nettium  crecca.     Teal. 
Anas  boschas.     Wild  Duck. 

Forest  by   stress  of  weather  or  other 


25 


SOME  OF  THE  RARER  PLANTS  OP  EPPING  FOREST. 

Flowering  Plants. 

(From  the  Lists  of  Mr.  Walter  Beeves  and  others.) 


Myosurus  minimus.     Mouse-tail. 

Ranunculus  auricomus.     Goldielocks. 

Jxnnnnculus  sceJeratus.  Celery-leaved 
Ranunculus. 

Arahis  perfoliata.     Glabrous  Rock-cress. 

Senehiera  didyma.    Lesser  Swine 's-cress. 

Teesdalianudicaulis.  Common  Teesdalia. 

Diayithus  Armeria.     Deptford  Pink. 

Gerastium  quaterneUum.  Erect  Mouse- 
ear  Chickweed. 

Hypericum  humifusum.  Trailing  St. 
John's  Wort. 

Hypericum indchrum.  Slender  St.  John's 
Wort. 

Hypericum  elodes.  Marsh  St.  John's 
Wort. 


Oxalis  acetosella.     Wood  Sorrel. 

PotentiUa  ar<ientea.     Hoary  Cinquefoil. 

*Chrysosplenium  a  Jterrii  folium.  Alter- 
nate-leaved Golden  Saxifrage. 

*ChrysospIenium  oppositifoUum.  Oppo- 
site-leaved Golden  Saxifrage. 

* Parnassia  jyalustris .  Grass  of  Parnassus. 

*Drosera  rotundifolia.  Round-leaved 
Sundew. 

Dipsacus  pilosus.     Small  Teasel. 

*Oxycoccos  palustre.     Red  Cranberry. 

*Menyantlies  trifoliata.     Buck-bean. 

*Utricidaria  vulgaris.     Bladderwort. 

*Anagallis   tenella.     Bog  Pimpernel. 

*Hottonia  palustris.     Water  Violet. 

Viscum  album.    Mistletoe. 


Bog  or  marsh  plants. 


CRYPTOGAMIC  PLANTS— The  Ferns  of  Epping  Forest. 

(From  Mr.  James  English's  List.) 


Pteris  aquilina.     Brake  Fern. 

Lomaria  spicant.     Hard  Fern. 

Athyrium  Filix-fccmina.     Lady  Fern. 

Scolopendrium  vulgare.     Hart's-tongue. 

*Polysticlmm_  aculeatum.  Prickly-shield 
Fern. 

*Polystichum  angulare.  Soft  Prickly- 
shield  Fern. 

Lastrea  Filix-mas.     Male  Fern. 


Lastrea  spinulosa.   Crested-buckler  Fern. 

Lastrea  spinulosa,  var.  dilitata.  Broad- 
buckler  Fern. 

*Lastrea  Thelypteris.  Marsh  -  buckler 
Fern. 

*Lastrea  Oreopteris.  Mountain-buckler 
Fern. 

Polypodium  vulgare.     Polypody. 


*  Species  thus  marked  are  supposed  to  be  extinct  in  the  Forest,  but  are  likely  to 
occur  again.  In  addition  to  those  above  named,  the  following  species  are  men- 
tioned in  Gibson's  "Flora  of  Essex:" — Axplennm  ruta-muraria  (Wall  Rue  Spleen- 
wort),  Osmunda  regalis  (Osmund  Royal),  OpMoglossum  vulgatum  (Common  Adder's 
Tongue),  &c.,  &c. 


26 


SOME  OF  THE  RARER  AND  MORE  REMARKABLE 
FUNGI  OF  EPPING  FOREST. 

{From  Mr.  James  English's  List.) 


Agaricus  muscarius. 
„         mucidus. 
,,        splendens. 
clavipes. 
,,         dryinus. 
,,         sail  gnus. 
„        petaloides. 
rodicosus. 
,,         adiposus. 
,,         conissus. 
,,  ahiicolor. 

Cortinarhts  crprulescens . 
,,  violaceus. 

,,  decoloratus. 

Hygroplwriis  chry^odon. 
,,  cossus. 

,,  Golemannlanus. 

„  miniatns. 

Lactarius  glyciosmiis . 

,,         volemum. 
Russula  viresceihs. 

,,       emetica. 
Cantharellus  cibarius. 
3Iarasmhis  urens. 
Lentinus  cofhieatus. 
Pnnus  torulosus. 
Boletus  piperatus. 


Boletus  edulis. 
,,       satanas. 
„        luridus. 
Polypo)U'<  perennis. 
,,        piclpes. 
,,         intybaceus. 
,,         giganteus. 
„        ivihricatm. 
Tra metes  gihhosa. 
Hydmim  zonatnm. 
,,         erinaceus. 
cirrhahim.* 
Radulum  fagineum. 
Thelephora  innltizonata. 

clavularis. 
Clavana  fastigiata. 
„        aurea. 
,,         fiisifo7-mi--<. 
,,        pi  still  ari-^. 
Gyromitra  esculenta. 
Helvella  crispa. 
Leotia  hibrica. 
Peziza  macropus. 
,,      onotica. 
,,      aurantia. 
,,      sepiilta. 
„      hemispherica. 


*■  Believed  to  be  the  only  British  example  of  tliis  species. 

Among  the  Mosses,  &c.,  fomid  in  Epping  Forest  are  Polytrichum  commune,  P.jnni- 
peruvt,  P.  formosum,  and  P.  ferum  :  Mninm  hormim  :  Dicranvm  scoparium  and  T>. 
heteromallum ;  Lepidozia  reptwn  :  Pottio  truncnta  :  Hypniim  Srhrebrri  and  H.  evpres- 
si forme,  &c. 


J.  Jo:4KS,  Priuter,  "  Woodford  Times  Office,"  Woodford, 


ESSEX 
Geological       Sections, 
illustrating  the.  deposits    of  the  thames  valley.and  its  affluents,  the  lea  and  the  roding,  in  relation  tothe  glacial  drift  of  the   essex  heights. 


SECTION      1. 


MM,nvu^k  . 


ftv  /i.</,«v 


SECTION     2. 


milf  K  cf  Ifatttma  I7iiiirh 


Ru  liodinq  * 


SECTION      3. 


SECTION      4. 


SECTION      5. 


^■i  m<l  el' H.-.I.U.'.h-'. 


?P*^V 


n.bv  SwIuV  Ww.4.r™'  F  G  ? 


REFERENCES.     /  atalh.     I'.  Tliitart  Dtds-      .3  Wrc/>fu^k  lird*.       ■t./.m^Lit  CLq,     .^-  /..nirr  /Sa/ff/u-t  Ileds.      BJ\bbU  Btds.  rilAer  oC  liaffi/iot  i<i-U,f.Ttnmagt 


lbi«[)m.ktt>. 


A   DAY'S  ELEPHANT  HUNTING 

IN   ESSEX. 

BY     HENEY     WALIvER,     F.  G.  S. 

(A  Lecture  delivered  May  2dth,  1880J 


SOME    OLD    GAME    PRESEEVES. 

Each  old  elephant  grins  with  vast  amaze, 
While  rousing  him  from  his  marble  hearse, 

As  a  world  so  new  and  so  strange  he  surveys  ; 

And  doubtless  he  thinks  that  since  his  younger  days 
Things  are  strikmgly  changed  for  the  worse. 

William  Conybeare. 

In  the  rural  sports  and  recreations  to  which  so  many 
happy  Londoners  now  devote  their  Saturday  afternoons, 
what  outcroppings  of  the  lurking  instincts  and  pursuits  of 
savage  man  might  not  the  eyes  of  anthropologists  detect ! 
Below  the  sober-looking,  scientific  guise  of  the  modern 
London  naturalist,  who  starts  at  two  o'clock  on  Saturdays 
from  "  the  smoke  and  stir  of  this  dim  spot,"  for  shining 
river,  lake,  or  glooming  woodland  (armed  with  divers 
wondrous  implements  and  bags  of  artful  make),  how  much 
might,  perhaps,  be  traced  of  innate  and  ancestral  love 
of  hunting — of  reversion  to  the  untamed  instincts  and 
delights  of  savage  hfe !  As  iambs  and  kids  (so  Mr.  Darwin 
tells  us)  betray  their  Alpine  origin  by  their  fondness  for  the 
smallest  hillock  on  which  to  leap  and  frisk,  so  it  seems  do 
City  denizens,  released  on  Saturdays  from  artificial  life, 
betray   the    birthplace    of    their   race   by    their  forms   of 


28  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecher e  : 

recreation.  The  hunting  fields  around  us  in  Essex,  Middle- 
sex, and  Surrey  are  changed  indeed  since  elephants  and 
aurochs  roamed  wild  along  the  valley  of  the  Thames ;  but 
the  hunting  impulse  still  remains.  Huge  bisons  and  huger 
mammoths  are  now  no  longer  slain  between  the  eyes  with 
the  well-aimed  flint- stone,  as  once  they  were  in  more 
arboreal  times ;  but  we,  the  hunters  of  to-day,  still  track 
the  giant  pachyderms  and  oxen  to  their  home.  In  old  and 
well-stocked  zoological  preserves  we  well  know  where  to 
find  them,  and  spoil  them,  like  our  ancestors,  of  horns, 
and  tusks,  and  teeth,  as  perchance  w^e  shall  to-day. 

Our  trysting  place,  this  Saturday  of  June,  has  a  name 
that  sounds  anachronistic  in  narratives  of  mammoth 
hunting  in  the  valley  of  the  Thames.  We  meet  in 
Bishopsgate.  The  railway  of  these  late  Post-Pliocene 
times  will  take  us  to  these  well-stocked  zoological  preserves 
of  which  we  speak.  Ilford,  in  Essex  (only  seven  miles  from 
the  Royal  Exchange),  is  the  spot  at  which  we  know  our 
game  is  likely  to  be  found.  But  who  are  we,  the  hunters, 
who  assemble  in  such  force  at  this  rendezvous  in  Bishops- 
gate  to  day? 

A  goodly  fellowship  of  London  naturalists  crowds  the 
railway  platform.  We  meet  with  veteran  geologists  as 
well  as  amateurs — the  fellow- workers  once  with  Buckland, 
and  De  la  Beche,  and  Sedgwick — with  men 

Who  know  the  birth-rock  of  each  pebble  so  round, 
And  how  far  its  tour  has  extended, 

— men  who  willingly  lend  themselves  to  teach  and  popu- 
larise their  fascinating  science.  How  many  Londoners  are 
really  addicted  to  exploring  the  ancient  geography  of  their 
favourite  City  and  its  environs  only  appears  on  a  great 
occasion.  The  discovery  of  an  old  deserted  bed  of  the 
Thames,  with  elephant  and  rhinoceros  remains ;  the  finding 
of  a  chipped  flint  hatchet,  used  by  our  rude  PalaBolithic  fore- 
fathers ;  a  new  revelation  of  the  Glacial  Drift  at  Einchley ; 
a  fresh  "section"  in  the  submerged  forest-bed  of  Plum- 
stead  or  Walthamstow — such  incidents  bring  out  the  eager 
host,  the  old   and    young  alike,  in  all  their  glory.     Here 


A  Day's  Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex.  29 

they  are,  at  the  railway  station,  at  two  o'clock  on 
the  Saturday  next  following  the  discovery.  They  have 
sniffed  the  quarry  from  afar,  and  have  come  in  multi- 
tudinous array,  and  with  something  of  the  hunter's  zest,  to 
stalk  the  country.  Perchance  some  lingering  game  may 
yet  be  found,  now  that  the  ancient  lurking-place  has  been 
revealed. 

The  scene  on  which  we  are  entering  this  Saturday 
afternoon  is  full  of  forest  history  and  tradition.  What 
more  excites  the  memory  of  the  history-loving  Londoner 
than  the  mention  of  the  old  Essex  forests,  wdiose  fragments 
of  their  former  self  still  linger  near  our  City?  Time  was 
when  all  the  Essex  county  lay  within  the  bounds  of  a  Eoyal 
forest — when  the  "dim  and  watery  woodland  "  stretched 
across  from  Waltham  to  Colchester  and  the  sea.  What  giant 
specimens  of  the  once  abundant  forest  fauna  may  not  still 
be  found  in  Essex  to  tell  us  of  the  former  grandeur  of  these 
wild  arboreal  tracts !  These  may  be  the  speculations  passing 
in  our  minds  as  our  train  moves  out  of  the  station,  and 
carries  us  into  the  heart  of  Bethnal-green,  where,  from  the 
viaduct,  we  look  down  upon  the  vast  acreage  of  red-tiled 
housetops  that  spread  before  us.  But  other  topics  intervene, 
and  we  will  not  lose  the  talk  of  our  fellow  naturalists,  each 
of  whom  has  some  discovery  or  incident  of  recent  rambles  to 
relate.  The  microscopical  brethren  of  ''The  Quekett"  tell 
of  researches  made  on  Saturday  last  in  Hackney  Marshes — 
of  curious  polyzoans  found  in  the  Canal,  of  strange-looking 
''gloohidise"  and  other  creatures  with  fearsome  names,  and 
of  Anacharis  [Bahingtonia  damnosa !)  choking  the  brooks. 
The  geologists,  too,  are  full  of  narrative  and  anecdote.  You 
hear  what  places  around  London  are  good  for  field  geology — 
what  new  gravel  pits,  railway  cuttings,  and  other  excava- 
tions have  recently  been  visited,  and  what  fossils  from 
the  clay,  or  sand,  or  chalk  have  thus  been  found.  So  we 
soon  pass  Mile-end  Station  and  find  ourselves  at  Ilford. 

Here  at  Ilford  we  leave  the  train,  which  runs  on  to 
Chelmsford  and  Colchester  some  sixty  passengers  the 
lighter.  Ilford  itself  has  something  to  reward  the  traveller, 
who  will  not  look  in  vain  for  ancient  monuments  of  man's 


30  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture : 

device.  Here,  upon  the  south  side  of  High-street,  is 
St-  Mary's  Hospital,  an  institution  of  venerable  anti- 
quity. We  can  only  stay  to  hear  that  the  hospital  was 
founded  by  an  Abbess  of  Barking  (temi).  Stephen)  for  a 
prior,  a  warden,  two  priests,  and  thirteen  lepers.  More, 
we  might  learn,  but  the  geologic  mind  seeks  a  greater  anti- 
quity than  this.  We  leave  St.  Mary's  Hospital  to  Lord 
Salisbury,  its  present  warden,  and  haste  to  join  our  fellow- 
naturalists,  who  are  far  in  advance  on  the  Barking  Eoad, 

The  plan  of  our  expedition  is  now  unfolded,  and  we 
learn  the  designs  of  our  leaders.  In  this  Barking  Road, 
we  meet  Sir  xVntonio  Brady,  in  whose  preserves  our  game 
is  supposed  to  lie,  and  who  has  hunted  the  country  for 
years.  Sir  Antonio  kindly  brings  his  carriage  for  the 
benefit  of  the  fair  huntresses  who  accompany  our  party. 
Perchance  a  tame  elephant  or  two,  with  houdahs,  and 
gorgeous  caparisons,  and  swarthy  turban-clad  riders,  are 
not  far  off,  and  will  take  us  to  the  jungle,  or  wherever  our 
destination  may  be.  We  are  well  furnished  with  guides. 
Besides  Sir  Antonio,  who  has  tracked  a  good  hundred  or 
more  of  elephants  to  their  home  about  Ilford  in  his  time, 
we  have  a  skilled  zoologist  from  the  British  Museum,  one 
who  well  knows  the  old-world  fauna  of  the  Thames  Valley 
and  their  hiding  places. 

The  word  is  given  by  our  leaders  "  To  the  Uphall  Pits 
on  the  Barking  Road  !  "  To  the  Uphall  Pits  on  the  Barking 
Road  we  go.  We  have  time  to  note  the  geography  of  the 
district.  The  Barking  Road,  which  runs  due  north  and 
south,  goes  down  from  Ilford  towards  the  Thames,  which 
is  about  four  miles  away.  The  tributary  River  Roding,  at  a 
little  distance  to  our  right,  runs  parallel  with  the  Barking 
Road.  We  are  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Roding  Valley. 
Suddenly,  through  a  narrow  hedgerow  gap,  our  leaders 
disappear.  The  game  must  now  be  close  at  hand.  Follow- 
ing our  leaders,  we  find  ourselves  all  unprepared  among 
the  celebrated  Uphall  elephant-pits.  The  flats  along  which 
we  have  walked  have  reminded  us  of  the  rice  and  paddy 
fields  of  Ceylon,  but  another  vegetation  here  confronts  us. 
In  Indian  file  we  thread  our  way  through  ranks  of  well- 


A  Day's  Elephant  Ilantlntj  in  Essex.  31 

hoed  potatoes.  Thus  we  reach  the  brmk  of  one  of  the  pits. 
Here,  still  accompanied  by  the  ladies  of  our  party,  we  begin 
to  descend  to  the  realms  below.  We  reach  the  lower  terra 
firma  by  a  course  of  wheelbarrow  planks.  At  length  we 
^-re  all  assembled,  first  to  receive  instructions  from  our 
guides,  and  then  to  unearth  what  game  we  can  for  our- 
selves. It  now  begins  to  dawn  on  the  minds  of  the  unini- 
tiated of  our  party  that  elephant  hunting  in  Essex,  ir. 
these  modern  days,  is  an  underground  sport — a  recreation 
restricted  to  the  subterranean  world  and  no  longer  carried 
on  in  the  open. 

We  have  now  descended  from  the  upper  air  into  the  ex- 
cavated bed  of  some  ancient  river  or  lake.  It  might  be 
misleading,  as  will  hereafter  appear,  if  we  said  we  were 
standing  in  the  bed  of  the  ancient  Thames.  And  yet  these 
alluvial  precincts  of  the  Boding  certainly  lie  within  the  great 
shallow  trough  of  what  we  now  call  the  Thames  Valley — 
that  old,  incalculably  old,  line  of  drainage  which  has  seen 
so  many  and  eventful  changes  in  the  physical  geography  of 
south-eastern  England.  Enough  for  the  present  that  this 
excavation  is  the  inlet  to  the  zoological  world  beneath. 
But  let  us  be  sceptical  and  take  nothing  for  granted.  We 
are  determined  to  sift  to  the  bottom  the  strange  stories 
told  of  these  Ilford  pits.  If  we  are  really  standing  in  an 
old  river-bed,  we  may  demand  to  see  some  trace  of  the 
various  organic  remains  which  a  river  is  always  depositing 
with  its  sediment.  We  know  that  the  Thames  of  to-day 
is  always  embedding  in  its  mud  some  specimens  of  the 
aquatic  or  terrestrial  life  of  the  period — the  shell-fish  that 
live  and  die  in  its  waters,  and  the  land  animals  that  are 
constantly,  by  accident  or  design,  borne  down  in  the 
stream.  As  in  some  future  deserted  bed  of  the  Thames, 
milleniums  hence,  the  fauna  of  to-day  may  be  disembedded 
by  the  Saturday  afternoon  naturalists  of  the  period,  so  we, 
in  this  Ilford  excursion,  should  expect  to  discover  in  the 
earth  around  us  some  relics  of  the  ancient  Thames  Valley, 
deposited  milleniums  ago. 

This  then  is  what  we  see  as  we  stand  down  below  in  the 
pit  looking  up  to  the  daylight.     A  perpendicular  face  of  the 


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A  Day's  Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex.  33 

river-bed  rises  before  us  some  seventeen  feet  in  height. 
Eunning  from  right  to.  left  until  tliey  disappear  in  tlie  un- 
excavated  ground,  and  pass  away  beneatli  modern  Ilford, 
are  horizontal  bands  of  different  coloured  earths.  Tliese 
successive  layers  of  loam  and  sand  and  gravel  (says  our 
guide)  represent  successive  changes  in  the  sediments 
brought  dow^n  by  the  old  and  now  vanished  river  which 
once  flowed  over  the  spot.  In  fact,  we  here  have  a  lesson 
as  to  Jioio  land  is  made.  Beginning  at  the  base,  there  is  a 
clayey  earth,  containing  freshwater  shells.  Then  comes  a 
bright  yellow  sand :  this  too  contains  river  shells.  Above 
this  comes  gravel. 

The  spot  is  romantic  with  the  dust  of  ancient  zoological 
races.     It  is  classic  in  the  records  of  geological  research. 
It  was  in  this  very  layer  of  bright  yellow  sand  that  the 
first  perfect  skull  of  the  British  mammoth  [Elephas  prhni- 
geni'us)  was  found  in  the  year  1863,  to  the  intense  interest 
of  the  geologic  public.     It  was  discovered  by  the  workmen 
about  fifteen  feet  below  the    surface.     The   cranium  was 
nearly  entire,  the  upper  portion  of  the  left  side  alone  being 
slightly  injured  from  the  blow  of  a  pick  or  a  spade  when 
the  workmen  unconsciously  came  near  it.    Associated  with 
it  were  remains  of  the  fleece-clad  rhinoceros,  great  fossil 
ox,  and  numerous  freshwater  shells.     Luckily,  Sir  Antonio 
Brady  was  then,  as  now,  close  at  hand  to  assist  in  the  dif- 
ficult and  hazardous  process  of  extricating  the  remains  in 
good   condition.     The   tusk   of    the   mammoth   measured 
eight  feet  eight  inches,  from  the  point  to  the  insertion  into 
the  socket.     From   that   time  to  this  remains  have  been 
unearthed  year  by  year,  and  this  Uphall  Brickfield  has  thus 
become  celebrated  for  its  fossil  relics  of  wild  and  wondrous 
denizens  of  the  early  Thames  Valley.    Not  only  were  fleece- 
clad  elephants  and  rhinoceroses  found  here,  telling,  perhaps, 
of  an  Arctic  climate  in  these  latitudes  ;   side  by  side  with 
them,  strange  to  say,  have  been  found  the  African  hippopo- 
tamus and  elephant — animals  of  a  southern  and  subtropi- 
cal chme.     What  could  this  mean  ?    Why  this  astonishing 
assemblage  of  animals  from  diverse   climates  mingled   m 
one  common  grave  ?     We  shall  shortly  see. 


34  Mr.  Henry  Walker  s  Lecture  : 

But  all  this  time  the  amateurs  of  our  party  are  getting 
eager  for  the  sport.  Enough  of  geology.  What  came  they 
out  for  to  see,  but  an  elephant  or  rhinoceros  dug  up  entire  ! 
They  have  read  the  wondrous  story  of  the  Tungoosian 
fisherman  and  the  mammoth  on  the  shores  of  the  icy 
Lena ;  they  have  come  prepared  to  assist  at  a  similar 
scene.  They  are  on  tiptoe  to  carry  home  some  tusk  or 
gigantic  tooth  as  a  trophy  of  the  eventful  day.  But  our 
cool  and  wary  leaders  are  choosing  their  time.  Before  we 
begin  to  make  search  for  ourselves,  it  is  well  we  should 
understa.nd  the  conditions  of  fossil-linding  at  Ilford,  at 
least  as  regards  the  larger /erce  naturce  of  the  district. 

There  is  a  "close  time"  for  the  game  at  Ilford  as 
elsewhere.  In  other  words,  the  work  of  excavation  in 
these  pits  only  goes  on  at  a  certain  period  of  the  year.  In 
the  spring  the  ground  is  opened  for  the  purpose  of  removing 
the  earth,  which  in  the  autumn  is  to  be  made  into  bricks. 
It  is  then  that  important  zoological  discoveries  are  generally 
made.  In  digging  out  the  clay,  the  workmen  come  across 
the  fossil  remains  of  elephants,  rhinoceros,  deer,  and  other 
animals  mostly  of  extinct  species.  These  remains  are  found 
in  nearly  every  instance  scattered  over  one  particular  floor 
on  which  the  great  mass  of  tenacious  brick-earth  is  depo- 
sited. The  perpendicular  section  made  by  the  workmen 
presents  the  appearance  of  a  wall  some  twenty  feet  high, 
often  composed  of  layers  of  flat  earth,  deposited  in  hori- 
zontal lines.  Immediately  above  and  about  the  spot  where 
these  animal  remains  are  found,  the  earth  is  denser  and 
richer  in  colour,  and  is  generally  arranged  in  a  kind  of 
mound  of  some  feet  in  thickness.  The  men  are  so  well 
acquainted  with  the  indications  which  tell  of  the  proximity 
of  bones  that  there  is  little  danger  of  their  destroying  the 
fossils  in  digging.  The  principal  indication  is  a  kind  of  fine 
silver-sand,  which  is  found  powdered  over  the  spot,  and 
which  crumbles  down  more  readily  than  the  soil  above  it. 
The  last  excavation  took  place  some  six  weeks  ago,  and 
then  Sir  Antonio  was  fortunate  enough  to  secure  five  perfect 
skulls  of  the  great  fossil  ox,  Boa  primigenms  (the  contem- 
porary of  the  British  mammoth),  with  horn-cores  complete. 


A  Day's  Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex.  35 

As  no  excavations  are  proceeding  to-day  (for  the  workmen 
are  enjoying  their  Saturday  half-hoHday),  any  fossils  that 
we  may  obtain  must  be  got  from  the  walls  of  tlie  pit,  or  the 
floor  beneath  us.  These  relics  will  not  perhaps  be  of  a 
rare  and  startling  character ;  but  they  will,  nevertheless, 
be  genuine.  Here  are  some  to  begin  with.  Projecting 
from  the  wall  of  ferruginous,  finely-laminated,  bright- 
coloured  sand  is  a  layer  of  shells.  We  all  swarm  to  the 
spot,  ladies  included.  Hammers,  chisels,  and  ''jemmies" 
are  suddenly  produced  from  even  the  most  harmless-looking 
members  of  our  party,  and  we  are  speedily  at  work  as  if 
prising  open  one  of  Nature's  strong  boxes  to  the  tune  of — 

Hail  to  tlie  hammer  of  science  profound  ! 

Flint-stone  and  rock 

Quail  at  its  shock, 
And  their  fragments  fly  as  the  sparks  around. 

The  fossil  dead  that  so  long  have  slept. 
And  seen  world  after  world  into  ruin  swept,* 

Start  at  the  sound 

Of  its  fearful  rebound. 

The  fossils  before  us  need  but  little  force  to  compel  them 
to  quit  their  sandy  matrix.  They  prove  to  be  the  shells  of 
the  little  bivalve  Gyrena  fluminalis.  They  are  very  brittle, 
and  perhaps  to  some  eyes  they  may  appear  somewhat  in- 
significant as  trophies  of  the  celebrated  elephant  bed  at 
Ilford.  But  they  are  genuine  relics  of  the  ancient  zoology  of 
the  old  Thames  Valley — as  genuine  as  the  British  pachy- 

*  Alas  1  for  the  good  old  cataclysmic  geology,  so  regnant  once  in 

the  spectral  kingdom  of   Diluvia  and  Nightmare,  and  even  in  the 

verses  of   the  period.      (See   Dr.   Daubeny's   excellent   collection   of 

"Fugitive  Poems,"  Parker  &  Co.,  1869.)     It  is  curious  in  these  more 

degenerate  and  pitiful  days  to  see  how  complacently  the  catastrophists 

looked  upon  the  pre-Adamite  earth  as  a  periodic  slaughter-house  on  a 

grand  scale.     How  ruthlessly  were  successive  creations  put  an  end  to 

under  that  malefic  theodicy !     Direness  was  once  as  familiar  to  the 

slaughterous  thoughts  of  the  British  geologist  as  it  still  seems  to  be  to 

our  Continental  brethren.     And  yet  every  virtuous  catastrophist  would 

see  m  a  familiar  quotation  from  Horace  at  once  a  prophecy  and  a 

rule  of  conduct  in  case  such  a  crash  should  come  in  his  own  time  : 

"  Si  fracti^s  illabatixr  urbis 

Impavidum  feiieut  ruiute." 


36  Mr.  Henry  Walker  s  Lecture  : 

derms  and  deer  that  have  been  excavated  from  the  same 
spot.  These  identical  molhisks,  remember,  were  the  con- 
temporaries of  the  mammoth  in  Britain  !  They  hved  in 
the  waters  which  the  mammoth  frequented,  as  they  have 
since  shared  his  grave  for  thousands  of  years.  We  will 
consign  these  precious  little  relics  to  the  small  chip  boxes 
we  carry  with  us  for  the  purpose,  and  will  label  them  at 
home  with  name  and  place  of  discovery. 

This  fresh-water  mollusk,  Cyrena  fluminalis,  has  never 

been  known  in  British  rivers  within  the  historical  period. 

It  is  now  to  be  found  in  the  more  tepid  waters  of  the  Nile, 

whither  it  must  have  retreated  ages  ago,  when  physical 

changes  of  great  importance  to  the  biological  world  began 

to  take  place  in  Britain.     It  is  also  to  be  found  in  certain 

streams  of  central  Asia.     The  visitor  to  the  Uphall  pits  at 

Ilf  ord  will  have  no  difficulty  in  securing  specimens  of  Cyrena 

fluminalis  for  his  cabinet.     The  layer  which  crops  out  from 

the  wall  on  all  sides  as  we  stand  in  the  pit  is  suggestive  of 

a  large  colony  of  happy  mollusks  who  found  here  a  good 

feeding-ground  in  olden  time.  A  further  examination  shows 

that  some  of  them  were  drifted  here  in  the  2^ost-mortem 

stage  of  their  history.     The  geologist  will  find  shells  of 

Unio  and  Anodon  as  well  as  of  Cyrena  at  Ilford.     And  he 

may  find  land  shells  (also  of  the  mammoth  period),  as  well 

as  the  fresh- water  shells  we  have  mentioned.     The  pretty 

helix  of  the  woods  {Helix  nemoralis),  known  to  Saturday 

afternoon  ramblers  in  Epping  Forest,  is  sometimes  found 

in  these  elephant  beds  at  Ilford  with  colour-bands  looking 

almost   as   fresh   as   we   may    see    them    in   their    living 

descendants  in  the  hedgerows  of  to-day. 

But  suddenly  an  alarm  is  given.  We  are  not  to  invade 
these  sacred  haunts  of  ancient  life  with  impunity.  The 
aborigines  of  the  country  have  been  gradually  closing  in 
upon  us  unseen.  They  now  appear,  some  of  gigantic  form, 
looking  down  upon  us  exultingly  from  the  brink  of  the  pit. 
We  are  fairly  caught — outflanked  and  surrounded  by  a 
wily  foe.  Not  an  instant  is  to  be  lost.  With  great  presence 
of  mind  Sir  Antonio,  our  leader,  advances  with  dignified 
mien  to  parley  with  the  chief.     It  is  an  anxious  moment. 


A  Day's  Ele-phaiit  Hunting  in  Essex.  37 

Happily,  he  speedily  returns  with  good  news.  The  natives 
are  not  hostile,  but  amicable.  They  are  inclined  to  trade 
and  barter.  Better  than  ah,  their  wares  consist  of  the 
very  spoils  we  are  in  search  of.  They  carry  with  them, 
wrapped  in  textures  of  evidently  European  fabric,  some  of 
the  enormous  stone-hke  teeth  of  fossil  elephants,  and 
various  gigantic  bones.  A  brisk  exchange  is  soon  set  up. 
The  specie  of  the  Victorian  era,  strange  to  say,  is  current 
in  the  land.  One  of  the  best  of  the  purchases  is  the 
complete  lower  jaw  of  a  young  mammoth,  with  the  tooth 
in  place.  (The  junior  geologists  of  our  party  are  much 
impressed  when  Sir  Antonio  pronounces  upon  it  in  the 
vernacular  of  science: — "Left  lower  ramus  of  calf  mam- 
moth, with  third  milk  molar  in  situ.''  Indeed,  some  of  the 
party  were  seen  surreptitiously  writing  down  the  mystic 
words.)  The  lucky  purchaser  of  this  relic  of  the  juvenile 
Ilford  elephants  will  be  fortunate  if  he  get  his  prize  safely 
home. 

Meantime  not  a  few  of  our  party  have  resumed  hunting 
for  themselves.  Some  of  them  have  unearthed  a  few  tro- 
phies— fragments  of  tusk  (genuine  ivory)  flaked  off  a  fine 
specimen  too  deeply  imbedded  for  present  extraction ; 
several  molar  plates  of  elephants'  teeth,  horncores  of  fossil 
oxen,  and  teeth  of  fossil  horse.  Soon  our  palaeontologist 
from  the  British  Museum  is  as  busy  as  our  forefather  in 
Eden  giving  names  to  the  various  animals,  as  each  member, 
joint,  or  limb  is  brought  before  him  by  the  delighted  dis- 
coverers. In  short,  it  is  soon  felt  even  by  the  most  sceptical 
of  the  company  that  Ilford  is  indeed  a  great  zoological 
preserve,  and  must  have  a  wonderful  story. 

What  this  story  is,  and  how  it  involves  the  story  of 
Essex,  and  of  a  still  wider  region  in  times  long  since  gone 
by,  we  are  now  to  learn. 


38  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture : 


II. 

THE    MAMMOTH   AND   HIS    COMPANIONS   AT 

HOME. 

"  Stay,  you  imperfect  speakers,  tell  me  more." 

Macbeth,  Act  I.,  Scene  iii. 

The  curious  and  heterogeneous  assemblage  of  fossil 
animals  found  lying  together  in  one  common  grave  in  the 
Valley  of  the  Eoding  at  Ilford  might  well  perplex  and 
bewilder  the  beholder.  Here  on  the  slope  of  a  little 
tributary  to  the  Thames,  within  sight  of  tall  chimney- 
stacks  and  railways,  and  within  sound  of  the  roar  of  the 
million-peopled  city,  lie  side  by  side  the  strangely-mingled 
remains  of  wild,  uncouth  creatures  of  other  climates  and 
unknown  times.  Some  of  them  evidently  belong  to  an 
obsolete  world.  Year  by  year  the  number  has  been 
enriched  by  fresh  discoveries,  and  even  now  the  mysterious 
collection  may  be  incomplete. 

But  it  is  time  we  turned  our  attention  to  the  problems 
these  remains  suggest.  How  shall  we  begin  the  enquiries 
they  force  upon  us  ?  We  shall  do  well  in  the  first  place  to 
look  a  Httle  more  closely  at  the  list  of  the  animals  them- 
selves, and  see  into  what  groups  they  may  possibly  be 
resolved.  The  following  are  the  species  which  have  so  far 
been  identified  and  named  by  our  palaeontologists  : — 

Mammotli,  or  Great  Hairy  Elephant  . .  Elephas  primigenius. 

Soutliem  Elephant  (straiglit-tusked)    . .  Elephas  antiquus. 

Rliinoceros     (fleece-clad,  two-horned, 

stout-limbed)..          ..  ..          ..  Rhinoceros  tichorhinus. 

Rhinoceros    (small-nosed,  one-horned, 

slender-limbed)         . .  . .          . .  Rhinoceros  leptorhinus. 

Rhinoceros      (big-nosed,  two-horned, 

slender-limbed)          . .  . .         . .  Rhinoceros  megarhinus. 

Great  Hippopotamus        . .  . .          . .  Hippopotamxis  major. 

Wild  Horse             . .          . .  . .          . .  Equus  caballus. 

Irish  Elk     . .          . .          . .  . .          . .  Megaceros  Hibernicus. 

Stag  . .          . .          . .          . .  . .          . .  Cervus  elaphus. 

Roe  . .         . .         . .         . .  , ,         . .  Cervus  capreolus. 


A  Day's  Ele2)hant  Hunting  in  Essex. 


89 


Bison,  or  Aurocli  . 

. .     Bison  priscus. 

Urus . . 

. .     Bos  primUfeniiiH. 

Brown  Bear 

Ursus  arctos. 

Grisly  Bear . . 

. .      Ursiis  ferox. 

Wolf.. 

Canis  hqms. 

Fox  .. 

Canis  vulpes. 

Lion . . 

Felis  leo. 

Beaver 

Castor  fiber. 

Water-rat   . . 

. .     Arvicola  amphihia 

Such  is  the  catalogue  of  animals  which  have  been 
disinterred  during  a  series  of  years  from  these  ancient 
graves  at  Ilford.  What  startling  questions  they  raise  ! 
What  was  the  climate  and  what  were  the  surroundings  of 
this  their  native  land — of  these  now  strangely  altered 
landscapes  of  Essex  and  South  Eastern  England,  where 
the  hills  and  vales  are  now  vocal  with  domestic  sheep  and 
oxen,  and  where  only  the  badger,  the  beaver,  and  the  otter 
are  left  as  the  largest  of  the  fercB  naturm  of  these 
bygone  times  ? 

Some  of  the  species  found  fossil  at  Ilford  still  inhabit 
these  islands ;  others,  like  the  brown  bear  and  the  w^olf , 
have  lived  here  in  historic  times ;  the  fossil  bison  or  auroch 
of  the  Essex  and  Middlesex  prairie  is  hardly  distinguishable 
from  the  American  buffalo  of  to-day.  But  what  of  the 
stranger  forms  which  figure  on  the  list  ?  What  of  the 
northern  fleece-clad  elephant,  the  woolly  rhinoceros,  now 
vanished  from  the  earth ;  what  of  the  hippopotamus,  the 
southern  elephant,  and  the  lioii,  which  are  shown  to  us 
to-day  only  as  the  captive  exotics  of  the  menagerie  ?  How 
shall  we  assign  to  animals  of  such  opposite  regions  and 
climes  a  common  area  of  habitation  ?  Did  these  creatures 
really  roam  wild  in  natal  landscapes  in  this  valley  of  the 
Thames  ?  Did  they  live,  move,  and  have  their  being  amid 
scenes  as  orderly  as  the  cosmos  of  to-day,  or  shall  we 
assign  them,  as  was  done  by  their  earlier  discoverers,  to  a 
world  of  confusion  and  chaos,  to  the  shadowy  and  horrific 
Kingdom  of  Diluvia  and  Catastrophe  ? 

Our  first  task,  then,  is  this  :  To  find  in  the  Essex  of 
to-day  some  traces  of  former  climatal  and  geograjjhical 
conditions  under  whicJi  these  animals  could  have  lived. 


40  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lectttre : 

THE    NORTHERN    GROUP    OF    THE     ILFORD    ANIMALS. — GLACIAL 

ESSEX. 

Some  of  the  Ilford  animals  evidently  form  a  Northern 
and  x\rctic  group.  The  warmly-clad  mammoth,  or  woolly 
elephant,  the  fleecy  rhinoceros,  and  the  brown  bear  may 
be  taken  as  examples."  If  their  presence  as  the  native 
inhabitants  of  the  land  denotes,  as  it  midoubtedly  does, 
the  reign  of  a  semi- Arctic  climate  in  Essex,  where  shall  we 
find  in  the  landscapes  around  us  the  traces  and  memorials 
of  an  age  of  snow  and  ice — of  a  long-enduring  age  of 
glaciers  and  an  all-enveloping  ice-sheet,  of  icebergs  and 
icefloes  !     The  answer,  as  we  shall  see,  is  not  far  to  seek. 

The  Essex  hills  and  plateaux  have  lately  yielded  some 
strange  secrets  to  the  explorer.  Time  was,  and  not  long 
ago,  when  the  well-known  steep  of  Muswell  Hill  in 
Middlesex,  one  of  the  leafy  "  northern  heights  of  London," 
stood  in  solitary  and  mysterious  glamour,  the  only  known 
monument  of  the  great  Glacial  Period  near  our  metropolis. 
But  to-day  the  records  of  the  rocks  around  us  are  more 
plainly  read.  We  need  not  now  leave  these  homely  Essex 
landscapes  to  find  memorials  of  the  Age  of  Ice  in  Britain. 
They  are  so  near  to  us  as  to  have  been  long  oveilooked 
for  those  remoter  spots  of  Glacial  Britain  where  "  distance 
lends  enchantment  to  the  view."  Let  us  ascend  any  of  the 
hills  north  and  south  of  Epping  which  reach  a  height  of  three 
hundred  feet.  We  lift  a  patch  of  the  green  turf,  and  what 
do  we  see  beneath?  The  sight  is  no  longer  incredible. 
We  look  upon  the  moraine  of  a  long-vanished  British 
glacier,  lying  where  it  was  left  ages  ago — a  moraine  as  real 
as  any  that  underlie  the  glaciers  of  Switzerland  and 
Norway  to-day,  or  the  wider-spreading  ice-sheet  of  Green- 
land. The  glacier  itself  has  gone,  but  here  lie  its  remains, 
too  solid  and  substantial  to  disappear  with  the  chmate 
which  gave  the  glacier  birth.  The  strangely  commingled 
wreck  and  debris  of  rocks,  and  fossils,  and  masses  of  earth 
brought  here  from  distant  areas,  are  all  before  us ;  they 
stretch  for  many  a  mile  beneath  the  grass. 

*  The  musk-ox  and  the  reindeer  should  also  be  taken  into  account, 
inasmuch  as  they  are  found  in  the  Thames  Valley,  though  not  at  Ilford. 


A  Day's  Elephant  Himting  in  Essex. 


41 


In  the  pits  of  the  tile-kilns  at  Epping,  in  excavations 
near  Woodford,  at  Theydon  Mount,  and  at  many  a  spot 
''famiHar  long  but  never  truly  known,"  the  daylight  has 
now  been  let  in  upon  the  long-buried  scene.  The  dried 
glacial  mud,  the  transported  rocks  and  fossils  and  masses 
of  earth,  may  be  seen  and  handled  for  ourselves.  At 
Epping  we  find,  almost  as  abundantly  as  at  Finchley,  the 
transported  spoils  of  the  OoHtic  and  Liassic  districts  of 
England.  We  may  identify  almost  to  a  certainty  the 
morainic  accumulations  of  the  land  ice  which  once, 
stretching  from  the  chalk  wolds  on  the  east  to  the  flank  of 
Charnwood  Forest  on  the  west,  came  down  the  eastern 
side  of  England  from  the  mountain  districts  of  the  north. 
We  pick  up  at  Epping  and  Finchley  alike,  the  well-known 
incurved  shells  of  the  Gryphea,  the  curious  belemnites,  and 
the  hard  pebbles  and  pellets  of  chalk  from  the  Lincolnshire 
rocks  which  were  abraded  by  this  ice  to  furnish  materials 
for  our  Essex  and  Middlesex  boulder  clay. 

These  solid  memorials  of  a  former  climate,  and  of 
terraqueous  arrangements  strangely  different  from  those  of 
to-day,  are  yet  only  remnants  of  the  once  far-spreading 
I)henomena.  Nature,  as  we  shall  see,  has  perpetuated  on 
a  larger  scale  her  achievements  in  the  Glacial  landscapes 
around  us. 

RANGE  OF  THE  ESSEX  GLACIAL  BEDS. 

The  extent  and  range  of  the  Great  Chalky  Boulder  Clay, 
which  is  to  explain  for  us  some  of  the  mysteries  of  the 
Ilford  elephant  pits,  has  at  length  been  fairly  determined 
both  in  Essex  and  elsewhere  north  of  the  Thames.  North 
of  Epping  it  extends  for  many  miles  in  an  almost  unbroken 
sheet.  From  the  eastern  brow  of  the  Valley  of  the  Lea 
in  this  northern  area  to  the  mouth  of  the  Chelmer  we 
may  travel  on  foot  without  once  leaving  Glacial  ground. 
Beyond  the  northern  borders  of  Essex  we  should  trace  it 
stretching  through  the  Midland  Counties  to  the  chalk  wolds 
of  Lincolnshire.  As  we  come  southward  to  the  Valley  of 
the  Thames,  we  are  introduced  to  a  later  chapter  in  its 
history.     Broken  and  discontinuous,  it  becomes  still  more 


42  3Ir.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture : 

patchy  ;  and  at  length  it  disappears  where  the  sloi^e  of  the 
valley  begins,  and  here  we  meet  the  records  of  a  later  period 
— records  which  did  not  begin  until  after  this  great  sheet 
of  ice  had  disappeared  in  our  south-eastern  area  of  Britain. 
The  memorials  of  glacial  Essex  of  which  we  thus  get  a 
glimpse  on  the  hill-tops  and  plateaux  take  us  back  to 
the  climate  and  time  of  the  northern  group  of  the  Ilford 
fossil  mammalia.  We  have  got  back  to  the  age  of  the 
mammoth  and  woolly  rhinoceros.  It  was  a  long  enduring 
age  in  Britain,  and  marked  by  many  eventful  and  complex 
phenomena.  But  we  need  only  look  at  the  later  stage  of 
this  incalculably  long  period,  and  witness,  as  it  were,  the 
incoming  of  the  more  varied  fauna  with  which  we  find 
these  northern  animals  associated  in  the  fluviatile  graves 
of  the  Koding  Valley. 

BEGINNINGS    OF    PLEISTOCENE    ESSEX. 

At  the  time  when  the  ice  thus  prevailed,  the  land — 
except  the  summits  of  the  most  elevated  districts,  as  the 
Knockholt  Downs,  which  as  we  look  south  from  the  Essex 
heights  appear  projected  on  the  sky-line — was  for  an  untold 
period  of  time  lost  to  view  beneath  the  sea.  It  suffered 
the  slow  but  sure  spoliation  and  destruction  of  all  vegetable 
and  animal  life  by  that  wonderful  vicissitude  the  Great 
Marine  Submergence.  Gradually  sinking  beneath  the 
waters,  this  part  of  the  land-surface  of  Pliocene  Britain, 
with  its  forests  and  pastures,  and  all  the  varied  animal  life 
of  the  period,  its  river  courses  and  all  terrestrial  features, 
became  a  sea-fioor.  Here  in  this  submarine  condition  it 
was  overlaid  as  the  slow  years  went  on  with  the  sediment 
and  drifting  waste  of  the  sea,  with  the  dropping  debris 
transported  from  land  still  above  the  waters,  and  with  its 
own  looser  rocks  drifted  to  lower  levels. 

As  the  land  sank,  and  again  as  it  emerged,  pebble-beds 
and  gravels  we  see  around  us  to-day  were  disturbed 
and  spread  over  wider  areas,  gathered  in  the  submarine 
valleys,  and  mingled  with  the  mud  and  sand.  The  former 
hills  and   plains  of    heath-clad  Essex    were   wasted   and 


A  Day's  FAaphant  Hnntinr/  in  Essex.  '43 

lowered  in  heiglit,  and  the  contours  of  the  old  land-surface 
defaced  and  wrecked.  Though  hidden  from  sight,  sub- 
marine England  had  a  history  of  no  little  import  for  the 
soils  of  the  future  land-surface.  At  length,  on  rising 
slowly  from  the  sea,  as  islands  and  future  continents  are 
rising  above  the  waves  to-day,  the  emerging  land  appeared 
with  many  of  its  old  valleys  and  river  courses  choked  up 
with  sand  and  gravel  and  overspread  with  the  moraine  of 
the  ice,  its  bolder  mountain  ranges  and  hills  worn  or 
effaced,  its  minor  contours  obliterated.  But  the  greater 
watersheds  survived  the  long-protracted  waste :  they  began 
to  resume  their  functions  in  the  slowly  enlarging  area  of 
the  landscape. 

Thus  the  larger  of  the  ancient  river  valleys  began  to  be 
excavated  afresh,  and  so  the  post-glacial  Thames  may  be 
an  old  river  valley  in  part  re-excavated,  increasing  in 
width  and  depth  as  time  went  on. 

The  Lea,  the  Roding,  the  Thames,  belong  then  to  the 
period  which  succeeded  this  great  marine  submergence. 
They  were  the  gradual  effect  of  the  atmospheric  forces 
which  are  always  at  work  on  a  terrestrial  surface,  sculpturing 
it  with  hydrographical  contours,  and  so  forming  the  hills 
and  valleys  of  the  landscape. 

But  the  land  rose  from  an  icy  sea.  The  ice,  which  had 
covered  so  large  a  part  of  the  eastern  and  north  midland 
counties,  retreated  to  the  valleys  of  the  mountain  district 
of  the  north  of  our  island.  East  Anglia  and  Essex  emerged 
first  from  the  waters,  for  here  the  submergence  was  only 
a  few  hundred  feet.  How  long  the  ice  of  the  Chalky  Clay 
had  held  possession,  excluding  the  return  of  vegetable  and 
animal  life,  we  know  not.  Nor  do  we  know  how  long  the 
land  continued  to  be  an  island,  or  a  group  of  islands.  It 
gradually  became  poorly  stocked  with  the  beginnings  of 
vegetable  life,  with  a  meagre  herbaceous  vegetation  of 
mosses  and  lichens.  It  was  visited  sometimes  by  sea-birds, 
and  in  the  severer  winters  by  a  few  Arctic  land  animals— 
by  lemmings,  hares,  voles,  and  foxes,  crossing  the  frozen 
straits  of  Dover.  It  was  only  -by  so  continuous  and  per- 
sistent a  rise  of  the  land  as  would  unite  it  with  the  continent 

0 


44  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture : 

of  Europe  tliat  a  more  varied  flora  and  fauna  could  advance. 
But  that  time  had  not  yet  arrived.  The  humbler  but  not 
insignificant  herbaceous  plants  were  the  prevailing  vege- 
tation, and  then  began  to  flourish  the  reindeer  moss,  the 
branching  "  cladonia"  which  has  ever  since  lived  on  our 
heaths  and  commons,  reminding  us  to-day  of  the  British 
reindeer  that  in  time  found  its  way  to  the  glacial  Essex 
hills. 

THE    GEEAT    EUEOPASIAN    INVASION. 

And  the  time  of  more  habitable  conditions  did  arrive. 
Gradually  the  rising  land  was  more  and  more  uncovered 
by  the  retreating  sea  and  the  northward-shrinking  glaciers. 
Eeversions  to  the  old  Arctic  weather  still  came  on  in  the 
winters,  but  in  the  summers  a  giant  herbaceous  vegetation 
like  that  of  Siberia  established  itself.  Tall  urnbellifers, 
almost  rivalling  trees  in  stature  during  their  short 
life,  and  coarse  but  vigorous  grasses  made  an  herbaceous 
forest  and  feeding  ground  for  the  future  incoming  herds. 
The  land  continued  to  rise :  the  German  Ocean,  from 
which  the  waters  had  now  retreated  northwards  to  the 
outlying  depths,  became  a  land- valley,  and  the  westward 
and  northward-travelling  herbs  and  shrubs  and »,  forest 
trees  gradually  took  possession.  Southward,  the  valley 
of  the  English  Channel  had  been  similarly  transformed, 
clothed  with  forests  and  open  pastures,  varied  with  mountain 
and  ravine,  and  perhaps  chains  of  lakes.  Far  on  to  the 
coast  of  Africa,  where  no  Straits  of  Gibraltar  then  inter- 
vened, the  land  was  continuous  from  Britain.  Favouring 
climatal  conditions  were  all  that  was  wanted  for  the  animals 
of  the  north  and  south  alternately  to  visit  and  occupy 
each  other's  land.  The  rivers  of  the  now  united  countries 
watered  a  common  land,  those  of  the  British  area  becoming 
confluent  with  those  of  the  continent ;  the  fresh-water 
denizens  of  the  one  were  no  longer  shut  off  by  the  sea  from 
inhabiting  each  other's  waters. 

By  this  union  of  England  with  the  Continent,  the  great 
physical  barrier  to  the  rehabilitation  of  the  long-lost  and 
long-barren  land  was  now  removed.    Alternations  of  climate, 


A  Day's  Eleyliant  Hunting  in  Essex.  45 

from  milder  temperature  back  to  Lapland  rigours,  might 
occur.  The  higher  vegetable  forms  might  be  arrested, 
checked,  and  in  places  destroyed,  and  the  adventurous 
vanguard  of  the  incoming  animals  starved  or  driven  back, 
but  the  land  was  now  open  to  the  great  Europasian  invasion. 
The  pine,  the  fir,  and  the  birch,  and  turf-forming  grasses, 
self-sown  and  self-advancing,  could  now  invade  the  land, 
ousting  the  weaker  herbaceous  forms  and  preparing  the 
country  for  the  ''age  of  elephants"  which  was  soon  to  set  in. 
In  the  rigours  of  winter  the  musk-ox  foraged  the  land,  and 
the  Arctic  rodents — the  lemmings,  the  voles,  and  the  hares 
— were  preyed  upon  by  the  fox  and  the  glutton,  and  when 
berries  and  roots  had  failed  by  the  brown  bear.  The 
summers  began  to  lengthen,  and  the  spreading  pines  and 
firs  were  at  length  discovered  by  the  first  company  of 
migrant  mammoths.  The  hardy  but  less  gregarious  woolly 
rhinoceros,  with  its  curious  nasal  horns,  was  seen  in  the 
land.  The  wide-spreading  7]ioraine  of  south-eastern  and 
central  England  still  stretched  to  the  glacier  foot  on  the 
mountain  districts  of  the  Pennine,  but  in  Essex  and  Middle- 
sex it  was  now  overgrown  with  forest  and  prairie,  and 
watered  in  summer  with  streams.  Across  the  marshes  and 
through  the  forests  of  the  former  German  Ocean,  and 
southward  from  the  future  Gaul,  the  invasion  of  the  great 
herbivores  began.  The  animals  of  a  more  temperate  zone 
succeeded  in  south-eastern  England  as  the  musk  sheep 
retreated  northwards.  Herds  of  gigantic  bison,  uri,  and  deer, 
and  hosts  of  rodents  came  to  the  newly  found  feeding-ground. 
Yet  in  spite  of  wolves  and  lions,  the  great  vegetable  feeding 
mammalia  lived  and  multiplied  in  the  new  and  congenial 
home.  The  mammoth  became  one  of  the  commonest 
animals  of  the  Thames  Valley ;  the  shed  milk  teeth  of 
the  calf,  and  the  last  overworn  molar  of  the  patriarch  of 
the  herd,  are  amongst  the  most  abundant  fossil  remains 
at  Ilford,  Grays,  Erith,  and  Crayford.  It  was  the  age 
of  the  great  herbivores,  for  it  was  also  the  age  of  the 
yet  unrestrained  carnivores."     At  least  two  species  of  wild 

*  See  an  interesting  lecture  by  Professor  Rolleston  on  "  The  Changes 
roduced  by  Man  in  the   Indigenous   Flora  and    Fauna   of    Great 


46  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture : 

oxen  of  colossal  size  were  selected  and  established ;  the 
enormous  **  Irish  elk"  was  supreme  among  the  cervidae  of 
the  period,  and  other  giant  animals  were  on  their  way  to 
these  western  feeding  grounds  and  fastnesses.  The  land  had 
recovered  from  the  depopulation,  extinction,  and  wreck  of 
the  great  submergence,  and  the  glaciation  which  succeeded. 
The  great  Europasiau  invasion  had  begun. 

THE    SOUTHEEN   AND    SUB-TROPICAL   ANIMALS. 

We  have  thus  far  accounted  for  the  presence  of  the 
northern  and  Arctic  group  of  animals  found  fossil  at  Ilford. 
We  have  seen  the  remarkable  geographical  surroundings 
amid  which  they  lived,  and  we  may  see  all  around  us  in 
Essex  the  surviving  memorials  of  the  climate  of  the 
mammoth,  and  the  woolly  rhinoceros.  The  problem  pre- 
sented by  the  southern  and  sub-tropical  fauna  still  remains 
to  be  considered. 

This  group  of  the  Ilford  fauna  consists  of  the  lion,  two 
rhinoceroses  (the  "  leptorhine,"  or  small-nosed,  and  the 
"megarhine,"  or  big-nosed),  the  straight-tusked  elephant, 
the  hippopotamus,  and  the  little  river  mollusk,  Cyrena 
fluminalis. 

Of  this  strange  collection  of  British  Pleistocene  mam- 
malia, the  Elephas  antiquus  and  the  two  rhinoceroses  are 
now  extinct.  The  hippopotamus,  which  in  Pleistocene 
times  ranged  as  far  as  Yorkshire  and  has  been  found  in 
valleys  near  Leeds,  is  not  now  found  north  of  the  Nile ; 

Britain"  (Glasgow  Science  Series,  1878-9).  At  page  15,  the  lecturer 
remarks: — "Modern  civilisation,  by  extirpating  beasts  of  prey,  lias 
rendered  it  possible  for  us  to  leave  herds  and  flocks  of  small  oxen  and 
sheep  out  in  the  open.  In  times  of  ancient  savagery,  in  which  packs 
of  wolves  held  their  own,  none  but  big  animals  would  be  so  left.  In 
those  times  also,  the  country  was  not  mapped  out  by  '  formal  props  of 
restless  ownership,'  and  these  wild  animals  had  a  much  wider  range, 
and  having  better  pasturage  grew  larger  accordingly.  It  is  clear  that 
both  causes — the  presence  of  wild  carnivora,  and  the  absence  of  en- 
closures— must  have  co-operated  in  increasing  the  size  of  the 
graminivorous  beasts.  Tlwse  cattle  were  large  because,  if  a  small  bull 
encountered  a  pack,  lioioever  small,  of  loolves,  it  was  pulled  down,  and  there 
was  an  end  of  its  existence,  and  of  the  chance  which  it  had  of  propagating 
small  animals  like  itself.''^ 


A  Day's  Ele2)hant  Hunting  in  Essex.  47 

and  Cyrena  fluminalis  seems  to-day  to  be  cut  oft"  from 
Europe  and  Northern  Asia  by  nearly  the  same  barriers  as 
those  which  confine  the  great  pachydermata.  It  ranges, 
at  the  present  day,  from  the  Nile  through  Syria  to  the 
Himalayas  and  China. 

Let  us  first  clearly  state  what  it  is  we  have  to  ex- 
plain. The  problem  is  not,  How  could  the  musk-ox, 
mammoth,  and  reindeer,  and  the  hippopotamus  and 
southern  elephant  live  together  in  one  and  the  same  area 
during  the  same  year  ?  It  is  this.  How  could  these  animals 
frequent  one  and  the  same  area  within  such  a  period  of 
time  as  would  account  for  their  being  found  in  a  common 
grave  ? 

Our  investigation  into  the  history  of  the  Ilford  northern 
fauna  has  revealed  to  us  a  geographical  condition  of  our 
country  in  the  Pleistocene  period  which  more  than  half 
explains  the  presence  of  the  sub-tropical  species.  First,  as 
we  have  seen,  there  was  in  Pleistocene  Europe  no  great 
physical  barrier,  such  as  the  modern  German  Ocean  and  the 
Enghsh  Channel,  shutting  off  England  from  the  Continent. 
Our  land  was  joined  to  the  Europasian  Continent,  and 
even  to  Africa.  Secondly,  Man,  although,  perhaps,  return- 
ing to  the  re-born  land,  had  not  yet  multiplied  into  the 
communities  which  have  since  gradually  restricted  the 
range  of  the  ferce  naturce,  reducing  their  numbers  and  extir- 
pating whole  species. 

The  migrant  tendencies  of  animals  were  doubly  favoured 
in  this  Continental  Period  of  our  land's  history.  The  geo- 
graphical arrangements  were,  perhaps,  the  most  favourable 
that  can  be  conceived  for  enabling  animals  to  visit  the 
extreme  limit  of  their  climatal  range,  and  no  great  human 
populations  yet  disputed  their  possession. 

There  were  doubtless  times  when,  for  years  in  succession, 
the  glaciers  had  disappeared,  the  climate  was  equable,  and 
summer  and  winter  were  no  longer  marked  by  wide  differ- 
ences of  temperature.  That  these  episodes  were  not  of 
long  duration  is  shown  by  the  mingling  together  of  the 
bones  of  hippopotamus  and  mammoth  m.  the  same  level  of 
the  old  river-beds  in  which  they  are  found  fossil  to-day.    A 


48  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture : 

very  few  years  of  continuously  equable  climate  would  liave 
sufficed  for  the  change  of  habitat.  How  near  Essex  and 
Middlesex  were  to  the  southern  migrants  is  shown  by  the 
presence  of  the  fluviatile  Cyrena  in  the  tepid  waters  of  the 
Thames." 

Such,  then,  were  the  geographical  conditions  and  climatal 
fluctuations  in  Pleistocene  Britain.  Familiar  as  we  are 
with  the  far  different  conditions  of  our  country  to-day — 
with  the  isolation  of  Britain  from  the  Continent,  and  the 
ascendancy  of  man  over  the  animal  world — it  is  difficult 
to  realise  the  Britain  of  this  earlier  period.  Yet  this 
union  of  England  with  the  Continent,  this  overlapping  in 
Essex  and  Middlesex  of  the  range  of  the  Arctic  and  sub- 
tropical fauna,  exceptional  and  abnormal  as  it  at  first  sight 
appears,  may  have  lasted  for  a  very  considerable  length  of 
time.  It  will  hardly  be  doubted  by  geologists  that  this 
continental  stage  of  our  country's  history  far  exceeded  in 

*  "  When  the  temperature  of  the  river  water  was  congenial  to  the 
Cyrena  above  mentioned  it  was  also  suited  to  the  liippopotamus." — 
Sir  Charles  Lyell :  "  Principles  of  Geology,"  10th  edit.,  vol.  1,  page 
192.     In  the  year  1863  the  author  of  the  "  Principles  "  propounded 
that  interpretation  of  the  zoological  phenomena  in  question  wliich  is 
now  generally  accepted.     It  is  summed  up  in  the  last  edition  of  the 
"  Elements  of  Geology,"  for  1871,  p.  138  :  "  .  .  .  The  apparently  conflict- 
ing nature  of  the  e\T.dence  may  be  due  to  the  place  of  our  observations 
bemg  near  the  boundary  line  of  a  northern  and  southern  fauna,  either 
of  which  may  have  advanced  or  receded  during  comparatively  slight 
or  temporary  fluctuations  of  climate."     A      valuable    collection  of 
zoological  data  in  suppoii;  of  tliis  ^iew  has  been  collected  by  Mr.  Boyd 
Dawkins,    and    is    now    published  in  his   "  Early  Man  in  Britain," 
1880.     The  stratigraphical  evidence  is  a  far  different  matter,  invohing 
more  difficult  and  onerous  labours,  and  when  this  shall   have  been 
completed,  and  the  exact  succession  of  ;  geographical  events  and  cli- 
matal phases  of  the  period  in  question  be  detailed  to  us,  some  very 
important  lacuna  in  the  history  of  the  northern  and  southern  fauna 
of  the  old  Thames  Valley  will  have  been  filled  up. —  [In  order  to  show 
in  a  general  way  the  relation  of  the  various  beds  forming  the  country 
around  Epping,  I  have  given  (see  frontispiece)  five  lines  of  sections 
which  I  have  taken  from  a  series  kindly  lent  to  me  by  INIr.  Searles  V. 
Wood,  Jun.     The  beds  numbered  6  and  8  differ  somewhat,  inter  se, 
(in  a  way  which  is  beyond  the  scope  of  this  lecture  to  describe),  but 
they  bear  that  relation  to  7  which  their  numbers  import.] 


A  Day's  Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex.  49 

duration   t]ie  few  thousands  of  years  which  make  up  the 
poor  sum  of  the  so-called  historical  period. 

THE    SITE    OF    THE    ILFOED    GEAVES. 

The  kind  of  hiding-place  in  which  these  old  British 
quadrupeds  are  found  deserves  to  be  carefully  noted.  The 
site  of  the  Ilford  graves  will  help  to  tell  us  in  what  par- 
ticular physical  areas  of  our  landscapes  we  may  expect  to 
find  similar  memorials  of  Pleistocene  Britain ;  they  may 
put  us  on  the  track  of  fresh  discoveries. 

Let  it  be  noted,  then,  that  these  strange  relics — these 
remains  of  British  bison  and  gigantic  deer,  of  hippopotami, 
rhinoceroses,  and  elephants — are  found  not  on  the  site  of 
the  old  pastures  and  forests  of  Essex,  but  in  the  old  ivater- 
courses.     How  has  this  happened? 

These  animals  died  the  death  of  all  wild  creatures  in  a 
state  of  nature.  Some  were  slain  by  the  carnivores,  and 
some,  in  sickness  and  old  age,  retired  to  the  silence  of  the 
thicket  to  die.  Some  died  by  the  watercourses,  and  some 
were  swept  into  the  river  by  floods,  and  were  soon  entombed 
in  a  natural  grave.  The  greater  number  would  die  on  the 
land  and  leave  their  remains  unburied  and  exposed  to 
natural  dissolution  and  decay.  The  bones  which  the 
hyaenas  spared  would  lie  bleaching  for  a  few  years,  and 
soon  perish  and  disappear  from  natural  decay.  Of  the 
skeletons  thus  exposed,  nothing  would  be  left  to  tell  us  that 
these  animals  ever  existed. 

How  has  it  happened,  then,  that  this  interesting  group 
of  Pleistocene  mammalia  has  been  so  wondrously  pre- 
served? The  answer  is  readily  given,  if  we  but  look  at 
the  function  of  a  river  valley  in  the  economy  of  the  land 
surface. 

A   RIVEE    VALLEY   AS    THE    HISTOEIAN    OF    THE    LANDSCAPE. 

Our  old  river  valleys  cannot  fail  to  be  rich  in  relics  of 
the  physical  and  zoological  history  of  the  countries  which 
they  drain.  The  Thames  and  its  tributaries  may  well  be 
rich  in  memorials  of  the  physical  and  zoological  history  of 
south-eastern  England.     From  the  time  when  the  present 


50  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture: 

land-surface  arose  above  the  icy  waters,  and  began  to  be 
sculptured  into  water- sheds  and  river-basins,  down  to 
these  latest  days,  such  valleys  have  served  as  great  hiding- 
places  and  storehouses  for  the  varied  drift  of  the  landscapes 
which  drain  into  them. 

From  the  deposits  of  our  old  rivers  we  learn  the  kind 
of  denizens  which  dwelt  on  the  adjacent  snow-clad  hills 
and  plains,  or  among  the  forests,  jungles,  swamps,  and 
prairies  of  mammoth-haunted  England.  During  long  and 
eventful  ages,  marked  by  great  changes  in  the  climate, 
zoology,  and  physical  geography  of  our  land,  the  rivers 
have  entombed  and  treasured  up  the  drift  of  the  wide 
terrestrial  area  around  them.  They  have  thus  preserved, 
until  future  ages,  many  a  relic  which  would  have  been 
left  to  decay  or  sudden  destruction  on  the  land,  had  it  not 
been  swept  by  floods  to  the  care  and  custody  of  the  valley. 

In  this  way  the  rivers  were  acting  as  the  chroniclers  of 
physical  England  long  ere  human  historians  appeared.  In 
ages  long  antecedent  to  the  annals  of  man,  the  Thames 
was  storing  its  valley  with  that  wondrous  archaeology  of 
Nature  which  we  to-day  in  weekly  rambles  are  privileged 
to  explore.  Through  an  incalculable  long  period,  marked 
by  changes  in  the  climate  and  the  separation  of  Britain 
from  the  Continent  and  by  the  dying  out  or  dispersal  of 
old-world  forms  of  life,  the  Thames  and  its  tributaries, 
from  the  Cotswolds  downwards,  have  been  pouring  their 
waters  down  to  the  great  receiving-drain  of  the  lower 
Thames  Valley.  And  so  to-day  we  learn  from  these  invo- 
luntary chroniclers  what  strange  inhabitants  dwelt  in  this 
Essex  country  of  ours,  fellow-denizens  with  man,  and  yet 
of  whom  man  himself  has  left  no  record. 

These  river  graves  at  Ilford  and  Grays  Thurrock  are  to 
the  Londoner  what  the  limestone  caves  of  Victoria,  Kirk- 
dale,  and  Torquay  are  to  the  inhabitants  of  Yorkshire  and 
Devonshire.  They  are  a  natural  museum  of  the  mammoth 
and  rhinoceros  period  in  England.  In  the  valley  of  the 
lower  Thames,  the  rocks  are  not  of  the  limestone  texture 
which  elsewhere  has  been  gradually  hollowed  out  into 
caverns  and  fissures  to    serve   as  sepulchres  for  our  old 


A  Day's  Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex.  51 

British  mammalia.  In  our  region  of  softer  rocks,  the  river 
valleys  perform  the  preservative  and  historic  functions  of 
the  hyaena-dens  and  bone-caverns  of  northern  and  western 
Britain. 

III. 
THE    CAPTUEES. 

Yours,  yours  are  the  culpable  shoulders 
That  bore  off  our  bones  from  the  quarries,  to  raise 
Amazement  and  fear  when  exposed  to  the  gaze 

Of  featherless  biped  beholders. 

— Horatio  Smith  (Daubeny's  Fugitive  Poems) . 

Our  pursuit  of  the  feral  denizens  of  the  Thames  Valley 
this  summer  Saturday  afternoon  has  been  so  exciting,  that 
we  now  find  we  have  unwittingly  been  led  on  from  familiar 
tracts  of  Essex  scenery  into  a  new  and  mysterious  geo- 
graphical region.  In  vain  we  seek  to  recognise  the  scene 
before  us  as  belonging  to  modern  or  historical  England. 
A  new  and  hitherto  unmapped  arrangement  of  land  and 
water  stretches  far  away,  and  the  animal  world  that  dwells 
around  is  wonderfully  diverse  from  that  we  have  hitherto 
seen.  "We  are  still,  it  would  seem,  in  the  country  of  the 
Thames  Valley  ;  but  the  tame  and  placid  stream  which  a 
moment  since  was  winding  unseen  in  the  valley  below  us, 
full  four  miles  away,  suddenly  arises  before  us  as  a  wide 
and  impetuous  river,  that  comes  swelling  up  the  shore  till 
its  waters  lap  our  feet.  With  torrential  volume  it  brings 
down  from  its  inland  course  the  terrestrial  spoils  of  the 
country  it  has  devastated — the  carcasses  of  mammoths, 
gigantic  deer,  and  British  rhinoceroses,  whose  fellows  are 
tramping  and  browsing  in  these  aboriginal  woodlands 
around  us.  Huge  shaggy  aurochs  and  great-horned  uri, 
far-off  ancestors  of  the  gigantic  oxen  that  the  Eomans 
saw  when  they  first  invaded  the  wooded  wilds  of  uncivilized 

Europe,  are 

Crushmg  the  forest  in  their  race, 

and  sharing  again  with  the  woolly-clad  elephant  and  rhi- 
noceros these  gloaming  Essex  wilds. 


52  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture  : 

Such  is  the  vision  we  get  of  the  country  of  the  ancient 
Thames  Valley  in  this  our  Saturday  afternoon  ramble  at 
Ilford  by  descending  some  twenty  feet  dow^n  into  the  old 
and  deserted  bed  of  the  river  on  the  Essex  shore. 

But  to  our  story.  The  great  annual  elephant-hunt  in 
the  Ilford  district  of  the  Thames  Valley  came  off  about  six 
weeks  before  our  arrival.  On  that  occasion,,  although  no 
elephants  were  taken,  no  less  than  five  head  of  bison 
rewarded  the  prowess  of  Sir  Antonio  Brady  and  his  party. 
These  creatures  were  of  a  celebrated  and  historical  species. 
It  was  the  huge  shaggy  bison,  and  the  great  horned  urus, 
we  remember,  that  startled  the  Roman  soldiers  when  first 
they  penetrated  the  forests  of  Germany  and  Britain. 
These  wild  and  primitive  European  cattle  were  occa- 
sionally captured  and  exhibited  alive  in  the  shows  of  the 
Roman  amphitheatre.  They  are  described  by  a  modern 
poet,  in  the  well-known  lines, — 

Mightiest  of  all  the  beasts  of  chase 

That  roam  in  woody  Caledon, 
Crushing  the  forest  in  his  race, 

The  mountain  bull  comes  thundering  on. 

Sir  Antonio  may  well  feel  proud  to  have  bagged  such 
rare  and  notable  creatures  as  these.  We  who  have  come 
down  from  London  to-day  can  hardly  expect  to  enjoy  such 
sport  as  this.  The  gigantic  game  of  the  Essex  wilds  has 
been  thinned  by  so  recent  an  invasion  of  tliese  famous 
geological  preserves,  and  we  find  ourselves  left  to  unearth 
the  smaller  prey  that  may  still  be  lurking  around.  But 
the  game  which  we  have  so  far  bagged,  humble  as  it  is 
in  its  powers  of  resistance,  will  at  least  serve  to  commemo- 
rate an  afternoon  spent  in  this  wonderful  country  for  the 
sportsman  and  naturalist,  the  old  Thames  Valley. 

So  far,  then,  our  afternoon's  sport  in  these  old  Essex 
hunting-grounds  has  not  been  marked  by  moving  accidents 
or  hair-breadth  'scapes.  As  yet,  no  tusky  thick-skinned 
monarch  of  the  herd  has  charged  us  through  the  hedgerows, 
trumpeting  furiously  with  proboscis  aloft,  to  avenge  our 
intrusion  ;  nor  as  yet  have  any  of  our  cortege  drawn  their 
tulwars  ready  if  needs  be  to  ham-string  the  monster  on  his 


A  Day's  Eleidhant  Hu7iting  in  Essex.  53 

way.  But  it  is  too  soon  yet  to  sum  up  the  events  of  the 
day.  We  aire  still  in  the  region  where  scores  of  elephants 
have  been  traced  by  our  leader,  Sir  Antonio,  during  his 
residence  in  Essex,  and  some  wonderful  sights  and  sensa- 
tions may  yet  await  us. 

The  signal  is  given  to  withdraw  from  the  Uphall  field, 
and  to  hark  back  towards  Ilford.  On  the  London  road,  just 
beyond  Ilford,  are  some  game  preserves  which  have  been 
explored  with  great  success  in  previous  years.  Towards 
Ilford,  then,  we  go  along  the  Barking  road.  The  landscape 
scenery,  might  we  linger  to  enjoy  it,  would  doubtless  charm 
us  with  something  of  idyllic  beauty.  All  around  us  the 
peaceful  aborigines  of  Ilford  pursue  their  wonted  toil. 
Their  life's  employ  would  seem  to  be  the  cartage  of  manure. 
This  staple  industry  of  modern  Ilford  engrosses  all  the 
rural  population.  They  stack  the  precious  tilth  in  massive 
banks  along  the  road,  and  seem  to  grudge  the  narrow 
embrasure  in  the  long  unlovely  parapet  that  leads  to  many 
a  cottage.  Such  are  the  charms  of  the  Ilford  country  in 
the  month  of  June.  But  even  here  the  ancient  ivory 
trade  would  seem  to  have  survived.  Some  of  the  natives, 
suspending  for  the  moment  their  virtuous  husbandry, 
make  advances  to  us,  and  seem  inclined  for  exchange  and 
barter.  They  show  us  various  articles  of  the  elephant  trafific, 
which  seems  to  form  the  native  wealth  of  the  country. 
In  a  few  minutes  the  lower  molar  tooth  of  a  young 
elephant  has  changed  hands.  The  purchaser  knows  it  to 
be  the  loioer  molar  because  the  grinding  surface  is  slightly 
concave,  whereas  the  upper  molar  is  always  in  the  same 
degree  convex.  Other  ivory  ware  might  perhaps  have  been 
offered  to  us,  but  the  pace  of  our  leaders  began  rapidly  to 
increase,  and  we  were  speedily  re-entering  Ilford.  Here, 
at  Ilford,  we  find  the  aborgines  assembled  at  a  goat -fair. 
Goats,  it  would  seem,  are  the  favourite  milch-fauna  of  the 
district.  We  push  on  further,  and  are  able  to  descry  just 
ahead  of  us  the  huntresses  of  our  party.  Sir  Antonio's 
carriage  is  again  conveying  them  to  the  scene  of  expected 
sport.  We,  the  hardier  sex,  are  footing  it  as  we  go.  The 
way  is  longer  than  we  expected,  but  it  is  enlivened  (as  is 


54  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture  : 

usual,  we  find,  in  these  Saturday  afternoon  outings)  by 
funny  stories — by  such  stories  as  hunting  naturalists,  above 
all  people,  seem  to  love  to  tell  of  each  other. 

Here,  on  the  London  Eoad,  just  beyond  Ilford,  is  our 
destination.  The  game  seems  to  have  been  driven  in  at 
this  spot,  and  surrounded  by  the  hunters,  like  the  shaggy 
victims  of  a  Norwegian  bear-skall,  or  an  Indian  elephant- 
corral.     Let  us  hasten  to  the  spot. 

The  area  to  which  we  are  now  converging  appears  to  be 
partly  surrounded  by  a  batten  fence.  The  scouts  of  our 
party  are  peering  over  the  pointed  staves,  and  trying  to 
look  down  into  some  deep  excavation  below,  as  if  into  a  den 
of  wild  beasts.  Sir  Antonio,  our  leader,  with  reassuring 
look,  bids  us  come  down  without  fear  into  the  pit.  At 
length  it  would  seem  we  are  now  to  be  initiated  in  the 
mysteries  of  elephant-hunting  in  Essex.  True,  no  tame 
elephants  trained  for  the  chase  are  yet  to  be  seen,  or 
swarthy  Eastern  riders  imported  for  the  day.  But  let  us 
be  patient.  A  more  wonderful  venerie  than  that  which  is 
learnt  in  the  jungles  of  Lidia  is  now  to  be  taught  us.  We 
will  let  Sir  Antonio  speak  for  himself. 

This  London-road  pit,  like  the  Uphall  brick-field  on  the 
Barking-road,  yields  to  the  labourers  who  work  in  the 
ground  the  bones  and  teeth  of  elephant,  rhinoceros,  and 
deer.  The  veritable  gates  of  Hades,  leading  to  a  realm 
of  huge  old-world  forms  that  once  stalked  abroad  in  the 
upper  air  in  these  forests  of  Essex  around  us,  are  these 
pits  in  the  beds  of  the  ancient  Thames  Valley.  The 
marvellous  story  of  the  finding  of  these  fossil  animals,  ages 
after  they  ceased  to  exist,  and  the  almost  equally  mar- 
vellous story  of  the  manner  in  which  their  almost  perished 
remains  are  restored,  as  we  see  them  in  public  museums 
to-day,  is  now  related  to  us  in  a  round  unvarnished  tale. 

As  soon  as  the  labourer  in  the  Ilford  pits,  with  pick  and 
shovel  and  well-trained  eye,  discovers  the  signs  of  organic 
remains,  a  messenger  is  sent  to  Sir  Antonio  Brady.  Sir 
Antonio  arrives  with  a  skilful  assistant,  and  the  work  of 
uncovering  the  embedded  prize  is  commenced.  But  the 
treasure,   be  it   cranium,    thigh-bone,   or  tusk,   threatens 


A  Day's  Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex.  55 

rapidly  to  vanish  as  soon  as  exposed  to  the  Kght.  The 
bones,  which  have  laid  here  for  untold  years,  have  lost 
their  osseous  character  ;  they  are  full  of  water,  and  ready 
to  run  into  a  shapeless  mass  so  soon  as  their  matrix  is 
disturbed.  How  shall  they  be  saved  ?  was  a  question 
asked  years  ago,  when  the  first  of  these  elephant  tusks  was 
discovered.  It  is  written  in  the  archives  of  the  time 
that — 

Doctor  Falconer  to  liis  aid  then  called  Professor  Busk  in, 
And,  lo  !  a  mass  amorphous  they  found  this  precious  tusk  in  ! 

Another  Professor  (Mr.  W.  Davies,  of  the  British  Museum) 
soon  solved  the  difficulty ;  and  now,  as  soon  as  the 
skeleton  is  exposed,  a  skilful  practitioner  is  ready  with  a 
bucket  of  liquid  size.  With  this  preparation  the  uncovered 
bones  are  speedily  coated.  Evaporation  is  arrested,  and 
the  fossil  is  temporarily  hardened  in  view  of  a  more  per- 
manent dressing.  But  the  more  hazardous  work  sometimes 
comes  after  this  investment  with  size  (or,  perhaps,  plaster 
of  Paris).  Suppose  the  fossil ^n  question  to  be  the  weighty 
collar-bone  or  cranium  of  the  mammoth — the  British  hairy 
elephant !  The  mass  to  be  removed,  including  a  quantity 
of  the  surrounding  earth,  will  amount  to  half-a-ton,  or 
perhaps  12  cwt.  How  shall  it  be  raised  from  its  bed,  full 
twenty  feet  down  in  the  earth,  and  conveyed  entire  two 
miles  to  the  museum  which  Sir  Antonio  Brady  has  pro- 
vided ?  Here  is  the  solution.  A  lofty  pair  of  ship's  shears 
is  rigged  over  the  spot,  ropes  and  pulleys  are  soon  forth- 
coming, and  a  gang  of  labourers  are  speedily  working  with 
a  will  to  lift  some  member,  joint,  or  limb  of  the  embedded 
elephant  out  of  his  grave. 

We  may  form  some  idea  from  these  few  facts  of  the 
expense  so  voluntarily  assumed  by  Sir  Antonio,  as  public 
and  honorary  trustee  of  treasures  which,  without  his  eilorts, 
would  but  too  likely  be  lost  to  the  nation  for  ever.  The 
wages  of  a  gang  of  labourers  who  have  been  "  knocked  off " 
the  job  of  digging  brick-earth  on  the  spot  where  the  bones 
have  been  found,  and  who  are  kept  waiting  for  perhaps 
three   days  until  the  prize  is  ready  for  removal,  are   in 


56  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture : 

themselves  no  inconsiderable  item.  Sir  Antonio  may  well 
assure  us  that  elephant-hunting  in  Essex  is  really  an 
expensive  hobby. 

And  now  the  grander  trophies  of  elephant -hunting  in 
Essex  are  to  reward  our  eyes,  the  spectacle  of  the  various 
skeletons  of  elephant,  rhinoceros,  and  deer  that  have  thus 
been  excavated  from  these  fields  in  the  Barking  and  London- 
road.  We  take  train  at  Ilford  for  Stratford.  We  soon 
arrive  at  Sir  Antonio  Brady's  private  museum  at  Stratford- 
le-Point,  which  we  are  kindly  invited  to  inspect.  Here  is 
a  brief  account  of  some  of  the  sights  we  were  privileged  to 
witness  in  this  wonderful  collection  of  the  old-world  zoology 
of  the  Thames  Valley. 

The  five  bisons'  crania  which  were  discovered  in  the 
Uphill  pits  are  lying  upon  a  table,  and  are  still  enclosed  in 
plaster.  They  have  now  to  be  boiled  or  soaked  in  a  fluid 
which  shall  restore  to  them  the  gelatine  they  have  lost 
during  the  millenniums  they  have  been  buried  in  the  bosom 
of  the  earth.  Tliis  is  the  process  which  all  the  bones  and 
tusks  undergo  to  ensure  their  permanent  hardening. 

On  the  shelves  around  is  a  startling  display  of  gigantic 
skulls  and  monstrous  bones — bones  such  as  Samson  might 
have  coveted  when  an  ass's  jawbone  was  his  only  weapon. 
Here  is  a  mammoth's  tusk  ten  feet  in  length.  The  teeth  and 
jaws  represent  elephants  of  every  age  and  size,  from  the 
sucking  calf  with  his  milk  molars,  to  the  patriarch  of  the 
herd,  whose  ultimate  molars  are  so  worn  down  as  to  be 
almost  useless  for  grinding  his  food.  Professor  Owen  has 
seen  a  mammoth's  tooth  that  measured  one  foot  seven  inches 
in  length,  following  the  curve  from  end  to  end  on  the 
convex  side  ! 

The  characteristic  of  the  Ilford  elephants  is  the  number 
of  the  plates  in  the  last  molars,  which  has  not  been  found 
to  exceed  19  or  20,  as  against  the  24,  and  sometimes  28, 
found  in  other  species.  The  largest  tooth  is  10  inches  in 
length.  The  sj)ectator  cannot  fail  to  be  struck  with  the 
long  spiral  curves  of  the  tusks  of  the  adult  mammoths,  as 
compared  with  the  almost  straight  tusks  of  the  more  familiar 
species  of  modern  days.     Yet  in  spite  of  the  enormous  size 


A  Day's  ElejjJiant  Hunting  in  Essex.  57 

of  some  of  the  tusks,  the  general  evidence  shows  that  the 
Ilford  elephants  were  rather  a  small  race. 

The  British  rhinoceroses  of  the  Thames  Valley  are  repre- 
sented by  eighty-six  remains,  belonging  to  three  species, 
each  of  which  is  distinguished  by  the  character  or  absence 
of   the  bony  nasal   septum— viz.,    Bhinoceros   megarhinus, 
Bhinoceros  leiJtorUnus ,  and  Bhinoceros   tichorhinns.     The 
last-named  is  characterised  by  a  woolly  fleece,  like  its  com- 
panion  the    mammoth.     The  British   lion,    which   recent 
geology  shows  to  have  been  no  myth,  is  represented  by  the 
lower  jaw  and  a  phalanx  of  the  left  forefoot.     On  the  Kent 
side  of  the  river,  at  Erith  and  Crayford,  some  fine  canine 
teeth  of  the  hon  have  been  found ;  but  these  are  at  present 
in   a   private  collection    at  Belvedere.      In   addition,    the 
Brady  collection  also  includes  the  hippopotamus,  which  is 
found  at  Grays  Thurrock,  as  well  as  at  Ilford.     The  rumi- 
nants,  such  as  the  stag,  bison,   and  ox,    constitute  fully 
one-half   of   the    collection,    numbering    more    than    500 
specimens.     There  are  7  specimens  of  the  great  Irish  deer 
{Megaceros  hihernicus)  and  50  of  the  red  deer.     The  task  of 
excavating   and  preserving  the  Ilford  specimens  forms  a 
history  of  itself,  and  is  honourably  associated  with  the  name 
of   Mr.    Wilham   Davies,    of   the   British   Museum.      The 
majority  of  the  bones,  on  being  uncovered,  were  in  a  most 
perishable  condition,  having  had  all  the  gelatine  dissolved 
or  washed  out,  which  left  them  in  the  state  of  minutely 
honeycombed  mineral  skeletons.     Hundreds  of  fragments 
of  a  single  bone  have  been  restored  to  their  original  position 
by  Mr.  Davies,   and  gelatine  infused  afresh,   so   that  the 
Brady  collection  is  a  marvel  of  art  as  well  as  of  nature. 

These  are  some  of  the  conspicuous  trophies  of  elephant- 
hunting  in  the  Valley  of  the  Thames  that  Sir  Antonio 
Brady  possesses.  They  have  all  been  obtained  from  the 
pits  at  Ilford.  It  is  fortunate  for  those  who  have  but  little 
opportunity  of  hunting  elephants  for  themselves  that  these 
astonishing  specimens  have  fallen  into  skilful,  wise,  and 
generous  keeping.  Their  custodian  is  one  who  has  made 
them  the  mean^  of  spreading  more  widely  a  knowledge  of 
the  extinct  zoology  of  the  old  Thames  Valley.    The  museum 


58  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  Lecture. 

at  Stratford  has  now  ceased  to  be  a  private  collection,  and 
the  collection  may  now  be  seen  in  the  British  Museum. 
The  visitor  may  there  see  for  himself  that  "  Elephant 
Hunting  in  Essex  "  is  something  more  than  a  phrase, 
and  is  really  a  pursuit  that  has  made  substantial  additions 
to  our  knowledge  of  the  prehistoric  inhabitants  of  the 
Thames  country. 


I 


On  the  Occurrence  of  the  Great  Bustard  [Otis  tarda, 

L.)     AND     OF     THE     RoUGH-LEGGED     BuZZARD     {ButeO 

lagoims,    Gin.),    near    Chelmsford,    during    the 
Winter   of    1879. 

By  R.  M.  CHRISTY. 

(Bead  Fehmary  2Sth,  1880.; 

As  Dr.  Bree  observed  in  the  Field  a  few  weeks  ago,  one  hears 
strange  things  this  winter,  and  stranger,  perhaps,  than  all 
else  have  been  the  variations  of  the  weather.  A  year  of 
almost  unprecedented  meteorological  phenomena  closed 
with  a  month  of  still  greater  weather  distm^bances,  not  the 
least  remarkable  being  the  excessive  frost  on  the  night  of 
December  6th.  An  account  of  the  meteorology  of  the  year 
1879,  and  its  consequences,  includes  an  account  of  many 
of  the  catastrophes  and  events  of  that  year.  It  is  pro- 
bably to  the  vagaries  of  the  weather  we  must  look  for 
an  explanation  of  the  unusual  fact  that  during  the  month 
of  December  last  a  Great  Bustard  was  actually  shot  in  our 
county. 

The  occurrence  of  so  interesting  a  bird,  and  the  fact 
that  no  minute  account  of  its  appearance  has  hitherto  been 
made  public,  prompt  me  to  present  this  note  to  the  mem- 
bers of  our  County  Club,  as  it  seems  to  me  they  are 
the  persons  who  should  take  most  interest  in  the  case. 
Our  rare  and  distinguished  visitor  was  (of  course)  shot,  so 
that  we  cannot  boast  of  having  received  it  in  a  very 
hospitable  manner ;  and  the  only  reparation  we  can  make 
is  to  record  the  visit,  and  thus  perpetuate  its  memory. 

The  facts  of  the  case  are  as  follows  : — On  the  morning 
of  Friday,  the  5th  of  December  last,  soon  after  daybreak, 
Mr.  Albert  Pertwee  (of  Woodham  Ferrers)  was  laid  up 
close  to  Hull  Bridge  in  that  parish  on  the  north  side,  and 

B 


60  Mr.  Christy  on  Great  Bustard  and 

under  the  wall  of  the  Eiver  Crouch,  for  the  purpose  of 
shooting  wild-fowl.  While  thus  stationed  he  was  surprised 
to  observe  a  very  large  bird  fly  leisurely  over  the  river  and 
then  over  his  head  at  but  a  very  little  height.  His  gun 
being  loaded  with  No.  2  shot,  he  fired  and  brought  it 
down,  although  but  slightly  wounded.  At  first  he  had 
no  idea  of  the  name  of  the  bird,  but  it  turned  out  to 
be  a  Great  Bustard. 

For  the  benefit  of  those  who  are  not  ornithologists  I  will 
here  make  a  few  remarks  on  tliis  interesting  species.  So 
far  as  our  own  country  is  concerned,  the  Great  Bustard  is 
now  almost  extinct,  the  dawn  of  the  present  century 
having  seen  very  nearly  the  last  of  it  as  a  resident  in  these 
Islands.  Indeed,  one  might  say  that  it  was  even  then 
quite  extinct.  Those  stray  specimens  that  have  been  met 
with  during  the  last  eighty  years  or  so  have  been  birds 
driven  by  accident  or  stress  of  weather  from  the  Continent, 
where,  under  more  favourable  conditions  of  existence,  it  is 
still  no  very  great  rarity.  During  the  last  and  the  preced- 
ing centuries  it  might  even  have  been  called  a  common 
bird,  especially  on  the  wide  open  downs  in  Wiltshire  and 
Sussex,  and  various  places  in  Norfolk.  In  Gilbert  White's 
time  it  was  probably  not  a  bird  of  every-day  occurrence, 
for  he  says  under  date  1770  :  ''  There  be  bustards  on  the 
wide  Downs  near  Brighthelmstone."  A  quaint  and  primi- 
tive natural  history  work  which  I  possess'''  speaks  of  it 
occurring  in  the  places  mentioned,  and  also  on  Eoyston 
and  Newmarket  Heaths  in  Cambridgeshire,  but  admits 
that  it  was  once  far  more  common  in  England.  The  book 
contains  a  fairly  good  figure  of  the  bird.  I  will  quote  a 
few  lines  describing  the  mode  of  taking  them  then 
employed  : — 

"  Where  there  are  neither  woods  nor  hedges  to  screen 
the  sportsman,  they  enjoy  a  kind  of  indolent  security.  .  .  . 
But  though  they  cannot  be  reached  by  a  fowling-piece, 
they  are  sometimes  run  down  by  greyhounds.  Being 
voracious  and  greedy,  they  often  sacrifice  their  safety  to 

*  "  The  Naturalist's  Pocket  Magazme,  or  ComxDieat  Cabinet  of 
Nature."     London,  1799  and  1800. 


Boiujh-lcggcd  Buz zarclin  Essex.  61 

their  appetites  ;  and  as  they  are  generally  very  fat,  they 
are  unable  to  fly  without  inuch  preparation  :  when,  there- 
fore, the 'greyhounds  come  within  a  certain  distance,  the 
bustards  run  off,  clap  their  wings,  and  endeavour  to  gather 
under  them  air  enough  to  rise ;  in  the  meantime  the  dogs 
are  continually  gaining  ground,  till  at  last  it  is  too  late  for 
flight.  However,  notwithstanding  the  sluggishness  of  their 
usual  pace,  they  can,  when  in  danger,  run  very  fast,  and 
once  fairly  on  the  wing  are  able  to  fly  several  miles  with- 
out resting."  There  is  a  gentleman  here  at  Chelmsford 
whose  grandfather,  then  resident  in  Norfolk,  used  to  keep 
greyhounds  for  the  purpose  of  coursing  bustards. 

The  pages  of  the  Zoologist  have  recorded  a  few  specimens 
from  time  to  time,  but  in  rapidly  decreasing  numbers,  and, 
if  I  remember  rightly,  there  have  been  no  records  for 
several  years.  This  will  show  the  interest  attaching  in 
a  visit  once  more  from  the  Great  Bustard,  and  perhaps 
justify  a  rather  lengthy  notice  of  it. 

The  Essex  specimen  was  brought  by  its  owner,  on  the 
day  of  its  death,  to  Chelmsford  Market,  and  deposited  for 
a  time  w^ith  our  local  bird-stuffer.  Here  it  was  fortunately 
not  destined  long  to  remain.  Mr.  Pertwee,  who  valued  it 
but  slightly,  not  being  a  naturahst,  after  some  hesitation 
parted  with  it  to  my  friend  Mr.  C.  Smoothy,  of  Bexfields, 
Galleywood,  near  Chelmsford — a  very  good  ornithologist 
and  an  amateur  taxidermist  of  more  than  average  pre- 
tensions— to  whose  already  extensive  collection  of  rare 
birds,  all  preserved  by  his  own  hands,  it  forms  a  grand 
addition.  It  is  a  matter  for  congratulation  that  instead  of 
being  roasted  like  a  turkey  by  some  ignorant  nineteenth- 
century  heathen,  it  has  passed  into  the  hands  of  a  person 
knowing  so  well  how^  to  appreciate  it  as  Mr.  Smoothy,  who 
would,  I  know,  be  very  pleased  to  show^  it  to  any  member 
feeling  interested  enough  to  call  upon  him.  There  seems 
to  be  some  doubt  as  to  whether  it  is  a  young  male  or  a 
female  bird,  but  probably  it  is  the  latter.  Whether  this  is 
the  case  or  no,  it  has  not  the  imposing  size  and  conspicuous 
beard  of  the  adult  male,  and  only  weighed  about  ten 
pounds ;  the  average  weight  of  the  male  being  twenty-five 


62  Mr.  Christy  on  Great  Bustard  and 

pounds.  Its  total  length  was  about  3  feet  9  inches,  and 
the  utmost  expanse  of  its  wings  exceeded  seven  feet. 

So  far  as  I  am  aware,  there  is  no  distinct  and  authentic 
record  of  the  occurrence  of  the  Great  Bustard  in  Essex ; 
but  Mr.  Smoothy  recollects  being  told,  many  years  ago,  by 
a  very  aged  fartn-labourer,  that  he  had  once  known  of  a 
nest  here ;  and  there  is  a  hamlet  called  Bustard  Green  not 
far  from  Dunmow.  Yarrell,  too,  mentions  an  advertise- 
ment in  the  Spectator  for  1712,  where  an  estate  is  to  be  let 
at  Heydon,  near  Saffron  Walden,  with  "  woods  of  large 
timber  where  there  is  all  game,  even  to  the  pheasant 
and  bustard."  The  probability  is  that  in  its  time 
the  bustard  was  not  a  very  rare  bird  here  ;  but  I  should 
not  imagine  that  it  was  ever  abundant.  Our  county  has 
not  now,  nor  has  it  had  for  a  very  long  time  past,  those 
large  open  and  uncultivated  tracts  of  land  which  form  the 
strongholds  of  this  species. 

A  report  reached  Mr.  Smoothy  that  Mr.  "Wiseman,  of 
Paglesham,  had  a  bustard  lately  killed  there,  but  on  in- 
vestigation it  turned  out  to  be  a  continental  specimen. 

The  interest,  however,  does  not  cease  with  our  specimen, 
for  it  appears  that,  early  this  winter,  several  were  seen 
in  the  Channel  Islands;  and,  I  believe,  on  the  very 
same  day  the  Woodham  specimen  was  killed  one  was 
observed  in  Cornwall,  and  some  days  later  was  caught  by  a 
dog,  but  it  turned  out  to  be  a  very  weak  bird,  bearing  old 
wounds. 

I  do  not  pretend  to  have  wisdom  sufficient  to  explain 
the  fact  of  the  occurrence  of  the  Great  Bustard  once  more 
in  this  country ;  but  if  my  opinion  were  asked,  I  should 
say  the  only  reasonable  supposition  is  that  the  weather  in 
France,  which  was  sharper  even  than  with  us  in  this 
country,  disturbed  and  drove  them  to  seek  refuge  elsewhere, 
and  that  a  few  wandered  to  our  shores.''' 

*  I  have  beard  of  the  occurrence  of  another  bustard,  not  actually 
in  Essex,  but  just  over  the  county  border,  at  West  Wickliam,  in 
Cambridgeshire.  This  bird,  during  the  first  days  of  last  February, 
frequented  a  large  turnip-field  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  William  Jonas, 
who  made  several  ineffectual  attempts  to  shoot  it.     It  was,  however 


Bo2cgh-legged  Buzzard  in  Essex.  63 

There  is  yet  another  rare  bird  of  which  I  may  give  a 
notice,  but  only  a  brief  one  at  this  time  :  it  is  the  Rough- 
legged  Buzzard,  which  was  shot  by  Mr.  David  Christy,  of 
Patching  Hall,  near  Chelmsford,  on  December  19th,  1879. 

The  bird  first  appeared  about  the  beginning  of  the 
month,  and  from  that  time  forward  was  constantly  seen 
frequenting  the  meadows  and  fields  by  the  side  of  the  river 
belonging  to  the  Patching  Hall  and  Gutter's  Farms,  Broom- 
field,  but  I  was  not  successful  in  getting  a  sight  of  it. 
Considering  that  a  bird  equalling  it  in  size  is  but  seldom 
seen  here,  I  do  not  think  it  was  very  frequently  noticed, 
although  it  seemed  to  keep  to  this  one  spot,  and  I  did  not 
hear  of  its  being  seen  elsewhere.  On  one  occasion  it  was 
fired  at,  but  not  hurt,  by  a  relative  of  mine,  as  it  was 
hunting  a  wild  duck  he  had  wounded. 

During  the  severe  frost  about  the  above  date,  the  ring- 
doves, being  pressed  for  food,  were  doing  great  damage  to 
the  cabbages  and  rabi,  and  more  than  once  the  buzzard 
was  observed  perched  on  the  same  tree  with  a  number  of 
these  birds — indeed,  it  was  its  acquaintance  with  them  that 
brought  about  its  death,  for  on  the  morning  it  was  killed 
my  uncle  had  gone  out  early  to  shoot  ringdoves,  and  had 
scarcely  put  down  a  couple  of  decoy  birds  and  secreted 
himself  in  his  hut  before  the  Buzzard  came  and  perched 
over  his  head. 

On  dissection,  I  found  it  to  be  a  female  bird,  with 
nothing  in  its  stomach,  probably  accounted  for  by  the 
early  hour  of  the  day  at  which  it  was  shot.  That 
it  had,  in  some  way  or  other,  contrived  to  live  uncommonly 
well  was  beyond  all  doubt,  for  I  do  not  ever  remember 
opening  any  bird  having  about  it  such  a  quantity  of  fat. 

at  last  shot,  on  the  Cth  of  February,  1880,  by  his  foreman.  I  have 
had  the  pleasure  of  examining  this  specimen  also,  and  find  that  both 
in  size  and  colouring  it  almost  precisely  resembles  Mr.  Smoothy's 
bird,  but  is  not  quite  so  brightly  marked.  The  flesh  of  this  one  was 
found  to  be  very  palatable  by  our  worthy  member  Mr,  Travis,  but 
that  of  the  Woodham  bird  was  thought  but  lightly  of.  I  may  add 
that  INIr.  Travis  says  that  he  still  knows  a  very  aged  man  at  Saffron 
Walden  who  can  remember  seeing  bustards  sitting  on  their  nests  on 
Newmarket  Heath. 


64  Mr.  Gibbs  on  an  Abnormal  Form  of 

Its  bill  was  of  a  dark  brown  colour,  cere,  legs  and  toes 
bright  yellow,  irides  yellowish  brown.  The  head,  neck, 
back,  and  breast  were  of  a  very  light  colour,  indeed  almost 
white,  with  the  exception  of  a  streak  of  brown  down  the 
centre  of  each  feather,  and  that  part  of  the  breast  about 
and  between  the  legs,  which  was  of  a  very  dark  brown. 
The  outer  primaries  were  also  of  this  latter  colour,  but  the 
rest  lighter  in  hue. 

All  of  us  will  doubtless  feel  some  regret  that  rare  and 
interesting  birds  should  be  shot  down  almost  as  soon  as 
seen ;  but  it  would  be  hard  to  dispute  the  statement  that 
England  is  not  now  in  a  condition  long  to  support  such 
large  birds  as  the  Bustard  in  a  wild  state,  and  we  must 
confess  that  the  ornithologist,  with  gun  in  hand,  would  be 
sorely  tempted  to  secure  such  a  prize  when  within  reach. 

E.  M.  C. 

Chdmsford,  February  IWi,  1880. 


Note  on  an  Abnormal  Foem  of  Gardamlnc  i)ratcnsis,  L., 

OBSEKVED    NEAR    ChELMSFORD. 

By  JOHN     GIBBS. 

[Bead  March  20th,    1880.) 

It  was  in  1859,  twenty-one  years  ago,  that  I  found  in  a 
field  in  the  parish  of  Widford,  within  two  miles  of  Chelms- 
ford, some  plants  of.  Cardainine  iwatensis,  of  which  the 
flowers  were  peculiar,  inasmuch  as  the  pistil  protruded 
above  the  stamens,  and,  after  the  other  parts  of  the  flower 
were  fallen,  was  raised  upon  a  lengthening  stalk  and 
swelled  into  the  bud  of  a  second  flower,  instead  of  becom- 
ing a  pod  containing  seed.  A  specimen  of  this  curious 
variety  of  a  well-known  plant  I   gave  to  my  friend  Mr. 


Cardamine  Pmtensis.  65 

D.  Wheeler,  to  whose  kind  assistance  about  that  time  I 
am  much  indebted  for  the  knowledge  I  possess  of  plants 
indigenous  to  this  neighbourhood.  That  gentleman  for- 
warded a  specimen  to  Professor  Lindley,  who  expressed 
much  interest  in  it,  and  wrote  a  paragraph  on  the  subject 
in  the  Gardener's  Chronicle.  Plants  of  the  same  abnormal 
character  appeared  more  abundantly  in  the  same  place  in 
1860 ;  and  every  year  afterwards  some  might  be  found. 
In  1863  Mr.  A.  Irvine  noticed  it  in  the  Phytologist,  having 
received  a  specimen  from  me.  In  1870  I  sent  a  specimen 
to  Dr.  Hooker,  who,  in  acknowledging  its  receipt,  said  that 
he  had  seen  the  same  variety  both  in  England  and  Scotland, 
and  that  it  was  described  in  Dr.  Masters'  ''  Vegetable 
Teratology."  There  is,  how^ever,  some  difference  between 
the  plant  described  therein  and  the  form  I  now  notice,  in 
that  my  plant  has  a  perfectly  double  flower  contained 
within  the  valves  of  the  ovary  as  a  calyx,  showing  a  mul- 
tiplication of  petals,  as  in  a  double  stock  or  wallflower,  but 
no  stamens.  The  stamens  of  the  original  flower,  out  of 
which  the  second  one  proceeds,  commonly  appear  in  due 
order,  but  sometimes  they  are  rather  petaloid.  Thus  for 
more  than  twenty  years,  and  possibly  much  longer,  has 
this  variety  retained  its  abnormal  character  as  faithfully 
as  if  it  were  that  of  a  species.  The  year  before  last  I 
transferred  a  plant  of  it  to  my  garden,  where  it  became 
quite  at  home  and  flowered  well  last  spring.  In  vegetative 
growth  it  also  showed  that  reproductive  energy  which  is 
often  found  in  plants  with  double  flowers  incapable  of 
yielding  seed.  Not  only  did  the  flowering  stem  give 
origin  to  branches  which,  being  laid  down  on  the  ground, 
became  separate  young  plants,  flowering  last  spring;  but 
in  the  autumn  the  larger  leaves  which  lay  upon  the  ground 
sent  out  roots  at  the  bases  of  their  leaflets,  while  tiny 
leaves  arose  above,  so  as  to  form  young  plants  capable  of 
independent  growth  before  the  leaflets  upon  which  they 
grew  had  lost  their  living  green  colour.  A  plant  which  in 
such  a  winter  as  we  have  just  passed  through  could  live 
and  increase  thus  may  be  regarded  as  very  susceptible  of 
cultivation,  for  which  its  native  beauty  and  the  scientific 


66  Mr.  11.  M.  Christy,  Natural  History  Notes. 

interest  attaching  to  its  abnormal  form  would  recommend 
it.  The  common  English  name  of  the  species  given  in 
the  Floras  is  "Lady's  Smock;"  but  the  country  people 
of  this  neighbourhood,  especially  the  children,  ^all  it 
"Milkmaid."  This  abnormal  form,  growing  as  it  does  by 
nature  in  the  parish  of  Widford,  may  therefore  well  be 
introduced  to  cultivation  as  the   '*  Widford  Milkmaid." 

T   C 
Feb.  19th,  1880. 

[In  a  letter  Mr.  Gibbs  adds — ''  I  have  confined  myself  in  the  paper 
to  a  bare  statement  of  facts,  without  indulging  in  the  many  reflections 
suggested  by  them,  as  to  the  origin  of  the  form,  its  analogy  with  other 
abnormal  flowers  of  the  same  natural  order,  &c.  The  fact  of  its 
gro^ving  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Chelmsford,  within  a  short  distance 
of  the  London  road,  without  being  noticed  by  anyone  but  myself,  may 
encourage  us  to  expect  large  results  from  an  organized  exploration  of 
the  several  parishes  of  Essex  in  search  of  natural  wonders."  On  the 
15th  of  May  last  we,  in  company  with  our  President,  had,  under  the 
guidance  of  Mr.  Gibbs,  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  plant  growing  in  its 
native  habitat.  It  was  still  flourishing  somewhat  luxuriantly,  and 
the  case  appears  to  be  well  w^orthy  of  careful  consideration. — Ed.] 


Natural  History  Notes. 
By  R.  M.  CHRISTY. 

I. 

[Bead  March  20th,  1880.) 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th  ultimo  a  rather  curious  occur- 
rence took  place  here,  Chignall  near  Chelmsford.  A  rat 
and  a  weasel  {Mustcla  vulgaris,  L.)  were  caught  together  in 
the  same  traj),  which  was  set  under  a  barley-stack.  On 
the  trap  being  taken  up,  the  weasel  quickly  struggled  itself 
free,  but  the  rat  was  securely  held  and  killed.  The  trap 
was  set  again  at  the  same  place,  and  later  in  the  day  the 
weasel  had  the  boldness  to  cross  it  again,  but  was  imme- 


Mr.  II.  M.  Christy,  Natural  History  Notes.  67 

diately  killed  by  the  springing  of  the  trap.  I  never 
remember  having  heard  before  of  a  similar  incident,  but  in 
all  probability  the  weasel  was  hunting  the  rat  at  the  time 
they  were  both  caught.  Although  ignorant  keepers  ruth- 
lessly slaughter  these  animals,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  from 
the  frequency  with  which  they,  as  well  as  stoats,  are 
found  when  corn  stacks  are  thrashed  out,  that  they  do 
considerable  service  in  destroying  rats. 

This  unusually  cold  winter  has  caused  not  a  few  of  our 
stoats  [Mustela  erminca,  L.)  to  turn  luhite,  which  is,  I 
believe,  not  a  common  phenomenon  so  far  south  as  Essex. 
Mr.  Smoothy,  of  Galleywood,  saw  a  pure  white  one  on  his 
farm  about  a  month  ago  ;  and  the  local  bird-stuffer  has 
one  in  his  shop  very  nearly  so.  On  the  4th  instant  a 
stoat,  mainly  white,  was  put  out  of  a  barley  stack  that 
was  being  thrashed  at  Chignell  Hall ;  and  a  man  told  me 
that  he  saw  this  particular  animal  catch  and  kill  a  rat 
there  only  a  day  or  two  before.  Three  days  later  another 
of  our  men  saw  one  in  a  field  near  our  house  ;  he  described 
it  as  being  pure  white  without  a  spot.  He  is  a  somewhat 
aged  man,  and  appeared  to  be  very  pleased  at  his  obser- 
vation, saying  that,  although  he  had  seen  such  a  case 
before,  it  was  a  long  time  ago. 

R.  M.  C. 

Feb.  Uth,  1880. 


II. 

{Bead  June  26th,  1880.) 

The  question.  How  do  wild  ducks,  moorhens  and  other 
such  birds  introduce  their  young  to  the  water,  when  their 
nests  are  placed  on  a  tree  ?  is  one  that  has  been  often 
discussed,  but,  I  think,  never  satisfactorily  settled. 

I  have  lately  been  fortunate  enough  to  discover  in  this 
neighbourhood  two  nests,  one  a  wild  duck's  and  the  other 
a  moorhen's  nest,  both  placed  on  trees  at  a  considerable 
height  from  the  ground.  The  latter  of  these  contained, 
wiien  I  first  found  it,  nine  eggs  very  hard  sat  upon,  and 


68  Mr.  E.  M.  Christy,  Natural  History  Notes. 

was  placed  at  the  height  of  eleven  feet  above  the  ground  in 
a  hollow  formed  by  the  branching  out  of  the  bough  of  a  large 
elm-tree,  standing  beside  a  muddy  stream  in  Lord  Bray- 
brooke's  Park  at  Audley  End.  Thinking  this  a  favourable 
opportunity  to  observe  the  manner  in  which  the  young 
would  come  down,  I  made  many  visits  to  the  nest,  keeping 
a  sharp  look-out  for  the  hatching  of  the  eggs,  and  fre- 
quently saw  the  old  bird  leave  the  nest,  although  on  the 
first  occasion  she  sat  very  close,  and  only  left  when  I 
accidentally  struck  the  tree  with  my  stick,  after  having 
been  some  minutes  below  it.  The  nest  was  not  over  the 
water  by  five  or  six  feet,  and  was  just  visible  from  the 
ground.  I  first  discovered  it  on  the  12th  instant,  and 
visiting  it  about  seven  o'clock  on  the  evening  of  _the  18th, 
I  found  that  there  were  five  young  hatched  in  the  nest  and 
two  rotten  eggs.  I  had  no  sooner  got  up  than  one  young 
one,  apparently  in  a  fright,  rushed  to  the  edge  of  the  nest, 
took  a  header,  and  perished  at  the  bottom  of  the  tree.  I 
directly  went  home  and,  returning  with  a  pair  of  field- 
glasses,  I  secreted  myself  as  near  to  the  nest  as  possible, 
and  watched.  One  old  bird  very  soon  appeared  and  swam 
about  just  below  the  tree,  making  a  chuckling  noise,  seem- 
ingly as  a  signal,  for  the  other  bird  was  then  seen.  Both 
continued  for  some  time  alternately  to  swim  in  the  stream  and 
walk  about  at  the  foot  of  the  tree  as  though  they  had  nothing 
particular  to  do.  During  all  this  while  the  four  young  left 
had  been  keeping  up  an  incessant  chirping,  and  presently 
I  saw  something  fall,  which  I  had  no  doubt  was  one  of 
them.  At  first  the  old  birds  did  not  appear  to  notice  this ; 
but  soon  one  went  to  the  place,  and  I  could  just  see  the 
white  of  its  tail  above  the  edge  of  a  hollow  in  the  ground, 
in  which  it  seemed  to  be  doing  something.  Having  thus 
watched  until  it  began  to  get  dark,  I  went  up  to  the  tree, 
and  at  the  bottom  found  the  young  one  I  had  seen 
fall,  lying  nearly  dead ;  those  left  in  the  nest  had 
stopped  squealing  and  appeared  to  be  so  weak  that 
they  were  unable  to  hold  up  their  heads.  I  therefore 
brought  one  down  carefully  as  an  experiment,  and  set  it 
beside    the    water,    the    old    birds    clucking    loudly    at 


Mr.  B.  31.  Christy,  Natural  History  Notes.  69 

some  distance  away.     Next  morning  I  again  visited  the 

nest  before  six  o'clock,  and  found  all  the  young  ones  quite 

dead.      The  result  surprised  me  considerably ;    it  seemed 

to  be   a   failure    altogether   of    the    bird's   sense — a   case 

of  complete  mistake.     The  bird  built  her  nest  in  a  place 

from   which   she   had    no   power,    or    at   least   made    no 

attempt,  to  remove  her  young  to  the  water,  and  all  died  in 

consequence. 

E.  M.  C. 

Saffron  Walden,  May  Mth,  1880. 


III. 

{Bead  Mne  26th,  1880.) 

I^SEND  herewith,  for  exhibition  at  the  next  meeting,  a 
curious  object,  which  Mr.  Travis  gave  me  a  week  or 
more  ago.  A  lump  of  mud,  such  as  it  is,  does  not  in  a 
usual  way  carry  much  interest  along  with  it ;  but  I  venture 
to  think  that  this  case  will  prove  an  exception.  This 
strange  lump  of  mud  is  the  work  of  a  Nuthatch  (Sitta 
ccesiajj  and  had  it  been  used  to  partly  close  the  mouth  of 
the  bird's  nesting-hole,  there  would  have  been  nothing 
unusual  about  it;  but  its  history  is  different.  It  was  found 
a  year  or  two  ago  in  Audley  End  Park,  close  to  a  place 
where  I  now  know  of  a  nuthatch's  nest  in  which  young 
are  being  reared.  When  found  it  occupied  the  centre 
of  an  old  thrush's  nest  placed  out  on  one  of  the 
branches  of  a  large  yew  tree.  The  thrush's  nest  has  been 
now  removed,  but  its  lining  of  rotten  wood,  &c.,  still 
remains  adhering  to  the  mud,  which,  it  will  be  seen,  is 
harder  than  many  a  brick,  and  I  notice  a  specimen  of 
Glausilia  rugosa  sticking  in  it. 

The  question  arises.  What  could  have  induced  the  birds 
to  till  the  old  thrush's  nest  with  this  earthy  structure  ?  It 
could  not  have  been  for  nesting  purposes  ;  for  although  the 
hole  in  the  centre  is  quite  as  large  as  that  left  by  nut- 
hatches in  any  nest  I  have  seen,  yet  in  the  position  it  was 


70  Mr.  R.  M.  Christy,  Natural  History  Notes. 

placed  in  the  thrush's  nest,  the  bottom  of  the  latter  would 
have  rendered  it  impossible  for  the  nuthatch  to  get  inside, 
much  less  to  set  on  eggs  there. 

I   shall   be  glad   to   hear  any  explanation   of   the    cir- 
cumstance, as  I  confess  myself  much  puzzled  with  it. 

R.  M.  C. 

Saffron  Walden,  May  24:th,  1880. 


IV. 

(Bead  June  26th,  1880.) 

Notes  as  to  the  health  and  condition  of  the  various  creatures 
which  in  a  way  are  under  our  charge  as  members  of  the 
County  Club  should  at  all  times  be  welcome  at  our  meetings. 
I  am  sorry  to  report  that  I  lately  procured  a  fine  trout 
thickly  covered  with  the  disease  which,  when  occurring 
on  salmon,  is  called  '^fungics,"  and  which  has  lately  been 
working  great  havoc  with  that  fish  in  some  of  the  rivers  in 
the  north  of  England.  This  specimen  I  first  noticed  on 
the  23rd  of  March  last,  and  resolved,  after  seeing  its  state, 
to  remove  it.  This  was  in  the  brook  Cann,  which  runs 
past  our  house  at  Chignal  St.  James,  where  there  are  a 
few  nice  fish,  but  they  do  not  seem  to  increase  much  in 
numbers.  It  was  very  sluggish,  and  would  only  move  a 
short  distance  on  being  frightened.  After  several  inef- 
fectual attempts  to  obtain  it,  I  at  last  fired  at  the  fish  in  a 
shallow  place  and  killed  it  stone  dead.  It  must  have 
been  by  the  concussion,  however,  as  not  a  shot  actually 
touched  the  fish.  It  was  a  very  fine  specimen,  19|  inches 
long  and  weighing  21bs.  lOoz.,  and  very  much  covered  with 
fungus,  of  a  dirty  white  colour  ;  at  least  the  half  of  its 
entire  surface  being  affected.  It  was  on  the  back  prin- 
cipally, and  the  dorsal  fin  in  particular.  Not  being  a 
great  angler,  I  do  not  possess  much  knowledge  of  the 
salmon  disease,  but  thinking  it  at  any  rate  to  be  some- 
thing new  for  the  disease  to  attack  trout,  and  that  in  a 
little   country    brook,    unpolluted    by   manufactories    and 


Mr.  English  on  Preservation  of  Plants.  71 

stopped  by  no  mills,  I  forwarded  my  fisli  to  Mr.  Buckland 
for  examination.  He  replied  that  it  was  a  very  handsome 
trout,  evidently  recovering  from  spawning,  and  covered 
with  a  fungoid  growth  which  in  external  appearance  at  any 
rate  resembled  the  salmon  disease.  He  said  that  the  case 
would  be  of  importance  when  considering  the  whole  sub- 
ject of  the  disease. 

It  is,  of  course,  possible  the  plague  may  disappear, 
and  it  is  to  be  hoped  at  least  that  it  will  not  spread  in  the 
county  ;  but  I  think  it  well  to  send  this  note  to  inform 
members  that  the  disease  has  been  noticed  in  Essex. 

R.  M.  C. 

May  Mth,  1880. 


Two  Notes  on  the  Preservation  or  Plants  with  their 
Natural  Colours  and  Forms. 

By  JAMES  ENGLISH. 
I. 

(Bead  April  2Uh,  1880.) 

I  have  been  seeking  for  some  simple  method  for  preserving 
specimens  of  our  wild  flowers,  with  their  natural  colours 
better  shown  than  in  ordinary  herbarium  examples.  The 
idea  is  by  no  means  new.  I  have  seen  specimens  for  orna- 
mental purposes  with  the  colours  beautifully  retained,  but 
the  plants  very  much  reduced  in  size.  The  process  I 
suggest  is  still  very  imperfect,  but  I  bring  it  before  the 
Society  in  the  hope  that  those  interested  in  the  subject 
may  aid  to  develop  and  improve  it,  thereby  helping, 
perhaps,  to  establish  a  permanent  and  useful  method.  At 
present  my  plan  is  as  follows  : — 

1st. — For  entire  plants,  or  separate  leaves  with  only 
green  colouration,  immerse  in  a  bath  oi  iMr oleum,  from  one 
to  four  hours,  the  best  time  varying  according  to  the 
delicacy   and  texture   of  the  plant ;    drain    on   absorbent 


72  il-fr.  English  on  Preservation  of  Plants. 

paper ;  press  in  the  usual  way,  shifting  if  necessary  until 
dry.  Before  mounting,  place  the  specimens  between  papers 
on  a  board,  and  "  iron  "  with  a  moderately  warm  laundry 
iron  to  drive  off  the  superfluous  petroleum.  Keep  under 
pressure  until  cool,  and  then  mount  for  the  herbarium  in 
the  usual  way. 

2nd. — In  endeavouring  to  preserve  colours,  some  strange 
anomalies  are  observed.  Two  flowers  from  different 
species,  but  apx^arently  identical  in  colour,  do  not  show  the 
same  result.  This  is  a  point  most  deserving  of  attention. 
The  yellow  and  purple  Pansies  I  exhibit  were  dried  in  the 
press,  "ironed"  with  a  warm  iron,  immersed  in  petroleum, 
pressed  and  ''  ironed  "  again.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
specimens  of  Crocus  were  immersed  at  once  in  the  petro- 
leum.    The  difference  in  the  results  is  very  noticeable. 

Of  course  time  alone  can  test  the  permanency  of  the 
colours  ;  but  should  any  of  our  members  think  the  process 
worth  a  trial,  I  shall  be  very  pleased  to  hear  from  them, 
and  exchange  ideas  on  the  subject. 

J.  E. 

Aioril  Mth,  1880. 


II. 

{Bead  September  25th,  1880.) 

At  the  April  meeting  I  introduced  the  subject  of  preserving 
plants  with  their  natural  colours  by  using  petroleum.  I 
soon  found  it  to  be  a  question  whether  petroleum  alone 
gave  sufficient  residue  on  evaporation  to  effect  the  purpose 
in  view.  I  tried  various  methods  to  remedy  this  defect,  by 
adding  gmn  resins,  solid  paraffin,  and  other  substances, 
but  with  no  good  result.  It  w^ould  be  useless  to  enumerate 
the  failures  I  have  experienced  since  I  took  the  subject  in 
hand.  I  worked  on  smoothly  for  some  time,  until  new 
flowers  came  into  blossom,  such  as  Galium,  Melaminjrum. 
These  plants,  in  drying,  became  quite  black,  and  I  was 
obliged  to  make  further  trials. 


Mr.  English  on  Preservation  of  Plants.  73 

I  then  tried  petroleum  last  [i.e.,  after  pressing)  instead  of 
first.  I  found  that  some  kinds  of  foliage  did  best  in  the 
latter  way,  but  flowers  were  most  successfully  dried  first, 
the  petroleum  being  afterwards  applied.  This  I  found  to 
be  the  case  almost  by  accident.  I  had  laid  some  flowers 
in  the  -sun  ;  of  course  they  soon  shrivelled  and  dried  up, 
but  I  was  surprised  with  the  brilliant  colours  they  re- 
tained. It  occurred  to  me  that  heat  and  a  powerful 
absorbent  of  moisture  might  be  successfully  tried.  I  took 
ordinary  plaster-of-Paris,  warmed  to  about  90  or  100  degrees 
(F.),  and  embedded  the  fresh  flowers  in  it,  shaking  the 
plaster  carefully  down  on  the  plants.  This  plan  answered 
admirably.  Small  plants  were  preserved  in  less  than  twelve 
hours ;  larger  species  took  longer  in  proportion  to  the 
amount  of  moisture  in  their  tissues.  When  taken  out  of 
the  plaster  the  plants  presented  a  very  dusty  appearance, 
and  if  left  in  it  too  long  they  became  somewhat 
brittle,  but  on  being  laid  aside  in  the  air  for  a  time  they 
soon  relaxed.  They  were  then  brushed  with  a  camel's-hair 
pencil,  and  petroleum  carefully  applied  with  a  brush. 
Such  is  the  history  of  the  specimens  now  exhibited,  show- 
ing well  the  natural  form  and  colour.  Eeds  and  purplish- 
reds,  however,  came  out  too  purple.  I  overcame  this  diffi- 
culty at  last  by  immersing  the  dried  plants  in  the  vapour 
of  hydrochloric  acid.  About  a  teaspoonful  of  acid  is  put 
into  a  wide-mouthed  bottle  or  glass  cylinder,  and  the  plants 
suspended  by  the  stalks,  so  as  not  actually  to  touch 
the  liquid  acid ;  when  the  proper  shade  of  colour  appears 
they  must  be  quickly  removed. 

Plants  thus  dried  can  be  pressed  as  usual  for  the  herba- 
rium sheets,  or  exhibited  in  cabinets,  like  collections  of 
insects,  and  would  probably  be  found  extremely  useful  for 
educational  purposes.  Some  of  the  more  rigid  plants  can 
be  mounted  under  glass  shades,  and  they  then  have  a  very 
pleasing  appearance,  but  exposure  to  the  light  is  very  likely 
to  fade  them. 

It  may  be  well  to  add  that,  about  three  weeks  since,  a 
gentleman  (an  artist)  called  upon  me.  He  had  been  travel- 
ling in  North  America,   and  when  in  New  York  he  was 


74  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

shown  some  flowers  preserved  by  a  new  process.  The 
method  was  very  similar  to  mine,  but  in  place  of  plaster 
sifted  lime  was  employed,  and  petrolemn  was  not  used.  I 
have  tried  lime,  but  I  think  it  will  prove  to  be  too  caustic, 
and  it  is  difificult  to  rid  the  plant  of  the  dust.  However,  I 
think  it  would  be  well  to  give  it  another  trial,  and  perhaps 
it  may  be  worth  while  experimenting  with  mixtures  of  lime 
and  plaster. 

Mr.  Saward  has  been  following  me  in  the  same  direction, 
and  has  helped  me  in  working  out  the  process  with  equally 
good  results,  as  his  specimens  will  prove. 

J.  E. 

Seinemher  25th,  1880. 


FoEEST  Animals. 
By  J.  E.  HARTING,  F.L.S.,  E.Z.S.,  &c. 

{A  Lecture  delivered  to  the  Club  Novcniber  10th,  1880.) 

A  MODERN  writer,  whose  felicitous  descriptions  of  rural  life 
have  latterly  become  familiar  to  us — I  refer  to  the  author 
of  "Wild  Life  in  a  Southern  County  " — has  remarked  that 
"  one  might  begin  to  write  a  book  about  a  hedgerow  when 
a  boy,  and  find  it  incomplete  in  old  age."  What  would  he 
say  of  a  forest  ?  Whatever  his  reply  might  be,  it  is  obvious 
that,  in  the  limited  time  at  my  disposal  this  evening,  it 
would  be  impossible  for  me  to  furnish  anything  like  a  com- 
plete account  of  all  that  may  be  seen  in  a  forest  by  those 
who  know  how  to  observe.  Were  time  of  no  importance,  I 
might  give  you  some  description  of  the  former  situation 
and  extent  of  the  vast  forests  which  at  one  time  clothed 
this  island,  and  of  the  various  wild  animals  which  once 
inhabited  them,  but  which  are  now  extinct.  I  might  dis- 
course to  you  of  localities  where  forests  of  pine  have  been 
replaced  by  trees  of  a  different  growth,  thus  inducing  the 


Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals.  75 

succession  of  a  different  fauna  ;  or  I  might  tell  you  some- 
thing of  those  submerged  forests  the  remains  of  which, 
upon  some  parts  of  our  coast,  are  from  time  to  time  dis- 
closed as  the  tide  recedes,  bringing  to  light  the  horns  and 
skulls  of  animals — as  the  red-deer  and  roe-deer — which, 
though  formerly  overrunning  a  great  part  of  our  island, 
have  (except  in  one  or  two  localities)  long  been  banished 
from  the  southern  and  midland  portions  of  it. 

But  my  object  on  this  occasion  is  to  deal  not  with 
the  past,  but  with  the  present;  to  bring  to  your  notice 
some  of  the  characteristic  creatures  which  may  be  seen  in 
an  EngHsh  forest,  not  all  in  one  day  perhaps,  but  from 
time  to  time  in  the  course  of  one's  excursions.  I  propose 
to  tell  you  something  of  their  appearance  and  habits,  and 
to  answer,  if  I  may,  some  of  the  various  questions  which  I 
am  accustomed  to  hear  asked  concerning  some  of  the  less 
common  or  little-observed  animals. 

On  proceeding  to  take  a  survey  of  the  denizens  of  a 
forest,  the  larger  animals,  from  their  size,  naturally 
attract  our  attention,  and  we  may  therefore  deal  with  them 
first.  As  it  will  be  necessary,  for  the  sake  of  clearness,  to 
take  them  in  some  kind  of  order,  let  me  pause  for  a 
moment  to  explain  the  meaning  of  the  names  which  have 
been  bestowed  on  the  various  groups  into  which  it  is  con- 
venient to  divide  them. 

We  have  first  the  Buminants — animals  which  ruminate, 
or  chew  the  cud.  They  are  mostly  horned,  although  there 
are  a  few,  in  other  countries,  which  are  not.  They  are 
characterized  by  the  absence  of  incisors,  or  cutting  teeth, 
in  the  upper  jaw.  Instead  of  these,  they  have  merely  a 
callous  pad,  against  which  the  cutting  teeth  in  the  lower 
jaw  press,  and  so  cut  up  the  food  in  the  same  way  as  meat 
is  cut  up  by  means  of  a  chopper  and  block. 

In  order  to  go  through  the  process  of  ruminating,  they 
possess  a  specially  formed  stomach,  or  rather  a  series  of 
stomachs,  through  which  the  food  passes  in  turn  before  it 
becomes  finally  digested.  It  would  be  easy  to  explain  to 
you  by  means  of  a  diagram  the  exact  process  which  is  gone 
through  by  a  ruminating  animal  every  time  it  chews  the 

c 


76  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

cud,  but  it  will  perhaps  suf&ce  if  I  state  only  what  any- 
one may  observe  who  narrowly  watches  the  actions  of  a 
cow  or  a  deer.  The  animal  first  grazes,  by  nipping  off  the 
grass  between  the  cutting  teeth  in  the  front  of  the  lower 
jaw  and  the  hard  pad  in  front  of  the  upper  jaw.  Each 
mouthful,  instead  of  being  masticated  or  chewed  up,  is 
swallow^ed  at  once,  and  it  continues  to  graze  until  its 
hunger  is  appeased.  It  then  lies  dowm,  and  the  process  of 
ruminating  commences.  A  contraction  of  the  flanks,  a 
spasmodic  action  in  the  throat,  and  the  mouth  (previously 
empty)  is  observed  to  be  filled  with  the  lately  swallowed 
grass  which  has  been  forced  up  into  it.  The  animal  then 
proceeds  to  chew  this  between  the  back  teeth,  or  grinders, 
with  a  slow^  and  continuous  motion  of  the  lower  jaw  until 
the  mouthful  has  become  reduced  to  pulp,  when  it  is  again 
swallowed,  and  another  mouthful  is  brought  up  to  undergo 
the  same  process  ;  and  this  goes  on  at  intervals  until  most 
of  the  food  swallowed  has  been  masticated. 

The  canine  teeth,  or  what  in  carnivorous  animals  would 
be  called  tusks,  are  noteworthy.  In  the  low^er  jaw  they 
are  always  present,  though  modified  so  as  to  resemble 
lateral  incisors  ;  in  the  upper  jaw  they  are  generally  want- 
ing, although  in  certain  exotic  species  (as  the  musk-deer, 
for  example)  they  are  enormously  developed,  and  project 
outwards  and  downwards  to  a  considerable  length. 

The  grinders  are  six  on  each  side  of  each  jaw,  and  so 
formed  that  their  surfaces  w^ear  dowm  unevenly  by  the 
lateral  movement  to  which  they  are  subject  during  the 
process  of  chew^ing  ;  each  tooth  (as  in  the  elephant)  being 
composed  of  alternate  layers  of  enamel — dentine  and 
cementum — wdiich,  being  of  different  degrees  of  hardness, 
are  differently  affected  by  the  grinding  action. 

Another  characteristic  feature  in  ruminating  animals  is, 
that  they  are  four-toed  ;  they  have  neither  thumbs  nor 
great  toes  ;  and  the  feet  are  so  proportioned  that  the  axis 
of  the  limb  falls  between  the  two  middle  toes,  while  the 
inside  and  outside  toes  are  much  reduced  in  size,  and 
in  some  animals  (as  the  camel  and  giraffe)  are  lost 
entirelv. 


Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals.  77 

The  only  Euminants  still  to  be  found  wild  in  our  forests 
are  Deer,  of  which  we  have  three  species. 

There  was  a  time  when  we  had  also  wild  cattle  in  the 
forest,  but  those  days  have  long  gone  by,  and  we  can  now 
only  judge  of  their  appearance  from  the  few  scattered 
herds  which  are  carefully  preserved  in  certain  parks. 

To  turn,  then,  to  the  Deer :  the  noblest  of  them  all  is 
the  Red-deer,  now  almost  entirely  confined  to  the  High- 
lands, and  a  few  wild  districts  in  Ireland  ;  for,  with  the 
exception  of  Martindale  Fells,  in  Westmoreland,  and  a 
certain  portion  of  Somersetshire  and  North  Devon,  where 
it  still  roams  in  a  wild  state,  it  is  not  to  be  met  with  in 
England  except  in  a  few  enclosed  parks.  And  on  Martin- 
dale  Fells,  I  am  informed,  the  few  remaining  deer  are  in  a 
state  of  semi-domestication.  Still  they  are  the  original 
descendants  of  our  wild  red-deer,  and  form  a  pleasing  link 
of  association  with  the  past. 

Only  a  hundred  years  ago  there  were  red-deer  in  Corn- 
wall. When  Borlase  published  his  Natural  History  of  that 
county,  he  wrote :  '*  Red-deer  are  seldom  seen  in  this 
county ;  some,  however,  make  their  appearance  for  a  time 
on  the  hilly  downs  about  Bodmin,  whence  they  haunt  the 
woods  upon  the  moors.  They  are  found  in  greater  plenty 
in  the  north,  betwixt  Launceston  and  Stratton,  as  if 
they  were  apprehensive  of  wanting  room  to  range  if  they 
advanced  into  the  narrow  western  parts."  ''' 

Carew,  who  published  his  "  Survey  of  Cornwall  "  in  1602, 
regarded  the  red-deer  then  in  Cornwall  as  stragglers  from 
the  adjoining  county  of  Devon, f  and  no  doubt  many  of 
them  were  stragglers ;  but  Tonkin,  in  his  edition  of  this 
Survey  published  in  1811,  observes:  "We  have  some 
red-deer  that  breed  in  the  inland  and  eastern  parts   of  the 

*  Borlase,  Nat.  Hist.  Cornwall,  p.  288. 

t  "  Red  deere  this  sliire  breedeth  none,  but  onely  receive th  such  as 
in  the  summer  season  range  thither  out  of  Devon  :  to  whom  the  gentle- 
men bordering  on  their  haunt  afford  so  coarse  entertainment,  that 
without  better  pleading  their  lieeles,  they  are  faine  to  dehver  up 
their  carcases  for  a  pledge  to  answere  their  trespasses." — "  Survey  of 
Cornwall,"  p.  23. 


78  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

county,  though  not  very  many."  "  The  fact  of  their 
breedmg,  however,  m  Cornwall  at  that  date  is  significant, 
showing  that  there  must  have  been  a  good  deal  of  wild 
ground  well  suited  to  their  habits. 

Years  after  Carew's  "  Survey"  had  appeared  there  were 
still  plenty  of  wild  red-deer  in  Hatfield  Chace,  and  Prynne 
has  left  a  graphic  account  of  the  mode  in  which  they  were 
hunted  there  in  the  time  of  James  I.  He  describes  how, 
for  the  amusement  of  Prince  Henry,  a  large  herd  w^as  sur- 
rounded and  driven  down  to  the  Trent,  where  they  were 
forced  to  take  the  water,  their  antlers  resembling,  when 
close  together,  a  moving  forest ;  how  they  were  pursued  in 
boats  by  the  Prince  and  his  companions,  and  how  the 
fattest  were  then  selected  and  killed,  and  drawn  on  shore 
with  ropes.  • 

The  precise  date  at  which  the  red-deer  became  extinct 
in  that  w41d  Chace  could  only  be  approximately  surmised, 
for  the  nature  of  the  country  was  such  as  to  favour  their 
existing  there  for  a  period  long  subsequent  to  the  event 
described  by  Prynne. t 

In  Lancashire,  in  the  great  forests  of  Bowland  and 
Blackburnshire,  there  were  red-deer  until  the  commence- 
ment of  the  present  century.  The  last  herd  was  destroyed 
there  in  1805.1 

In  Gloucestershire,  red-deer  were  introduced  into  the 
Forest  of  Dean  in  1842,  when  two  stags  and  four  hinds 
from  Woburn  were  enlarged.  They  increased  slowly  until 
1849,  when  in  consequence  of  the  frequent  and  serious 
poaching  affrays  which  took  place,  and  the  great  difficulty 
in  preserving  them,  all  the  deer  in  this  forest  were  ordered 
to  be  killed. 

Gilbert  White's  description  of  the  red-deer  in  Wolmer 
Forest,  Hampshire,  must  be  familiar  to  everyone.  In 
Queen  Anne's  time,  he  says,  they  numbered  about  five 
hundred  head ;  but  some  years  before  he   commenced  his 

*  Op.  cit.  ed.  Tonkm,  4to.,  1811,  p.  77. 

t  See  Devon,  Issues  of  the  Exchequer  (Pell  Records),  p.  293, 

t  Whitaker,  History  of  Whalley,  vol.  i.,  p.  205. 


Mr.  J.  E.  Hatting  on  Forest  An'iDiah.  79 

delightful  series  of  letters  to  Pennant  they  had  dwindled 
down  to  about  fifty,  and  he  hhnself  saw  one  of  the  last 
that  was  taken,  the  survivors  of  the  herd  being  captured 
alive  by  Koyal  command  and  removed  to  Windsor/'' 

A  few  red-deer  lingered  down  to  the  present  century 
(1827)  in  Epping  Forest;  and  Bell,  in  his  "History  of 
British  Quadrupeds,"  speaks  of  having  seen  some,  many 
years  ago,  in  the  New  Forest.  They  were  doomed  in  1851. 
It  would  be  interesting  to  trace  out  the  last  haunts  of 
red-deer  in  the  various  counties  of  England,  and  I  do  not 
doubt  that  the  inquiry  would  result  in  the  acquisition  of 
some  curious  information  ;  but  to  attempt  it  here  would 
cause  too  great  a  digression. 

Those  who  have  not  the  leisure  or  opportunity  of   fol- 
lowing the  red-deer  in  the  Highlands  of  Scotland,  the  wilds 
of  Kerry,  or  the  moorlands  of  Devonshire,  must  be  content 
to  study  them  in  the  few  parks  where  they  are  still  pre- 
served in  a  semi-domesticated  state.     It  was  formerly  the 
practice  to  keep  the   red-deer   and  fallow-deer   apart   in 
parks  where  both  species  were  maintained,   owing  to    an 
impression  that  the  stags  of  the  former  species  would  kill 
the  latter.  Gervase  Markham,  in  his  edition  of  the  "Maison 
Kustique,   or  the  Countrey  Farme,"  printed  in  1616,   says 
(Chap,  xix.) : — "You  shall  not  by  any  meanes  in  one  parke 
mixe  the  Red-deere  and  the  Fallow-deere  together,  for  the 
Red-deere  is  a  masterfull  beast,    and   when  the   time  of 
bellowing  cometh,  he  grows  fierce  and  outragious,  so  that 
hee  will  be  entire  lord  of  the  field,  and  will  kill  the  Fallow-- 
deere if  they  but  crosse  him  in  his  walke ;  and  therefore 
each  must  be  kept  severally  in  severall  parkes." 

That  such  was  the  practice  in  the  sixteenth  and  seven- 
teenth centuries  is  proved  by  the  "  Eed-deer  Parks," 
distinct  from  parks  for  fallow-deer,  which  are  found  in 
many  of  the  great  places  of  England,  such  as  Badminton 
in  Gloucestershire,  and  Grimsthorpe  in  Lincolnshire, 
where  separate  parks  for  the  different  kinds  of  deer  were 
formerly  kept  up.  The  present  practice  appears  to  be 
generally    to    allow    both    red    and    fallow    deer    to    be 

*  Gilbert  White,  Letter  VI.  to  Pemiant. 


80  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

together,  the  danger  aUuded  to  by  Markliam  having  been 
proved  to  be  exaggerated,  if  not  without  foundation." 

The  different  appearance  presented  by  the  stags  of  the 
two  species  is  very  marked,  owing  to  the  entirely  different 
character  of  their  antlers.  Those  of  the  red-deer  are 
round,  rough  and  tapering,  with  three  tines  directed  for- 
ward (the  broiv,  bez  and  ivyal  antlers),  and  the  cujj  or  croion 
of  three  or  more  points  at  the  end ;  those  of  the  fallow- 
deer  are  smooth  and  palmated  with  only  tw^o  anterior  tines 
(a  third  being  of  rare  occurrence),  and  with  the  hinder 
margin  of  the  flattened  portion  of  the  beam  notched  so  as 
to  form  an  indefinite  number  of  points.  The  horns  begin 
to  appear  at  the  age  of  about  seven  months,  when  two 
small  protuberances  are  perceptible  ;  and  gradually  in  the 
second  year  straight  pointed  horns  shoot  forth.  About  the 
beginning  of  xVpril,  before  the  animal  is  quite  two  years 
old,  these  fall  off  at  the  very  root.  In  the  course  of  the 
summer  another  horn  grows  up,  and  a  broad  antler  issues 
from  it  in  a  downw^ard  curve  towards  the  eyes.  At  this 
stage  the  deer  is  termed  a  brocket.  A  year  later  an  addi- 
tional point  is  seen  on  each  horn,  and  the  animal  is  then 
known  as  a  staggard.  When  another  year  has  passed 
each  main  stem  is  termed  the  beam,  and  the  whole  together 
is  worthy  the  name  of  "antler."  The  animal  is  now  a 
stag.  From  year  to  year,  should  no  accident  occur,  the 
antlers,  which  in  summer  time  shoot  up  anew  to  replace 
the  old  ones,  increase  in  regular  gradation  and  size  and 
branching  magnificence,  and  when  each  beam  bears  three 
anterior  tines  the  animal  is  called  a  hart  royal.\ 

This  casting  and  reproduction  of  the  horn,  growing 
plant-like  on  the  living  animal,  is  one  of  the  most  won- 
derful phenomena  in  natural  history.  It  is  so  curious  and 
wonderful  that  it  would  be  regarded  as  a  fable  were  it 
related  of  a  creature  in  a  distant  land  which  none  of  us 
had  ever  seen.  And  though  the  stag  is  a  native  of  this 
country,  there  are  probably  thousands  at  the  present  day 
w^ho  have  no  correct  knowledge  of  the  process.     They  have 

*  Shirley,  "  English  Deer  Parks,"  p.  236. 
t  Boner,  "  Forest  Creatures,"  pp.  58,  59. 


Mr.  J.  E.  Hartijuj  on  Forest  AnimaU.  81 

heard  that  stags  *'  shed  their  horns,"  but  of  the  meaning 
of  the  words  they  have  no  clear  idea.  Least  of  all  do  they 
imagine  that  the  whole  of  the  strong,  thick,  solid  growth 
parts  at  the  base  from  the  spot  where  it  grows,  and  drops 
to  the  gromid  like  a  dead  leaf  in  autumn.  Nor  do  they 
know  that  out  of  the  hard  bone  there  sprouts  forth  a  soft, 
sap-filled  shoot,  which  grows  up  like  a  tree  with  branches. 

The  exact  time  of  shedding  the  horns  depends  in  some 
measure  upon  the  age  of  the  animal  and  the  temperature 
of  the  winter  and  early  spring.  They  are  sometimes  shed 
towards  the  end  of  February  or  beginning  of  March  ;  but 
should  the  winter  be  cold  and  spring  protracted,  the  stags 
shed  their  horns  as  late  as  May — the  old  ones  at  the  begin- 
ning, the  young  ones  at  the  end  of  that  month.  It  is  very 
rarely,  however,  that  an  old  stag  is  seen  with  his  old  horns 
on  after  the  beginning  of  May;  but  a  two-year-old  deer  will 
carry  them  for  a  month  or  two  later."- 

In  a  few  days  after  the  old  horns  have  dropped  the  new 
growth  shows  itself,  and  gradually  the  new  antlers  are 
developed.  They  are  then  covered  with  a  thick  velvet 
which  preserves  the  point,  as  yet  soft  and  tender,  from 
injury.  While  in  this  soft  condition  they  are  very  sen- 
sitive, and  to  avoid  injury  by  striking  them  against  trees 
the  deer  leads  a  life  of  retirement.  In  about  twelve  weeks 
they  are  full  grown,  and  as  they  gradually  harden  the 
animal  rubs  them  against  a  tree  to  get  rid  of  the  velvet. 
This  can  only  be  done  gradually,  and  a  stag  may  often  be 
seen  at  this  time  of  year  with  the  velvet  hanging  in  strips, 
being  only  partially  detached  from  the  horns.  The  weight 
of  the  antlers  in  a  full-grown  stag  varies,  according  to  their 
size  and  massiveness,  from  ten,  twelve,  to  fifteen  pounds. 
This  is  nothing  compared  to  what  antlers  used  to  weigh  in 
former  days,  a  circumstance  which  must  have  attracted 
the  notice  of  all  who  have  examined  old  collections  of  deer's 
heads,  such,  for  instance,  as  may  be  seen  in  some  of  the 
royal  palaces  and  ancient  halls  in  Germany.  This  is  to 
be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  the  deer  formerly 
attained  a  much  greater  age  than  they  are  now  allowed 

*  Collyns,  "  Chase  of  the  Wikl  Keel  Deer,"  pp.  32,  33. 


82  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

to  do,  and  tliey  had  better  and  more  abundant  pasturage 
than  now,  when  the  woods  are  cut  down  and  the  land  is 
highly  cultivated.  Abundance  of  nutritious  food  usually 
produces  antlers  of  large  growth. 

I  have  referred  briefly  to  the  character  of  the  teeth  in 
Kuminants.  Eed  deer,  both  male  and  female,  at  one  year 
old  have  two  cutting  teeth  in  the  lower  jaw ;  at  two  years 
old  they  have  four ;  at  three,  six ;  and  at  four,  eight 
cutting  teeth  in  the  low^er  jaw.  Stags  when  five  years 
old  have  two  canines,  or  tusks,  in  the  upper  jaw  ;  and 
occasionally,  but  rarely,  very  old  hinds  have  these  tusks 
also,  but  less  fully  developed  than  in  the  stags. 

Deer  pair  in  the  autumn,  a  fact  which  the  stags  do  not 
fail  to  announce  by  their  loud  "belling,"  and  by  the 
battles  which  they  fight,  w^hen  the  crashing  of  their  antlers 
may  be  heard  at  a  considerable  distance.  The  young  are 
brought  forth  in  the  summer-time,  when  a  high  growth  of 
fern  favours  their  concealment. 

The  red-deer  very  rarely  produces  more  than  one  young 
one  at  a  birth.'''  This  is  born  in  June,  and,  up  to  the  age 
of  three  or  four  months,  is  spotted  with  white  like  a 
fallow-deer.     Gradually  it  assumes  a  uniform  colour. 

With  regard  to  food,  deer  subsist  chiefly  on  grass,  leaves, 
and  tender  shoots  of  trees,  beech-mast,  acorns,  and  even 
fungus.  Fallow-deer  are  very  partial  to  horse-chestnuts ; 
and  both  species  are  particularly  fond  of  salt,  which  they 
will  come  a  long  way  to  lick  when  they  have  once  dis- 
covered that  it  has  been  laid  down  for  them.  It  is  doubt- 
less the  saline  flavour  which  attracts  them  to  gnaw  antlers 
which  have  been  shed  ;  and  this  in  some  measure  accounts 
for  the  infrequency  with  which  such  antlers  are  found. 
Collyns  was  assured  by  keepers  and  hillmen  of  great 
experience  and  undoubted  veracity  in  Scotland  that  it  is  a 
common  occurrence  for  the  hinds  to  eat  the  cast  horns, 
but  he  was  never  able  to  confirm  it  from  his  own  expe- 
rience in  Devonshire  and  Somersetshire.     During  the  past 

*  So  says  Scrope,  in  his  "Days  of  Deer  Stalking;"  but  Collyns 
mentions  three  instances  in  wliich  red-deer  hinds  produced  twins — 
pp.  48,50. 


Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals.  83 

summer,  however,  there  appeared  in  Nature-''  a  letter  on  the 
subject  from  the  head  keeper  at  Bradgate  Park,  near 
Leicester,  which  is  very  expHcit.  He  says  :  "  There  is  not 
the  shghtest  doubt  of  their  eating  each  other's  horns.  I  have 
myself  seen  several  cases  where  both  brow  antlers  and  the 
top  points  have  been  gnawed  off.  I  have  also  seen  Scotch 
heads  that  have  been  quite  spoiled  by  the  tines  having 
been  gnawed,  which  must  have  been  done  after  the  horn 
had  become  hard,  and  whilst  the  animal  was  living." 

Before  concluding  my  notice  of  the  red-deer,  I  may 
mention  a  curious  circumstance  in  connection  with  it. 
Lyme  Park,  Cheshire,  was  celebrated  for  its  fine  venison,  and 
formerly  the  custom  prevailed  there  of  collecting  the  red- 
deer  once  a-year — about  midsummer  or  rather  earlier — in 
a  herd  before  the  house,  and  then  swimming  them  through 
a  pool  of  water,  with  which  the  spectacle  terminated. 
This  custom  of  driving  deer  like  ordinary  cattle  is  said  to 
have  been  perfected  by  an  old  park-keeper,  Joseph  "Watson, 
who  died  in  1753,  aged  104,  after  having  filled  that  office 
for  sixty-four  years.  He  was  believed  to  have  been  in  his 
102nd  year  when  he  hunted  a  buck  in  a  chase  of  six  hours' 
duration,  and  is  said  to  have  successfully  driven  twelve 
brace  of  stags  from  Lyme  to  Windsor  Forest. 

This  reminds  me  of  an  anecdote  told  by  Playford  in  his 
"  Introduction  to  Music,"  to  the  effect  that  he  once  met, 
on  the  road  near  Eoyston,  a  herd  of  about  twenty  deer 
following  a  bagpipe  and  violin ;  that  while  the  music 
played  they  went  forward,  and  when  it  ceased  they  stood 
still ;  and  that  in  this  manner  they  were  brought  out  of 
Yorkshire  to  Hampton  Court. 

The  fallow-deer  is  so  commonly  kept  in  English  parks 
and  forests,  that  its  appearance  must  be  familiar  to  all ; 
and  as  I  have  already  pointed  out  the  character  of  its 
horns  as  compared  with  those  of  the  red-deer,  I  need  not 
pause  here  to  give  any  further  description  of  it. 

It  is  believed  to  be  not  indigenous  to  this  country,  and 
the  general  opinion  is  that  it  was  introduced  by  the 
Komans.     The  statement  in  Bell's   "  British  Quadrupeds," 

*  Nature,  Bth  July,  1880. 


84  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

to  the  effect  that  the  dark-coloured  variety  is  said  to  have 
been  introduced  from  Norway  by  James  I.,  can  hardly  be 
deemed  correct.  He  imported  some,  no  doubt ;  in  1612  '■■'-  they 
were  landed  in  Scotland,  and  were  afterwards  transferred  to 
Epping  Forest  and  Enfield  Chase.  But  we  learn  from 
Leland  that  there  were  dark-coloured  deer  in  England 
long  before  that  date.f  Indeed,  on  this  point  I  have  lately 
come  across  a  much  older  authority  than  Leland,  who 
commenced  his  "  Itinerary  "  in  1533. 

Sixty-eight  years  before  that  date — namely,  in  1465 — the 
Baron  Leo  von  Eozmita],  brother  to  the  Queen  of  Bohemia, 
visited  England,  and  a  most  interesting  record  of  his  visit, 
in  the  shape  of  an  Itinerary  written  by  one  of  his  suite, 
has  fortunately  been  preserved  to  us,  although,  as  may  be 
supposed,  copies  are  extremely  rare.  In  this  journal, 
which  is  in  Latin,  it  is  stated  that,  amongst  other  places 
named,  he  visited  Windsor  Park,  where  he  was  particu- 
larly struck  with  the  great  number  of  fallow-deer,  which 
are  described  as  being  black,  white,  and  spotted.  Thus 
we  have  evidence  of  the  existence  of  this  dark  variety 
of  fallow-deer  in  England  long  before  the  time  of  James  I. 

Another  statement,  which  has  more  than  ones  found  its 
way  into  print,!  to  the  effect  that  the  spotted  variety  of 
this  deer  was  produced  by  crossing  with  the  axis-deer 
brought  from  Bengal  by  Capt.  Gough  in  1742,  is  incre- 
dible ;  the  two  animals  belonging  to  such  widely- different 
genera,  it  is  not  likely  that  they  would  interbreed.  More- 
over, we  know,  from  the  Itinerary  above  quoted, 
that  the  spotted  variety  existed  in  England  in  1465. 
James  I.,  too,  sent  some  as  a  present  to  the  King  of  France 
in  1608,  more  than  a  century  before  the  introduction  of 
Capt.  Cough's  axis- deer. § 

With  regard  to  the  reproduction  of  the  fallow-deer, 
the  growth  and   shedding  of  its  horns,    and  its  food,  the 

*  See  Devon's  Issues  of  the  Exchequer  (Pell  Records),  p.  150. 
t  Leland's  "  Itinerary,"  vol.  vii.,  page  40,  folio  50. 
I  Daniel,  "Rural  Sports,"    Supplement,   p.   693.     Scott,    "British 
Field  Sports,"  p.  380. 

§  Shirley,  "  English  Deer  Parks,"  p. 'J. 


Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals.  85 

remarks  made  under  the  head  of  the  red-deer  will,  in  a 
great  measm^e,  apply ;  and  I  need  not  dwell  upon  the  par- 
ticular respects  in  which  a  difference  has  been  observed 
further  than  to  note  that  the  fallow-deer  not  unfrequently 
has  two  fawns,  and  occasionally  three,  while  the  red-deer, 
as  already  stated,  has  very  rarely  more  than  one. 

Modern  instances,  in  which  Fallow-deer  have  been 
allowed  to  range  freely  over  unenclosed  ground  in  England, 
are  probably  rare.  They  are  seldom  seen  beyond  the 
limits  of  a  park  paling.  I  may  therefore  mention  one  such 
instance.  Longcroft,  in  his  "  Topographical  Account  of 
the  Hundred  of  Bosmere  in  the  Co.  Southampton  "  (1857), 
tells  us  (p.  27)  that  "  the  Thicket,  Stock-heath,  and  Leigh 
Green  are  the  common  wastes  of  the  Manor  of  Havant. 
The  former  is  a  large  tract  of  land  containing  about  800 
statute  acres,  was  formerly  a  chase  or  privileged  place  for 
deer  and  beasts  of  the  forest,  and  till  within  the  last 
thirty  years  {i.e.,  till  1827)  a  herd  of  Fallow-deer  ranged 
freely  over  its  uncultivated  space.  These  were  preserved 
by  the  Bishops  of  Winchester,  who  appointed  keepers  and 
took  every  care  to  keep  up  the  stock.  There  being,  how- 
ever, no  park  or  enclosure,  the  deer  strayed  away  into  the 
neighbouring  lands,  and  were  gradually  killed  down." 

The  Koe-deer,  one  of  the  most  graceful  and  attractive  of 
forest  animals,  is  in  this  country  almost  entirely  confined 
to  Scotland.  I  say  almost,  for  in  a  certain  part  of  Dorset- 
shire, where  this  species  has  been  re-introduced,  it  not 
only  exists,  but  has  increased  and  multiplied.  That  it  was 
at  one  time  plentiful  in  many  other  parts  of  England  there 
is  abundant  evidence  to  show.  I  have  notes  of  its  former 
existence  in  the  counties  of  Northumberland,  Durham, 
Cumberland,  Lancashire,  Norfolk,  Suffolk,  Cambridge, 
Hants,  and  Devon,  as  also  in  Wales,  where  it  is  said  to 
have  existed  until  the  time  of  Elizabeth.  Li  Cumberland 
it  certainly  survived  until  1633,  if  no  later ;  and  in  North- 
umberland the  last  roe-deer  is  reported  to  have  been  killed 
near  Hexham,  in  the  reign  of  George  I.  (1714 — 1727). 

In  Dorsetshire  it  was  re-introduced  in  1800  by  the  late 
Lord  Dorchester,  who  turned  out  a  few  pairs  in  his  woods 


86  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

at  Milton,  from  whence  their  descendants  dispersed  in  a 
very  short  space  of  time,  especially  in  a  south-westerly 
direction. 

A  resident  in  that  neighbourhood,  Mr.  J.  C.  Mansell 
Pleydell,  estimated  last  year  (1879),'''  that  there  were  no 
less  than  120  head  in  the  Milton,  Whatcombe,  and 
Houghton  Woods,  which  fringe  the  southern  side  of  the 
Yale  of  Blackmore,  from  Stoke  Wake  to  Melcombe  Park 
and  the  Grange  Wood  westward,  the  number  being  merely 
a  question  of  preservation  or  non-preservation. 

The  roe-deer  was  once  much  more  common  in  Scotland 
than  it  is  at  present,  but  it  is  still  very  plentiful,  and  has 
much  increased  of  late  years.  It  is  believed  that  the 
increase  of  plantations  in  the  south  of  Scotland  has  been 
the  means  of  spreading  it  much  farther  in  that  direction 
than  it  used  formerly  to  be  found. 

In  Ireland  the  roe-deer  is  unknown,  notwithstanding 
the  statement  of  Bede,  so  quaintly  contradicted  by  John  of 
Trevisa  ;  nor  have  remains  of  this  animal  been  discovered 
in  the  sister  isle. 

Those  who  would  learn  something  of  the  habits  of  the 
roe-deer,  from  one  who  has  had  frequent  opportunities  of 
observing  it,  should  read  the  excellent  account  given  in 
the  second  volume  of  Stuart's  *'  Lays  of  the  Deer  Forest ;" 
nor  should  they  omit  to  peruse  the  equally  trustworthy 
account  furnished  by  the  author  of  **The  Moor  and  the 
Loch." 

One  of  the  most  curious  points  in  the  history  of  the  roe- 
deer,  but  one  on  which  I  need  not  now  enter  in  detail,  is 
the  phenomenon  now  known  as  "  suspended  gestation," 
and  which  long  puzzled  sportsmen  and  naturalists,  until 
the  scientific  researches  of  Professor  Bischoff,  of  Giessen, 
the  well-known  embryologist,  placed  the  matter  in  a  clear 
light.  The  result  of  his  investigations  will  be  found  in  the 
second  edition  of  Bell's  "British  Quadrupeds."  Unlike 
the  red-deer,  the  roe  generally  has  two  fawns,  and  very 
rarely  three  have  been  observed  with  a  doe.f     These,  like 

*  See  The  Zoulogut,  1879,  pp.  120,  170,  209,  262,  301. 
t  The  Field,  Sept.  2nd,  1871. 


Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals.  87 

the  young  of  the   other  species,  a^e  at  first  spotted  with 

white. 

A  pure  white  roe-deer  is  a  rarity,  but  is  not  altogether 
unknown.  One,  in  the  collection  of  Sir  James  Colquhoun, 
was  obtained  near  Luss,  on  Loch  Lomond  ;  and  I  have 
heard  of  others  in  Germany.  Occasionally  one  may  see 
a  female  roe-deer  bearing  horns;  but  such  instances  are, 
of  course,  not  common. ''=  Mr.  Duncan  Davidson,  of  Inch- 
marlo,  Banchory,  Aberdeenshire,  shot  a  female  roe-deer, 
with  budding  horns,  on  the  26th  October,  1875  ;  and  two 
other  such  instances  are  mentioned   in  the  Zoologist  for 

1866  (p.  435). 

The  roe  is  singularly  liable  to  malformation  of  the 
horns,  and  some  curious  collections  have  been  made  of 
these  misshapen  antlers. 

Before  dismissing  the  subject  of  Deer,  I  should  like  to 
say  something  of  the  various  modes  of  hunting  them,  past 
and  present,  and  refer  to  some  of  the  quaint  old  treatises 
which  have  been  written  on  hunting.  But  time  will  not 
permit,  and  I  must  pass  on  to  another,  and  a  very  different, 
group  of  animals — the  Bodents,  or  gnawing  mammals  ;  so 
called  from  their  mode  of  life,  to  which  the  form  of  their 
teeth  is  admirably  suited. 

So  peculiar  is  the  dentition  of  the  Eodents  that  it 
is  not  to  be  mistaken  for  that  of  any  other  group. 
They  have  only  incisors  and  grinders,  no  canines,  and 
never  more  than  two  efficient  incisors  in  each  jaw. 
I  say  efficient  because,  in  the  hare  and  rabbit,  and  some 
allied  forms,  there  is  in  the  upper  jaw  a  second  pair  of 
rudimentary  incisors  placed  immediately  behind  the  front 
or  cutting  pair,  which  never  become  developed  or  used. 

The  position  and  shape  of  the  incisors  proper  are  remark- 
able ;  they  have  no  roots  or  fangs,  but  grow  from  a  per- 
manent pulp,  and  so  continue  growing  through  life.  Their 
form  is  that  of  a  segment  of  a  circle,  hence  they  always 
protrude  from  the  front  of  the  jaws  in  the  same  direction, 
and  meet  at  the  same  angle.     By  this  means,  as  the  teeth 

*  The  Field,  Nov.  8th.  1873. 


88  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

become  worn  by  gnawing,  they  continue  to  grow  forward, 
and  so  a  fresh  supply  of  tooth,  so  to  say,  is  always  main- 
tained. If  by  any  accident  (as  by  a  shot  or  otherwise)  one 
of  the  incisors  should  get  broken  or  misplaced,  the  tooth 
with  which  it  should  come  into  contact,  not  meeting  with 
any  resistance,  continues  to  grow  downwards  or  upwards, 
as  the  case  may  be,  and  gradually  assumes  the  appearance 
of  a  bony  circle  outside  the  mouth,  to  the  great  incon- 
venience of  the  poor  animal,  sometimes,  indeed,  causing 
death  by  starvation. 

In  the  case  of  the  rabbit,  as  many  of  you  have  doubtless 
observed,  such  malformations  are  not  uncommon.  The 
canine  teeth  being,  as  I  have  said,  absent,  there  is  quite  a 
gap  between  the  incisors  and  the  grinders,  the  latter  being 
so  regular  and  similar  in  appearance  that  it  is  difficult  to 
recognize  any  distinction  of  molars  and  premolars. 

The  articulation  of  the  lower  jaw  with  the  skull  is  pecu- 
liar, for  while  it  results  in  increasing  the  power  of  the 
incisors  or  cutting  teeth,  it  prevents  much  lateral  movement 
of  the  jaw,  and  ensures,  as  much  as  possible,  the  meeting 
of  the  incisors  in  both  jaws. 

I  might  proceed  to  point  out  other  peculiarities  of  struc- 
ture which  distinguish  the  Eodents  from  other  animals ; 
but  I  fear  to  weary  you  with  dry  details,  and  will  therefore 
merely  call  your  attention  to  the  strong  and  muscular  hind 
limbs  which  they  possess,  enabling  them  to  leap  and  run 
with  great  facility  and  swiftness.  They  may  be  said  to  be 
all  vegetable  eaters,  although  some  of  the  species,  like  the 
common  rat  and  house-mouse,  are  omnivorous. 

In  the  case  of  such  common  animals  as  the  Hare  and 
Eabbit,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  I  can  say  anything 
very  new  ;  but  I  may  assume  on  the  present  occasion  that 
there  are  some  who,  though  perfectly  familiar  with  the 
outward  appearance  of  these  animals,  may  not  have  paid 
much  attention  to  their  natural  history. 

In  many  respects  hares  and  rabbits,  though  externally 
somewhat  similar  in  shape  and  colour  (I  once  shot  a  wild 
rabbit  of  the  exact  colour  of  a  hare) ,  are  very  dissimilar. 

Babbits  are  born  bhnd,  and  nearly  naked  ;  while  young 


Mr.  J.  E.  Ilarting  on  Forest  Animals.  89 

hares  at  birth  are  clothed  with  fur  and  have  their  eyes 
open.  Eabbits  produce  their  young  underground;  hares 
construct  *'  a  form  "  above  ground.  To  this  general  rule, 
however,  exceptions  have  been  noted.  Eabbits  have  been 
known  to  breed  above  ground/''  and  hares  have  been  ob- 
served to  burrow. t  You  may  generally  tell  whether  turnips 
have  been  nibbled  by  hares  or  rabbits  by  the  difference  in 
their  mode  of  attacking  the  root.  A  hare  will  bite  off  the 
peel  and  leave  it  on  the  ground ;  a  rabbit  will  eat  peel 
and  all.  t 

Hares  vary  much  in  weight,  and  occasionally  in  colour. 
The  average  weight  may  be  between  7 lbs.  and  81bs.,  but  I 
have  notes  of  three,  shot  in  Lincolnshire,  in  the  autumn  of 
1877,  which  weighed  respectively  lllbs.  3oz.,  lllbs.  12oz., 
and  lllbs.  3oz.  §  With  regard  to  variation  in  colour,  I  have 
notes  of  the  capture  of  three  black  hares,  several  albinos, 
and  one  parti-coloured  one,  in  different  parts  of  the  country. 

Black  and  sandy-coloured  rabbits  are  not  very  un- 
common, but  an  albino  rabbit,  truly  wild,  is,  I  think,  not 
often  met  with. 

Both  hares  and  rabbits  can  swim  well,  but  it  generally 
requires  the  persuasion  of  the  sportsman  or  his  dog  to 
make  them  take  the  water.  I  have  only  once  seen  a  hare 
swim  voluntarily,  and  then  the  stream  crossed  was  not  a 
wide  one. 

The  appearance  of  the  Squirrel  must  be  so  familiar  to 
everyone  that  I  need  not  offer  any  description,  but  will 
confine  myself  to  a  few  remarks  on  its  habits. 

We  have  seen  how  one  Eodent  lives  underground,  and 
another  makes  its  "  form  "  upon  the  surface.  We  have 
here  a  case  of  one  which  constructs  its  nest  in  a  tree,  some- 
times in  a  hole,  sometimes  in  a  fork  between  two  branches. 
This  nest  is  made  of  moss,  leaves,  and  long  dry  grass,  and 
makes  a  soft  cradle  for  the  young  ones,  which  are  born 

*  See  The  Field,  December  2nd  and  16tli,  1876. 
f  Annals  and  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  v.,  p.  262. 
+  The  Zoologist,  1878,  p.  100. 
5^  The  Field,  November  10th,  1877. 


90  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Anwials. 

naked  and  blind,  towards  the  end  of  May  or  beginning  of 
June,  when  there  is  a  good  screen  of  leaves,  be  it  observed, 
to  conceal  the  nest  and  its  owners. 

The  bill  of  fare  of  the  squirrel  is  a  very  varied  one  : 
beech-mast,  acorns,  nuts,  young  bark  (especially  of  the 
birch),  the  cones  of  larch  and  other  pines,  leaf-buds  and 
tender  shoots,  mushrooms,  fungus,  and  even  truffles  are 
all  eaten  in  turn.  In  search  of  many  of  these  it  often 
descends  to  the  ground,  and  hunts  for  and  digs  up  the 
truffle  by  scent.  It  lays  up  a  winter  store  of  provisions  in 
some  hole  of  a  tree,  not  relying  upon  one  such  hole,  how- 
ever, but  filling  several  in  case  of  accident.  Occasionally 
at  least,  if  not  habitually,  squirrels  will  take  birds'  eggs; 
and  I  have  noted  the  testimony  of  an  eye-witness  to  the 
fact  that  they  will  sometimes  also  carry  off,  kill  and  eat 
young  birds. 

In  May,  1879,  Mr.  Thomas  Bagnall,  of  Milton  Ernest 
Hall,  Bedford,  saw  a  squirrel  in  his  avenue  carry  off,  kill, 
and  partially  devour  a  full-fledged  young  Starling,  the 
remains  of  which  he  succeeded  in  recovering. 

During  a  great  part  of  the  winter,  when  the  red  fur 
perceptibly  changes  to  grey,  the  squirrel  lies  up  in  a  semi- 
torpid  state,  coming  out  on  a  fine  day  to  feed  on  some  of 
its  stores,  and  then  retiring  again. 

In  answer  to  the  question  whether  squirrels  are  injurious 
to  trees,  I  must  reply,  ''  Yes  ;  to  some  trees ;  chiefly  in 
plantations  of  Scotch  fir,  larch,  and  occasionally  spruce." 
They  attack  trees  in  the  spring,  between  April  and  June, 
when  the  sap  is  in  full  flow,  biting  off  the  outer  bark,  and 
consuming  the  inner.  This  stops  the  flow  of  sap,  which 
there  becomes  dry  and  resinous,  and  the  first  high  wind 
blows  the  top  off. 

In  the  same  haunts  as   the  squirrel  we  may  find  that 

beautiful  little  animal,  the  Dormouse.  It  is  shy  and  retired 

in  its  habits,   and  must  be  noiselessly  approached  if  one 

would  observe  its  movements.    It  is  partial  to  woods  where 

there  is  a  thick  undergrowth  to  conceal  it,  and  amongst 

which  it  makes  its  nest ;  but  this  is  sometimes  placed  on 

the  ground. '•= 

*  The  Zoologist,  1872,  ^.  2,908. 


yfr.  J.  E.  ITariiiKj  on  Forest  Animals.  91 

I  oucG  discovered  a  dormouse  ensconced  in  an  old  nest 
of  a  blackbird,  wliere  it  had  made  itself  very  comfortable 
in  a  bed  of  dead  leaves.  Although,  like  other  Rodents,  it 
is,  strictly  speaking,  a  vegetarian — feeding  on  beech-mast, 
acorns,  young  hazel-nuts,  corn,  and  so  forth,  during  the 
autumn,  and  laying  up  stores  for  the  winter — yet,  during 
the  summer,  when  such  food  is  not  to  be  obtained,  it  is 
insectivorous.  A  tame  dormouse,  when  allowed  a  run  in 
the  garden,  would  eat  the  Aphis  kuiiyera,  and  the  caterpillars 
of  Sphinx  ocellata.  It  was  very  fond  also  of  the  grubs  of 
Balanus  nucum,  the  nut  weevil,  preferring  maggotty  nuts 
to  sound  ones  on  that  account  ;  it  would  also  eat  the 
small  caterpillars  found  in  apples  and  pears. 

As  its  name  implies,  the  dormouse  is  a  great  sleeper, 
and  remains  dormant  during  the  greater  part  of  the  winter. 
I  once  saw  a  pure  white  dormouse  which  had  been  cap- 
tured at  Cowfold,  near  Horsham,  where  it  is  now  pre- 
served in  the  collection  of  my  friend  Mr.  Borrer. 

Two  other  little  animals  sometimes  cross  our  path  as  we 
take  our  rambles  through  the  forest — the  Long-tailed  and 
Short-tailed  Fieldmice.  Strictly  speaking,  the  latter  is  not 
a  true  mouse,  but  a  vole  (belonging,  like  the  so-called 
water  rat,  to  the  genus  Arvicola,  the  members  of  which 
are  distinguished  from  those  of  the  genus  Mus  by  several 
well-marked  characters). 

You  may  know  the  long-tailed  fieldmouse  by  his  sharp 
snout,  long  ears,  and  long  rat-like  tail.  The  short-tailed 
vole,  on  the  contrary,  has  a  blunt  rounded  muzzle,  short 
ears  almost  hidden  in  the  fur  of  the  head,  and  a  short  hairy 
tail.  Though  very  attractive  in  appearance,  and  easily  tamed, 
they  are,  unfortunately,  rather  mischievous  in  their  habits, 
and  sometimes  do  a  great  deal  of  damage  in  young  planta- 
tions by  barking  the  trees.*  Fortunately,  they  are  kept  in 
check  to  a  considerable  extent  by  owls,  both  white  and 
brown,  who  capture  and  devour  great  numbers  of  them,  as 
I  have  often  ascertained  by  an  examination  of  their  rejected 
pellets. 

*  See  Jesse's  "  Gleanings,"  1st  series,  p.  175,  and  St.  John's"  Wild 
Sports  and  Natural  History  of  the  Highlands,"  p.  67. 

D 


92  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

Childrey  in  his  Britannia  Baconica,  1660,  relates  (p.  14) 
that  in  1580  an  extraordinary  swarm  of  Field-mice  appeared 
in  Denge  Hundred,  Essex,  and  eat  up  all  the  roots  of  the 
grass.  "  A  great  number  of  Owles,"  he  says,  "  of  strange 
and  various  colours  [doubtless  the  Short-eared  OwlJ 
assembled,  and  devoured  them  all;  and  after  they  had 
made  an  end  of  their  prey,  they  took  flight  back  again  from 
whence  they  came." 

We  come  now  to  the  order  Insectivora,  or  insect-eating 
mammals,  of  which  I  have  two  to  bring  to  your  notice  as 
dwellers  in  the  forest,  namely,  the  Common  Shrew  and  the 
Hedf^ehog.  The  animals  belonging  to  this  order  are  at 
once  distinguishable  from  the  Eodents  by  their  dentition. 
The  latter,  as  I  have  pointed  out,  have  no  canine  teeth ; 
Insectivora  have,  and  their  dentition  generally  resembles 
that  of  the  strictly  insectivorous  bats,  the  molars,  or 
grinding  teeth,  being  similarly  furnished  with  several  sharp 
cusps  or  points  which  are  characteristic  of  insect-eating 
mammals,  and  all  the  teeth  have  roots  or  fangs.  There 
are  other  peculiarities  of  stracture,  with  wliich,  however, 
at  present  I  need  not  trouble  you. 

From  its  shy  and  retired  habits,  the  Coromon  Shrew  is 
not  often  to  be  observed  in  a  living  state,  but  may  frequently 
be  seen  lying  dead  on  the  pathway.  The  cause  of  the 
mortality  amongst  these  little  animals,  though  frequently 
noticed,  has  never  been  satisfactorily  accounted  for ;  and 
Bell,  in  his  '•'  British  Quadrupeds,"  has  not  attempted  any 
explanation.  It  has  been  said  that  their  odour  is  repulsive 
to  their  enemies,  who  will  kill  but  will  not  eat  them  ;  but 
this  is  not  invariably  the  case,  for  I  have  found  numerous 
skulls  of  shrews  in  ''pellets"  of  the  barn  owl,  and  once 
took  two  of  these  little  creatures  from  the  stomach  of  a 
stone  curlew. 

Of  the  Hedgehog  I  might  say  a  good  deal,  but  having  so 
many  other  '*  Forest  Animals  "  on  my  Hst  I  must  be  brief. 

Although  from  its  structure  and  mode  of  life  the  hedge- 
hog is  properly  classed  wdth  the  Insectivora,  it  is  really 
omnivorous.  Nothing  seems  to  come  amiss  to  it.  Beetles, 
worms,  slugs,  snails,  frogs,  mice,  eggs,  young  clii.ckens,  and 


Mr.  J.  E.  Ilartbuj  on  Forest  Animals.  93 

even  young  rabbits,  are  eaten  by  turn  as  opportunity 
serves;  and  on  one  occasion  a  hedgehog  was  surprised 
with  a  young  leveret  strugghng  in  its  jaws.*  Two  that  I 
kept  in  confinement  for  some  time  were  particularly  fond 
of  frogs. 

In  this  propensity  for  flesh,  the  hedgehog  resembles  the 
animals  which  I  have  next  to  notice — viz.,  the  Carnivora — 
distinguishable  by  their  immensely  powerful  teeth  (the 
canines,  or  tusks,  being  largely  developed),  a  loose  skin,  and 
strong  legs  and  feet,  armed  with  hard  sharp  claws. 

Of  this  order  we  once  had  notable  representatives  in  our 
forests  in  the  shape  of  the  bear  and  the  wolf,  but  these, 
alas !  are  no  longer  to  be  found  here ;  and  the  most 
powerful  survivors  of  this  group  of  animals  are  the  badger, 
the  wild  cat,  and  the  fox. 

The  first-named  is  of  special  interest  as  being  the  sole 
surviving  representative  of  the  bear-family  in  this  country. 
It  is  a  plantigrade  animal,  walking  upon  the  entire  sole  of 
the  foot,  like  a  bear,  instead  of  on  the  toes  only,  like  a 
cat.  In  its  habits  also  and  food  it  resembles  the  bear,  living 
in  holes,  laying  up  by  day,  and  coming  forth  at  night ; 
and  feeding  on  various  roots,  fungus,  earth  nuts,  beech 
mast,  blackberries,  dung-beetles  and  grasshoppers,  snails 
and  worms,  frogs  and  mice.  Strange  to  say,  the  hedgehog 
is  a  favourite  morsel,  and  is  easily  killed  by  a  badger, 
notwithstanding  its  armour.  In  confinement  the  badger 
has  been  known  to  devour  rabbits  greedily  ;  and  a  partially 
devoured  mole  has  been  found  in  a  nest  of  young  badgers. f 
I  have  never  heard  any  accusation  against  the  badger  for 
damaging  young  trees,  nor  do  I  believe  that  he  would  do 
so,  his  diet  being  what  I  have  stated.  Nor  do  I  believe  that 
there  is  any  truth  in  the  allegation  that  if  badgers  are 
suffered  to  remain  in  a  fox-covert  they  will  drive  the  foxes 
away.  Wild  animals,  as  a  rule,  live  in  harmony,  especially 
where  (as  in  the  case  of  fox  and  badger)  neither  preys  on 
the  other. 

*  Gardener's  Chronicle,  1846,  p,  480. 
f  The  Field,  IMarch  23rd.  1872. 


94  Mr.  J.  K.  Ilarting  on  Forest  Animals. 

No  apprehension  need  be  felt  about  the  proximity  of  a 
badger  to  a  farmstead.  He  is  of  a  retiring  disposition,  and 
will  keep  out  of  man's  way  as  much  as  possible. 

Badgers  sleep  away  nmch  of  their  time  in  winter,  and 
can  go  a  long  time  without  food.  Their  footprints  are 
seldom  seen  in  the  snow. 

Amongst  the  carnivorous  animals  which  may  often  be 
seen  hanging  up  in  "  the  keeper's  museum  "  at  the  corner 
of  a  wood,  are  the  Weasel  and  Stoat,  the  latter  distin- 
guished by  his  larger  size,  and  longer  tail  with  a  black  tuft 
at  the  end  of  it. 

Weasels  I  regard  as  particularly  useful  animals,  for  they 
destroy  a  vast  number  of  mice  and  voles.  They  should 
always  be  encouraged  in  the  stackyard,  instead  of  being 
caught  and  nailed  up  against  the  barn.  Stoats  I  am  not 
so  sure  about.  They  kill  rabbits,  leverets,  and  young  game 
birds.  Doubtless  they  kill  field-mice  too.  I  have  twice  seen 
a  stoat  carrying  a  short-tailed  vole  as  a  retriever  would  a 
rabbit ;  and  I  once  witnessed  a  fight  between  a  stoat  and 
a  rat,  in  which  the  stoat,  after  a  tremendous  struggle, 
came  off  victorious. 

Both  stoats  and  weasels  hunt  by  scent,  as  I  have  several 
times  proved  by  personal  observation,  and  I  could  relate 
many  curious  anecdotes  of  what  I  have  witnessed.  Both 
these  animals  swim  well,  and  do  so  voluntarily.  I  once 
had  the  pleasure  of  watching  an  old  stoat  giving  her  young 
one  a  swimming  lesson,  and  a  very  entertaining  sight  it 
was.  They  carry  their  young  in  their  mouths,  as  cats  do 
their  kittens. 

The  stoat  becomes  white,  or  nearly  so,  in  wmter ;  but 
there  is  usually  a  patch  of  brown  on  the  face,  and  the  tip 
of  the  tail  is  always  black  both  summer  and  winter. 

The  weasel  very  rarely  becomes  white.  I  have  only 
seen  two  that  were  so :  one  killed  at  Willoughby,  in 
Leicestershire,  in  the  winter  of  1867  ;  the  other  in  Soham 
Fen,  Cambridgeshire,  in  September,  1879. 

The  Polecat  (from  which  the  ferret  is  descended)  is  now 
becoming  a  rare  animal  in  England,  and  is  not  often  to  be 
seen,  so  extensively  has  it  been  trapped  by  game  preservers 


Mr.  J.  E.  Hartinrj  on  Foresit  Animals.  95 

and  their  keepers.  That  it  is  a  very  destructive  animal 
there  can  be  no  doubt,  not  only  to  game,  but  also  to 
poultry,  for  it  will  visit  the  farmyard  and  henroost,  and  in 
one  night  kill  many  more  fowls  than  it  can  eat  or  carry 

awav. 

I  once  discovered  a  whole  family  of  polecats  (two  old 
ones  and  four  young  ones)  in  a  flint  cairn  not  more  than 
fifty  yards  from  a  poultry-yard.  They  were  tracked  after 
rain,  and  the  stones  being  removed  one  by  one,  we  sud- 
denly came  upon  a  hollow  in  which  the  whole  family  were 
snugly  curled  up.  One  of  the  old  ones  escaped  ;  of  the 
rest,  four  were  killed  and  one  was  taken  alive. 

That  beautiful  animal  the  Marten,  once  so  common  in 
English  forests,  is  still  to  be  met  with  in  certain  parts  of 
the  country  which  are  favourable  for  its  protection,  but  it 
must  be  regarded,  at  least  in  the  south,  as  one  of  the 
rarest  of  ''  forest  animals."  The  last  killed  in  Essex,  so  far 
as  can  be  ascertained,  was  trapped  by  the  present  head 
keeper  of  Epping  Forest  in  April,  1853,  in  one  of  Mr. 
Maitland's  covers  at  Loughton. 

Did  time  permit,  I  could  say  a  good  deal  about  its  dis- 
tribution and  habits,  and  the  former  mode  of  hunting  it. 

The  Wild  Cat,  which  was  also  a  beast  of  chase  in  former 
days,  is  now  believed  to  be  extinct  in  England,  as  well  as 
in  the  southern  counties  of  Scotland. 

Mr.  Alston  believes  that  none  now  exist  south  of  the 
northern  districts  of  Argyll  and  Perthshire.  Mr.  Harvie 
Brown,  who  has  been  at  considerable  pains  to  obtain  in- 
formation on  the  point,  has  come  to  the  conclusion,  from 
statistics  which  he  has  collected,  that  "the  wild  cat  is 
now  extinct  throughout  a  large  portion  of  Scotland,  namely, 
all  south  and  east  of  a  line  commencing — roughly  speaking 
— at  Oban,  in  Argyllshire,  passing  up  the  Brander  Pass  to 
Dalmally ;  following  the  boundary  of  Perthshire,  and  in- 
cluding Rannoch  Moor  ;  continued  north-westwards  to  the 
junction  of  the  three  counties  of  Perth,  Forfar,  and  Aber- 
deen ;  thence  across  the  source  of  the  Dee  northward  to 
Tomintoul,  in  Banffshire ;  and,  lastly,  from  Tomintoul  to 
the   citv  of  Inverness.     Northward  and  westward  of  this 


96  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting  on  Forest  Animals. 

line  the  animal  still  keeps  a  footing  in  suitable  localities, 
finding  its  principal  shelter  in  the  great  deer  forests." 

The  Fox,  with  which  species  my  list  of  "  Forest  Animals  " 
closes,  is  so  well  known  in  appearance  and  habits  that  I 
need  not  trespass  further  on  your  patience  by  describing 
an  animal  so  familiar  to  you. 

In  conclusion,  1  would  express  the  hope  that  the  remarks 
which  I  have  made  this  evening  may  be  the  means  of 
inducing  many  of  my  hsteners  to  visit  the  forest  and 
observe  for  themselves,  not  only  to  test  the  accuracy  of 
what  they  have  just  heard,  but  to  discover  fresh  points 
in  the  natural  history  of  our  forest  animals  upon  which  I 
have  not  had  time  to  enter. 


JOURNAL  OF  PROCEEDINGS 

AT 

OEDINAEY,    FIELD,    AND    OTHEK    MEETINGS. 


[In  commencing  our  Journal  of  Proceedings  it  may  be  well  to  give  a 
brief  statement  of  the  origin  of  the  Club.     The  first  public  proposal  in 
connection  with  the  subject  was  made  in  a  letter  addressed  to  the  Editor 
of  the   Woodford  Times  by  Mr,  William  Cole,  which  appeared   in  the 
issue  for  Saturday,  October  25th,  1879.     This   letter   was  followed  by 
others  from   Messrs.  Harcourt,  Lockyer,  Argent  and  Cole  addressed  to 
various   local  newspapers,  all  strongly  urging   the  establishment  of  a 
Naturalists'  Club  in  Essex.     A  circular  was  issued  by  Mr.  Cole,  headed 
'^  Epping   Forest  and   South   Essex   Naturalists'  Field   Club,"  and  freely 
distributed,  asking  for   the  support  of  all  South   Essex  naturalists  and 
archseologists.     Sufficient  names   having  been  received  to  warrant  the 
step,  a   private   meeting   was    held    at    Buckhurst   Hill  on   Saturday, 
November  15th,  1879,  to  settle  preliminaries.    Mr.  Cole  was  nominated 
as  Hon.  Secretary  j!';'o  tern.,  and  was  authorised  to  call  a  public  meeting 
for  the  establishment  of  the  Society,  and  to  make  all  necessary  arrange- 
ments.    It  was  felt  that  it  would  be  better  to  have  a  more  comprehensive 
title  than  that   above  quoted,  and  the   one  now  held   by  the  Club  was 
chosen.     Mr.  R.  Meldola  consented  to  become  the  first  President,  and 
ultimately  the  inaugural  meeting  was  called  by  advertisements  in  the 
newspapers  and  the  issue  of  a  very  large  number  of  circulars,  which  were 
sent  to  the  leading  inhabitants  in  all  parts  of  the  county.      The  Editor 
places  the  circular  letter  on  record  here  ;   it  may  be  interesting  in  the 
future  as  expressing  the  views  of  the  founders  of  the  Club  : — 

Epping  Forest  and  County  of  Essex   Naturalists'  Field  Club. 

Laurel  Cottage,  Buckhurst  Hill,  Essex. 

Dear  Sir, — I  am  requested  to  state  that  the  inaugural  meeting  of  this 
Club  will  be  held  on  Saturday  evening,  January  loth,  1880,  at  the  rooms 
of  the  Buckhurst  Hill  Art  Classes,  3,  St.  John's  Terrace  (opposite  the 
church).  The  chair  will  be  taken  at  seven  o'clock  by  R.  Meldola, 
Esq.,  F.C.S.,  &c.,  Secretary  to  the  Entomological  Society  of  London. 

The  objects  of  the  Club,  as  set  forth  in  the  proposed  Rules,  are  as 
follows  : — "  The  investigation  of  the  natural  history,  geology,  and 
archaeology  of  the  County  of  Essex  (special  attention  being  given  to 
the  fauna,  flora,  geology,  and  antiquities  of  Epping  Forest)  ;  the 
publication  of  the  results  of  such  investigations  ;  the  formation  of  a 
library  of  works  of  local   interest   and   other   publications,  and  the 


f 


ii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

dissemination  amongst  its  members  of  information  on  natural  science 
and  antiquities."  Excursions,  under  skilful  direction,  to  various 
localities  of  interest  to  the  naturalist  and  antiquary,  will  also  be  a  main 
object  of  the  Club. 

The  Club  will  strongly  discourage  the  practice  of  removing  rare 
plants  from  the  localities  where  they  are  to  be  found  or  of  which  they 
are  characteristic,  and  of  risking  the  extermination  of  rare  birds  and 
other  animals  by  w^anton  persecution  ;  it  will  also  endeavour  to  use  its 
influence  with  landowners  and  others  for  the  protection  of  the  same, 
and  to  dispel  the  prejudices  which  are  leading  to  their  destruction.  In 
like  manner  the  Club  will  endeavour  to  cultivate  a  fuller  knowledge  of 
local  antiquities,  historical,  popular,  and  idiomatic,  and  to  promote  a 
taste  for  carefully  preserving  the  monuments  of  the  past  from  wanton 
injury. 

Considering  the  fine  field  offered  to  the  biologist  in  Epping  Forest 
and  the  surrounding  country,  it  is  certainly  a  matter  of  surprise  that  a 
Society  similar  to  that  now  in  process  of  formation  was  not  long  since 
founded.  At  any  rate  the  promoters  of  the  Ciub  venture  to  claim  for  it 
the  cordial  support  of  all  students  of  the  subjects  comprised  in  the 
scheme,  as  well  as  the  approval  of  those  willing  to  encourage  the 
pleasant,  instructive,  and  healthful  recreations  of  the  amateur  field 
naturalist  and  antiquary. 

The  proposed  subscription  will  be  fifteen  shillings  per  annum  for 
gentlemen  and  ten  shillings  for  ladies.  Persons  residing  beyond  a 
certain  radius  (say  fifteen  miles)  from  the  head-quarters  of  the  Club 
will  only  be  required  to  pay  subscription  of  ten  shillings  and  seven 
shillings  respectively.  Persons  joining  the  Club  upon  or  within  two 
calendar  months  from  its  establishment  will  thereupon  be  considered 
original  members. 

Should  you  approve  of  the  objects  of  the  Club,  but  be  unable  to 
attend  the  meeting,  I  should  be  much  obliged  by  your  signing  the 
accompanying  letter  and  returning  it  to  me  at  your  earliest  convenience. 
I  shall  then  have  much  pleasure  in  adding  your  name  to  the  list  of 
original  members. — I  am,  yours  faithfully, 

Wm.  Cole  {Hon.  Sec.  pro  tern.) 

Several  kindly  and  appreciative  notices  of  the  proposed  Society 
appeared  in  London  and  provincial  journals,  and  upw-ards  of  a  hundred 
ladies  and  gentlemen  enrolled  their  names  as  original  members  before 
the  day  fixed  for  the  formation  of  the  Club.] 


S.\TURDAY,  January  ioth,  1880. 

A  public  meeting  for  the  foundation  of  the  Club  was   held  at  seven 
o'clock  in  the  evening  in  the  rooms  of  the  Art  Classes,  Buckhurst  Hill 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  iii 

(kindly  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Society  by  the  conductors).     A 
large  number  of  people  were  present,  the  chair  being  taken  by  Mr.  R. 
Meldola,  F.R. A. S.,  F.C.S.  (Secretary  to  the  Entomological   Society  of 
London).    Mr.  Meldola  said  it  was  unnecessary  to  make  any  remarks  by 
way  of  apology  for  calling  the  Club  into  existence.      The  proposal  had 
been  warmly  taken  up  in  many  quarters,  and  the  number  of  ladies  and 
gentlemen  present  that  evening  was  an  evidence  that  such   a  Society 
would  be  heartily  welcomed  in  the  county.     Mr.  N.  F.  Robarts,  F.G.S., 
proposed  the  foundation  of  the  Club,  the  resolution   being  seconded 
by  Mr.  W.  C.  Barnes,  and  carried  unanimously.     Mr.  W.  Cole  (acting 
as  Secretary /to /cm.)  then   read   the  rules   he  had  drawn  up  for  the 
approval  of  the  meeting,  stating  that  the  same  had  been  carefully  settled 
by  Mr.  Charles  Browne,  M.A.,  Barrister-at-law,  who  had  consented  to 
act  as  Hon.  Counsel  to  the  Club.     Each  rule  was  discussed  separately, 
a  few  alterations  being  made,  the  principal  one  bemg  the  reduction  of 
the  subscription  to  half-a-guinea  per  annum.*     Ultimately  the  rules 
were  passed  and  ordered  to  be  printed,  on  the  motion  of  Mr.  J.  P.  Hore 
seconded  by  Mr.  W.  C.  Barnes.     The  meeting  then  proceeded  to  elect 
the    Officers   of  the   Club  for  the  year  1880,  and  the  following  were 
chosen  : — President:  Raphael  Meldola, F.R. A. S.,  F.C.S.,&c.  (Secretary  to 
Entomological   Society  of  London).     Treasurer;  H.  J.  Barnes,  F.C.S. 
(Berlin).  Secretary:  WiWi^xn.  Cole, M.Y..S.  Librarian :  W.  ].  Argent.  The 
following  gentlemen  were  selected  to  form  the  first  Council  of  twenty- 
five  members :— Dr.  E.  B.  Aveling,  F.L.S. ;  R.  L.  Barnes,  F.C.S. ;  W.  C. 
Barnes;   E.   N.   Buxton,  J. P.,  &c.,  Verderer  of  Epping  Forest;  J.  T. 
Carrington,  F.L.S.  (Naturalist  to  Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster,  and 
Editor  of  "  Entomologist  ")  ;  R.  M.  Christy;  P.  Copland  ;   E.  A.  Fitch, 
F.L.S.,  M.E.S. ;  Rev.  James  Francis,    M.A. ;   G.   J.  Godwin  ;   Herbert 
Goss,   F.L.S.,  F.G.S.,    &c.  ;  J.    C.   Harcourt;   Francis  George  Heath 
(Author  of  "  Our  Woodland  Trees,"   "  The  Fern  World,"  &c.)  ;  H.    B. 
Hooper;  J.  P.  Hore  (Author  of  "The  History    of  Epping  Forest  ")  ; 
Andrew  Johnston,  J. P.  (High  Sheriff  of  Essex,  and  Verderer  of  Epping 
Forest) ;  Alfred  Lockyer;  Nathl.  Powell,  J. P.,  &c. ;  Hildebrand  Ramsden, 
M.A.,  F.L.S.,  F.R. M.S.,  &c.  ;    Rev.   C.  J.  Ridgeway ;  N.  F.  Robarts, 
F.G.S.,  &c. ;   W.   G.  S.  Smith  (Hon.  Sec.  "Epping   Forest  Fund"); 
C.  E.  Taylor ;  Rev.  W.  Linton  Wilson,  M.A.  ;  T.  J.  Woodrow,  F.S.S. 

It  was  proposed  by  the  Rev.  C.  J.  Ridgeway  and  seconded  by  the 
Rev.  W.  Linton  Wilson,  that  Charles  Browne,  Esq.,  M.A. ;  Charles 
Darwin,  Esq.,  M.A.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S.,  &c. ;  Alfred  Russel 
Wallace,  Esq.,  F.L.S.,  F.Z.S.,  &c.  ;  and  WiUiam  Whitaker,  Esq.,  B.A., 
F.G.S.,  &c.  (of  Her  Majesty's  Geological  Survey),  be  elected  Honorary 

*  This  alteration  was  strongly  protested  against  by  the  founder  of  the  Club,  as  being 
adverse  to  the  conclusion  he  had  arrived  at  after  careful  consideration  of  the  merits 
and  probabilities  of  the  case,  but  on  being  put  to  the  vote  the  smaller  subscription 
was  adopted  by  the  meeting. — Ed. 


iv  Journal  of  Proceedings, 

Members  of  the  Club.  This  proposal  was  carried  unanimously.  The 
first  ordinary  meeting  of  the  Club  was  fixed  for  the  28th  February,  and 
the  meeting  then  broke  up,  tea  and  coffee  being  served  in  one  of  the 
rooms. 


SATURD.A.Y,  February  2Sth,  1880. — Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  first  Ordinary  Meeting  of  the  Club  was  held  at  the  Head-quarters, 
at  seven  o'clock,  the  President,  Mr.  Meldola,  in  the  chair.  Nearly 
seventy  members  were  present.  The  minutes  of  the  Foundation  Meeting 
were  confirmed. 

Letters  were  read  from  the  gentlemen  proposed  at  the  last  meeting, 
returning  thanks  for  their  election  as  Honorary  Members  of  the  Society. 

In  accordance  with  the  power  given  to  him  under  Rule  IH.,  the 
President  nominated  Mr.  John  T.  Carrington,  F.L.S.,  M.E.S.  (Natu- 
ralist, Royal  Aquarium),  Mr.  E.  A.  Fitch,  F.L.S.,  M.E.S. ,  Mr.  N.  F. 
Robarts,  F.G.S.,  and  the  Rev.  W.  Linton  Wilson,  M.A.,  as  Vice-Presi- 
dents during  his  year  of  office. 

The  President  then  delivered  an  Inaugural  Address  on  the  objects 
and  work  of  the  Club.     (Transactions,  Vol.  I.,  pp.  1-26.) 

Mr.  John  Spiller,  F.C.S.,  said  that  he  was  sure  all  present  must  appre- 
ciate the  very  admirable  address  with  which  they  had  been  favoured  by 
their  President.  Its  preparation  must  necessarily  have  taken  long  study 
and  thought,  and  he  begged  to  congratulate  the  members  of  the  Society 
on  having  such  a  masterly  plan  of  operations  so  eloquently  sketched  out 
for  their  future  guidance  and  encouragement.  He  hoped  that  they 
might  look  forward  not  only  to  a  careful  record  and  revision  of  the  facts 
relating  to  the  natural  history  of  the  county,  but  also  to  making  many 
substantial  additions  to  the  facts  themselves.  They  had  certainly 
enjoyed  a  great  treat  that  evening  in  listening  to  Mr.  Meldola's  address, 
but  they  must  not  forget  that  many  members  of  the  Club  were  less 
happily  situated,  and  had  not  been  able  to  attend  the  meeting,  and, 
therefore,  in  their  interests,  and  in  the  interests  of  the  Society  itself,  he 
begged  to  propose  that  the  address  should  be  printed  and  circulated 
amongst  the  members.  The  motion  was  seconded  by  Mr.  H.  J.  Barnes, 
and  was  carried  unanimously. 

The  Librarian  announced  that  Mr.  Whitaker  had  presented  a  set  of 
pamphlets,  relating  to  the  geology  of  Essex,  to  the  library,  and  that  Sir 
Antonio  Brady,  F.G.S.,  had  sent  a  copy  of  a  privately  printed  catalogue 
of  his  magnificent  collection  of  the  Pleistocene  Vertebrata,  from  the 
neighbourhood  of  Ilford,  in  Essex.     Thanks  were  given  to  the  donors. 

The  Secretary  read  a  paper  communicated  to  the  Club  by  Mr.  R.  M. 
Christy,  of  Chignal,  near  Chelmsford,  on  "  The  Occurrence  of  the  Great 
Bustard  {Otis  tarda,  L.),  and  the  Rough-legged  Buzzard  {Buteo  lagopus), 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  v 

near  Chelmsford,  during  the  winter  of  1879."     (Transactions,  Vol.  I., 

P-  59-) 

The  specimen  of  the  great  bustard  was  exhibited  at  the  meeting,  and 

Mr,  W.  Cole  stated  that  the  Club  was  very  much  indebted  to  Mr.  P. 

Smoothy's  kindness  in    allowing    his    valuable  bird  to  be  sent  from 

Chelmsford  for  the  information  of  the  members. 

Mr.  E.  A.  Fitch,  F.L.S.,  said  that  he  had  heard  of  the  two  other 
specimens  of  the  bustard  in  Essex,  this  winter  ;  one  at  Manningtree  and 
one  at  Maldon.  He  also  observed  that  the  local  papers  had  reported 
the  specimen  described  by  Mr.  Christy  as  occurring  at  Chelmsford. 
This  was  incorrect,  as  Hull  Bridge  was  ten  or  twelve  miles  away  from 
that  town. 

The  thanks  of  the  meeting  were  given  to  Mr.  Christy  for  his  paper. 

It  was  announced  that  a  "  Tea  Fund  "  had  been  started,  to  be  sup- 
ported by  the  voluntary  contributions  of  the  members,  and  in  accordance 
therewith  tea  and  coffee,  &c.,  would  in  future  be  served  at  the  ordinary 
meetings  of  the  Club. 

The  Secretary  stated  that  the  last  day  for  receiving  the  names  of 
original  members  was  March  loth,  after  which  date  members  could 
only  be  elected  by  ballot,  as  provided  by  Rule  VI. 

The  meeting  then  resolved  itself  into  a  Conversazione.  Among  the 
specimens  exhibited  were  the  following  : — Molar  tooth  of  Elephas  primi- 
genius  from  brick-earth.  Lea  Valley,  Upper  Clapton,  and  specimens  of 
Granites  and  Lavas  used  for  road  mending  by  the  Woodford  Local 
Board — Mr.  N.  F.  Robarts,  F.G.S.;  various  species  oi  Fungi  and  Lichens 
from  Epping  Forest,  the  natural  forms  and  colours  being  well  preserved, 
and  many  rare  species  of  Lepidoptera  taken  in  the  forest  during  the  last 
thirty  or  forty  years — Mr.  James  English  ;  drawings  showing  differences 
between  the  Viper  and  the  common  Ringed  Snake — Mr.  Gould ; 
and  various  living  organisms  were  exhibited  under  microscopes  by 
Messrs.  F.  Oxley,  F.R.M.S.,  W.  Forster,  R.  Letchford,  F.R.M.S.,  and 
Hy.  Crouch,  F.R.M.S. 


Saturday.  March  20th,  1880.— Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  Ordinary  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  at  the  Head-quarters  at 
seven  o'clock,  the  President  in  the  chair. 

Presents  of  books  and  pamphlets  for  the  library  were  announced  from 
the  Rev.  W.  Linton  Wilson,  Mr.  W.  Whitaker,  and  Mr.  B.  G.  Cole,  and 
thanks  returned  for  the  same. 

Mr,  W.  Cole  exhibited  a  specimen  of  Daphne  laureoU  (the  "  Spurge 
Laurel  ")  recently  found  in  the  forest.  He  had  not  himself  seen  the 
species  there  before.  Mr.  English  observed  that  the  plant  had  formerly 
been  quite  common  in  an  enclosure  near  Woodredon  Hill,  but  had  been 


vi  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

exterminated  by  a  man  who  collected  it  to  supply  nurserymen  for  graft- 
ing purposes  ;  since  that  time  he  had  seen  specimens  in  Monk's  Wood 
on  two  occasions. 

The  President  said  that  Mr.  Woodrow  had  just  placed  in  his  hands 
a  flint  implement,  the  history  of  which  was  not  known.  It  appeared 
to  be  a  very  fine  specimen  of  a  flint  arrow-head. 

Mr.  T.  R.  Billups  exhibited  several  rare  and  interesting  species  of 
Colcoptera  taken  in  Essex,  and  referred  to  in  the  President's  Inaugural 
Address.  Amongst  them  was  Spercheus  emavginatus,  which  had  become 
so  rare  as  to  be  considered  extinct.  Mr.  Billups  took  many  specimens 
at  West  Ham  during  the  years  1878-9.  The  female  beetle  carries  the 
egg-sac  or  pouch  about  until  the  young  larvae  are  hatched.  Also  the 
very  minute  but  excessively  rare  Trkhopteryx  ambigua  {Matthews).  Of 
this  only  two  specimens  were  known  from  Belgium  until  Mr.  Billups 
discovered  it  in  rotten  Hornbeams  at  Loughton. 

Mr.  B.  G.  Cole  exhibited  a  specimen  of  Sterrha  sacraria,  taken  in  the 
meadows  lying  in  the  valley  between  Buckhurst  Hill  and  Chigwell,  on 
the  afternoon  of  August  17th,  1879  ;  being  the  first  recorded  appearance 
of  the  moth  in  Essex.  He  also  exhibited  a  very  beautiful  aberration  of 
Cynthia  cardiii  (the  "  Painted-lady  "  butterfly)  caught  in  his  garden  at 
Buckhurst  Hill  last  summer. 

A  paper  by  Mr.  John  Gibbs,  on  "An  Abnormal  Form  of  Cardamine 
pratensis,"  was  read  by  the  Secretary.    (Transactions,  Vol.  I.,  p.  64). 

Mr.  R.  M.  Christy  communicated  a  note  on  the  habits  of  the  Common 
Weasel  and  Stoat.    (See  Transactions,  Vol.  I.,  p.  66). 

The  President  pointed  out  that  the  most  important  point  in  Mr. 
Christy's  communication  appeared  to  be  the  statement  that  an  unusually 
large  number  of  white  stoats  had  been  seen  during  the  past  winter,  an 
observation  which,  if  confirmed  by  naturalists  in  other  parts  of  the 
country,  might  be  found  to  bear  some  relationship  to  the  extreme  cold 
which  had  prevailed  at  that  season. 

Mr.  Letchford  asked  whether  the  severe  winter  temperature  might 
not  have  caused  the  animals  to  become  white  by  acting  directly  on 
the  circulatory  system  in  such  a  manner  as  to  influence  the  colouring 
matter  of  the  fur  ;  and  he  called  upon  the  President  to  supply  more 
details  with  reference  to  his  statement  that  the  white  colouration  might  be 
in  some  way  connected  with  the  Arctic  character  of  the  winter  of  1879-80. 

Mr.  W.  Cole  pointed  out  that  no  circulation  of  fluid  could  take  place 
in  hair  or  fur,  inasmuch  as  hair  was  not  tubular,  but  was  simply  com- 
posed of  modified  and  elongated  epidermal  cells,  with  pigment  diffused 
throughout. 

The  President  was  disposed  to  believe  that  the  occurrence  of  an 
unusually  large  number  of  white  stoats  after  a  particularly  severe 
winter  might  be  due  to  reversion.  It  was  well  known  that  all  animals 
and  birds  inhabiting  the  Arctic  regions  had  a  tendency  to  be  of  a  white 


Joicrnaljjf  Proceedings.  vii 

colour,  which  was  necessary  not  only  for  protection  of  the  animals 
from  foes,  by  causing  them  to  assimilate  in  colour  to  the  snow  which 
constantly  covered  their  habitats,  but  also  because  this  colour  was  best 
adapted  to  withstand  the  severity  of  an  Arctic  climate.  Mr.  Meldola 
was  of  opinion  that  this  last  cause  was  of  greater  influence  in  giving 
white  coverings  to  Arctic  animals  than  had  hitherto  been  supposed. 
It  was  well  known  to  physicists  that  white  was  an  extremely  bad 
radiator  of  heat,  so  that  an  animal  clad  in  this  colour  would  lose  less 
heat  than  if  the  hair  were  of  any  other  colour  ;  and  by  a  true  process 
of  natural  selection  white  fur,  &c.,  would  in  this  manner  become 
established  in  the  animals  oi  the  Arctic  regions.  It  is  thus  probable 
that  the  ancestors  of  many  species  now  inhabiting  temperate  regions 
were  white  during  the  Glacial  period,  a  form  of  colouration  which  has 
been  retained  by  Arctic  species  up  to  the  present  time,  and  which 
appears  by  reversion  occasionally  in  species  having  coloured  hair  when 
they  are  exposed  to  the  same  conditions  as  those  which  originally  gave 
rise  to  the  white  covering.  The  President  stated  in  conclusion  that  he 
brought  forward  these  views  as  they  appeared  to  him  to  furnish  an 
explanation  of  the  fact  recorded  by  the  author  of  the  paper. 

Mr.  English  said  he  had  received  three  white  specimens  of  the  stoat 
this  winter  from  High  Beach  ;  last  year  he  had  four  ;  previously  he  had 
not  seen  one  for  twenty  years.  Whether  these  white  specimens  were 
due  to  severe  winters  or  otherwise  he  could  not  say. 

Mr.  Lockyer  asked  whether  it  was  possible  that  the  specimens  seen 
were  ordinary  Albinos?*  In  the  latter  case,  of  course,  the  eyes  would  be 
pink. 

Mr.  English  said  that  in  his  specimens,  as  far  as  he  could  recollect, 
the  eyes  were  of  the  normal  colour. 

Some  observations  were  made  by  Mr.  Linton  Wilson  and  others  on 
the  folly  of  gamekeepers  destroying  animals  and  birds  in  ignorance  of 
their  habits,  and  the  necessity  for  controlling  such  destruction  in  the 
Forest  districts. 

Thanks  were  voted  to  the  authors  of  the  papers. 

The  Rev.  W.  Linton  Wilson  explained  the  method  to  be  pursued  in 
entering  notes  in  the  MS.  book  he  had  presented  to  the  Club,  and 
stated  that  he  should  always  be  happy  to  assist  in  arranging  the  mate- 
rials thus  collected. 

The  President  remarked  that  a  mistake  appeared  to  prevail  in  the 
minds  of  many  at  the  last  meeting  as  to  the  purpose  of  the*'  Tea  Fund  " 
then  started.     He  explained  that  to  provide  tea  and  light  refreshment 

*  Mr.  Christy  remarks,  under  date  March  25th,  that  he  has  no  reason  to  suppose  the 
specimens  mentioned  by  him  were  Albinos,  and  that  he  never  heard  of  an  Albino 
stoat  or  weasel.  He  adds  :—  "  Compared  with  the  North  of  England,  it  is  quite  a 
rare  thing  here  for  the  stoat  to  turn  white,  but  I  have  just  received  one  from  as  far 
south  as  Sussex  that  is  all  white  except  the  top  of  the  head  and,  of  course,  the  tip  of 
the  tail." 


viii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

for  members  and  friends  at  the  ordinary  meetings  of  the  Club,  from 
£'j  to  ;^io  would  be  required  per  annum.  This  could  not  be  charged 
to  the  working  expenses  of  the  Club,  and  the  object  of  the  fund  was  to 
provide  money  for  what  was  deemed  a  very  useful  and  sociable  purpose, 
by  means  of  voluntary  contributions  of  members  and  friends. 

At  the  Conversazione,  Mr.  P.  F.  Copland  exhibited  a  specimen  of  the 
Green  Woodpecker  [Picus  viridis)  from  Theydon  Mount ;  Mr.  English 
a  specimen  of  Conglomerate  found  in  the  woods  at  Goynes  Park,  Theydon 
Garnon ;  and  Mr.  Cole  a  slide  showing  a  portion  of  the  Trachea  of  a 
larva  of  Tipula  oleracca,  with  a  parasitic  larva  attached  thereto  ;  Mr.  Cole 
also  exhibited  his  collection  of  European  butterflies. 


Monday,  March  29TH,  1880. — Field  Meeting.* 

The  first  ¥\e\d  Meeting  of  the  Club  took  place  on  this  day.  The 
main  body  of  the  members  and  friends  assembled  at  the  Loughton  Sta- 
tion in  time  for  the  11  o'clock  train  from  that  place  to  Ongar,  and  were 
received  by  the  Secretary.  On  arrival  at  Ongar  the  party  at  once  pro- 
ceeded to  the  "  King's  Head,"  where  luncheon  awaited  them.  Fifty- 
three  members  and  friends  sat  down,  the  chair  being  occupied  by  Mr. 
Meldola.  A  pleasant  walk  across  the  fields  then  soon  brought  the  party 
to  Greensted,  where  it  was  met  by  Capt.  Budworth,  of  Greensted  Hall, 
and  the  Rev.  R.  M.  Rodwell.  The  curious  old  church  of  St.  Andrew's 
was  inspected,  and  Capt.  Budworth  gave  a  highly  interesting 
address  on  its  history  and  construction.  The  body  or  nave  of  the 
church  was  entirely  built  of  the  trunks  of  trees  (probably 
oaks),  split  or  sawn  asunder.  The  church  has  undergone  a  good 
deal  of  restoration,  and  on  two  separate  occasions,  the  ends 
of  the  trunks  of  the  trees  composing  its  fabric  becoming  decayed, 
have  been  sawn  oft  and  underpinned  with  oak.  This  rude  and 
unpolished  building  is  supposed  to  have  been  first  erected  as  a  sort  of 
shrine  for  the  reception  of  the  corpse  of  Edmund,  King  of  the  East 
Angles,  on  its  return  to  Bury  (in  Suffolk)  from  London,  whither  it  had 
been  conveyed  to  avoid  the  sacrilege  of  the  Danes,  a.d.  ioio.  A  passage 
in  a  Latin  MS.,  cited  in  the  Monasticon,  runs  thus:  "This  body  was 
likewise  entertained  at  Augre,  where  a  wooden  chapel  erected  to  his 
memory  remains  to  this  day."  The  ancient  road  from  London  to  Bury 
lay  through  Oldford,  Abridge,  Stapleford,  Greensted,  Dunmow,  and 
Clare.  There  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  ancient  part  of  Greensted 
Church  was  first  a  temporary  shrine  or  resting   place  of  St.  Edmund, 

*  In  these  reports  of  our  field  meetings  the  Editor  has  endeavoured  to  present  chatty 
and  gossiping  summaries  of  the  proceedings  and  adventures  at  these  pleasant 
reunions,  but  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  accounts  are  for  friendly  and  kindly 
perusal  by  the  members,  and  are  not  intended  to  be  rigorously  criticised. 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  ix 

and  in  process  of  time  rendered  useful  as  a  a  parochial  church,  many 
additions  being  made  to  the  fabric.  In  his  lecture  Captain  Budworth 
alluded  to  a  curious  custom  as  to  the  appointment  of  the  rector.  The 
Bishop  of  London  holds  the  living  in  trust  to  present  to  it  the  senior 
curate  of  St.  Botolph,  Aldgate,  for  the  time  being,  provided  he  is  a 
single  man,  although  of  course  he  may  marry  after  the  presentation. 
The  Rev.  F.  Rose,  late  curate  of  St.  Botolph,  had  just  been  appointed, 
but  had  not  then  taken  up  his  residence.  In  illustration  of  Captain 
Budworth's  remarks,  Mr.  Unwin  exhibited  several  views  and  sections, 
showing  the  condition  of  the  church  at  various  periods  of  its  history. 
A  cordial  vote  of  thanks  was  given  to  Captain  Budworth  for  his 
interesting  address,  and  the  party  pressed  forward  over  the  fields, 
which  were  fortunately  very  dry,  towards  High  Laver,  Mr.  Rodwell 
kindly  placing  his  carriage  at  the  disposal  of  some  of  the  ladies. 

The  somewhat  backward  season  precluded  much  work  in  the  botani- 
cal way  ;  the  hedgerows  were  very  bare  of  herbage,  but  in  places  the 
fragrant  Ground-ivy  [Nepeta  gkcJioma),  the  "  rathe  Primrose,"  and  the 
sweet  and  modest  Violets  [V.oderata  et  canina)  were  commonly  seen  and 
gladly  welcomed  as  a  sign  that  the  merry  days  of  spring  were  indeed 
come.  Many  specimens  of  a  white  "  variety  "  of  Viola  oderata  were 
noticed.  The  pretty  and  local  Moschatel  {Adoxa  moschatellina)  was 
common  on  many  damp  hedgerows  and  under  the  shade  of  trees  ;  fine 
specimens  of  the  Spurge  Laurel  [Daphne)  were  seen  in  a  small  wood 
near  Moretown  ;  young  plants  of  Hottonia  palnstris  ("Water-violet") 
occurred  in  a  pond  near  Greensted,  and  PotentiUa  fyagariastrutn  and 
Mercurialis  pei'ennis  were  everywhere  in  bloom.  Mr.  E.  A.  Fitch,  F.L.S., 
pointed  out  the  somewhat  uncommon  galls  of  the  little  Gall-gnat 
[Cecidomyia  Taxi)  on  the  yew-trees  in  Greensted  Churchyard. 

The  only  Lepidopteron  observed  was  the  little  "  March -dagger  Moth  " 
(Diurnea  fagclla),  which  occurred  on  trunks  of  trees  in  Captain 
Budworth's  park. 

Mr.  Saward  noticed  a  curious  case  of  almost  complete  etiolation  in 
the  leaves  of  a  rose  bush  (Rosa  sp.  ?). 

At  High  Laver  the  Club  was  warmly  welcomed  by  the  Rector,  the 
Rev.  M.  Rodwell,  M.A.,  who  explained  the  various  features  of  interest 
connected  with  the  church  of  All  Saints,  and  pointed  out  some  fragments 
of  very  old  stained  glass  which  had  been  recovered.  The  churchyard 
is  celebrated  as  containing  the  tomb  of  John  Locke,  who  died  at  the 
seat  of  Otes  in  1704,  the  quaint  Latin  epitaph  having  been  written  by 
the  philosopher  himself.  Mr.  Rodwell  gave  some  very  interesting 
anecdotes  of  Locke,  and  recited  two  renderings  of  the  epitaph — one,  a 
metrical  paraphrase  by  a  friend,  and  the  following  prose  version  from 
his  own  pen  : — "  Stay,  passer-by, — Near  this  place  lies  John  Locke.  To 
your  question, — What  sort  of  man  was  he  ? — He  answers  that  he  was 
of  middle  rank  and  fortune,  and  was  contented  therewith  :  of  learned 


X  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

tastes  and  habits  :  he  only  reached  the  point  of  consecrating  his  learning 
to  the  cause  of  truth  above  all  things.  You  will  discover  this  from  his 
writings ;  and  these  will  more  faithfully  exhibit  to  you  the  rest  of  his 
character  than  the  suspected  testimonials  of  an  epitaph.  Whatever 
virtues  he  had,  they  were  not  enough  to  put  forward  as  a  matter  of 
glory  to  him,  nor  as  an  example  to  thee.  Let  his  faults  be  buried  with 
him.  If  you  seek  an  example  of  good  life,  you  have  one  in  the  Gospel ; 
would  that  there  were  nowhere  any  of  bad  life  ;  of  the  shortness  of  life, 
you  have  an  example  (may  it  profit  thee)  both  here  and  everywhere. 

"  His  birth,  on  August  29th,  a.d.  1632  ;  his  death,  October  28th,  1704, 
is  recorded  by  this  tablet,  which  itself  must  perish  ere  long," 

The  church  was  thoroughly  examined,  and  afterwards  the  whole  party 
was  most  hospitably  entertained  at  tea  at  the  rectory  by  Mrs.  and  Mr. 
Rodwell  and  spent  sometime  in  their  pleasant  garden.  The  Club  intended 
visiting  Magdalen  Laver  Church,  when  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  rector, 
would  have  explained  its  points  of  interest,  but  time  was  wanting.  In  the 
cool  of  the  evening  the  members  strolled  back  to  Ongar,  and  sat  down  to  a 
capital  supper  tea  at  the  "  King's  Head."  The  President  made  some 
congratulatory  remarks  on  the  success  of  the  first  field  meeting,  and 
announced  that  classes  for  instructing  members  in  the  use  of  the 
microscope  and  the  study  of  plants  and  animals  were  in  contemplation. 
The  Club  left  Ongar  by  the  8.15  train,  everything  having  passed  off  in  an 
extremely  satisfactory  manner. 


Saturday,  April  24th,  1880. — Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  Ordinary  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  at  the  Head-quarters  at 
seven  o'clock,  the  President  in  the  chair.  Nearly  fifty  members  and 
friends  were  present.  Donations  of  books  and  pamphlets  were  announced 
from  Messrs.  Hy.  Walker,  F.G.S.,  A.  and  G.  H.  Lockyer,  H.  Goss. 
F.L.S.,  and  the  President.  Certificates  in  favour  of  eight  candidates  for 
election  at  the  next  meeting  were  read. 

Mr.  W.  Cole  exhibited  a  series  of  specimens  of  Ephyra  pnnctana  for 
the  purpose  of  showing  that  the  species  exhibits  in  a  marked  degree  the 
phenomenon  of  "  Seasonal-Dimorphism."  There  are  two  broods  of  the 
moth  in  the  year,  one  appearing  in  May  from  pupa  which  have  passed 
the  winter  in  that  stage.  Eggs  laid  by  the  May  moths  produce  another 
set  of  individuals  in  July,  which  are  very  different  in  appearance ;  but 
some  of  the  pupce  frequently  remain  undeveloped,  and  wintering  over, 
appear  in  the  May  following  as  the  ordinary  form  of  the  species.  Mr. 
Cole  pointed  out  that  this  curious  fact  could  be  explained  on  the 
principle  of  "reversion,"  in  accordance  with  Dr.  Weismann's  theory. 
The  May  or  "  Winter  "  generation  may  be  viewed  as  the  primitive  form 
which  existed  in  the  Glacial  epoch  :  as  the  summers  gained  in  warmth 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xi 

another  generation  became  possible  in  the  season,  but  certain  individuals 
in  a  brood  always  exhibit  a  tendency  to  revert  to  the  normal  habits  and 
form  of  the  species.  Mr.  Cole  also  adverted  to  the  fact  that  the 
occasional  occurrence  of  such  specimens  would  be  of  advantage  to  the 
species  in  affording  a  cross  between  individuals  which  had  developed 
under  very  different  conditions. 

Mr.  Robarts  and  the  President  made  some  remarks,  the  latter 
pointing  out  that  Mr.  Edwards's  experiments  with  Papilio  Ajax  had 
afforded  very  similar  results. 

Mr.  Cole  also  exhibited  a  series  of  specimens  of  Ewnomos  angular ia, 
being  the  result  of  an  experiment  designed  to  test  the  influence  of 
food  on  the  colour  and  markings  of  insects.  No  definite  influence  could 
be  traced  to  the  kind  of  food  on  which  the  caterpillars  had  fed,  although 
as  naturally  might  be  expected,  different  plants  possessed  very  different 
nourishing  properties.  Also  a  very  curious  [Gynandromorphous)  speci- 
men of  the  pretty  silver-studded  Blue  Butterfly  [Lvc^na  agon),  the 
wings  on  the  right  side  being  similar  to  those  of  the  male  insect,  whilst 
those  of  the  left  side  were  of  the  female  type.  This  specimen  was 
captured  at  Loughton,  in  June,  1868. 

Mr.  English  read  a  note  on  a  new  method  of  preserving  plants  for 
the  Herbarium,  so  as  to  retain  much  of  their  natural  colours  and  form. 
(Trans.  Vol.  I.,  p.  71.)  The  author  exhibited  specimens  in  illustration 
of  his  remarks,  and  asked  for  the  assistance  and  co-operation  of  mem- 
bers in  his  endeavours  to  bring  the  process  to  perfection. 

Mr.  English  also  exhibited  the  White  Weasels  referred  to  at  the 
last  meeting,  and  a  fine  specimen  of  the  Long-eared  Owl  [Otis  vulgaris) 
from  Magdalen  Laver,  in  the  stomach  of  which  he  had  found  the 
remains  of  a  Song  Thrush. 

At  the  Conversazione,  Mr.  C.  Oldham  showed  some  fine  "  cut  "  speci- 
mens of  fossil  Madrapores,  collected  by  himself  on  the  South  Devon 
coast ;  Mr.  Lindsay,  specimens  of  the  minute  Primrose  {Primula  minu- 
tissima),  and  P.  rosea  from  N.India;  and  Mr.  EngHsh  specimens  of 
the  Wood  Anemone  [Anemone' nemorosa)  with  "  double  "  flowers,  and  an 
Albino  variety  of  the  Dog-violet  [V.canina)  from  Epping ;  Chrysosple- 
niuni  oppositifolium  (Golden  Saxifrage)  from  Ongar  Park,  and  a  white 
variety  of  the  Common  Primrose  (P.  vulgaris)  from  the  Forest. 

It  was  announced  that  at  the  meeting  on  May  29th,  Mr.  Henry 
Walker,  F.G.S.,  would  give  a  lecture  entitled  "A  Day's  Elephant 
Hunting  in  Essex,"  and  that  a  class  for  the  study  of  practical  botany, 
open  to  members  of  the  Club,  would  be  commenced,  provided  the  names 
of  a  sufficient  number  of  students  were  received.*  Also  that  a  Field 
Meeting  would  be  held  on  May  8th  or  15th,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting 
the  ancient  earthworks  in  the  Forest. 

*  Sufficient  interest  not  being  shown  by  the  local  me-mbers  in  the  project,  it  was 
subsequently  decided  not  to  hold  the  classes,  at  any  rate  just  then.— Ed. 


xii  Journal  of  Proceeding ii. 


Saturday,  May  29th,  1880. — Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  Ordinary  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  in  the  St.  John's  Church 
Schoolrooms,  kindly  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Council  by  the 
Rector,  the  Rev.  C.  J.  Ridgeway.  The  President  occupied  the  chair. 
Upwards  of  eighty  members  and  friends  were  present. 

The  following  were  balloted  for,  and  elected  members  of  the  Club  :— 
Miss  Alcock,  Mrs.  M.  Smith,  Messrs.  JohnFinzi,  J.  M.  Gawler,  Charles 
J.  Glass,  Frank  Jesse,  Charles  Thomas,  F.G.S.,  Charles  Welsh.  The 
names  of  seven  new  candidates  were  read. 

Mr.  Worthington  Smith,  F.L.S.,  exhibited  six  large  and  heavy  Palaeo- 
lithic implements,  found  by  himself  in  the  Valley  of  the  Lea,  near 
London,  and  of  the  same  age  as  the  elephants  and  other  anim.als  sub- 
sequently mentioned  by  Mr.  Walker  in  his  lecture.  These  implements 
are  found  on  both  sides  of  the  Lea  Valley,  generally  in  sand  and  gravel, 
and  not  unfrequently  with  bones  of  Elephas  primigenius. 

Mr.  Saward  exhibited  a  remarkably  pale  form  of  Argynnis  Eiiphro- 
syne  (the  "  Pearl-bordered  Fritillary  Butterfly ")  from  Ongar  Park 
Woods. 

Mr.  E.  A.  Fitch,  F.L.S.,  brought  up  for  exhibition  and  distribution 
amongst  the  members  a  large  number  of  specimens  of  the  usually  rare 
Cress,  Lcyidium  draha.  This  plant  is  a  native  of  the  middle  and  south 
of  Europe,  but  is  not  admitted  into  the  British  list,  being  considered 
by  Mr.  Watson  as  an  alien ;  it  has  occurred  in  fields  and  on  hedge- 
banks,  at  Swansea,  St.  Peter's,  Ramsgate,  and  in  Essex,  but  always 
rare,  and  appearing  to  be  introduced.  Mr.  Fitch's  specimens  were 
from  his  fields  at  Maldon.  The  plant  was  first  noticed  tw^enty  or 
twenty-five  years  ago,  and  is  now  very  common.  The  roots  penetrate 
to  a  great  depth  in  the  soil.  Mr.  Fitch  was  of  opinion  that  the  seeds 
of  the  plant  had  been  introduced  with  foreign  clover  seed. 

Mr.  Henry  Walker,  F.G.S.  (author  of  "The  Glacial  Drifts  of 
Muswell  Hill  and  Finchley,"  "  Saturday  Afternoon  Rambles,  Rural 
and  Geological,"  &c.),  then  delivered  a  lecture  entitled  "A  Day's 
Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex."  (Transactions,  Vol.  I.,  pp.  27-5S.)  Mr. 
Walker  illustrated  his  lecture  by  reference  to  numerous  maps,  plans, 
and  geological  sections,  some  of  which  were  new,  and  specially  pre- 
pared for  the  occasion.  He  also  showed  some  fine  specimen  fossils 
from  his  own  collection.  The  lecture  was  listened  to  with  deep  atten- 
tion by  the  audience,  and  Mr.  Walker  was  much  applauded  at  its 
close. 

The  President  said  it  was  almost  unnecessary  for  him  to  speak  of 
thanks  to  the  lecturer,  they  had  already  given  their  verdict  in  that 
hearty  burst  of  applause.  The  lecture  was  well  worthy  of  the  attention 
it  had  received,  and  he  had  great  pleasure  in  announcing  that  the 
Council  had  resolved  to  print  Mr.  Walker's  essay,  so  that  the  members 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xiii 

and  general  public  might  have  an  opportunity  of  studying  it  at  their 
leisure.  Before  putting  any  formal  vote  to  the  meeting,  he  would  like 
to  listen  to  any  remarks  from  members,  and  he  was  glad  to  say  that 
they  had  amongst  them  that  evening  the  very  Nimrod  of  Essex  Ele- 
phant hunters,  Sir  Antonio  Brady  himself,  to  whose  noble  and  per- 
severing exertions  science  and  the  nation  were  indebted  for  that  unique 
and  magnificent  collection  of  Pleistocene  Vertebrata  from  the  ancient 
Thames  Valley  which  now  rested  in  the  British  Museum. 

Sir  Antonio  Brady,   F.G.S.    (Verderer  of  Epping  Forest),  who  was 
warmly  greeted,  referred,  in  a  long  and  interesting  speech,  to  the  astro- 
nomical causes  which   may  be  held  to  account  for  the  various  Glacial 
Epochs,  and  mentioned  in  that  connection  two  books  which  he  deemed 
worthy  of  special  study — Mr.  CroU's  "  Climate  and  Time,"  and  Colonel 
Drayson's    "  Glacial    Epochs."      To  explain  the    various  phenomena 
observed,  we  must  have  recourse  to  astronomical  causes.    It  appears 
that  the  pole  of  the  earth  points  to  the  polar  star,  but  that  the  pole  of 
the  plane  of  the  ecliptic  is  not  quite  coincident  with  it,  being  about  46 
seconds  from  it.     It  is  suggested  that  the  poles  do  not  revolve  in  space 
in  a  circle,  but  in  a  slightly  eccentric  curve.     The  effect  is  scarcely 
noticeable  in  historical  time,  but  in  the  course  of  about  17,000  years 
such  a  declension  would  be  caused   in  the  earth's  axis  with  regard  to 
the  sun  as  would  in  that  time  bring  the  arctic  circle  down  to  about 
the  latitude  of  London.     This  would  cause  such  a  change  of  climate  as 
would    account    for  the  Glacial  Period,  which   we  know   once,  if  not 
oftener,   obtained   in   this   island,    and   is  especially  apparent   in   the 
northern  part  of  it,  notably  in  Scotland.     In  this  condition,  the  sun 
in  our  latitude  would  not  rise  above  the  horizon  for  months  together, 
and  the   result  would  be  an   arctic  winter  such   as  now  exists  in  the 
higher  regions  of  our  globe.     On  the  other  hand,  the  sun  would  be 
above  the  horizon  for  many  months  together,  giving  a  tropical  climate, 
such  as  recent  discoveries  of  coal   measures  and  tropical  vegetation 
prove  to  have  existed  near  the  pole  in  ancient  geological  times.  The  effect 
of  the  rapid  melting  of  the  accumulated  winter  ice  and  snow  would 
cause  such  floods  as  we  have  now  no  experience  of,  but  which  would 
fully  account  for  most  of  the  phenomena  of  Glacial   Drift,  and  the 
transport  of  enormous  boulders,  presumably  ice-borne  on  the  floating 
icebergs,  as  we  see  in  a  lesser  degree  at  the  present  time.     It  is  more- 
over suggested  that  the  animals  existing  at  that  time  migrated  with  the 
changing  seasons,  some  being  overwhelmed  by  the  way.     The  subject 
was  too  vast  for  him  to  do  more  in  the  few  remarks   permitted  him 
than  just  to  glance  at  the  theories  promulgated  to  account  for  known 
phenomena ;  but  anyone  wishing  for  more  detailed  information  on  this 
most  intensly  interesting  subject  would  be  amply  repaid  by  the  perusal 
of  the  many  works  which  treat  on  the  questions  raised,  especially  those 
he  had  already  referred  to. 


xiv  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

One  difficulty  which  always  strikes  the  observer  is  to  account  for 
the  number  and  variety  of  animals,  the  bones  of  which  are  found  in  the 
Uphall  Brickfields.     The   spot  appears  to  have  been  a  perfect  grave, 
yard  for  large  animals,  both  tropical  and  boreal.     Ilford  was  a  ceme- 
tery  for   mammoths,    rhinoceroses,    hippopotami,  bisons,    et   hoc  genus 
omnes,  in  the  old  ice-age,  thousands — nay,  tens  of  thousands — of  years 
ago ;  and  a  cemetery  for  Londoners  it  was  at  the  present  day.     Sir 
Antonio    believed   that    the   facts   could   be    explained    somewhat   as 
follows: — England  in  the  Pleistocene  age  was  not  an  island,  but  formed 
part   of  the  continent   of  Europe.     The  Thames  was  certainly  there, 
and  although  only  a  tributary  of  the   great  river  which  drained  the 
vast  valley  now  the  North   Sea  or  German  Ocean,  was   a  very  large 
and  broad  stream.     The  herds  of  animals   whose  remains    are  found 
buried  at  Ilford  occupied  the  whole  territory   so  drained.     There  is 
reason  to  believe  that  the  spot  where  Ilford  now  is  was  at  that  period 
the  centre  of  a  lake-like  expansion  of  the  river,  bounded  on  the  one 
side  by  the  Kentish,  and  on  the  other  by  the  Hertfordshire,  hills.    The 
river  was,  of  course,  not  then  confined,  as  now,  by  artificially  con- 
structed banks.     Bones  were  often  found  deposited  before  the  cartila- 
ginous connections  had  been  dissolved,  but  it  was  impossible  to  believe 
that  all  those  large  animals  had  lived  and  died  in  so  small  a  space. 
Although  the  remains  were    not  water-worn,    they  must    have    been 
carried  to  the  Ilford  brickfield  by  the  same  agency  that  deposited  the 
sand,  gravel,  and  silt  around  them — namely,  water.     The  main  stream 
probably  entered  the  lake-like  expansion  of  the  river  at  or  near  one 
corner,  and  left  at  another,  imparting  to  the  current  a  somewhat  rotary 
motion,  which  motion  would  tend  to  drift  floating  bodies  towards  the 
centre.     The  heavier  parts  of  drowned  animals,  carried  along  with  the 
stream,  would  be  deposited  near  to  the  middle  of  the  lake ;  and  when 
decomposition  set  in,  the  heaviest  bones  would  first  become  detached 
from  the  carcases,  fall  off,  and  sink,  whilst  the  lighter  ones  would  be 
carried  further,  and  some  perhaps  become  ultimately  disintegrated  and 
lost.     This  would  explain  why  so  many  heavy  bones,  tusks,  teeth,  and 
skulls  were  seen  together.     The  bones  were  mostly  found  in  the  sands 
under    the  brick-earth,  soddened  with    percolating  water,    by   which 
agency  all  the  animal  matter  had  been  washed  out,  leaving  the  form 
of  the  bone  and  "  skin  "  {sic)  perfect,  but  consisting  only  of  the  mineral 
skeleton,  and  that  in  a  very  soft  and  pappy  state.     Their  exhumation 
is  therefore  a  matter  of  great  difficulty,  requiring  the  exercise  of  much 
skill.     Sir  Antonio  gave  a  minute  explanation  of  the  ingenious  though 
tedious  process  employed  in  exhuming  the  large  and  extremely  fragile 
bones   from    the   earthy  matrix  in  which  they  are  found — a   process 
rendered  more  difficult  in  the  case  of  large  tusks  by  the  dotihle  curve 
of  those  of  the  mammoth.      The  last  tusk   he  dug   up  was  over  ten 
feet  long.     We  owed  the  method  employed  to  the  genius  and  skill  of 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xv 

Mr.  Henry  Woodward,  of  the  British  Museum.    The  tusk,  being  satu- 
rated with  moisture,  had  first  to  be  underdrained  to  partially  dry  it, 
and  to  give  it  a  little  consistence,  or  it  would  not  take  any  of  the  size 
or  glue  which  must  be  employed  to  replace  the  cohesive  animal  matter 
which  in  process  of  time  it  had  lost.     The  surface  having  been  cleaned 
from  sand  and  gravel,  damp  paper  was  then   carefally  laid  over  it, 
and  over  this  liquid  plaster  of  Paris  was  poured.    This  soon  hardened, 
the  paper  preventing  its  adhesion  to  the  bone.     In  the  case  of  a  large 
tusk   with  a  double  curve,    rods   of   iron,    bent    to    the  shape  of  the 
tusk,  had  to  be  used,  and  sohdly  embedded  in  the  plaster.     So  far, 
the  upper  surface  only  had  been  dealt  with,  and  the  more  difficult  or 
under  part  had  then  to  be  treated.     Tliis  was  done  by  undermining  a 
few  inches  at  a  time  alternately,  and  tying  up  the  underlying  matrix 
(often  loose  sand)  with  list  or  haybands  until  the  entire  length  had 
been  secured  and  fixed  with  plaster.     The  whole  had  then  to  be  very 
carefully  turned  over  on  to  a  platform  made  to  receive  it,  when  more 
plaster  was  added,  and  the  bone  encased  in  a  perfect  splint  or  case, 
in  which  state  it  might  be  removed.     A  large  tusk  would  require  from 
two  to  three  hundredweight  of  plaster.     It  was  then  left  to  dry,  and 
when  ready,  the  coats  of  earth,   bands,    and   plaster  were   carefully 
removed  with  saw  and  chisel ;  the  paper  first  laid  on  preventing  the 
adhesion  of  the  plaster  to  the  bone,  and  preserving  the  "  skin  "  intact. 
In   drying,  the  bone  cracks  all  over,  and  often  separates  into  many 
hundred  pieces.     In  this  case  the  pieces  were  numbered  whilst  still 
in  the  plaster  matrix,  and  then  boiled  in  a  solution   of  glue  to  give 
them  consistency :  they  were  then  fitted  together  again  with  cement. 
If  these  operations  were  carefully  performed,  the  pieces  fitted  so  accu- 
rately that  the  joints  were  scarcely  discernible. 

Sir  Antonio  referred  to  his  Catalogue  of  Pleistocene  Mammalia  from 
Ilford  as  being  the  most  complete  record  ever  made  of  one  locality. 
It  was  always  his  desire  that  his  fossils  should  be  preserved  in  some 
local  museum,  so  as  to  be  available  for  study  near  the  scene  of  their 
discovery.  He  had  offered  them  to  the  East  London  Museum,  but  the 
Government  of  that  day  would  not  accept  the  trust,  and  so  the  col- 
lection went  to  the  British  Museum,  the  authorities  there  having 
expressed  a  great  desire  to  have  it.  There  was  no  Epping  Forest  Club 
then  in  existence,  or  its  resting-place  might  have  been  different. 

In  conclusion,  Sir  Antonio  expressed  his  pleasure  at  being  present  as 
a  member  of  a  society  which  promised  so  well,  and  which  had  so  wide 
a  field  of  work  before  it.  He  moved  a  cordial  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr. 
Walker  for  his  pleasant  and  instructive  lecture. 

The  President  said,  before  putting  the  vote,  he  had  a  few  announce- 
ments to  make.  The  projected  Field  Meeting  to  the  Forest  earthworks 
they  were  obliged  to  postpone,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  securing  the 
services  of  a  skilled  archaeologist  to  conduct  the  same.     As  soon  as 


xvi  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

arrangements  could  be  made,  the  meeting  would  take  place.  A  Field 
Meeting  would  be  held  on  June  5th,  in  Monk's  Wood,  with  Dr.  M.  C. 
Cooke,  M.A.,  &c.,  as  conductor;  also  one  on  19th  June  in  conjunction 
with  the  New  Cross  Microscopical  Society.  In  July  Mr.  Walker  would 
accompany  a  Field  Meeting  to  some  spot  of  geological  interest ;  and 
Professor  Boulger,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S.;  &c.,  had  also  offered  his  valuable 
services  as  a  botanist.  Particulars  of  these  meetings  would  be 
announced  in  the  usual  way. 

The  vote  of  thanks  having  been  carried  by  acclamation,  Mr.  Walker 
said  that  his  best  reward  was  the  knowledge  that  so  strong  and  pros- 
perous a  Field  Club  had  been  established  in  Essex.  He  had  had  much 
experience  in  connection  with  Field  Clubs  and  Natural  History  Socie- 
ties, and  therefore  spoke  with  authority  in  expressing  the  pleasure  he 
had  derived  at  finding  a  club  so  vigorous  and  determined  to  succeed, 
starting  on  its  course  of  pleasant  usefulness. 

The  usual  Conversazione  took  place  at  the  Head-quarters  of  the  Club, 
3,  St.  John's  Terracce,  where  tea  and  coffee  were  served.  Mr.  Wake- 
field exhibited  some  beautiful  specimens  of  Agates,  Fossil  Sponges, 
Corals,  &c.,  cut  and  polished;  also  a  fine  stone  Celt,  dredged  up  from 
the  River  Lea,  near  Waltham  Abbey.  Mr.  W.  White,  two  species  of 
Stigmavia  from  the  Coal  Measures.  Rev.  W.  Linton  Wilson,  various 
specimens  of  animal  and  vegetable  "  Pond  Life,"  including  Lissotyiton 
pundatus  and  Triton  cristatus  (Newts),  three  species  of  Lemna  from 
Chigwell,  and  many  Water -beetles,  &c.  Messrs.  W.  and  B.  G.  Cole, 
a  box  of  insects  from  Monk's  Wood,  taken  and  bred  in  April  and  May, 
1880.  Mr.  J.  Gibbs,  specimens  of  the  abnormal  Cavdamine  pratensis 
described  in  a  paper  recently  communicated  to  the  Club  (Trans.  Vol.  I., 
p.  64).  Mr.  English,  fine  specimens  of  Poly  poms  squamosus  ;  a  hen 
Blackbird  with  plumage  resembling  a  Thrush,  and  other  specimens. 


Saturday,  June  5TH,  1880. — Field  Meeting. 

The  announcement  of  a  Field  Meeting  in  Monk's  Woods,  with 
Dr.  M.  C.  Cooke,  M.A.,  A.L.S.,  &c.,  as  botanical  conductor,  attracted 
a  large  number  of  members  and  friends,  nearly  eighty  ladies  and 
gentlemen  assembling  at  Loughton  Station  on  arrival  of  the  2.13  p.m. 
train  from  Fenchurch  Street.  The  weather,  changeable  during  the 
morning,  had  then  become  more  settled,  and  gave  some  promise 
of  a  fine  afternoon.  The  party  was  soon  in  motion,  the  route  chosen 
being  over  Staple's  Hill,  and  so  at  once  into  the  greenwood.  There 
were  present  Mr.  B.  H.  Cowper,  the  discoverer,  and  Mr  W.  D'Oyley, 
the  surveyor,  of  the  Loughton  "  Camp  " — a  spot  which  may  have 
been  associated  with  Queen  Boadicea,  and  the   final  struggle  of  the 


Journal  of  Procccd'uujs.  xvii 

Britons  against  the  Romans,  The  party  was  soon  encamped  within 
the  ramparts  of  their  sylvan  fortress,  and  Mr.  Cowper  briefly  pointed 
out  and  explained  the  leading  features  and  probable  intention  of  this 
interesting  monument  of  an  ancient  race.  But  no  lingering  could  be 
allowed  at  the  spot,  interesting  as  it  is  to  the  lover  of  history  and 
legend,  and  the  members  left  it  with  less  regret,  inasmuch  as  they 
were  promised  a  Field  Meeting  for  the  special  purpose  of  examining 
the  Forest  earthworks.  So  "  Forward  !  "  was  the  word  of  command  : 
and  Little  and  Great  Monk's  Woods  were  soon  reached.  Perhaps  no 
more  charming  spots  than  these  could  be  chosen  by  anyone  desiring 
to  see  Epping  Forest  at  its  best.  Monk's  Woods  are  hidden  in  the 
midst  of  the  Forest,  silent  and  secluded.  The  ground  surface  possesses 
considerable  natural  advantages.  It  is  modestly  undulating,  and  in 
places  much  broken  where  some  tiny  rivulets  traverse  it,  running 
in  picturesque  curves  through  the  shady  thickets.  The  trees,  un- 
scathed by  "lopper"  or  "topper,"  at  least  in  recent  times,  are 
very  types  of  sylvan  vigour,  and  spread  around  their  graceful 
boughs  with  all  the  wild  freedom  of  Nature.  The  stroller  may 
here  find  bits  of  woodland  beauty  recalling  New  Forest  itself— 
giant  Beeches  guarding  vistas  of  speckled  light  and  shade,  with 
foregrounds  of  richly  branched  and  tangled  Brambles,  graceful 
Bracken  ferns,  verdant  mossed  patches,  and  waving  grass  and 
rush.  It  is  a  true  piece  of  natural  woodland,  teeming  with  objects 
of  wonder  and  delight  for  all  who  have  eyes  to  see,  aye,  and  ears  to 
hear,  for  the  spot  abounds  in  birds  and  curious  forest  animals.  Many 
members  of  the  party  were  soon  busy  with  the  flowers  and  insects, 
mosses  and  ferns,  which  inhabit  this  delightful  spot.  There  was  the 
Red  Rattle  {Pedicular is  sylvatica),  a  white  variety  of  which  occurred 
not  uncommonly ;  the  pretty  and  changeable  Milk-wort  (Polygalia)  in 
all  shades  of  colour— white,  blue,  and  pink.  The  Bracken  ferns  were 
just  unfolding  their  fronds,  and  gave  fair  promise  of  coming  luxu- 
riance. The  Needle- whin  {Genista  anglica),  one  of  the  prettiest  of 
woodland  plants,  nestled  amongst  the  Ling  in  the  openings,  where  the 
little  white  flowers  of  the  Heath  Galium  {G.saxatile)  contrasted  well 
with  the  bright  yellow  blossoms  of  two  species  of  Potentilla  {tormentilla 
etreptans);  whilst  in  "shadiest  covert^  hid,"  the  plainer  Cow-wheat 
{Melampyrum)  bordered  the  woodland  paths.  In  the  streams  the 
bright  blue  blossoms  of  the  Brook-lime  were  to  be  found,  and  by  the 
brook-side  the  delicate  Yellow  Pim^erneW  {Lysimachia  nemorum),  the 
variety  flexHosa  of  the  Hairy  Bitter  Cress  {Cardamine  hirsiita)  and  two 
or  three  species  of  Viola.  The  entomologists  were  not  very  fortunate ; 
the  weather  was  possibly  not  favourable  for  delicate  moths— they 
had  betaken  themselves  to  the  welcome  shelter  of  the  leafy  boughs  and 
sedge.  However,  several  species  were  noticed— the  Beech  Hook-tip 
moth  {Drcpana  unguicula),  and  the  pretty  Geometrid  Ephyni  trilinearia, 

2 


xviii  Journal  of  Proceedinys. 

both  peculiar  to  large  Beech  woods.  The  pond-hunters  were  busy  with 
rod  and  bottle  fishing  up  examples  of  aquatic  life  from  pools  and 
streams.  We  have  no  reports  of  the  catches  in  some  cases,  but  Dr. 
Cooke  has  furnished  us  with  the  following  list  of  species  he  met  with 
during  the  afternoon  : — 

ALG^.  DESMIDS. 

Zygnema  cruciatum  (Ag.)  Hyalotheca  dissiliens 

Zygnema  stagnalis  Closterium  Dianaj 

Spirogyra  tenuissima    (not  Closterium  Leibleinii 

common)  Closterium  rostratum 

Spirog>Ta  turpis  Closterium  gracile  (rare) 

Cladophora  fracta  Spirotasnia  condensata 

DIATOMS.  Cosmarium  cucumis 

Cocconema  lanceolatum  Cosmarium  botrytis 

Epithemia  turgida  Staurastrum  muricatum 
Pinnularia  viridis 

He  states,  however,  that  he  found  very  little  animal  life  in  the  col- 
lection, except ; — 

PROTOZOA.  ROTIFERS. 

Amffiba  guttula  Rotifer  vulgaris 

Actinophrys  sol  Metopidia  acuminata 

(Dr.  Cooke  adds,  "  There  may  be  one  or  two  additions  to  this  list, 
as  there  are  a  few  specimens  which  I  have  not  had  time  to  examine 
sufficiently  to  fix  the  names  with  any  certainty.") 

About  five  o'clock  the  whistle  was  sounded,  and  the  members  found 
their  way  in  groups  to  the  Wake  Arms,  where  a  well-served  and  sub- 
stantial tea  awaited  them.  Then,  making  for  the  train,  the  forest  road 
towards  Theydon  was  taken,  a  halt  being  made  in  the  woods  to  listen 
to  the  genial  conductor,  Dr.  Cooke,  as  he  discoursed  on  the  wonders 
of  the  water,  the  curious  Algse,  Diatoms,  Desmids,  Rotifers,  &c.,  which 
a  little  searching  would  reveal  in  the  ditches,  pools,  and  swamps  of 
Epping  Forest.  The  rain  came  down  during  the  Doctor's  address, 
and  he  made  some  humorous  allusions  to  the  vanity  of  human  wishes 
as  exemplified  by  the  afternoon's  proceedings.  But  he  said  he  had 
very  great  faith  in  Epping  Forest  as  being  perhaps  the  best  spot  for 
the  naturalist  within  forty  miles  of  London.  As  an  instance,  he  men- 
tioned that,  on  the  previous  Saturday  afternoon,  he  had  found  at 
Snaresbrook  three  species  of  Algse    hitherto    unknown    in    Britain — 

namely, 

Hydrianum  heteromorphum  (Reinsch) 

Sphterozosma  secedens  (De  Bary) 

Closterium  linea  (Perty). 
This  result  showed  that  the  persevering  hunter  might  still  find  worlds 
to  conquer  in  our  own  districts.  , 


Journal  of  Proceedliujs.  xix 

Dr.  Cooke's  remarks  on  the  various  forms  of  minute  life  were  illus- 
trated by  a  large  series  of  exquisite  coloured  drawings  made  from 
living  specimens  under  the  microscope.  But  the  rain  became  too 
persistent ;  the  Doctor  shut  up  his  portfolio,  and  the  Club  fled  along 
the  Theydon  Road  to  the  railway,  under  the  shelter  of  friendly 
umbrellas.  The  8.37  train  set  down  the  members  of  the  party  at  their 
proper  stations;  a  "good-bye,"  a  rapid  hand- wave  at  the  passing 
carriage-windows,  and  a  pleasant  day  was  gone. 


Saturday,  June  iqth,  1880. — Field  Meeting. 

A  Field  Meeting  of  the  Club  was  held  in  conjunction  with  the  New 
Cross  Microscopical  and   Natural   History   Society,  the  members  of 
the  two  societies  meeting  at  Theydon  Bois  on  the  arrival  of  the  2.13 
train  from  London.     The  meeting  was  conducted  by  the  respective 
Presidents  and  Secretaries  of  the  Societies,  Messrs.   Martin  Burgess, 
R.  Meldola,   Frederick   Stewart,   and   W.  Cole;  Mr.  Henry  Walker, 
F.G.S.,  also  giving  his  valuable  aid.     The  weather  during  the  week, 
had  been  of  a  very  doubtful  character,  and  heavy   rain   had  fallen 
during  the  morning.     The  muster  was  not  so  large,  therefore,  as  had 
been  anticipated,  but  sixty  members  and  friends  attended  the  meeting, 
and  were  rewarded  with  one  of  the  finest  afternoons  of  the  season- 
warm,  genial,  and  bright.     The  route  taken  was  past  Theydon  Green 
and  the  Church,  through  the  village,  and  into  the  woods  on  the  right 
hand,  some  distance  past  Oak  Hill  enclosure.     The  forest  was  at  its 
best ;  the  rain  had  freshened  the  plants  and  trees,  but,  excepting  in 
the   low   ground,    it   was    quite    dry   under  foot.      Nets,    boxes,  and 
vasculums   were   soon  applied  to  their  proper  uses.     Orchis   maculata 
was  growing  in  profusion  and  perfection ;  and  many  were  the  demon- 
strations, with  a  grass  stem  thrust  gently  into  the  spurs  of  the  newly- 
expanded  flowers,  of  the  mode  in  which  insects  unconsciously  remove 
the  pollen  masses  on  their  proboces,  and  carry  the  fertilising  element 
to  other  plants.     In  a  large  open  of  moist  heathy  land,  two  species  of 
Hair-moss  {Polytrichum  commune  et  P.  aloides)  occurred  in  plenty ;  and 
here  the  remains  of  poor  "Reynard,"  with  his  bonnie  brush  intact, 
lay  festering  in  the  sun  !     In  the  woods  near  this  spot,  Mr.  English 
found  some  young  plants  of  the  elegant  little  fern,  Lastrea  orcopteris 
[montana,   Newm.)      (See   Ordinary  Meeting,  June  26th.)     The  party 
then  proceeded  to  a  piece  of  marshy  ground  on   the  Copthall  Road, 
where  the  Bog-moss  {Sphagnum)  grows  abundantly.     Here  the  micro- 
scopists  at  once  set  to  work,   but  with  what  result  only  home  study 
could  reveal.     Two  species  of  a  delicate  Fungus  grew  on  the  moss, 
and  the  moisture-loving  Bedstraws  {Galium  uliginosum  et  palustre)  were 


XX  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

common,  with  the  untidy-looking  Lychnis  flos-ciiculi,  well  named  the 
"Ragged  Robin"  by  village  urchins.  Then  on  through  the  forest 
towards  Ambresbury  Banks,  noticing  the  heaps  of  Bagshot  gravel  by 
the  roadside,  which  Mr.  Walker  explained  at  one  time  covered  the 
whole  country,  and  had  since  been  denuded  away,  with  the  exception 
of  the  outlying  patches  on  the  Essex  heights,  &c.  Some  little  time 
was  spent  in  examining  the  Camp,  which  is  supposed  to  have  been  the 
station  of  the  Roman  General,  Suetonius,  when  he  gained  his  great 
victory  over  the  unfortunate  Queen  of  the  Iceni.  The  Britons,  headed 
by  Boadicea,  perhaps  assembled  at  the  Camp  at  Loughton  (visited  by 
the  Club  on  June  5th),  w^ere  so  confident  of  success  that  we  read  they 
brought  their  wives  and  families  to  view  the  conflict  and  enjoy  their 
triumph  ;  and  so  certain  were  they  of  victory  that  they  blocked  up  the 
rear  of  the  army  with  their  carriages  and  waggons.  When  defeat 
came  these  impeded  their  flight,  and  a  dreadful  slaughter  ensued  ;  men 
and  women  without  distinction  were  slain  by  the  incensed  Romans, 
to  the  number,  it  is  said,  of  80,000  in  battle  and  pursuit.  At  least,  so 
the  story  runs  in  county  history  and  legend. 

From  this  spot  the  members  strolled  gently  on  towards  Epping, 
taking  the  old  hunting  glade  through  the  Forest,  w^hich  has  been  re- 
opened by  the  Corporation  to  form  part  of  their  "  Green  Ride"  from 
Forest  Gate  to  Thorn-wood  Common.  This  part  of  the  Forest  is  most 
beautiful,  and  the  fine  unlopped  beeches  were  much  admired.  Many 
plants  were  noticed  :  The  Sanicle  [Sanicula  Euvopcea)  and  the  Pig-nut 
{Buninm  flexuosum) ,  the  edible  tubers  of  which  v/ere  tasted  with  much 
satisfaction.  The  lovely  Lotus  covnicidatus  was  in  profusion  in  many 
parts,  and  the  Honeysuckle  and  many  species  of  Rosa  were  found 
wasting  their  sweetness  on  the  desert  air.  The  entomologists  noticed, 
amongst  the  Lepidoptera,  Halias  prasinana,  Herminea  tarsipennalis,  and 
iiemoralis,  and  a  very  dark  female  specimen  of  Euholia  palmnbaria  ; 
many  species  oi  Coleoptcra,  Tvichoptcra,  Hymcnoptera,  and  Diptcra  were 
also  obtained.  Mr.  W.  G.  Smith,  the  well-known  Secretary  of  the 
Forest  Fund,  caught  sight  of  a  Deer  in  one  of  the  glades  near 
Ambresbury. 

At  the  Cock  Inn,  Epping,  a  very  excellent  tea  was  furnished  by  Mr. 
Tweed,  the  comfort  of  the  party  being  studied  in  every  way.  The 
Rev.  W.  Linton  Wilson,  M.A.,  took  the  chair,  in  the  temporary  absence 
of  the  President,  and  after  welcoming  the  members  of  the  New  Cross 
Society,  called  upon — 

Mr.  Walker,  who  said  he  h^ad  no  intention  of  inflicting  a  long  speech 
upon  them  ;  he  always  endeavoured  in  such  cases  to  lean  to  the  side 
of  mercy  !  They  might  congratulate  themselves  on  having  had  a  most 
delightful  forest  ramble,  in  company  with  their  good  friends  from  New 
Cross.  It  w-as  also  a  great  source  of  satisfaction  to  know  that  they 
had  taken  away  the  reproach  from  the  county,  for  it  was  a  reproach 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xxi 

for  a  county  like  Essex  to  be  without  its  Field  Club.     The  time  had 

come  to  show  that  they  were  not  all  bicycle  mad ;  that  other  things 

were  worthy  of  attention  besides  boating   and    cricket,    excellent  as 

these  were  in  their  way  ;  and  they  would   offer   their  protest  against 

the  neglect  of  Nature  in   these  days.     They  should  not  stop  at  that 

however  :    they  should  make  their  enthusiasm  contagious,    and  seek 

always  to  impart  the  virus  to  their  friends.     For  himself  he  could  say 

that    he   always  strove   to  prove   a   source   of    contagion    to   others. 

(Laughter.)     Mr.  Walker  made  an  earnest  protest  against  the  wilful 

destruction  of  rare  plants  and  animals.     He  was  glad  to  see  that  the 

Rules  of  the  Club  emphasized  that  protest.     They  felt  that  the  protest 

was  necessary,   but  they  also  felt  that  they  had  sufficient  moral  sense 

to  know  how  to  deal  with   the  subject.     With  respect  to  their  field  of 

study,    they   had   a   comparatively   unworked   ground    in    almost    all 

branches  of  Natural  History,  and  in  Geology  especially.    He  instanced 

the  Glacial  Moraine  which  had  been  recently  discovered  not  far  from 

Epping,  with  its  shells  and   fossils  transported  from  Lancashire  and 

Yorkshire,  and  which  was  an  example  of  the  kind  of  work  waiting  to 

be  done  in  the  Geology  of  Essex.     In  the  course  of  his  very  interesting 

address,  Mr.  Walker  also  pointed  out  the  benefits  to  be  derived  from 

companionship  with  men  who  have  made  a  special  study  of  some  one 

branch    of  natural    science ;    they  must   remember   that    books   were 

always  far  behind  field  work,  and  the  great  value  of  the  social  meetings 

of  Clubs  and  Societies  was  that  they  brought  the  true  student  and 

the  learner  face  to  face. 

Mr.  Martin  Burgess,  President  of  the  New  Cross  Society,  returned 
thanks  for  the  cordial  welcome  accorded  to  the  members  of  his 
Society.  They  had  that  afternoon  seen  some  of  the  beauties  of  Essex, 
and  he  hoped  it  would  not  be  the  last  occasion  on  which  the  two 
Societies  might  be  able  to  co-operate  in  so  pleasant  and  profitable  a 
way. 

The  company  then  rambled  about  Epping  until  the  time  of  de- 
parture by  the  8.33  train.  This,  the  third  Field  Meeting  of  the  Club, 
was  in  all  respects  a  successful  one. 


Saturday,  June  26th. — Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  at  the  Head-quarters,  at  seven 
o'clock,  the  President  in  the  chair.  The  following  were  elected 
members  of  the  Club  :— Rev.  F.  A.  Walker,  B.D.,  F.L.S.,  &'c.,  Professor 
G.  S.  Boulger,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S.,  Messrs.  W.  H.  Wright,  Ernest  Thompson, 
John  Waller,  T.  Travis,  and  Wm.  Bodle.  The  names  of  eight  new 
candidates  for  election  at  the  next  meeting  were  read. 


xxii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

The  President  announced  that  a  Field  Meeting  would  be  held  on 
Saturday,  July  3rd,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  the  ancient  camps  in  the 
Forest.  Major-General  Pitt-Rivers,  F.R.S.  (Vice-President  of  the 
Anthropological  Institute),  would  act  as  Archaeological  conductor, 
assisted  by  Mr.  B.  H.  Cowper,  the  discoverer,  and  Mr.  \Vm.  D'Oyley, 
the  surveyor  of  the  Loughton  Camp.  Professor  Boulger,  F.L.S., 
F.G.S.,  &c.,  would  superintend  the  botanical  researches  of  members, 
and  many  other  well-known  men  were  expected  to  be  present. 

Mr.  James  English  exhibited  the  following  insects  taken  in  Epping 
Forest: — Noiodojita  dictceoides,  Statiropus  fagi  (the  "Lobster  Moth"),  and 
curious  varieties  oi  Eubolia  pahimharia  (captured  at  the  last  Field  Meet- 
ing), Argynnis  selene  ("  Small  Pearl-bordered  Fritillary"  butterfly),  and 
Lomaspilis  marginata.  Mr.  English  also  referred  to  his  re-discovery  of 
the  "  Mountain  Buckler  Fern,"  Lastrea  oreopteris  {montana  of  Newman's 
British  Ferns),  at  the  Field  Meeting  on  the  19th  of  June.  The  plant 
used  to  occur  near  Fair  Mead  Bottom  at  the  back  of  the  "Royal 
Oak,"  High  Beach,  and  one  or  two  other  localities,  years  ago.  He  had 
often  searched  of  late  to  re-discover  the  species,  but  in  vain,  until  the 
occasion  referred  to ;  he  had  since  noticed  another  plant.  Mr.  Cole 
remarked  on  the  probability  of  many  lost  species  re-occurring;  and 
instanced  the  Lily  of  the  Valley,  which  had  become  very  rare  in  the 
Forest.  This  year  young  plants  were  springing  up  in  numbers  in 
several  spots. 

Mr.  Meldola  exhibited  Aplecta  occulta  (dark  aberration),  Aplecta  tincta 
and  Noctua  glareosa,  all  captured  in  the  woods  near  Woodford  some 
years  ago.  Mr.  English  remarked  that  glareosa  occurred  occasionally 
in  some  parts  of  the  Forest,  but  that  A.  occulta  was  a  great  rarity. 
Mr.  Doubleday  had  once  bred  a  batch  of  thirty  or  forty  specimens,  but 
all  of  the  grey  tint  common  in  southern  specimens,  whereas  Mr. 
Meldola's  example  was  similar  to  the  dark  northern  form  of  the  moth. 
Mr.  B.  G.  Cole  exhibited  the  following  moths : — CuciilUa  chamomilloe, 
taken  at  Buckhurst  Hill  in  May;  Tephrosia consonaria  and  Nolacristualis, 
taken  in  Monk's  Woods  in  May ;  and  a  series  of  Demas  coryli  (the  "  Nut- 
tree  Tussock  "  moth)  bred  from  larvce  found  in  the  same  place  in  Sep- 
tember and  October,  1879. 

The  Secretary  exhibited  some  living  plants  of  the  "  Sundew  "  {Drosera 
rotiindifolia) ,  gathered  that  morning  in  Epping  Forest.  He  called  atten- 
tion to  the  very  restricted  habitat  of  the  species,  and  the  certainty  that 
any  extensive  drainage  of  the  locality  .would  inevitably  exterminate 
this,  one  of  the  most  wonderful  of  British  plants. 

The  President  gave  some  interesting  details  of  the  results  of  modern 
study  of  the  "  Sundews."  He  briefly  described  the  structure  of  the 
leaves  of  the  Drosera,  the  gland-bearing  tentacles,  and  the  viscid  fluid 
secreted  by  them.  Insects  alight  on  the  leaves,  probably  attracted  by 
some  odour  exhaled  by  the  plant.     The  viscid  fluid  covering  the  ten- 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xxiii 

tacles  holds  the  insects  prisoners,  and  in  a  short  time  the  longer 
marginal  tentacles  bend  over  and  with  merciless  grasp  crush  the  poor 
captives  down  to  death.  The  secretion  from  the  glands  increases  in 
quantity,  and  acts,  as  Mr.  Darwin's  patient  experiments  have  shown, 
with  a  veritable  digestive  action  on  the  softer  tissues  of  the  insects. 
The  nutritive  nitrogenous  substances  are  thus  dissolved  and  taken  up 
by  the  glands,  which  possess  the  power  of  absorption  as  well  as  that  of 
secretion.  The  leaves  again  unfold,  the  secretion  dries  up  for  a  time, 
the  indigestible  hard  parts  of  the  insects  are  blown  away  by  the  wind, 
and  the  leaves  are  again  in  a  condition  to  resume  their  predatory 
functions.  Sometimes  large  insects  are  caught  in  this  way,  and  Mr. 
Cole  mentioned  that  he  had  on  two  occasions  seen  Satyrus  janira  (the 
"  Meadow-brown  "  butterfly),  an  insect  measuring  nearly  two  inches 
across  the  wings,  thus  held  fast.  The  vigorous  growth  of  the  plant  is 
evidently  dependent  on  the  supply  of  nitrogenous  substances  obtained 
by  the  solution  and  digestion  of  its  insect  prey.  Its  natural  habitat  on 
the  surface  of  a  thick  layer  of  Sphagnum  moss  can  give  the  plant  little 
beyond  a  plentiful  supply  of  moisture,  whilst  the  smallness  of  the  roots, 
which  merely  serve  to  anchor  it  to  its  mossy  bed,  proves  that  it  derives 
but  little  benefit  from  the  soil.  The  predacious  habits  of  the  plant 
are  therefore  probably  of  great  importance  to  its  well-being.  Mr. 
Letchford  mentioned  the  fact  that  gardeners  find  the  Droseracea  very 
difficult  to  cultivate  ;  in  confinement  they  probably  miss  their  weekly 
rations  of  flies  and  gnats. 

An  interesting  discussion  followed  Mr.  Meldola's  observations,  in 
which  Messrs.  Letchford,  Robarts,  Lockyer,  the  Secretary,  and  Pre- 
sident took  part.  The  habits  of  carnivorous  plants,  the  functions  of 
Chlorophyll  (in  which  the  Drosera  is  very  deficient),  and  the  supposed 
distinctions  between  plants  and  animals,  were  touched  upon. 

Communications  from  Mr.  R.  M.  Christy,  on  "A  curious  mass  of 
mud  found  in  a  thrush's  nest  at  Audley  End  Park,  by  Mr.  Travis,  and 
supposed  to  be  the  work  of  a  Nuthatch;'''  on  the  question,  "  How  do 
Wild  Ducks,  Moorhens,  and  other  such  birds  introduce  their  young  to 
the  water  when  their  nests  are  placed  on  a  tree  ?"  and  on  "  Diseased 
Trout  in  Essex,"  were  read.     (Trans.,  Vol.  I.,  pp.  66-71.) 

Remarks  on  these  subjects  were  made  by  the  President,  Messrs. 
W.  C.  Barnes,  Letchford,  Robarts,  English,  and  the  Rev.  C.  J. 
Ridgeway,  and  thanks  voted  to  the  author. 

Mr.  Lockyer  read  the  rules  he  had  drawn  up  for  the  Exchange 
Scheme  which  had  been  sanctioned  by  the  Council,  and  which  he 
would  superintend  (particulars  can  be  obtained  by  applying  to  Mr. 
Alfred  Lockyer,  Tavistock  Road,  Snaresbrook). 

At  the  Conversazione  Messrs.  English  and  W.  Cole  exhibited  various 
plants  from  the  Forest  in  flower,  including  Orchis  viacidata  (the  "  Spotted 
Orchis"),  Habenaria  bifolia  ("  Butterfly  Orchis"),  Listera  ovata  ("Tway- 


xxiv  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

h\3ide") ,  Erica  tetralix  ("  Bell-heath"),  Pendicidaris  sylvatica  ("  Red-rattle"), 
&c.,  &c.  ;  and  Mr.  English  several  species  of  Fungi,  including  Polyporus 
suiphiireus,  Marasmius  ureus  (poisonous),  &c.;  also  an  example  of  the  rare 
sub-genus  Eccilia  oi  Argaricus  gathered  at  the  last  Field  Meeting  and 
preserved  by  his  well  known  process. 


Saturday,  July  3rd,  1880. — Field  Meeting. 

"A  Field  Meeting  will  be  held  on  Saturday,  July  3rd,  1880,  for  the 
purpose  of  a  thorough  investigation  of  the  Ancient  Earthworks  of  Am- 
bresbury  Banks  and  at  Loughton."  So  ran  the  circular,  which,  sent 
to  all  members  of  our  Club,  had  induced  nearly  fifty  enthusiasts  to 
brave  the  perils  of  the  storm,  and  take  the  2.13  train  from  Fenchurch 
Street  to  Theydon  Bois.  As  the  train  paused  at  the  several  stations  to 
take  up  some  courageous  and  resolute  members,  and  to  set  down  some 
timorous  and  vacillating  ones,  the  greetings  and  opinions  on  the 
weather  exchanged  from  the  carriage  windows  were  the  reverse  of 
assuring — the  rain  was  simply  pouring  down,  and  the  sky  burdened 
with  dense  masses  of  cloud  and  vapour  sufficient  to  strike  terror  into 
the  heart  of  the  most  hardened  forester.  Sometimes,  however,  fortune 
favours  the  brave.  At  Theydon  Bois  the  rain  soon  ceased,  the  sun 
shone  out  brightly,  and  some  hopeful  ones  even  predicted  a  fine  after- 
noon. Alas !  again  had  we  to  lament,  with  Dr.  Cooke,  the  "  vanity  of 
human  wishes  " — but  more  of  the  weather  anon. 

In  spite  of  untoward  circumstances  our  party  was  a  goodly  one.  Our 
learned  archaeological  conductor,  Major-General  Pitt-Rivers,  F.R.S., 
Vice-President  of  the  Anthropological  Institute  (better  known,  to  those 
who  have  examined  his  magnificent  anthropological  collections  lately 
shown  at  the  Bethnal  Green  Museum,  by  his  former  cognomen. 
Colonel  Lane  Fox),  and  his  colleague,  Mr.  W.  L.  Distant,  Director  of 
the  same  Institute,  were  present.  Also  Mr.  B.  H.  Cowper,  so  well- 
known  from  his  discovery  of  the  Loughton  Camp  and  his  various 
papers  thereon.  Professor  Boulger,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S.,  represented  the 
claims  of  botanical  science;  and  last,  but  not  least,  our  good  friend 
Mr.  Walker,  F.G.S.,  gave  us  the  benefit  of  his  company  and  kindly 
aid.  Of  course  our  President  was  at  his  post ;  and  no  less  than  eight 
of  our  lady  members  and  friends  donned  "  waterproofs  "  and  umbrellas, 
boldly  facing  the  fortunes  of  the  day.  Captain  Alex.  McKenzie  (Super- 
intendent of  the  Forest)  courteously  placed  the  services  of  the  head- 
keeper,  Mr.  Luffman,  at  our  disposal,  and  a  start  was  soon  made 
through  the  woods  to  Ambresbury  Banks  ;  Mr.  W.  C.  Barnes  and  Mr. 
J.  Eliot  Howard,  F.R.S.,  kindly  giving  carriage  accommodation  to 
some  of  the  party.     The  Forest  was  in  places  very  wet,  and  it  required 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xxv 

some  amount  of  skill  and  agility  to  safely  cross  the  numerous  quag- 
mires which  now  and  again  sought  to  bar  our  progress  ;  whilst  every 
incautious  tap  at  the  trees  or  bushes  showered  down  glistening  rain 
drops  upon  devoted  heads.  At  Ambresbury  we  were  joined  by  Mr. 
D'Oyley  (the  Hon.  Surveyor  to  the  Club),  who  brought  with  him  some 
beautifully  drawn  plans  of  the  two  Camps  made  from  his  own  surveys. 

The  archaeologists  at  once  set  to  work  to  verify  the  details  of  the 
Earthworks,  and  Mr.  B.  H.  Cowper  gave  an  interesting  sketch  of  their 
broad  features,  and  the  circumstances  under  which  he  first  made  their 
acquaintance,  seven  or  eight  years  ago.  He  referred  to  the  name  Am- 
bresbury (or  "  Amesbury,"  as  it  is  pronounced  by  the  country  people), 
as  being  identical  with  that  of  the  well-known  town  in  Wiltshire,  near 
Stonehenge,  and  the  celebrated  Vespasian's  Camp.  The  v/ord 
Ambresbury  is  thought  by  some  to  be  derived  from  Ambrosius 
Aurelius,  a  foe  of  the  Saxons.  If  this  derivation  is  allowed  to  be  cor- 
rect, we  may  associate  the  Epping  Camp  with  the  most  romantic  stories 
of  our  history,  and  may  conjure  up  visions  of  Vortigern  and  Merlin, 
and  Tennysonian  legends  of  King  Arthur  and  the  Knights  of  the  Round 
Table.  But  descending  to  mere  matters  of  fact,  he  said  it  was  curious 
that  so  far  as  he  knew  no  relics  had  been  found  in  either  the  Epping  or 
Loughton  Camps ;  he  had  often  examined  them  carefully,  but  could 
discover  nothing  in  the  w^ay  of  a  coin  or  medal,  or  other  object  that 
would  interest  the  simple  antiquary,  and  enable  the  true  date  of  the 
Camps  to  be  fixed.  During  the  examination.  General  Pitt-Rivers 
remarked  upon  the  amount  of  denudation  which  had  evidently  taken 
place  from  the  ramparts,  and  the  large  quantity  of  vegetable  and  other 
soil  which  had  accumulated  on  the  ancient  level  of  the  Camp.  In  order 
to  have  even  a  remote  chance  of  finding  coins,  pottery,  or  other  relics 
of  their  founders,  it  would  be  necessary  to  get  at  the  former  base  of  the 
Earthworks  by  a  careful  excavation. 

At  Mr.  Meldola's  suggestion,  all  discussion  as  to  the  nature  of  the 
remains  was  deferred  until  after  tea,  and  a  move  was  soon  made  to  the 
Loughton  Camp,  which  was  first  made  known  by  the  researches  of  Mr. 
Cowper  in  the  year  1872.  Owing  to  the  dampness  of  the  herbage  our 
party  was  obliged  to  keep  much  to  the  main  road,  and  we  so  lost  the 
ramble  through  Monk's  Woods,  which  had  been  looked  forward  to  as 
one  of  the  pleasantest  features  in  our  programme.  Professor  Boulger's 
office  as  botanical  adviser  was  almost  a  sinecure.  Little  opportunity 
was  afforded  to  the  phytological  enquirer,  and  the  plants  observed 
hardly  call  for  particular  notice  ;  but  few  could  fail  to  be  struck  with 
the  beauty  and  profusion  of  the  Orchids  in  the  forest  openings.  Insects 
of  course  were  very  scarce ;  with  a  weather  wisdom  superior  to  our 
own,  they  refused  to  creep  out  from  the  shelter  of  their  leafy  bowers. 
"  Cowper's  Camp "  was  examined  by  our  archaeologists  amid  the 
growlings  of  the  coming  storm.     Viewed  from  where  we  stood  on  the 


xxvi  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

high  ground  to  the  South  of  the  Camp,  very  grand  and  impressive 
were  the  atmospheric  effects  exhibited  in  the  valley  stretching  below 
us  to  the  Kentish  Hills  on  the  other  side  of  the  Thames.  But  even  our 
enthusiasm  was  soon  put  to  too  severe  a  test,  and  as  the  flashes  of 
lightning  increased  in  number  and  lurid  brilliancy,  and  the  rumbling 
thunder  of  the  ever  approaching  storm  became  louder  and  louder,  a 
general  stampede  took  place.  In  parties,  some  in  carriages  and  some 
on  foot,  we  made  for  our  promised  haven,  the  "Forest  Hotel," 
at  Chingford.  Some  of  the  number  took  refuge  at  the  "  Robin  Hood," 
and  secured  conveyance  from  thence.  Mr.  Barnes  and  Mr.  Distant 
felt  the  effects  of  one  of  the  electrical  discharges  as  their  carriage  ran 
along  the  Lower  Road.  However,  all  were  eventually  safely  lodged 
in  the  Hotel,  and  enjoyed  the  excellent  "  high  tea  "  provided  for  us  by 
the  manager,  Mr.  Jesse.  After  tea,  a  move  was  made  to  the  fine  room 
known  as  the  Banquetting  Hall,  w-here  the  President  expressed  the 
pleasure  he  felt  at  seeing  so  large  a  meeting  assembled  in  spite  of  the 
adverse  meteorological  conditions.  It  was  a  very  gratifying  indication 
of  the  vitality  of  the  Club.  He  remarked  that  the  early  archaeology  of 
Essex  came  legitimately  within  their  scope  ;  and  at  a  very  early  stage 
of  the  Club's  existence  he  felt  that  it  would  be  very  desirable  for  it,  as 
a  scientific  body,  to  take  up  this  question  of  the  Forest  Earthworks, 
with  the  view  of  settling,  or  attempting  to  settle,  their  date.  He  con- 
gratulated the  Club  on  its  having  been  able  to  secure  the  co-operation 
of  their  eminent  conductor,  one  of  the  highest  authorities  in  the 
kingdom  on  subjects  of  that  nature,  upon  whom  he  would  call  to 
favour  the  meeting  with  the  benefit  of  his  opinion. 

General  Pitt-Rivers  said  that  Mr.  Meldola  had  spoken  in  very 
flattering  terms  of  his  (the  General's)  qualifications  for  the  post  he  had 
the  honour  to  occupy  that  afternoon.  He  confessed  he  was  somewhat 
taken  aback  at  seeing  himself  announced  as  conductor  of  the  meeting, 
inasmuch  as  although  he  had  been  engaged  for  many  years  in  studying 
ancient  camps  in  many  parts  of  the  kingdom,  he  had  not  before  had 
the  pleasure  of  viewing  these  remains  in  Epping  Forest.  However, 
they  had  had  the  benefit  of  the  best  local  knowledge  as  represented  in 
Mr.  Cow'per,  and  the  assistance  of  the  very  excellent  tracings  prepared 
by  Mr.  D'Oyley  ;  these  plans  formed  a  great  step  in  advance  toward 
obtaining  a  knowledge  of  the  remains.  In  fact  he  felt  that  his  office  as 
conductor  was  not  a  case  of  the  blind  leading  the  blind,  but  rather  an 
instance  of  the  blind  attempting  to  lead  those  who  could  see.  He 
believed  there  could  be  no  question  that  both  the  remains  they  had 
visited  that  afternoon  were  veritable  Camps,  such  as  were  found  in 
other  parts  of  the  country.  He  did  not  himself  think  there  was  any 
evidence  for  supposing  that  either  of  them  were  Roman.  They  might 
be  of  the  Roman  age,  or  possibly  of  more  recent  date — Saxon  or 
Danish,  or    even  later  in  time.      Roman   Camps  are  generally   rec^ 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xxvii 

tangular,  and  at  one  period  he  thought  that  some  data  might  be  gained 
as  to  the  origin  of  a  Camp  from  an  inspection  of  a  tracing  of  its  out- 
lines. Further  experience  had  dissipated  that  idea,  and  without  actual 
exploration  it  was  impossible  to  decide  on  the  date  of  the  formation  of 
any  of  these  remains.  There  are  certain  Camps  which  from  their  out- 
line may  be  pronounced  Roman,  and  others  which  may  with  safety  be 
set  down  as  Norman  ;  but  as  the  general  principles  of  defence  have 
always  been  the  same,  it  is  not  safe  in  the  absence  of  relics  to  judge 
from  the  external  appearance  of  Camps  like  these,  which  have  no 
special  peculiarities. 

The  result  of  their  day's  work  was  therefore  mainly  negative  ;  but 
the  course  to  be  taken  in  order  to  settle  the  question  was  very  clear. 
They  must  cut  sections  through  the  Ramparts,  so  as  to  reach  the 
original  basement  soil  on  which  the  Camps  were  raised.  In  his 
experience  he  had  never  known  an  instance  in  which  this  plan  had 
been  followed  where  something  had  not  turned  up  sufficient  to  settle 
the  date  of  the  Camp.  When  you  come  to  the  surface  line,  whatever 
you  find  upon  that  (fragments  of  pottery,  and  such  things  as  a  knife, 
spear-head,  or  a  coin)  must  be  of  the  date  of  the  Camp's  erection, 
or  earlier.  He  would  merely  make  the  suggestion  that  as  the  Club 
had  been  started  for  the  purpose,  amongst  others,  of  investigating  the 
Forest,  it  might  be  a  good  way  of  commencing  their  proceedings  to 
make  such  an  examination  of  the  Camps.  He  did  not  think  it  need  be 
a  very  great  undertaking,  and  he  thought  they  would  find  it  satis- 
factory. At  any  rate  it  was  the  only  possible  way  of  settling  the 
interesting  problems  raised  by  the  existence  of  these  Earthworks. 

Mr.  Distant  considered  that  the  interest  which  was  attached  to  these 
Camps,  though  a  purely  archaeological  one,  still  appertained  to 
anthropology.  For  if,  as  Professor  Huxley  had  remarked,  "  Biology 
included  man  and  all  his  works,"  so  much  the  more  did  Anthropology. 
The  necessity  was  by  the  scientific  method  of  excavation  to  prove 
whether  these  Earthworks  were  Pre-Roman,  Roman,  or  Post-Roman. 
This  was  the  kind  of  work  that  could  and  should  be  done  by  local 
Societies,  and  if  undertaken  by  this  Club  would  act  as  an  example 
to  other  provincial  associations. 

Mr.  B.  H.  Cowper,  in  an  eloquent  speech,  said  that  after  mature 
consideration  he  quite  agreed  with  the  views  of  General  Pitt-Rivers, 
and  admitted  that  the  subject  was  not  so  simple  as  he  had  at  first 
imagined.  On  the  whole,  assuming  a  foundation  for  the  association  of 
Queen  Boadicea's  name  with  the  locality,  he  inclined  to  the  opinion 
that  these  Camps  were  the  work  of  the  later  British,  just  about  the 
date  of  St.  Paul's  preaching.  He  referred  to  the  accounts  of  Tacitus 
and  other  ancient  historians  which  give  colour  to  the  idea  that  the  last 
struggle  of  the  British  took  place  in  Epping  Forest.  He  hoped  the 
Society  would  take  steps  to  make  the  proposed  explorations  of  these 


xxviii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

ancient  landmarks  of  our  forefathers  at  an  early  date.  There  were 
hardly  any  monuments  of  greater  antiquity  than  these  in  England, 
certainly  not  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London,  and  the  results  of  the 
enquiry  would  be  viewed  with  interest  by  all  thoughtful  students  of 
science  and  of  man. 

Mr.  D'Oyley  made  some  reference  to  the  first  discovery  of  the 
Loughton  Camp,  and  Mr.  Frederick  Young  (President  of  the  "  Forest 
Fund  ")  said  that  it  was  clear  they  had  only  touched  the  margin  of 
a  most  interesting  subject,  and  urged  upon  the  Society  the  necessity  of 
investigating  in  a  thoroughly  scientific  spirit  these  curious  records 
of  a  nation  long  passed  away. 

Mr.  Fisher  Unwin  pointed  out  that  these  forest  Camps  were 
probably  not  the  only  remains  of  the  kind  in  their  district,  and  he 
thought  that  the  subject  of  these  Camps  should  be  considered  as  a 
whole.  He  mentioned  the  large  Camp  or  earthwork  near  the  High 
road  between  Ilford  and  Barking.  He  also  referred  to  the  Camp-like 
appearance  of  a  field  on  the  High  road  between  Chigwell  and  Abridge, 
a  little  beyond  Woolston  |Hall,  which  had  also  been  pointed  out  to 
him  by  Mr.  Cole.  He  understood  that  Roman  pottery  had  been 
found  there  some  years  since.  The  various  earthworks  in  the  district 
were  probably  related  the  one  to  the  other. 

The  President  said  that  the  results  of  their  afternoon's  work 
appeared  to  him  to  be  the  following : — There  were  two  Camps  in  the 
Forest  of  ancient  date — both  undoubtedly  the  work  of  man — but  their 
precise  period  could  only  be  determined  by  an  excavation  such  as  that 
suggested  by  General  Pitt-Rivers.  He  hoped  that  the  Club,  with  the 
permission  of  the  Forest  Conservators,  might  be  enabled  to  settle  this 
highly  interesting  local  archaeological  question.*  He  then  called  upon 
the  meeting  to  pass  a  cordial  vote  of  thanks  to  their  eminent  conductor, 
and  to  those  gentlemen  who  had  so  kindly  given  their  services  to  the 
Society.  This  was  passed  by  acclamation,  and  the  company  soon 
afterwards  separated. 


Saturday,  July  24TH,  1880. — Field  Meeting. 

A  Visit  to  Ilford. 
Ilford  is  by  no  means  wanting  in  interest  to  the  intelligent  visitor  ; 
it  has  a  history  of  which  some  records  happily  still  persist,  in  defiance 
of  modern  "improvements."  A  short  distance  out  of  the  village  (or 
town)  may  be  seen  the  remains  of  a  Camp  which  is  generally  held  to  be 
of  Roman  origin  ;  and  it  is  certain  that  the  Roman  road  to  Colchester 

•See  Ordinary  Meeting,  October  30th,  1880. 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xxix 

ran  through  Ilford  about  200  yards  south   of  the  present    High    Road. 
In   the  village  are   eight   houses  and  a   chapel,    formerly    part    of   a 
Hospital  dedicated   to   St.  Mary  and   St.  Thomas  of  Canterbury,  now 
used   as  Almshouses  for   poor  persons,    and  supposed  to   have    been 
founded  by  Adeliza,  Abbess  of  Barking,  in  the  reign  of  King   Stephen, 
as  a  retreat  for   lepers.     Of  cqurse  there  is  a  trace  of  one  of  Queen 
Elizabeth's  hunting  lodges;  ignoble,  indeed,  must  be  the  locality  in  the 
Forest   district    which    does    not    claim    some   remembrance   of   the 
Imperial  (and  imperious)  Diana.     From  the  Naturalist's  point  of  view 
the  lanes,   ditches,   and  marshes  about   Ilford  are  not  without  attrac- 
tions, although  the  impious  and  devastating  hands  of  the  speculative 
builder  are  active  at  their  evil   work:   "destroying  beauties  that  took 
centuries  to  make  and   not  a  month  to  mar."     But  on  this  charming 
Saturday  afternoon,  we  (that  is  some  fifty  or  sixty  members  and  friends 
of  "  Our  Club  ")  have  not  met  to  lament  the  blows  dealt  by  a  money- 
loving  and  land-jobbing  generation  at  the  fair  face  of  Nature,    nor   to 
talk   scandal  about  Queen  Elizabeth — we  seek  records  of  a  past  com- 
pared with  which  human  histories  and  legends  are  but  tales  of  yester- 
day, and  look  for  antiquities  treasured  up  in  the  womb  of  earth,   aeons 
before  Auctioneers  were  dreamt  of  as  the  coming  Iconoclasts  !  And  long 
will  Ilford  claim  a  place  in  the  remembrance  of  those  true  antiquaries, 
the  Geologist   and  Palaeontologist  ;   not  from  its  perishing  tokens  of 
Roman  Legions,   fair  Queens,  fat  Abbots,  or  prim  Nuns,  but  from   its 
rich  store  of  fossil  bones:  relics  of  the  gigantic  animals  which  lived  and 
died  in   Britain  during  the  ages  limiting  that  wonderful  phase  in  its 
life-history,  called  Pleistocene  in  modern  Earth-lore.     The  story  of  the 
discovery  of  these  records  of  old-world  life  at  Ilford  dates  back  for 
nearly  seventy  years.     In  1812,  about  300  yards  from  the  River  Roding, 
in  a  field  forming  part  of  an  estate  called  "  Clements,"   some  bones  of 
Oxen,   horns  of  Stags,  and   head  bones  and  teeth  of  Elephants  were 
disinterred  ;  and  in  or  about  1824,  Mr.  Gibson,  of  Stratford,   obtained 
a  collection  from  near  the  same  spot,  portions  of  which  are  now  supposed 
to  be  in  the  Museum  of  the  College  of  Surgeons.     One  of  our  party, 
Mr.    J.    Eliot    Howard,    F.R.S.,    informed    the   Editor    that    he   well 
remembered,  when   a   boy,    some   of   Mr.    Gibson's   specimens   being 
brought  into  his  father's  office  at  Stratford,  and  seeing  them    undergo 
the   process   of   anointing   with    a   solution  of  glue  to  prevent  them 
crumbling  into  pieces.     Then,   years  afterwards.  Sir  Antonio    Brady 
took  up  the  quest ;  with  what   success  let  his    magnificent  collection 
of  Pleistocene  Mammalia  serve  as  an    imperishable    memorial.      We 
have  the  honour  and  great  advantage  of  his  company  this  afternoon 
as  one  of  our  conductors,  his    coadjutor   being  Mr.    Henry  Walker, 
F.G.S.,  so  well  known  to  members  of  the  Club.     Our  party  also  in- 
cludes Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace,   F.L.S.,  the  celebrated  traveller,  philoso- 
phical naturalist,  and  geologist;  Mr.  Worthington  Smith,  F.L.S.,  of 


XXX  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

fungological  and  palaeolithic  fame ;  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Brady,  M.A., 
and  many  distinguished  members  of  the  Society,  lay  and  clerical, 
including  our  indefatigable  President. 

We  start  in  good   order  from  the    court-yard  of   the    station,  and 
taking  the  lane  on  the  right  leading  to    Barking,  we  soon  reach  the 
Uphall  Brickfield  on  the  banks  of  the  Roding.     By  the  kind  orders 
of  Mr.  Rawkins,  the  proprietor  of  the  field,  some  workmen  have  been 
engaged  all  the  morning  in  clearing  one  of  the  pits,  and  making  fresh 
excavations.     We  stand  with  them    in    the  old    river    bed,  watching 
the  turning  up  of  myriads  of  minute  river  shells  which  testify  to  the 
fluviatile   character    of    the    sand    and    gravel    in    which    they    are 
embedded.     Soon    the    announcement    of    a     "find"    increases    the 
interest ;  a  row  of  very  large  and  bright  molar   teeth  are  first  seen, 
and  gradually  the  lower  jaw  of  the  great  fossil  Ox  [Bos  primigenius) 
is  unearthed  in  almost    perfect  condition.      It  lay    embedded    in  the 
soil  some  ten  feet  from  the  surface.     Some  smaller    bones    are    also 
obtained,  and  plenty  of  the  shells   of  Cyrena  fluminalis    which  are  so 
characteristic  of  these  deposits.      With  his  accustomed  kindness  Sir 
Antonio  obtains  from  the  workmen    some    bones    of   Mammoth  and 
presents  them  to  the  ladies  of  our  party  as  a  memento  of  their    visit 
to  his  hunting  fields — now,  alas  !  quickly  vanishing  away  and  doomed 
soon    to    be    flooded    over    with    the    surging    tide  of  Ilford  building 
operations.     Sir    Antonio    tells   us    that    it    was    from    this,  and    the 
adjoining  pits  a  few  furlongs  south,  that  he  obtained,  during  thirty- 
five  years'  careful  research,  most  of  the  specimens  in  his  collection  ; 
viz.,  remains  of  at  least  lOO  British  Elephants,  as  well  as  bones  and 
teeth  of  Hippopotamus,  Rhinoceros,  Bison,  and  many  other  animals. 
A  list  of  some  of  the  species  found  in  the  pits  at    Ilford    had    been 
printed  on  the  circular  of  the  meeting,    together    with    two  sections 
showing  the  geology  of  the  district,  kindly  lent  for  the  occasion  by 
Mr.  Searles  V.  Wood,  F.G.S.,  and  the  Editor    of    the    "  Geological 
Magazine."  *     In    response   to  the   President's    request    Mr.    Walker 
then  gives  us  an  account    of  the  former   physical  geography  of   this 
interesting  spot,  as  throwing  light  on  the  presence  and  former  exist- 
ence, in  a  wild  state,  of  such  strange  animals  in  this  country.     Mr. 
Walker  illustrates  his  remarks  with  a  series  of  most  instructive  maps, 
showing  the  different  geographical  phases  which  Britain  has  presented 
in  pre-historic  times,  when  these  animals  lived.      The  first  map  gives  a 
view  of  Britain  rising  from  the  waters  of  the  Glacial  Sea,  presenting 
the  appearance  of  an  icy  archipelago,  the  higher  hills  and  mountains 
only  being  above  the  waters.     The  second  map  exhibits  our  island  not 
only  completely  emerged  from  the  sea,  but  the  German  Ocean  and 
English    Channel  laid  dry,   so  that  the   animals  of  the    Europasian 
Continent  could  travel  over  from  the  east  and  the  south,  even  from 

*  See  Mr.  Walker's  Lecture;  Trans.,  Vol  I.,  pp.  32  and  38. 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xxxi 

Africa,  into  the  rich  valleys  of  the  Thames  country.  And  this  they 
actually  did,  the  Mammoth  and  Rhinoceros  coming  from  the  east,  and 
the  Hippopotamus  and  Southern  Elephant  from  the  south,  there  being 
then  no  Straits  of  Gibraltar  to  bar  their  migration.  Whole  herds  of 
the  great  Pachyderms  and  Deer,  which  once  lived  in  the  wooded  wilds 
of  Essex,  had  died  and  left  no  trace  of  their  existence,  their  bones 
being  devoured  by  the  Hysenas,  or  gradually  dissolved  by  exposure 
and  decay  ;  but  the  carcases  of  others  had  been  swept  into  the  rivers, 
where — entombed  in  the  sand  and  mud — they  were  safely  preserved 
for  thousands  of  years ;  and  now  to-day,  when  these  ancient 
rivers  have  disappeared,  and  we  dig  down  into  their  sandy 
beds  as  we  do  this  afternoon  at  Ilford,  we  find  these  wonder- 
ful remains  commemorating  a  vanished  past.  Another  map  shows 
where  may  be  found  the  physical  memorials  of  the  Mammoth  period 
in  Essex — the  Moraines  of  the  Essex  glaciers,  as  they  may  be  seen  to- 
day up  the  hills  at  Epping,  Theydon  Bois,  Havering,  &c.  Referring 
to  the  Great  Glacial  Submergence  and  its  traces  in  Essex,  the  speaker 
quotes  the  important  investigations  of  Mr.  Searles  Wood,  who,  he 
assures  us,  has  found  on  the  Essex  hills  the  old  beach  line  of  the 
Glacial  Sea  at  the  time  the  chalky  fossiliferous  Boulder  Clay  at 
Epping,  and  elsewhere,  was  deposited.  At  that  time  the  sea  occupied 
the  Thames  Valley  up  to  about  the  level  of  150  feet  at  the  part 
opposite  the  Roding  Valley,  and  about  180  feet  at  Cheshunt. 
To  the  east  of  this  the  level  falls,  but  to  the  west  it  rises,  so  that  at 
Stewkley,  in  Oxfordshire,  it  is  nearly  400  feet,  at  Birmingham  500  feet, 
and  so  on  further  west  until  in  Wales  a  submergence  of  more  than 
1,600  feet  is  reached. 

Mr.  Walker's  remarks  are  listened  to  with  great  interest  by  us  all, 
standing  around  him  in  the  pit,  not  to  speak  of  the  crowd  of  village 
urchins,  and  the  groups  of  more  attentive  navvies,  who  (neglectful  of 
their  Saturday  half-holiday)  lean  on  shovel  and  pick,  with  their  wives 
and  daughters  from  neighbouring  cottages,  to  "hear  tell"  of  the 
fashion  of  the  earth  they  delve  in,  and  how 

"  Britain  last,  at  Heaven's  command. 
Arose  from  out  the  azure  main." 

He  concludes  by  a  kind  of  apology  to  those  who  may  hail  from  more 
romantic  scenery  in  England — from  Derbyshire  and  Devonshire — for 
the  very  unpicturesque  country  about  Ilford,  but  humorously  vindi- 
cates the  equality  of  the  flat  river  gravel  district  of  the  Thames,  in 
point  of  palaeontological  value  and  interest  and  geological  romance, 
with  the  country  of  Hyaena  dens  and  limestone  caves. 

We  then  break  out  into  the  London  Road  to  visit  the  pits  in  the 
field  formerly  known  as  Curtis's,  but  now  owned  by  a  Mr.  Judson.  As 
we  stand  on  the  precipice  of  untouched  earth,  and  look  down  into  the 


xxxii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

excavated  valleys  below,  Sir  Antonio  points  out  the  spots  where  were 
found  the  Lion,  the  Elephants'  tusks  eleven  feet  in  length,  and  other 
prizes  of  his  collection.  We  ask  whether  he  thinks  there  is  any  game 
left  for  future  hunters  ;  he  points  to  our  feet,  and  hints  that  there  may 
be  as  good  bones  in  the  bank  as  ever  came  out  of  it.  Meanwhile  some 
of  our  number  endeavour  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  the  chase ;  not, 
however,  with  the  flint  implements  of  their  palaeolithic  progenitors, 
or  even  the  shovels  and  picks  of  our  friends  the  navvies,  but  with  a  far 
more  potent  v.-eapon  in  these  degenerate  days — the  almighty  dollar. 
With  such  arms,  Mr.  Walker  secured  an  excellent  molar  tooth  of  a 
Mammoth  with  twenty-two  dental  plates,  as  well  as  a  tooth  of  a  Calf 
Mammoth.  One  workman  had  a  large  collection  of  bones,  including  a 
magnificent  pair  of  horns  of  Bos  primigenius,  but  the  price — £2  los. — 
rather  scared  even  the  boldest  of  our  huntsmen. 

A  move  was  soon  made  to  the  Angel  Inn,  an  afternoon's  Elephant 
hunting  by  no  means  lessening  our  appreciation  of  the  good  and  sub- 
stantial meal  provided  for  us  by  Mr.  Ashmole. 

After  tea  the  Ordinary  Meeting  of  the  Club  was  held.  The  minutes 
of  the  last  meeting  were  read  and  confirmed,  and  the  following 
persons  balloted  for  and  elected  members: — Messrs.  K.  J.  Friswell, 
F.C.S.,  F.I.C.,  Ernest  Heathfield,  C.  E.  Prince,  W.  Mackonochie, 
W.  E.  Martin,  Luther  Reeves,  R.  M.  Bird  Thompson,  and  G.  J. 
Thompson.  The  names  of  fifteen  new  candidates  for  membership 
were  read. 

The  Secretary  exhibited,  on  behalf  of  Mr.  R.  M.  Christy,  some 
plants  of  Galium  aparine  sub-species  Vaillantii,  gathered  in  fields  near 
Saffron  Walden,  where  it  was  discovered  by  Mr.  Gibson  many  years 
ago.  This  form  of  a  very  common  plant  is  especially  interesting  from 
the  fact  that  it  does  not  occur  elsewhere  in  England. 

Mr.  F.  Parker  exhibited  a  number  of  bones  obtained  at  various 
times  at  Ilford,  including  a  large  hip-bone  of  Mammoth,  a  vertebra  of 
Irish  Elk,  and  many  bones  of  Bos. 

The  President  said  that  he  wished  to  make  a  proposal  in  connection 
with  their  last  Field  Meeting.  It  would  be  in  the  recollection  of  those 
who  were  present  on  that  occasion  that  General  Pitt-Rivers,  and  the 
other  archaeologists  who  had  examined  the  ancient  Camps  in  Epping 
Forest,  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  these  were  not  Roman,  but 
that  it  would  be  impossible  to  fix  their  period  without  carrying  on 
excavations.  The  President  stated  that  he  had  now  much  pleasure  in 
informing  the  Club  that  since  that  meeting  referred  to.  General  Pitt- 
Rivers  had  suggested  that  an  excavation  fund  should  be  started  for 
this  purpose  ;  that  the  General  had  offered  to  head  the  list  with  £=),  and 
he  was  of  opinion  that  the  necessary  operations  could  be  completed 
for  about  ^30  for  each  Camp.  Mr.  Meldola  said  that  in  his  opinion 
this  archaeological  problem  was  one  which  the  Club  ought  to  take  up, 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xxxiii 

but  it  would  be  of  course  necessary  in  the  first  place  to  obtain  per- 
mission from  the  Forest  Conservators.  He  would  therefore  propose  that 
the  matter  should  be  put  in  hand  at  once,  and  that  an  official  letter  on 
the  part  of  the  Club  should  be  addressed  to  the  Epping  Forest  Com- 
mittee, after  which — supposing,  as  he  was  led  to  anticipate,  that  the 
required  permission  should  be  granted — circulars  should  be  sent  round 
to  all  the  members  in  order  to  raise  the  requisite  funds. 

This  proposal  was  received  with  acclamation. 

The  President  then  entered  upon  the  results  of  the  afternoon's 
excursion.  He  stated  that  the  Ilford  Pits  which  they  had  visited  were 
of  world-wide  celebrity  in  the  annals  of  Post-Glacial  Geology.  The 
brick-earth,  gravel,  &c.,  of  which  sections  were  there  exposed,  were 
deposited  at  a  time  when  the  old  Thames  was  a  gigantic  stream,  and 
when  the  Mammoth  and  other  great  mammals  were  denizens  of  this 
country.  It  added  greatly  to  the  interest  of  the  remains  from  these 
pits  to  know  that  the  animals  of  that  period  were  contemporaneous 
with  Palaeolithic  man.  The  past  had  there  "  buried  its  dead,"  but  the 
past  was  not  a  "  dead  past."  Their  worthy  and  esteemed  member,  Sir 
Antonio  Brady,  had  acted  the  part  of  resurrectionist,  and  by  a  skilful 
process  of  "  body-snatching,"  described  in  full  at  one  of  their  previous 
meetings,  had  succeeded  in  exhuming  and  preserving  these  great 
mammals  for  the  instruction  of  modern  and  future  geologists.  In 
addition  to  their  conductors.  Sir  Antonio  Brady  and  Mr.  Henry 
Walker,  the  President  said  that  they  were  honoured  that  afternoon  by 
the  presence  of  a  Naturalist  of  European  reputation,  his  friend  Mr. 
Alfred  R.  Wallace ;  and  they  also  had  amongst  them  Mr.  Worthington 
Smith,  who  had  recently  acquired  celebrity  as  a  discoverer  of  Palaeo- 
lithic implements.  He  had  much  pleasure  in  calling  upon  their 
esteemed  conductors  and  the  eminent  naturalists  he  had  named  to 
favour  the  meeting  with  their  remarks. 

Sir  Antonio  Brady,  whose  name  was  received  with  much  enthusiasm, 
said  that,  although  suffering  from  a  severe  cold  which  had  prevented 
him  from  making  any  extended  remarks  at  the  pit,  it  gave  him  much 
pleasure  to  be  present,  and  have  an  opportunity  of  listening  to  the 
observations  of  some  of  the  gentlemen  he  saw  around  him.  Sir  Antonio 
brought  up  with  him  specimens  of  stone  implements  and  carved  bones 
from  his  extensive  collection,  which  he  considered  to  be  of  special 
.value  and  interest  in  reference  to  the  question  of  the  antiquity  of  man. 
These  included  a  portion  of  a  horn  of  Reindeer,  with  a  carved  profile 
of  a  man's  face,  found  in  a  Glacial  Drift.  He  considered  it  to  be  the 
oldest  work  of  art  known,  and  to  his  mind  it  was  an  evidence  of  the 
existence  of  Palaeolithic  man  in  the  Glacial  age.  Also  a  carved  figure 
presenting  a  human  face  when  examined  in  front,  and  the  representa- 
tion of  a  bird  or  beast  when  viewed  sideways  ;  this  he  took  to  be  one 
of  the  Penates  of  these  ancient  men.     He  also  exhibited  a  Flint  Spear- 

3 


xxxiv  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

head  from  a  deep  cutting  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  dug  up 
in  his  presence  from  an  excavation  for  the  foundation  of  an  iron  fur- 
nace. This  weapon  was  "  rifled,"  so  to  speak  ;  that  is,  its  outline 
formed  part  of  a  screw,  and  the  spear  or  arrow  to  which  it  was  attached 
would  in  its  flight  produce  a  rotary  motion,  and  so  tend  to  keep  in  a 
straight  line  when  thrown  through  the  air.  Another  very  remarkable 
specimen  was  a  polished  Flint  Celt,  found  at  Barking  Side,  Essex,  in 
1868,  in  five  feet  of  gravel ;  this  was  the  only  Essex  specimen  Sir 
Antonio  possessed.  Some  of  the  flint  hand  daggers  exhibited,  from 
the  Peat  of  Denmark,  were  highly  wrought,  and  the  handles  were 
ornamented  to  give  a  more  perfect  grip.  In  the  collection  shown  us 
were  also  other  curious  and  highly-finished  flint  tools — saws,  chisels, 
&c.,  and  one  implement  of  very  remarkable  construction,  highly 
polished,  and  so  formed  as  to  constitute  a  very  perfect  Gouge,  with  an 
edge  wrought  to  form  an  "ogee"  curve,  best  adapted  for  cutting  into 
wood.     This  specimen  was  from  America. 

Sir  Antonio  entered  into  detailed  particulars  as  to  the  nature  and 
teachings  of  the  specimens  exhibited,  and  recapitulated  the  results  of 
Mr.  Croll's  and  Col.  Drayson's  observations  on  the  causes  of  the 
glacial  epochs,  which  had  been  so  fully  stated  by  him  at  the  meeting 
of  the  Club  on  May  29th.  He  was  very  glad  to  see  his  friend  Mr. 
Wallace  present,  and  hoped  that  veteran  naturalist  w^ould  give  them 
the  benefit  of  his  opinion,  although  Sir  Antonio  feared  that  Mr.  Wallace 
differed  from  him,  toto  ccelo,  with  regard  to  this  difficult  problem. 

Mr.  Walker  congratulated  the  Club  on  the  success  of  the  meeting, 
and  said  that  in  his  opinion  it  would  be  an  honour  to  any  society  to 
enlist  the  aid  and  co-operation  of  the  gentlemen  whose  names  had  been 
announced  by  the  Secretary  and  of  those  eminent  men  of  science  he 
saw  around  him  in  that  room.  They  had  had  so  much  from  him  that 
he  would  only  make  a  few  remarks  on  the  stratigraphical  conditions  of 
the  district  they  had  visited  that  afternoon.  Mr.  Walker  then  briefly 
discussed  the  nature  and  history  of  the  gravel  deposits  in  the  London 
district,  and  referred  to  the  possibly  marine  origin  of  the  older  Thames 
Valley  gravels.  In  reply  to  Mr.  Wallace,  who  inquired  on  what  grounds 
Mr.  Walker  founded  his  conclusion  that  these  deposits  were  marine, 
Mr.  Walker  stated  that  no  remains  of  land  animals  had  been  found  in 
them.  The  speaker  made  some  humorous  remarks  with  respect  to 
his  fondness  for  the  study  of  the  gravels,  which  were  to  him  a  great 
institution,  and  he  could  lie  down  any  day  beside  a  barrow  of  flints  and 
enjoy  himself  very  much.  (Laughter.) 

Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace,  after  some  prefatory  remarks,  said  that  there 
were  one  or  two  points  in  the  discussion  that  afternoon  about  which  he 
should  like  to  say  a  few  words.  First  of  all  he  must  refer  to  the  inte- 
resting and  most  remarkable  specimens  of  ancient  implements  and  art 
which  Sir  Antonio  Brady  had  been  good  enough  to  show  them.     He 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xxxv 

was  particularly  struck  with  the  stone  spear-head  so  fashioned  as  to 
give  the  weapon  a  rotatory  motion  in  the  air,  and  thus  increase  the 
accuracy  of  flight.     This  specimen  was  especially  interesting  to  him 
because  it  came  from   America.     When  he  was  travelling   there   he 
noticed  that  the  arrows  of  the  aborigines  of  the  Amazon  valley  were 
fringed  with  feathers  arranged  spirally  round  the  shafts  so  as  to  keep 
the  weapon  in  a  straight  path  when  projected.     In  many  other  parts, 
as  for  instance  in  New  Guinea,  weapons  are  not  so  "rifled,"  and  it  was, 
therefore,  a  very  noteworthy  fact  that  the  custom  of  rifling  spears  and 
arrows  had  persisted  in  America  from  the  earliest  stone  ages  until  now. 
In   Mr.  Wallace's  opinion  the  carved  figures  of  men  and  animals 
which  Sir  Antonio  Brady  had  exhibited  were  also  of  the  very  greatest 
interest ;    they  were  of   such   intense  interest  that  it  was  difficult  to 
believe  they  were  genuine.     If   he   remembered    rightly,   the   animal 
carvings  of  Reindeer,   Mammoth,   &c.,  which  had    hitherto  been  dis- 
covered were  all  of  a  period  supposed  to  be  intermediate  between  the 
Palaeolithic  and  Neolithic  ages — the  "  Reindeer  Period  "  of  M.  Lartet; 
but  it  was  evident,  Sir  Antonio's  carvings  being  accepted  as  genuine, 
that  such  were  not  by  any  means  the  oldest.     They  had  represented 
by  them  not  only  the  animals  then  existing,  but  also  the  men  who  fed 
upon  them  ;  of  the  hunter  as  well  as  the  hunted.     It  must  be  remem- 
bered that  savages  always  depicted  in   their  carvings  and  drawings 
their  own  type,  and  therefore  we  may  take  the  figures  carved  upon  the 
bones  to  represent  the  type  of  face  which  prevailed  among  the  hunters 
of  the  Mammoth.    One  of  the  carvings  presented  a  curious  resemblance 
to  the  profile  of  the  Duke'of  Wellington,  and  accepting  that  as  a  contem- 
poraneous carving,  they  might  draw  therefrom  the  conclusion  that  the 
early  hunters  of  the  Mammoth  were  by  no  means  a  low  and  degraded  race. 
This  was  an  exceedingly  interesting  point  in  connection  with  the  ques- 
tion of  the  antiquity  of  man.     We  have  not  made  the  slightest  approach 
towards  the  discovery  of  a  lower  type.  Although  we  have  been  enabled 
to  trace  the  Old  World  hunter  back  to  the  Pleistocene  age,  he  remains 
as  much  man  as  the  most  intelligent  races  of  the  present  day.   Of  course 
he  did  not  mean  therefore  to  infer  that  men  of  a  lower  type  had  not 
existed,  but  he  believed  that  they  must  go  immensely  further  back  to 
discover  the  first   traces  of  primeval  man.     He  did   not    agree  with 
Professor  Boyd  Dawkins  in  the  inference  that  man  did  not  exist  in  the 
Miocene  age  because  the  animals  which  must  have  surrounded  him, 
being  of  forms  which  had  developed  into  other  species,  man  would 
have  therefore  been  influenced  by  the  law  of  development,  and  in  the 
succeeding  ages  would  have  presented  characters  very  different  from 
the  genus  Homo  as  at  present  existing.     Mr.  Wallace  was  disposed  to 
think  that,  man  having  reached  a  certain   stage  of  development,    his 
physical  and  mental  qualities  would  enable  him  rather  to  control  than 
be  controlled  by  the  changing  character  of  his  environment ;  and  there- 


xxxvi  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

fore,  although  he  might  advance  in  his  mind,  his  bodily  structure 
would  remain  very  constant.  The  fact  that  the  earliest  races  of  men 
yet  traced  out  present  a  type  similar  to  man  now  existing  is  rather  a 
proof  that  the  human  species  is  immensely  more  ancient  than  we 
hitherto  have  had  any  conception. 

With  reference  to  the  Glacial  Epoch  in  Geology,  Mr.  Wallace  said  it 
was  a  subject  which  for  upwards  of  fifteen  years  he  had  thought  and 
wfitten  upon.  He  was  glad  to  say  that  he  did  not  differ  from  their 
good  friend  Sir  Antonio  Brady  to  the  extent  he  believed.  He  quite 
agreed  that  the  period  of  the  Mammoth  and  the  earlier  Mammalia  was 
a  period  close  upon  or  within  the  Glacial  Epoch.  In  point  of  fact  he 
considered  that  the  time  would  come  when  they  would  find  that  changes 
in  climatal  conditions  have  been  the  principal  causes  in  producing  the 
changes  of  plants  and  animals  on  the  earth.  He  believed  that  the 
chief  agent  in  inducing  these  changes  of  climate  was  the  geographical 
alterations  in  the  contours  of  continents  by  submergence  and  upheaval 
in  different  stages  of  the  earth's  history.  He  had  lately  been  attempting 
to  show  in  some  detail  how  it  was  that  these  changes  in  Geography 
did  afford  us  the  means  of  explaining  that  hitherto  insolvable  problem 
— the  mild  and  luxurious  vegetation  of  the  Arctic  regions  during  the 
Miocene  and  many  earlier  Geological  epochs.  It  was  quite  impos- 
sible to  accept  in  its  entirety  Mr.  Croll's  explanation ;  but  Mr.  Wallace 
believed  he  had  found  the  solution  in  Mr.  Croll's  own  theory  of  Ocean 
Currents.  Mr.  Croll  maintained  that  there  had  been  alternate  mild 
and  glacial  conditions  in  the  northern  hemisphere  throughout  the 
Tertiary  period ;  but  the  objection  to  this  was  that  all  the  Geological 
evidence  showed  that  before  the  last  Glacial  Epoch  mild  climates  alone 
prevailed  in  the  Arctic  regions,  whether  in  the  Upper  or  Lower  Mio- 
cene, the  Cretaceous,  the  Jurassic  or  the  Carboniferous  period ; — in 
fact,  every  Geological  Formation  in  the  Arctic  Regions,  anterior  to  the 
Pliocene,  furnished  evidence  of  mild,  and  in  no  single  instance  of  cold 
climates.  Now  Mr.  Croll  had  himself  demonstrated  the  wonderful 
power  of  the  Gulf  Stream  in  carrying  the  warmth  of  the  Tropics  into 
North  Temperate  and  Polar  Regions.  At  present  this  was  the  only 
important  body  of  warm  water  that  reached  the  Arctic  Seas,  but  there 
was  good  geological  evidence  that  in  earlier  ages  the  great  Northern 
Continents — Europe,  Asia,  and  North  America — were  not  as  now  solid 
masses  of  land,  but  were  broken  up  and  penetrated  by  arms  of  the  sea 
which  carried  other  bodies  of  warm  water  northward.  When  this  was 
the  case,  the  formation  of  ice  in  the  polar  seas  would  be  entirely  pre- 
vented ;  and  when  there  was  no  ice  the  power  of  the  sun  during  the 
long  day  of  the  polar  summer  was  amply  sufficient  to  support  the  vege- 
tation, the  remains  of  which  so  astonish  us  in  the  Arctic  Regions. 
The  last  Glacial  Epoch  was  undoubtedly  produced  by  the  astronomical 
conditions  which   have  been  so  well  set  forth  and  illustrated  by  Mr. 


Journal  of  Frocccdings.  xxxvii 

Croll,  but  it  was  only  rendered  possible  by  the  concurrence  of  geo- 
graphical conditions,  then  recently  brought  about,  by  which  the  greater 
part  of  the  warm  water  of  the  Tropics  which  had  before  entered  the 
Polar  seas  was  shut  out  from  them  by  the  elevation  and  solidification 
of  the  great  Northern  Continents.  This  continued  growth  and  exten- 
sion of  the  land  in  the  Northern  Continent  during  the  Tertiary  period 
has  been  long  known  to  geologists,  but  its  importance  as  affecting  the 
most  powerful  of  all  climatal  agencies — northward  flowing  and  heat- 
bearing  ocean  currents — appears  to  have  been  hitherto  overlooked. 

By  thus  modifying  Mr.  CroU's  theory,  giving  greater  importance  to 
ocean  currents  and  comparatively  less  to  astronomical  causes,  Mr. 
Wallace  believed  that  the  difficulties  that  had  hitherto  beset  all 
attempts  to  explain  the  mild  climates  of  the  Arctic  Regions,  so  as  to 
satisfy  both  geologists  and  physicists,  might  be  overcome  ;  and  in  his 
forthcoming  work,  "  Island  Life,"  he  had  endeavoured  to  demonstrate 
the  correctness  of  these  views.     (Loud  applause.) 

Mr.  Worthington  Smith,  F.L.S.,  in  thanking  Sir  Antonio  Brady  and 
Mr.  Henry  Walker  for  their  great  and  valuable  assistance  during  the 
afternoon,  suggested  that  caution  should  be  exercised  before  concluding 
that  the  "  ogee  "  curves  on  the  edges  of  the  American  instrument  had 
been  actually  designed  ;  similar  curves  being  frequent  on  Flint  Imple- 
ments of  all  ages  and  from  diverse  places,  the  curves  commonly  arising 
from  the  natural  conchoidal  fracture  of  the  flint.  In  reference  to  the 
sculptured  subjects  said  to  have  been  derived  from  a  deposit  of  Glacial 
age,  Mr.  Smith  said  that  from  the  brief  examination  he  had  been  able 
to  make  of  them,  he  looked  upon  the  carvings  as  undoubted  modern 
fabrications  ;  though  found  by  Sir  Antonio  himself,  yet  it  must  be 
remembered  objects  are  sometimes  so  placed  by  designing  workmen 
that  they  may  be  apparently  found  by  an  unwary  visitor.  The  carvings 
referred  to  by  Mr.  Wallace  as  Neolithic  works  from  Caves 
were  really  Palaeolithic,  and  of  an  immensely  greater  antiquity  than 
Neolithic  work.  As  to  the  polished  Celt  said  to  have  been 
found  in  five  feet  of  gravel  at  Barking  Side,  Mr.  Smith  said  he  had 
no  doubt  that  this  was  an  error  of  observation,  and  that  the 
Celt  did  not  point  to  the  comparative  modern  epoch  of  the  Mammoth, 
or  the  great  antiquity  of  the  men  who  polished  their  stone  weapons. 
He  thought  there  could  be  no  doubt  that  this  Celt  was  British  or 
Neolithic,  and  was  originally  embedded  in  the  surface  soil.  Gravel 
diggers,  in  making  a  "fall"  with  their  crowbars,  throw  surface-soil, 
loam,  sand,  and  gravel  all  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  pit  together ;  and 
although  this  Celt  was  no  doubt  found  at  the  bottom  of  the  pit,  yet  it 
undoubtedly  belonged  to  the  modern  soil  at  the  top.  Such  instances 
were  common  ;  Neolithic  implements  and  flakes  being  profusely  spread 
over  Essex,  nothing  was  more  frequent  than  the  finding  of  some  com- 
paratively modern  object  at  the  bottom  of  a  gravel  pit.     The  colour  as 


xxxviii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

well  as  the  nature  of  the  Barking  Celt  showed  that  it  had  not  come  out 

of  undisturbed   graved.      The   speaker   then    said    that    he,    like    Mr. 

Wallace,  often  felt  considerably  puzzled   with  some  of  the  gravels  of 

Essex,   Middlesex,   and  Kent ;   and  if  the  Dartford  gravels  were  really 

marine,  as   stated  by  Mr.   Walker,   it  must  still  be  remembered  that 

implements  made  by  primaeval  man,  and  of  the  same  immense  age  as 

the  Dartford  marine  gravel  itself,  were  found  deeply  embedded  in  that 

matrix.     Mr.  Smith  said  that  while  Antonio  Brady  had  been  chasing 

the  Mammoths  with  such  admirable  success,  he  (the  speaker)  had  been 

hunting  for  the  works  of  those  remote  primaeval  men  who  long  ages 

ago  lived  in  Essex  as  companions  and  hunters  of  these  huge  beasts. 

He  gave  a  list  of  objects   he  had  lately  secured  from  a  small  piece  of 

sewer  excavation  through  gravel  on  the  west  side  of  the  Lea,   Lower 

Clapton.  This  list  included  among  many  other  bones,  the  greater  part  of 

one  bone  of  a  Mammoth's  leg,  four  fine  Palseolithic  implements  of  flint, 

many    "flakes,"    a  large  number   of  shells   of  land  and  fresh    water 

Mollusca,  carbonised  leaves,  and  small  branches  of  trees  and  pieces  of 

drift-wood.     He  had  also  found  a  very  large  pebble  of  Grey   Granite 

in  the  Lea  sands  at  Shacklewell  ;  and  he  had  seen  disinterred  from  the 

bottom   of   the  'gravel  at  Hackney    a  boulder  of  trap  rock  weighing 

i^cwt.    An  immense  block  of  sandstone  was  found  at  the  same  place 

weighing  between  4  and  3  cwt.     Mr.  Smith  gave  it  as  his  opinion  that 

these  great  stones  v/ere  probably  brought  down  in  very  remote  times 

from  the  North  on  Icebergs,  and  Vv^ere  dropped  by  the   melting  ice   in 

the  positions  where  now  found. 

Some  little  time  was  spent  in  examining  the  various  objects,  and 
commenting  thereon,  and  about  nine  o'clock  the  members  separated, 
well  pleased  with  their  first  visit  to  the  Mammoth's  grave  in  the 
ancient  clays  and  sands  of  Primeeval  Ilford. 

[The  Editor  has  endeavoured  to  give  as  clear  an  idea  as  possible,  in 
a  condensed  account,  of  the  statements  of  the  various  speakers  respect- 
ing the  many  difficult  questions  raised  during  the  afternoon's  discussion. 
He  thinks  it,  however,  right  to  add  that  Sir  Antonio  Brady  has  since 
expressed  his  firm  belief  in  the  genuineness  of  the  works  of  Palaeolithic 
humanity  exhibited  at  the  meeting  ;  and  Sir  Antonio  further  remarks 
(referring  to  Mr.  W^orthington  Smith's  criticisms),  "  if  manufactured 
by  designing  workmen  more  would  probably  have  been  made,  whilst 
mine  are  the  only  specimens  known  to  exist."] 


Saturday,  August  28th,  1880. — Ordinary  Meeting, 
The  Ordinary  Monthly   Meeting  was   held    at    the   Head-quarters, 
Buckhurst-Hill,  at  7  o'clock,  the  President  in  the  chair.      The  minutes 
of  the  meeting  at  Ilford   were  read  and  confirmed,  and  the  following 


Journal  of  Proceeding  a.  xxxix 

persons  were  elected  members  of  the  Club :— Walter  Crouch  ;  the 
Right  Hon.  Lord  Carlingford  ;  the  Right.  Hon.  the  Earl  of  Essex ; 
William  Fawcett ;  W.  R.  Fisher,  M.A.,  Barrister-at-Law ;  William 
George  ;  David  B.  Jones  ;  Rev.  Alfred  Leeman,  M.A. ;  Edward  Martin, 
BA.,  F.Z.S.,  Barrister-at-Law;  Miss  Eleanor  A.  Ormerod,  F.M.S., 
M.E.S.,  &c. ;  Arthur  Priest,  (M.D.,  &c. ;  the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Reay, 
D.C.L.,  F.R.G.S.,  &c. ;  the  Right  Hon.  the  Earl  of  Rosslyn,  M.A., 
F.Z.S.,  &c. ;  AV.  Pickett  Turner,  M.R.C.S.,  &c.  ;  Lord  Walsingham, 
M.A.,  F.Z.S.,  M.E.S.,  &c.  The  names  of  three  candidates  for  election 
at  the  next  meeting  were  read. 

The  President,  alluding  to  the  lamented  death  of  Mr.  George  J. 
Thompson,  a  member  of  the  Club,  who  was  drowned  whilst  bathing  at 
Budleigh,  Salterton,  on  July  28th,  said  the  unfortunate  fate  of  Mr. 
Thompson  was  probably  known  to  all  present,  and  he  thought  it 
their  duty  to  pay  that  slight  tribute  to  his  memory. 

Mr.  James  English  exhibited  some  leaves  of  the  common  Cottage- 
garden  shrub,  Lyciiim  barbavum  (the  "Tea-tree"),  to  which  were 
attached  specimens  of  a  small  moth  {Ccimptogmmma  bilineata).  The 
moths  had  evidently  died  in  the  position  in  which  they  were  found,  and 
Mr.  English  asked  whether  a  like  mortality  had  been  noticed  in  other 
species  of  Lepldoptera  in  the  perfect  state.  The  bodies  of  the  moths 
were  apparently  fastened  to  the  leaves  of  the  plant  by  some  exudation 
or  growth  from  the  insect,  and  he  suggested  that  the  insects  had  been 
killed  by  a  fungoid  disease  similar  to  that  which  so  commonly  attacks 
caterpillars  of  Lepidoptera. 

The  President  thought  it  would  not  be  right  to  infer  a  similarity 
between  the  two  phenomena,  without  further  investigation. 

Mr.  W.  Cole  referred  to  an  analogous  exhibition  by  Mr.  Boyd  at  the 
Entomological  Society  some  years  ago.  The  insects  were  Trichop- 
terous  {Brachycentrus  siibnubulus) ;  and  they  were  congregated  in 
hundreds  on  the  underside  of  a  leaf  of  the  Comfrey  {Symphytum  offici- 
nale), and  all  in  a  dead  or  dying  state.  No  explanation  had  hitherto 
been  made  of  this  curious  occurrence. 

Mr.  Robarts  suggested  further  careful  observation  and  experiment 
with  various  plants  and  insects,  as  likely  to  afford  interesting  results. 

The  President  said  that  being  engaged  on  a  translation  of  Dr. 
Weismann's  "  Studies  in  the  Theory  of  Descent,"  he  was  desirous  of 
obtaining  some  practical  information  with  respect  to  the  biological 
history  of  certain  caterpillars.  He  wished  particularly  to  be  furnished 
with  instances,  drawn  from  personal  observation,  of  caterpillars  which, 
feeding  on  trees  in  the  autumn,  and  hibernating,  were  compelled  in 
the  spring  to  betake  themselves  to  low  growing  herbs  for  subsistence, 
the  buds  of  the  trees  not  opening  until  later  in  the  season. 

In  the  course  of  conversation,  called  forth  by  the  President's 
recjuest,   Mr.  Argent   stated  that  he  had  some  lavvcc  oi  Sphinx  Ugustyi 


xl  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

found  feeding  on  Laurustinus  and  some  found  on  Lilac.  The  cater- 
pillars on  the  Laurustinus  were  of  a  much  darker  green  colour  than  the 
Lilac  feeders,  which  latter  were  of  a  pale  bluish-green,  although  the 
leaves  of  the  two  plants  on  which  they  fed  did  not  much  differ  in  depth 
of  tint. 

Mr.  N.  F.  Robarts,  F.G.S.,  exhibited  some  fossil  corals  and  shells 
which  he  had  lately  obtained  from  the  Carboniferous  or  Mountain 
Limestone  at  Llangollen,  North  Wales.  He  gave  a  brief  exposition  of 
the  fossils  and  the  characteristics  of  the  formation  in  which  they  occur. 

The  President  announced  that  two  Forest  Field  Meetings  were  in 
course  of  arrangement :  one  in  September,  under  the  direction  of  Pro- 
fessor Boulger,  F.L.S.,  for  the  observation,  more  particularly,  of  the 
autumnal  flowering  plants  of  the  Forest,  when  the  Professor  would 
deliver  an  address  on  "Botanical  work  to  be  done;"  and  the  other 
on  October  2nd,  when  two  celebrated  Fungologists,  Dr.  M.  C,  Cooke 
and  Mr.  Worthington  Smith,  F.L.S.,  would  expound  the  rich  crypto- 
gamic  flora  of  the  Epping  woods. 

At  the  Conversazione,  Mr.  English  exhibited  an  extensive  and  beau- 
tiful series  of  the  larger  Fungi,  gathered  the  previous  afternoon  in  the 
woods  above  Epping.  The  collection  included  many  rare  species,  as 
Boletus  setanus,  Thclephora  clavicnlaris  (a  new  species  within  the  last  four 
or  five  years),  and  Gyromitra  esculenta,  the  plant  exhibited  being  only  tlie 
second  Epping  Forest  specimen  known,  &c.,  &c.  He  also  brought  up  a 
specimen  of  the  pretty  and  rare  Snapdragon  {Linaria  spuria)  from 
Epping.  Mr.  H.  J.  Barnes  exhibited  a  fine  fossil  Echinus  in  flint,  from 
the  "  Cuckoo  Oak  "  Gravel  Pits,  Fairmead  Bottom.  Messrs.  W.  and 
B.  G.  Cole  showed  a  number  of  living  specimens  of  characteristic 
littoral  plants,  gathered  the  previous  day  on  the  "  Saltings"  at  Bright- 
lingsea,  St.  Osyth,  &c.,  Essex,  and  also  a  long  series  of  the  British 
Geometra,  from  their  cabinet. 


Saturday,  September  iith,  1880. — Field  Meeting. 

Our  trysting  place  this  afternoon  is  at  Theydon  Bois,  and  our  pur- 
pose is  to  note  and  examine  the  floral  riches  which  early  Autumn 
scatters  with  lavish  hand  in  hedgerow,  field,  lane,  and  coppice.  During 
the  month  of  August  no  meeting  had  been  held  ;  so  many  members,  it 
was  thought,  would  be  gratifying  that  yearly  longing  for  sand  and 
shingle,  and  a  gulp  of  the  fresh  breezes  vexing  old  Neptune's  restless 
domain,  which  has  struck  so  deeply  into  our  modern  insular  life.  So 
this  is  our  first  reunion  since  we  met  at  the  Mammoth's  grave  at  Ilford. 
Our  organizers  had  looked  forward  to  a  large  and  pleasant  meeting,  and 
had  secured  the  kind  aid  of  our  colleague.  Professor  Boulger,  F.L.S., 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xli 

F.G.S,,  as  the  botanical  "  Guide,  philosopher,  and  friend  "  of  the  expe- 
dition.   In  vain,  almost,  their  care:  — 

"  The  best  laid  schemes  of  mice  and  men, 
Gang  aft  a-gley." 

The  day's  meteorological  horoscope,  since  the  earliest  hours,  had  been 
crossed  with  malign  influences.  Some  of  our  members,  watching  for 
the  dawn  and  the  Deer  near  Monk's  Woods,  had  seen  the  sun  rise 
with  auroral  splendours— the  ominous  "  red  sky  in  the  morning  "  of 
the  shepherd's  rhyming  adage — and  gloomy  forebodings  of  the  pre- 
dicted sea-borne  storm  filled  our  minds.  However,  as  vv^e  cross  the 
railway  at  Theydon  Gate,  the  afternoon,  at  worst,  is  but  dull  and 
sullen  ;  we  strike  up  the  lane  towards  Theydon  Garnon  Church,  some 
thirty  of  us,  hopefully  but  doubtingly.  Here  is  plenty  of  work  for  our 
botanists,  particularly  in  a  piece  of  broken  ground  to  the  right  of  the 
lane ;  the  spot  is  quite  choked  up  with  many  kinds  of  weeds,  common 
but  welcome  to  the  sight.  Several  species  of  Veronica  and  Epilohiiim 
(Willow-herbs)  in  profusion;  the  charming  little  Enchanter's-Night- 
shade  [Cicaa),  Ranunculus  scelcratus,  Teasels,  Spurges,  and  fifty  other 
plants  can  be  gathered  in  blossom  or  in  fruit.  Even  the  lane  itself  is 
gay  with  Willow-herbs,  Fleabane  (Inula),  Wound-worts,  St.  John's- 
worts,  Cranesbills,  and  Ragworts ;  whilst  the  amateur  botanist's  crux, 
the  order  Composite,  is  in  great  force.  Our  geologists  stop  to  examine 
a  section  of  the  chalky  boulder-clay  exposed  on  one  side  of  the  lane, 
albeit  a  hidden  fear  of  local  boards  and  road-surveyors  checks  the  free 
use  of  the  pick  and  hammer.  The  route  chosen  for  our  ramble  is  truly 
a  pretty  one  :  pleasant  flower-decked  lanes,  shut  in  by  hedges  of 
Black-thorn,  Dog-wood,  Spindle,  Maple,  Hazel,  Honeysuckle,  and 
Briars ;  with  long  aisles  of  Nature's  own  Gothic  architecture  :  tall 
Elms  and  Lindens  meeting  over-head,  and  blotting  out  now  and  again 
broad  views  of  fertile  valley  and  swelling  upland,  where  quiet  Essex  ham- 
lets and  homesteads,  red-tiled  and  gabled,  nestle  warmly  amid  the  deep 
green  trees  in  the  distance  ;  fair  meadows  and  stubble-fields  in  which 
child-gleaners  still  linger  and  claim  "  largesse  "  from  the  wayfarer  ;  deep 
shady  woodlands,  and  an  antique  church,  rich  in  memorials  of  for- 
gotten grandeur  and  past  renown.  The  programme  is  surely  tempting, 
and  with  only  a  fair  share  of  old  Sol's  ever  welcome  beams,  the  enjoy- 
ment of  the  "meet"  would  have  been  ensured.  But  no!  At  an 
early  period  of  our  ramble  dense  masses  of  vapour  form  and  re-form 
under  a  leaden  sky  with  vicious  and  presaging  aspect.  In  vain  we 
encourage  ourselves  with  rash  prophecies  ;  we  feel  that  our  doom 
is  written  on  the  contracted  and  lowering  horizon  in  unmistakable 
characters. 

At  the  church  we  are  welcomed  by  the  Rector,  Sir  Cavendish  Foster, 
Bart.,  who  kindly  takes  upon  himself  the  office  of  cicerone.  The 
Rectory  garden  is  of  good  old-fashioned  type,   designed  ere    carpet 


xlii  Journal  of  Procecdimjs. 

bedding  had  spoilt  our  taste ;  it  recalls  Lady  Corisande's  garden 
tlescribed  in  "Lothair;"  full  of  sweet-scented  honest  flowers,  unmarred 
l\\-  the  often  perverted  skill  of  the  florist,  and  with  many  a  tall  tree  and 
cool  leafy  nook.  The  garden  gate  opens  into  a  fine  avenue  of  Limes 
and  Chestnuts,  and  so  into  the  Churchyard.  You  cannot  but  note  and 
admire  the  lofty  red-brick  tower  of  the  Church,  weather-beaten  and 
ivy-clad;  the  ancient  and  well-kept  cottage  of  thesextoness,  with  latticed 
windows  and  clean  white-washed  walls,  serving  to  "set  oft"  the  red  tower 
hard  by  ;  the  Yews  and  Shrubs  bordering  the  trim  walks,  or  shielding 
many  a  stately  tomb  and  daisy-studded  grave  ;  tall  Elms,  untrammelled 
and  luxuriant,  surrounding  and  framing  in  the  whole.  It  is  a  charming 
spot  on  a  sunny  summer  morning,  fresh  and  secluded — the  prettiest  of 
Gods-acres  1 

The  Church,  dedicated  to  All  Saints,  is  of  great  interest  to  the  Anti- 
quary and  Genealogist.  The  date  of  its  erection  is  probably  not  known, 
but  on  the  south  side  of  the  tower  is  a  stone  recording  the  contribution 
of  Sir  John  Crosbie  and  Dames  Anne  and  Agnes  "his  wyfs  "  towards 
the  making  of  "thys  stepyll."  This  worthy  merchant  lived  in  the  reigns 
of  Henry  Vl.  and  Edward  IV.,  and  died  in  1473,  so  that  the  church  can 
claim  a  very  considerable  antiquity.  In  the  nave  is  a  brass  plate  to  the 
memoi-y  of  the  Rev.  William  Kyrkaby,  who  was  rector  of  Theydon 
Garnon,  and  died  in  145S.  The  church  was  restored,  chiefly  by  the 
present  Rector,  between  the  years  1863  and  1873.  All  visitors  must  be 
struck  by  the  unusual  number  and  interest  of  the  monumental  tablets, 
many  of  them  relating  to  personages  figuring  in  our  English  annals. 
Sir  Cavendish  Eoster  conducts  us  over  the  church,  and  carefully  points 
out  the  special  objects  worthy  of  attention.  He  had  himself  prepared 
copies  of  many  of  the  more  notable  inscriptions  for  our  information.  It 
is  curious,  but  exasperating,  to  note  how  studiously  the  Puritans  have 
chipped  out  or  otherwise  erased  all  phrases  savouring  of  the  "  Scarlet 
Lady";  not  a  single  "  Pray  for  the  soul"  escaped  their  zeal,  and  all 
the  older  monuments  are  thus  disfigured.  We  examined  the  register, 
which  commences  in  the  year  153S,  and  contains  manj-  curious  records 
of  social  manners.  There  is  a  large  muniment  chest  full  of  documents, 
which  would  no  doubt  repay  a  careful  investigation.  Altogether  a  most 
interesting  building ;  and  on  the  motion  of  our  President  we  cordially 
thank  Sir  Cavendish  for  his  kindness  and  courtesy. 

And  now  what  is  to  be  said  as  to  the  rest  of  our  walk  ?  The  rain 
begins  in  good  earnest  soon  after  leaving  Theydon  Garnon,  and  our 
subsequent  adventures  are  to  be  wept  over  rather  than  recorded. 
Botany,  of  course,  is  at  a  discount ;  practical  meteorology  absorbs  our 
whole  faculties,  and  "  Forward  as  quickly  as  possible  "  is  the  word  of 
command.  Two  or  three  of  the  more  enthusiastic  do  indeed  stop  to 
note  the  extreme  abundance  of  the  curious  plant  Bartsia  (EufJirasia) 
odontites  in  one  meadow,  along  with  the  charming  little  Lotus  corniculatus; 


JuLirnal  of  Proceedings.  xliii 

and  in  another  field,  near  the  hamlet  called  "  Ivy  Chimneys,"  the 
equal  luxuriance  and  plenty  of  the  purple  ^o^ev  heSids  oi  Scobiosa  siiccisa, 
anent  which  Old  Parkinson  sayeth  as  follows: — "Fabulous  antiquity 
(the  Monkes  and  Fryers,  as  I  suppose,  being  inventors  of  the  fable) 
said,  that  the  Devill  envying  the  good  that  this  tribe  might  do  to  man- 
kindc,  bit  away  part  of  the  roote,  and  thereof  came  the  name  siiccisa, 
Devill's-bit."  We  recall  this  fragment  of  mediaeval  phytology  as  we 
surmount  the  last  of  a  long  series  of  tall  and  difficult  Essex  stiles,  find 
a  piece  of  decent  road  ahead,  and  follow  our  leaders  with  all  speed  to 
the  "Wake  Arms."  A  little  damp  we  may  be,  spite  of  waterproofs  and 
umbrellas,  but  all  disposed  to  conquer  circumstances  and  be  as  jolly 
in  face  of  discomfort  as  a  field  club  of  Mark  Tapleys ;  even  the  ladies 
"smile  a  kind  of  sickly  smile,"  pardoning  Jupiter  Pluvius ;  and  Mrs. 
Gearing's  warm  tea  and  excellent  providings  give  us  courage  soon  to 
laugh  at  our  misadventures. 

Anon  comes  Professor  Boulger's  impromptu  lecture,  "  Botanical  work 
to  be  done" — problems  that  is  in  plant  life  awaiting  solution,  and 
solvable  by  amateur  botanists  when  they  shall  tire  of  mere  collections 
of  dried  leaves,  and  begin  to  look  upon  plants  as  living  forms,  of  the 
nature  and  structure  of  which  we  are,  to  a  great  extent,  profoundly 
ignorant.  In  his  opening  remarks,  the  Professor  takes  exception  to  the 
word  "  primaeval"  as  applied  to  Epping  Forest;  in  his  opinion,  the 
Forest  is,  both  geologically  and  botanically,  remarkably  modern.  When 
we  hear  the  Essex  Forest  spoken  of  as  "  the  forest  primseval,"  we  ask 
in  what  sense  the  words  are  to  be  taken.  Are  we  to  go  back  to 
remote  geological  times — the  true  primaeval  forests  of  the  period  of  the 
London  clay  ?  In  the  Isle  of  Sheppy  abundant  evidence  may  be  found 
of  the  existence  of  a  tropical  forest  at  the  time  the  London 
clay  was  deposited.  The  land  was  then  clothed  with  a  luxuriant /era, 
probably  resembling  that  now  found  on  the  banks  of  the  Ganges ; 
since  the  fruits  of  the  Screw-pines  (Nipadites),  for  example — amongst 
the  commonest  fossils  at  Sheppy — are  there  represented  by  the  living 
genus  Nipa.  Then  come  the  forests  of  the  late  Eocene,  or  Miocene, 
age ;  with  Tulip-trees,  Magnolias,  Banksias,  Vines,  and  the  Sequoias  of 
Bovey  Tracey — a  flora  reminding  us  of  California.  A  colder  period 
succeeds — the  period  just  before  the  Glacial  epoch  ;  and  at  Cromer,  in 
Norfolk,  we  have  the  old  forest  beds,  consisting  mainly  oiPinus  sylvestris 
and  P.  excelsa,  representing  a  climate  perhaps  very  similar  to  the 
northern  parts  of  Scotland.  In  yet  more  modern  (Post-glacial)  times 
we  have  the  submerged  forests  of  Oaks  and  Hazels  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Thames,  marking  the  incoming  of  a  flora  contemporary  in  Denmark 
with  Neolithic  man,  and  recorded  in  such  names  as  Thurrock  (Thor's 
Oak)  and  Acton  (Oak-township),  High  "Beech"  and  our  finest  Elms 
probably  are  post-Roman  in  date ;  whilst  the  Hornbeams,  which 
"lopping"  has  rendered   so  prematurely  antique  in  appearance,  are 


xliv  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

perhaps  never  two  centuries  in  age,  and  may  only  have  "  come  in  with 
the  Conqueror."  Though  valued  only  as  covert  for  game,  our  English 
forests  probably  owed  some  little  planting,  besides  protection,  to  the 
Norman.  Gurth,  and  his  acorn-eating  swine,  was  ousted  by  the 
foresters  of  Malvoisin. 

So  also  the  rest  of  our  flora  should  be  studied.  Following  up  the 
fine  "  Flora  of  Essex,"  by  Gibson  (unfortunately  a  scarce  work),  we 
should  endeavour  to  trace  the  history  of  the  introductions  of  Nature 
and  of  human  agency,  and  by  careful  study  of  so-called  "critical" 
species,  or  "  splits,"  we  may  be  able,  even  in  the  tributaries  of  the 
Thames,  or  at  least  in  the  main  watersheds  of  England,  to  illustrate 
those  laws  of  geographical  distribution  which  have  been  shown  in  the 
case  of  the  Amazons. 

At  the  same  time,  we  should  learn  the  lesson  of  Continental  botanists  ; 
trace  every  stage  of  development  in  any  plant  we  can  ;  study  every 
phase  of  physiological  life  by  field  observation,  as  well  as  by  laboratory 
experiment :  not  omittmg  the  minute  discrimination  of  the  much 
maligned  "species-monger."  In  fact,  the  Darwinian  must  note  details 
even  more  than  the  mere  species-discriminator,  since  he  looks  for  the 
intermediate  variations  that  the  latter  would  rather  discard, 

A  recognition  of  the  necessity  for  thoroughness  in  the  many  new 
fields  of  work  suggested  by  the  Theory  of  Evolution  must  necessarily 
lead  to  an  increase  of  specialism  ;  but  the  lecturer  thinks  that  the  local 
Field  Clubs  have  an  important  function  to  perform,  to  some  extent 
counteracting  this  tendency,  in  keeping  alive  that  fine  old  type,  now  in 
danger  of  sharing  the  fate  of  our  Ilford  Mammoths,  the  "good  all- 
round  "  naturalists.  This  is  a  type  represented  by  such  men  as  John 
Ray — name  dear  to  Essex — and  Gilbert  White,  naturalist  and  poet. 
Such  Clubs  also  bring  together  students  of  various  branches  of  science, 
and  so  teach  us  to  appreciate  work  in  directions  untrod  by  our  own 
footsteps,  and  to  learn  the  true  proportions  of  our  work  to  the  general 
scheme  of  Nature. 

An  eminent  geologist  once  said  to  the  lecturer,  "  Botany  !  what's  to 
be  done  in  botany  ?  Our  plants  are  all  known  as  well  as  the  butter- 
flies." It  may  be  enough  to  reply  that  one  or  two  plants  "new  to 
Britain"  are  discovered  nearly  every  year,  even  among  Phanerogamia. 
This  is  not,  however,  the  sole  aim  of  the  botanist.  If  we  turn  to  the 
base  of  the  scale  of  vegetable  life,  we  find  the  but  newly-discovered 
Myxomycetes  (perhaps  plants,  perhaps  animals),  the  virtually  unknown 
Schizomycctes,  and  the  constantly  increasing  list  of  the  higher  Fungi, 
among  which  even  the  mushroom  has  not  been  traced  with  certainty 
through  its  whole  life-history.  The  fresh-water  Algcd  have  not  been 
recently  monographed  ;  the  CharacccB  are  unplaced,  and  we  are  much 
in  want  of  a  satisfactory  classification  of  Thallophytcs  as  a  whole. 
Higher  up  we  have  the  apparently  causeless  variation  in  the  Ferns, 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xlv 

and  an  infinity  of  work  in  the  unravelling  of  the  web  of  Nature's  mind, 
by  fixing  the  position  of  numerous  natural  orders.  We  want  to  learn 
the  function  of  the  various  elements  of  plant-food  ;  we  want  Parnassia 
Hellehonis,  and  other  "  carnivors  "  studied  as  Drosera  has  been  studied. 
We  have,  undoubtedly,  much  to  learn  as  to  the  modes  of  branching,  the 
inflorescence,  fertilization,  hybridization,  flowers  that  never  open, 
leaves  that  "  sleep,"  the  means  of  dispersal  in  fruits  and  seeds,  plant- 
crystals  and  secretions,  and  many  another  wide-reaching  topic.  We 
cannot  say  that  many  of  our  "  critical  "  groups  are  yet  satisfactorily 
arranged.  The  aquatic  Ranunculi,  the  genus  Cocli  learia,  the  altitude 
variations  of  Violets,  the  hybrid  Epilobiums,  Cardtti,  and  Verbasciims, 
Arctium,  Erythma,  Euphrasia,  Atriplex,  Potamogeton,  and  others,  stand  in 
need  of  careful  study,  not  to  mention  such  well-known  puzzles  as 
Roses,  Brambles,  Hawkweeds.  and  Willows.  In  these  cases,  field- 
^vork — the  examination  of  whole,  growing  plants,  and  their  surround- 
ings— is  the  chief  thing  of  which  we  have  as  yet  had  too  little. 

The  lecturer  concludes  by  expressing  a  hope  that  his  suggestions 
may  lead  members  of  the  Club  to  endeavour  to  fill  up  some  of 
these  lacuna  in  our  knowledge  of  the  plant-world. 

A  cordial  vote  of  thanks  is  given  to  our  conductor  for  his  deeply- 
interesting  and  suggestive  remarks  ;  Mr.  Gearing's  interesting  collec- 
tion of  coins,  and  other  relics  found  on  the  Forest,  is  examined, 
They  don  Bois  Station  gained  in  good  time,  and  so  end  our  "  Chronicles 
of  a  Wet  Day." 


Saturday,  September  25TH,  1880. — Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  at  the  Head-quarters,  3,  St.  John's 
Terrace,  Buckhurst  Hill,  at  7  o'clock,  Mr.  R.  Meldola,  President,  in 
the  chair. 

The  minutes  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  confirmed.  The 
following  were  elected  members  of  the  Society : — Messrs.  William 
Cutting,  W.  Elliott  Hutchinson,  and  E.  Delacourt  Kell. 

Mr.  F.  G.  Hart  exhibited  a  fossil  Ammonite  from  the  glacial  clay  at 
North  Weald. 

Mr.  James  English  brought  up  a  Quail  (Coturnix  communis)  shot  by 
Mr.  Symonds  at  North  Weald.  Mr.  English  stated  that  this  was  the 
first  Essex  specimen  that  had  come  under  his  observation.  [The 
following  remarks,  extracted  from  the  4th  edition  of  Pennant's 
British  Zoology,  1776,  maybe  given  here: — "  A  gentleman,  to  whom 
this  work  lies  under  great  obligations  for  his  frequent  assistance,  has 
assured  us,  that  these  birds  (quails)  migrate  out  of  the  neighbouring 
inland  counties  into  the  hundreds  of  Essex,  in  October,  and  continue 
there  all   the  winter ;   if  frost  or  snow  drive   them  out  of  the  stubble 


xlvi  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

fields  and  marshes,  they  retreat  to  the  seaside,  shelter  themselves 
among  the  weeds,  and  live  upon  what  they  can  pick  up  from  the  Alg:s, 
&c.,  between  high  and  low  water  mark.  Our  friend  remarks,  that 
the  time  of  their  appearance  in  Essex  coincides  with  that  of  their 
leaving  the  inland  counties  ;  the  same  observation  has  been  made  in 
Hampshire. " — Ed.] 

Mr.  English  also  exhibited  a  fine  specimen  of  the  rare  Fungus 
Thelephora  vmltizonata  from  Epping  Forest.  Since  he  had  discovered 
the  species  in  the  Forest  he  had  found  seventeen  specimens  in  about 
nine  years.  He  believed  that  two  examples  had  been  gathered  in 
Hereford,  but  as  far  as  he  knew,  these  were  the  only  specimens 
recorded. 

IVIr.  W.  Cole  exhibited  some  remarkably  dwarf  specimens  of  Lepidop- 
tera  all  taken  at  large  in  the  Forest  district,  Chingford  and  Buckhurst 
Hill.  The  species  were  A.  cardaviines,  Cvocallis  elinguaria,  Ennor.ios  angu- 
l  via,  and  Abraxas grossulariata.  Some  of  these  diminutive  insects  were 
less  than  half  the  normal  size  of  the  species. 

The  President  showed  some  specimens  of  Exotic  butterflies  for  the 
purpose  of  illustrating  some  interesting  remarks  made  by  him  on  the 
phenomena  of  Protective  resemblance  amongst  insects.  The  specimens 
well  demonstrated  the  existence  of  two  classes  of  cases — one  in  which  the 
insects  derived  protection  from  their  enemies  by  reason  of  their  resem- 
blance to  living  or  dead  leaves,  twigs  or  flowers.  This  case  is  well 
illustrated  by  the  Indian  Leaf  Butterfly  Kallima  Inachis,  and  by  many 
moths  and  caterpillars  in  England.  The  other  class  of  cases,  including 
those  rarer  species  which  find  protection  by  "  mimicing "  some 
commoner  species,  which  may  itself  be  protected  by  some  special 
quality,  such  as  nauseous  taste  or  odour,  from  the  attacks  of  birds 
or  other  enemies.  This  class  Mr.  Meldola  illustrated  by  Diadema 
misippus,  the  female  of  which  very  closely  resembles  the  common 
Danais  chrysippus.  Among  English  species  it  may  be  noted  that  the 
comparatively  scarce  little  Geometrideous  moth  Acidalia  subsericeata, 
closely  mimics  the  common  A  sthena  candidata ;  and  many  examples  of 
these  phenomena  could  probably  be  found  in  British  insects. 

Mr.  Cole  mentioned  that  his  brother  had  seen  a  specimen  of  Cynthia 
Cardui  at  Ramsgate,  hovering  over  and  settling  upon  some  artificial 
flowers  in  a  lady's  hat.  The  observation  was  worth  recording,  as  it 
tended  to  show  that  the  colour  and  form  of  flowers  were  the  chief 
attraction  to  insects. 

Mr.  N.  F.  Robarts,  F.G.S.,  wished  to  call  attention  to  the  Deer  in 
Epping  Forest,  in  the  hope  of  eliciting  some  information  with  respect 
to  their  peculiarities.  When  compared  with  the  ordinary  Fallow-deer 
of  our  parks,  he  thought  they  presented  noticeable  differences,  and 
they  appeared  to  be  a  separate  race.  He  also  wished  to  know  whether 
the  cause  of  the  mortality  of  the   Shrew-mouse   {Sorcx  araneus)    was 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xlvii 

known.  He  had  often  seen  them  lying  dead  on  paths  with  no  signs  of 
injury. 

The  Secretary  said  he  had  also  frequently  noticed  dead  Shrews, 
generally,  he  believed,  in  the  autumn.  He  suggested  that  sharp  night 
frosts  may  be  answerable  for  the  death  of  these  much  maligned  little 
creatures.  He  could  confirm  Mr.  Robarts'  remarks  with  respect  to  the 
Epping  Forest  Deer  ;  they  presented  race  characters  in  colour  as  well 
as  in  the  absence  of  decided  palmation  of  the  antlers,  thus  being 
curiously  without  one  mark  of  the  species ;  they  were  probably  much 
more  ancient  than  our  semi-domestic  Fallow-deer.  It  was  not 
generally  known  that  Red-deer  existed  in  a  wild  state  in  Hainault  and 
Epping  Forests  until  a  comparatively  late  period.  He  had  a  map  in 
his  possession  with  manuscript  notes  by  Mr.  John  Cary,  the  celebrated 
map  engraver.  In  one  note  Mr.  Cary  stated  that  on  October  20th, 
1827,  he  had  assisted  at  the  hunt  of  a  Red  Stag,  which  was  finally 
taken  at  Plaistow,  adding,  "  Red  Deer  to  be  so  near  the  Metropolis  in 
their  wild  state  I  consider  as  a  singular  circumstance."  This  event 
took  place,  of  course,  long  before  the  disgraceful  and  lamentable 
destruction  of  Hainault  Forest. 

Mr.  English  read  a  paper  on  the  preservation  of  flowering  plants 
so  as  to  retain  much  of  their  form  and  colour.  This  process  is  an 
improvement  on  that  proposed  by  the  author  in  a  communication  to  the 
Club  on  April  24th  last.  (See  Transactions,  Vol.  I.,  p.  71.)  Mr.  English 
exhibited  a  large  box  filled  with  beautifully  preserved  specimens,  com- 
prising more  than  fifty  species.  Some  of  the  plants  presented  a  most 
life-like  appearance ;  and  as  the  forms  and  scientific  characters  are  often 
well  retained,  the  process  bids  fair  to  be  of  very  considerable  value, 
especially  for  the  production  of  museum  specimens  and  for  educational 
purposes.  Mr.  Saward  also  exhibited  specimens  of  the  same  nature. 
Thanks  were  returned  to  Mr.  English  for  his  communication. 

The  President  called  attention  to  the  Field  Meeting  to  take  place  on 
October  2nd,  for  the  study  of  the  Cryptogams  of  the  Forest,  under  the 
leadership  of  Dr.  Cooke,  Mr.  Worthington  Smith,  and  Mr.  English, 
and  mentioned  that  it  would  probably  be  the  last  field  meeting  of  the 
season.  • 

At  the  Conversazione,  Mr.  C.  Thomas,  F.G.S.,  exhibited  under  the 
microscope  the  following  living  objects : — Chara  translucois,  for  the 
purpose  of  showing  that  beautiful  and  wonderful  phenomenon  the 
circulatory  movements  of  fluid  protoplasm  within  the  cells  of  the  plant 
commonly  called  Cyclosis.  Also  amongst  the  Rotatoria,  the  charming 
Floscular'ui  ornata,  Mclstes  crystallinus,  and  Linmias  cerotophylli,  all  from 
the  neighbourhood  of  Epping  Forest. 


xlviii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

Saturday,  October  2nd,  iSSo. — Field  Meeting. 

How  frequently  we  have  the  enquiry  from  incipient  naturalists,  "What 
shall  I  study — how  shall  I  begin  ?  "  Those  who  attended  this  meeting 
had  both  precept  and  example  to  direct  their  choice,  and  to  point  the 
way,  into  one  at  least  of  the  byepaths  of  Nature  which  it  is  the  duty 
and  pleasure  of  the  naturalist  to  tread.  The  byepath  is  one  which 
needs  careful  journeying,  for  it  is  strange  and  difficult,  and  often  but 
dimly  defined,  although  full  of  interest,  and  beauty,  and  wonder,  to  the 
enthusiastic  wayfarer.  It  traverses  the  province  Cryptogamia,  once  of 
great  empire  and  dignity  in  the  kingdom  of  Nature,  but  now  seen  of 
humbler  guise  ;  our  horsetails,  ferns,  and  mosses  are  but  dwarf  and 
degenerate  descendants  of  the  gigantic  Lepldodendra,  Tree-ferns,  and 
Calamites  of  the  Devonian  and  Carboniferous  ages  of  the  earth's  history. 
But  fortunately  for  us,  size  is  no  measure  of  merit ;  the  great  Sigillarics 
could  we  have  seen  them  growing,  wuldly  luxuriant,  in  the  reeking 
forests  of  the  coal-period,  would  perchance  have  taught  no  higher 
biological  lessons  than  can  be  gathered  from  the  study  of  the  humble 
club-mosses  of  our  native  woods  and  heaths.  And  how  much  there  is 
of  interest  in  the  history,  but  very  partially  known,  of  that  mysterious 
tribe  called  Fungi  by  the  learned,  and  Toadstools,  Mushrooms,  and 
Moulds  by  the  general.  Flowerless  they  are  by  name  and  nature,  but 
often  of  striking  beauty.  A  search  in  Epping  Forest  any  fine  morning 
in  this  present  month  of  October  will  reveal  many  a  cryptogamic  gem  ; 
the  brilliant  Fly- Agaric,  with  its'  scarlet  crown  ;  the  coral-like  Peziza 
aurantia,  or  the  golden  yellow  Clavaria,  found  springing  up  in  luxuriant 
clusters  by  woodland  paths  and  hedge-rows.  Here  then  is  a  "  hobby,'' 
attractive  and  comparatively  unridden ;  and  our  Forest  is  the  very  place 
in  which  to  exercise  it ;  Epping  being  perhaps  one  of  the  best  localities 
for  the  l^LXger  Fungi  in  England.  And  at  the  meeting  we  chronicle  what 
better  teachers  could  the  developing  mycologist  desire  ?  Dr.  Cooke,  the 
hero  of  a  hundred  fungus  forays  and  author  of  many  a  recondite  treatise 
and  popular  histor}^  anent  his  favourites,  w^as  on  the  Forest  betimes,  in 
company  with  a  portmanteau  of  wondrous  capabilities,  destined  ere  the 
day  ^was  over  to  be  the  resting-place  of  many  a  rare  Agaric.  With  him 
was  Dr.  Wharton,  M.A.,  F.L.S.,  himself  an  accomplished  mycologist 
and  ornithologist.  Later  trains  brought  to  Loughton  Professor  Maxime 
Cornu,  of  Paris,  of  European  reputation  as  a  fungologist ;  our  kind 
friend  Mr.  Worthington  Smith,  F.L.S.,  to  whom  our  members  were 
indebted  for  the  jocular  woodcut  which  proved  so  attractive  on  the 
programme  of  the  day's  proceedings  ;  Mr.  James  English,  than  whom 
no  one  is  better  acquainted  with  the  secret  homes  and  haunts  of  many 
a  rare  Epping  fungus;  Mr.  E.  M.  Holmes,  F.L.S.,  an  authority  on 
mosses,  lichens,  and  sea- weeds;  Mr.  Howse,  the  Woolhopean;  the  High 
Sheriff  and  Verderer,  Mr.  Andrew  Johnston,  and  upwards  of  fifty 
members  and  friends,  including  several  ladies.  Neverwas  a  Naturalists' 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  xlix 

excursion  better  officered,  and  the  President  and  Secretary  were  full  of 
congratulations  as  they  conducted  their  batch  of  visitors  towards  Monk's 
Woods,  the  appointed  afternoon  rendezvous.     Alas  !  just  as  we  entered 
the  broad  shadow  of  the  trees,  down  came  the  rain,  sullenly  and  remorse- 
lessly.    In  vain   did  we  shelter  ourselves,   '^  sub  tegminc  fagi,"  making 
occasional  sallies  into  the  open  to  secure   some  particularly  large  or 
fascinating  Fungus.     We  soon  became  uncomfortably  moist,  and  when 
Mr.  Smith's  and  Mr.  English's  parties  appeared,  crossing  a  sedgy  wood 
opening,  and  looking  if  possible  even  wetter  than  ourselves,  we,  after  a 
brief  consultation,  adopted  the  advice  of  the  "  weteyans,"  and  struck 
the  woodland  path  across  the  valley  to  the   "  Forester's  Arms."     Just 
outside  the  woods  we  met  the  last  arrivals  from  the  station,  and  the 
united  parties  fled  before  the  pitiless  tempest.   A  short  lull  in  the  storm 
tempted  us  to  make  another  incursion  to  the  woods,  but  we  could  not 
get  far.   However,  we  found  Dr.  Cooke's  party  loaded  with  spoils.    The 
genial  Doctor's  wonderful  bag  was  stocked  with  type  specimens  for  his 
Lecture,  and  one  enthusiastic  member  had  converted  his  umbrella  into 
a  temporary  vasculum,  preferring  to  bear  the  rain  rather  than  run  the 
risk  of  spoiling  his  pretty  Agaricini  and  Bolcti ;  whilst  Mr.  Grut  (the 
well-known  Librarian  to  the  Entomological  Society)  carried  in  triumph 
an  immense  Boletus  edulis,   2  feet  4^  inches  in  circumference,  which  he 
had  gathered  at   High   Beach.     But  the  downpour  soon   forced   the 
botanists  back.   Just  outside  the  Forest  a  large  specimen  of  the  "Parasol 
Mushroom "    [Agaricus  procerus)    was   noticed,   a   species   of  very  fine 
edible  qualities.    Listening  to  the  chatty  reports  of  the  skilled  botanists, 
it  was  soon  evident  that  in  spite  of  bad  weather  the  afternoon's  hunt 
had  proved  very  successful.     Doctors  Cooke  and  Wharton  had  gathered 
nearly  sixty  species,  including  many  rare  and  remarkable  forms,  par- 
ticularly the  generally  scarce  Agaricus  ericoeus,  which  they  found  com- 
monly.    But  their  greatest  prize  was  Agaricus  udus,   a  species  new  to 
Britain ;     this   interesting    species   was   found   in    great    plenty,     Mr. 
Worthington  Smith  also  found  on  dung  numerous  specimens  of  Agaricus 
sphinctrinus ,  which  he  took  to  be  new  to  our  flora ;  but  on  this  point 
Doctors  differ,  and  Dr.  Cooke  informs  the  writer  that  the  species  has 
been  already  recorded.     Mr.  Smith  had  been  busy  determining  and 
registering  the  species  met  with,  and  his  list  extended  to  more  than 
forty  species.     Amongst  the  notable  forms   recorded  by  him  may  be 
mentioned  Agaricus  radicosus,  growing  from  the  ground  on  hidden  stumps. 
It  has  pink  gills  and  mimics  the  common  mushroom,  for  which  it  could 
be  easily  mistaken,  but  it  is  very  poisonous  and  dangerous.     Ag.  subla- 
teriteus,  a  new  form  of  this  species  with  deeply  decurrent  gills.     The 
orange  Chantarelle    [Cantharellus   cibarius),    a  pretty  species   with   an 
odour  like  apricots,  and  which  is  so  good  when  cooked  that  a  botanist 
once   said  that  a  well-prepared  dish  of  it  would  arrest  the  pangs  of 
death,  was   very   common   in    Monk's   Woods,   and   at    High  Beach. 

4 


1  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

A,  mucidus  was  very  handsome,  with  its  beautifully  white  gelatinous 
pileus,  growing  in  overlapping  clusters  on  the  beeches  ;  and  here  the 
edible  Hydnum  repandum  was  springing  from  the  ground  in  abundance, 
Professor  Cornu  stating  that  it  was  sold  in  French  vegetable  markets 
at  3d.  per  pound.  Agaricus  mappa  was  frequent  with  the  poisonous 
A.  semilanceatns,  cervinus,  spedabilis,  the  edible  campcstris  (Mushroom), 
and  the  somewhat  uncommon  Ag.  sericellus.  Further  on  were  Ag.  laciy- 
mabitndus,  pyxidatus,  rhodopolius,  pascuus,  fastibilis,  Saponaceus  (smelling  of 
so?iY>),  nmethystinus,  mollis,  squamosus ;  the  edible  species  ruhescens  and 
excoriatus,  and  many  common  forms  too  numerous  to  mention.  Mr. 
English  met  with  many  interesting  fungi.  Near  High  Beach  was  a 
beautiful  group  of  Agaricus  radicatus,  with  its  gelatinous  cap,  pure  white 
gills,  and  elongated  stem  rooting  deeply  by  the  side  of  an  old  stump, 
the  other  side  of  which  was  clothed  with  Polyporus  adiposus  nestling 
amongst  the  moss,  accompanied  hy  Stereum purpiireiim,  one  of  the  leathery 
group  of  fungi.  On  another  stump  was  Bulgaria  sarcoides  and  a  pretty 
yellow  Peziza.  These  old  beech  stumps  seem  very  prolific  m  fungi  and 
will  often  repay  a  search.  Near  the  "  King's  Oak  "  the  edible  Boletus 
{B.  edulis)  was  in  plenty,  some  young  plants  of  which  Mr.  Fitch  carried 
home,  had  cooked  for  breakfast,  and  reported  well  of  the  dish.  Several 
species  of  the  genus  Russula  occurred,  and  with  them  the  brilliant 
scarlet  R.  emetica,  very  showy  but  very  poisonous.  Also  the  rarer 
Russula  cyanoxantha,  an  edible  species,  as  well  as  the  hurtful  R.furcata 
with  R.  futans  (stinking  and  poisonous)  and  lutea.  Young  specimens 
were  seen  of  the  Fly-agaric  {Amanita  muscarius),  groups  of  the  large 
Lactariiis  vellereus,  a  poisonous  species,  and  Ag.  phalloides,  with  the 
hateful  smell.  Also  Lactarius  insulsus,  quietus,  pipcratus,  serifluus,  and 
subdulcis.  On  the  trees  Polyporus  cuticnlaris,  D:sdalea  quercina,  Trametes 
gibbosa,  and  Tremella  albida.  A  few  Puff-balls  were  common,  as  well  as 
Paxillus  involutus  and  Clavaria  pistillaris  and  cristata.  But  to  mention 
by  name  all  the  Nature's  rarities  found  w-ould  only  weary  the  reader  by 
reproducing  on  a  small  scale  a  "check-list  "  of  our  'BriX.ish  fungi. 

Discussing  thus  the  spoils  of  the  day  we  wandered  back  to  our  Inn, 
and  we  were  soon  enjoying  one  of  those  sociable  "teas"  which  are  so 
familiar  to  the  members  of  "Our  Club,"  and  which  proved  very  accept- 
able to  many  after  a  long  and  fatiguing  Forest  ramble. 

After  tea  the  President  had  much  pleasure  in  stating  that  the  Epping 
Forest  Committee  of  the  Corporation  of  London  had  agreed,  in  accord- 
ance with  a  m.otion  made  by  their  distinguished  colleague,  Mr.  Andrew 
Johnston,  to  sanction  the  thorough  examination  by  the  Club  of  the 
ancient  earthworks  in  Epping  Forest.  The  work  would  be  commenced  as 
soon  as  possible,  but  as  large  funds  would  be  required,  the  Council  asked 
for  liberal  contributions  from  members  and  others  interested  in  archaeo- 
logical discovery.  With  respect  to  the  afternoon's  results,  he  thought 
they  had  great  reason  for  congratulation,  notwithstanding  the  weather, 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  li 

which  had  proved  so  inclement  on  that  and  several  other  former  Field 
Meetings.  On  looking  along  the  tables,  the  officers  of  the  Club  could 
not  but  feel  proud  to  note  the  large  and  eminent  cryptogamic  forces 
they  had  succeeded  in  bringing  together.  He  was  sure  all  were  deeply 
indebted  to  their  conductors,  Dr.  M.  C.  Cooke,  Mr.  Worthington  Smith, 
and  Mr.  James  English,  for  their  valuable  assistance,  and  as  some 
members  might  be  obliged  to  leave  before  the  termination  of  the  dis- 
cussion, he  proposed  to  reverse  the  usual  order  of  things,  and  at  once 
call  upon  the  meeting  to  pass  a  cordial  vote  of  thanks  to  the  botanists 
named.  In  doing  so  he  could  not  but  refer  to  the  many  well-known 
naturalists  who  attended  the  meeting  as  visitors,  and  he  was  sure  all 
were  proud  and  pleased  to  welcome  their  illustrious  confrere,  Professor 
Maxime  Cornu,  of  Paris,  among  them  that  afternoon.  The  vote  of 
thanks  was  given  with  much  cordiality  and  enthusiasm. 

Dr.  Cooke  then  delivered  one  of  his  characteristically  humorous  and 
learned  extemporaneous  lectures,  taking  as  his  subject  the  discrimina- 
tion of  Fungi  generally,  and  edible  and  poisonous  species  in  particular. 
He  alluded  to  the  extreme  richness  of  the  Epping  Woods  in  this  class 
of  plants,  and  congratulated  the  Society  on  having  inaugurated  so  suc- 
cessfully a  much-wanted  mycological  meeting.  Since  the  collapse  of 
the  Fungus  Meetings  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  lovers  of  these 
lowly  plants  had  had  no  opportunity  of  meeting  together  for  pleasant 
conversation  and  comparison  of  notes,  and  he  was  sure,  should  the 
meetings  become  an  annual  institution,  they  would  be  much  appre- 
ciated by  metropolitan  botanists. 

The  Doctor  gave  an  admirable  resume  of  the  characteristics  of  the 
principal  families  of  the  larger  or  pileate  Fungi,  illustrating  the  points 
insisted  on  by  means  of  fresh  specimens  extracted  from  the  hidden 
recesses  of  his  wonderful  portmanteau.  He  described  the  mode  of 
examining  specimens  with  a  view  to  classifying  and  naming  them — 
whether  with  gills,  pores,  or  teeth,  on  the  underside  of  the  pileus ;  the 
colour  and  nature  of  the  spores,  the  structure  of  the  stem,  whether 
solid,  hollow,  or  fibrous,  the  attachment  of  the  gills  to  the  stem, 
&c.,  &c.  ;  all  these  points  were  touched  upon,  and  demonstrated  prac- 
tically with  the  aid  of  a  table  knife,  and  the  inexhaustible  bag.  He  also 
pointed  out  what  species  to  select,  and  what  to  avoid  from  a  gastro- 
nomic point  of  view,  particularly  praising  the  "  Orange  Chantarelle," 
alluded  to  above  ;  and  one  species  deliciosus  of  the  genus  Lactariiis, 
known  by  exuding  a  milky  fluid  when  broken.  Our  giant  friend 
Boletus  edulis  came  in  for  a  large  share  of  commendation,  and  the 
visitors  were  told  to  study  its  characters  well  so  as  to  know  it  again, 
particularly  remarking  the  delicate  pinkish  reticulation  of  the  stem 
which  serves  to  distinguish  the  right  species  from  its  congeners,  many 
of  which  are  the  reverse  of  wholesome.  One  of  these  Boletus  Itiridus 
had  been  found  plentifully  during  the  afternoon's  "hunt.     It  is  poison- 


Hi  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

ous  and  turns  to  an  azure  colour  when  cut  or  broken,  and  Dr.  Cooke 
thought  the  plant  was  designed  by  Providence  to  indicate  "  blue  ruin" 
to  the  unwary  fungus-eater  ! 

Mr.Worthington  Smith  thought  the  Doctor  had  made  a  slight  slip  in 
stating  that  Lactarius  dcliciosiis  was  the  only  edible  member  of  the  genus, 
as  the  allied  L.  volemnm  grew  in  Epping  Forest,  and  was  universally 
allowed  to  be  one  of  the  greatest  gastronomic  delicacies  in  the  family 
of  mushrooms.     He  had  been  several  times  asked  during  the  afternoon 
whether  there  was  any  general  rule  for  distinguishing  an  edible  from  a 
poisonous  species  ;    no  such  general  rule  existed.       Ftmgi  like  other 
natural  objects  required  to  be  studied  to  be  well  known.      In  addition 
to  the  anatomical  details  mentioned  by  Dr.  Cooke,  Mr.  Smith  stated 
that  there  were  many  empirical  characters  of  great  importance  in  the 
discrimination  oi  fungi.     For  instance,   the  habitat  is  always  of  great 
value,  and  notice  should  be  taken  whether  the  fungus  to  be  determined 
grew  in  a  wood,  a  hedgeside,  or  meadow.     If  in  a  wood  the  character 
of  the  trees  should  be  noted ;  some  fungi  are  peculiar  to  Fir  woods, 
others  to  plantations  of  Beeches,  Larches,  and  other  trees.  If  the  fungi 
grow  on  trunks  or  stumps,  especial  attention  must  be  paid  to   the 
nature  of  the  trunks,  whether  of  Oak,  Elm,  Beech,  Fir,  or  any  other 
tree  or  bush.     The  same  rule  applied  to  fallen  twigs  and  dead  leaves. 
The   habit  also  was  of    great  value,   whether   growing  in  a   solitary 
manner,  in  groups,  in  "fairy-rings,"  one  or  two  together,  or  in  great 
companies.     Coming  to  the  plant  itself,  Mr.  Smith  said  that  as  there 
were  about  i,ooo  species  of  mushroom-like /j^w^t  in  this  country,  it  was 
evident  that  only  the  most  careful  examination  of  all  parts  of  the  struc- 
ture, stem,  pileus,  gills,  and  spores  would  enable  the  botanist  to  dis- 
criminate many  critical  species.     Especial  attention  should  be  paid  to 
the  top,  whether  it  is  fleshy  or  thin  ;  its  "flesh  "  dry,  watery  or  milky ; 
its  upper  portion  smooth,  rough,  warted,  or  gelatinous ;  the  stetn  may 
be  rough  or  smooth,  with  or    without  a   ring,  springing  from  a  bulb  or 
from  an  attenuated  root-like  growth,  hollow  or  solid,  with  or  without 
bark,  have  pith  or  be  pithless.     The  gills  or  plates  under  the  top  must 
be  noted,  whether  these  structures  are  thick  or  thin,  crowded  together 
or  distant  from  each  other,  whether  running  down  the  stem  or  free 
from  it,  and  whether  the  colour  is  black,  white,  pink  or  brown.     The 
spores  are  equally  important  ;    their  colour,  form  and  size  must  be 
observed    with  care  in   the   discrimination  of  critical  species.     Some 
spores  are  very  large,  as  in  Agavicus  mucidns  (found  that  afternoon)  ; 
whilst  others,   as  in  Poiyporus  d^sius,  are  excessively  small ;  some  are 
round,  others  oval,  some  pip-shaped,  some  nodulose,  others  furnished 
with  spines  like  a  hedgehog.     Odour,  too,  is  of  great  importance  as  an 
empirical  character,    said    Mr.   Smith  ;    different  fungi  are   furnished 
with  the  most  diverse  smells,  and  many  can  be  named  at  once  by  the 
fragrant  or  foetid  scent  alone.      Taste  was  of  equal  importance,  some 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  liii 

fungi  being  sweet  and  nutty  to  the  taste,  others  bitter  and  highly 
pungent. 

Professor  Maxime  Cornu,  who  was  very  cordially  received,  and  who 
spoke  in  French,  said  he  felt  much  flattered  by  the  honour  they  had 
done  him.  He  was  very  charmed  to  be  able  to  be  present  at  such  a 
pleasant  reunion  of  London  botanists.  In  his  opinion,  meetings  of  the 
kind  had  the  greatest  scientific  interest  independently  of  their  social 
and  friendly  character.  He  hoped,  on  his  return,  to  initiate  similar 
meetings  in  Paris,  and  he  need  not  say  that  any  he  savv'  around  him. 
would  find  a  hearty  welcome  there. 

A  few  practical  observations  on  fungus  hunting  were  made  by  Mr. 
Howse  and  Mr.  Holmes,  time  forbidding  any  further  extended  remarks, 
and  then  the  party  sallied  forth  to  catch  the  train  at  the  Loughton 
Station.  Shining  like  "  a  good  deed  in  a  naughty  world,"  our  leader's 
entomological  lanthorn  signalled  the  way  through  the  almost  im- 
penetrable darkness,  and  enabled  us  to  steer  our  course  without  much 
discomfort.  Mr.  Smith  records  some  of  the  conversation  of  the 
experts  as  they  trudged  through  the  Essex  lanes.  In  reference  to  the 
darkness,  M.  Cornu  said  that  Dr.  Quelet  could  recognize  several 
species  of  Hydnum  in  the  dark  by  merely  squeezing  the  hymenial 
surface  between  his  fingers  and  noting  the  amount  of  moisture  exuded. 
Someone  else  said  he  could  always  make  out  Phallus  impiidicus  in  the 
dark,  even  without  touching  it,  and  Mr.  English  said  he  always  knew 
the  poisonous  Russula  emetica  from  any  other  species  because  the  red 
colour  of  the  pileus  invariably  got  washed  out  and  dissolved  over  the 
gills  by  his  hot  wax  process — a  character,  so  far  as  he  knew,  peculiar 
to  this  species.  He  also  said  7?.  emetica  turns  brownish-black  in  drying. 
These  characters  (if  they  are  to  be  relied  upon)  are  very  valuable,  as 
no  species  is  more  difficult  to  make  out  with  certainty  than  R.  emetica, 
its  characters  being  closely  "  mimiced  "  by  several  other  red  Russtdas, 
said  Mr.  Smith.  The  rain  holding  off  for  a  brief  space,  and  friendly 
converse  so  beguiling  the  time,  all  ended  happily,  and  the  last  Field 
Meeting  of  the  season  is,  in  everything  but  the  weather,  a  pleasant 
memory. 

[In  penning  the  last  gossiping  report,  the  Hon.  Secretary  cannot 
refrain  from  taking  the  opportunity  of  publicly  thanking  all  friends, 
scientific  and  others,  to  whose  kind  aid  and  encouragement  the  success 
of  the  first  series  of  these  pleasant  gatherings  has  been  mainly  due.  In 
spite  of  bad  weather,  the  interest  taken  in  them  by  the  members  has 
never  waned,  and  we  may  hope  that  the  next  season's  meetings  will 
profit  from  the  legacy  of  pleasant  recollections  bequeathed  by  those 
of  1880.] 


liv  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

Saturday,  October  30TH,  1880. — Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  at  the  Headquarters,  at  seven  o'clock, 
the  President  in  the  chair. 

The  minutes  of  the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  confirmed.  The 
names  of  twelve  candidates  for  election  into  the  Society  were  read. 

The  Secretary  read  the  following  letter  : — 

Aldershot,  24th  October,  1880. 
Dear   Sir, — In   reply  to   your  letter,    I    am   directed   to   state  that 
H.R.H.  the  Duke  of  Connaught  will  have  great  pleasure  in  becoming  a 
Patron  of  the  Epping  Forest  and  County  of  Essex  Naturalists'  Field 
Club. — Yours  truly,  H.  Elphinstone. 

The  President  said  that  he  knew  the  members  of  the  Club  would 
hear  with  great  pleasure  of  the  honour  conferred  upon  the  Society  by 
His  Royal  Highness,  and  he  was  sure  they  would  gladly  pass  a  cordial 
vote  of  thanks  in  acknowledgment  of  the  favour  so  freely  and  kindly 
rendered. 

The  vote  was  passed  by  acclamation  amid  loud  cheers. 

The  following  letter  was  also  read  : — 

Guildhall,  E.C.,  4th  October,  1880. 
Gentlemen, — The  Epping  Forest  Committee  have  considered  the 
memorial  addressed  by  you  to  them  on  behalf  of  the  Epping  Forest 
and  County  of  Essex  Naturalists'  Field  Club,  for  permission  to  make 
a  scientific  examination  of  the  Camps  or  Earthworks  at  Loughton,  and 
of  the  Camp  called  Ambresbury,  in  Epping  Forest,  under  the  personal 
superintendence  of  Major-General  Pitt-Rivers,  and  the  following  is  a 
copy  of  the  resolution  passed  by  them  on  the  subject : — 

"  Resolved  :  That  the  application  be  granted  subject  to  the  works 
being  carried  out  under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  McKenzie, 
the  Superintendent  of  the  Forest,  and  to  the  ground  being  sub- 
sequently restored  by  the  Club  to  its  present  condition  and  to 
his  satisfaction  ;  and  also  that  all  relics  and  other  objects  of 
interest  which  may  be  found  in  either  of  the  Camps  or  Earth- 
works shall  be  handed  over  to,  and  become  the  propert}'  of,  the 
Conservators." — I  am,  &c.,  [John  B.  Monckton. 

To  the  Council. 

Mr.  Meldola  said  that,  in  accordance  with  the  above,  the  Secretary 
had  issued  a  circular  to  the  members,  asking  for  subscriptions  to  found 
a  fund  to  be  called  "The  Forest  Camps  Exploration  Fund,"  to  enable 
the  Society  to  carry  out  the  work.  He  was  glad  to  say  that  ;£'40  had 
already  been  subscribed,  sufficient  to  explore  one  Camp ;  and  the 
Council  confidently  hoped  that  further  sums  would  be  sent  in  as  the 
desirable  object   of  the  fund  became  more  generally  known.      Acting 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  Iv 

under  the  advice  of  their  Hon.  Surveyor,  Mr.  D'Oyley,  the  Council  had 
resolved  to  defer  the  exploration  until  the  spring,  when  the  earth 
would  probably  be  in  a  condition  to  allow  of  sifting,  so  that  coins  or 
other  small  objects  might  be  readily  detected.  By  that  time  also  the 
Council  hoped  that  a  sufficient  sum  would  be  received  to  enable  the 
Club  to  thoroughly  explore  both  Camps,  and  to  publish  in  a  suitable 
manner  a  full  account  of  the  investigation,  with  maps,  plans,  &c.,  con- 
stituting a  complete  history  of  these  interesting  relics.  In  moving 
that  a  vote  of  thanks  be  passed  to  the  Epping  Forest  Committee,  the 
President  wished  to  bear  testimony  to  the  services  rendered  to  the 
Club  by  their  colleague  Mr.  Andrew  Johnston,  High  Sheriff  of  the 
County,  in  proposing,  in  his  capacity  of  Verderer  and  member  of  the 
Committee,  "  that  the  Club's  application  be  granted,"  and  also  for 
his  kind  efforts  in  connection  with  the  application  to  H.R.H.  the 
Ranger.  The  votes  of  thanks  were  passed  with  much  cordiality  by 
the  meeting. 

The  President  also  said,  that  acting  upon  the  excellent  suggestion 
of  their  Secretary,  the  Council  had  resolved  to  establish  a  series  of 
Winter  Science  Lectures  for  the  instruction  and  amusement  of  the 
members  and  the  public  generally.  The  first  lecture  would  be  given 
by  Mr.  J.  E.  Harting,  F.L.S..  F.Z.S.  (Editor  of  "  Zoologist  "),  on  Wed- 
nesday, November  loth,  subject,  "  Forest  Animals."  He  was  glsfd  to 
be  able  to  announce  that  his  friend,  Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace,  had  consented 
to  deliver  a  lecture  during  the  course.  They  also  hoped  to  secure  the 
kind  aid  of  Dr.  Cooke,  Mr.  Whitaker,  and  other  distinguished  scien- 
tific men. 

The  following  books  were  presented  to  the  Society :  Warner's 
"  Plantis  Woodfordienses,"  a  rare  book  of  great  interest  to  the  Essex 
botanist,  presented  by  Mr.  Fisher  Unwin,  and  "  The  Transaction  of 
the  Essex  Archaeological  Society,"  Vol.  II.,  Part  I.,  by  the  Society. 

Mr.  English  exhibited  several  rare  and  interesting  species  of  Fungi, 
from  Epping  Forest,  and  made  some  remarks  upon  their  peculiarities. 
Polyporus  intybaceus,  rare  ;  he  had  only  found  this  on  few  occasions  on 
one  particular  stump  in  the  Forest.  It  was  a  remarkable  fact  that  the 
plant  did  not  occur  annually  ;  it  slipped  some  years,  and  then  reappeared 
in  the  same  locality.  This  year  he  had  found  a  fine  specimen  ;  it  was 
very  beautiful,  with  its  white  pileus,  studded  with  pores,  and  looking 
like  some  varieties  of  coral.  Agaricus  stona  ;  that  morning  he  had  been 
out  with  Dr.  Plowright,  who  had  journeyed  all  the  way  from  King's 
Lynn  in  order  to  see  some  of  the  Epping  Forest  Fungi.  They 
succeeded  in  discovering  some  very  beautiful  things,  especially  this 
species.  It  only  occurs  on  the  site  of  a  fire  where  there  is  a  layer  of 
charcoal ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  note  that  many  curious  species  are  only 
found  on  these  charcoal  heaps.  Stereum  hirsutum,  very  common  in  the 
High  Beach  woods.     Trichia  chrysospermum,  a  species  very  interesting 


Ivi  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

to  the  microscopist.  Cortinarius  vigens,  a  very  rare  species  and  recently 
new ;  Mr.  English  had  found  it  in  Monk's  Wood ;  the  form  very  much 
resembles  C.  ochvolciua,  although  in  his  opinion  perfectly  distinct. 
AgaricKS  ecricceiis,  a  common  species  in  the  Epping  Woods,  but  one  which 
appears  to  be  a  great  puzzle  to  mycologists  ;  it  had  been  returned  to 
him  under  three  names,  velutinus,  stercoraria  and  squamosus. 

The  Secretary  exhibited  some  insects  from  his  own  collection  for  the 
purpose  of  illustrating  Mr.  Meldola's  remarks  at  the  last  meeting  on 
mimicry  and  protective  resemblance  in  these  animals.  The  case  of 
mimicry  was  that  of  the  little  moths  Acidalia  suhscriceata  and  Asthena 
candidata  before  explained,  and  "protective  resemblance"  was  exempli- 
fied by  many  specimens  of  caterpillars  which  possess  various  modes 
of  concealment. 

Taking  these  specimens  as  his  text,  Mr.  Meldola  engaged  the  atten- 
tion of  his  audience  by  a  short  dissertation  on  caterpillars,  their  habits 
and  appearances,  considered  as  means  of  protection  from  their  enemies. 
He  pointed  out  that  many  caterpillars  resemble  twigs,  dead  leaves, 
flowers,  leaves,  etc.,  and  so  escape  detection.  Such  cases  are  easily 
recognised.  On  the  other  hand  many  caterpillars  are  hairy  or  brightly 
coloured  and  appear  to  court  observation  rather  than  concealment. 
Many  experiments  made  by  Mr.  Jenner  Weir,  Mr.  Butler,  and  Dr. 
Weismann,  went  to  show,  however,  that  insectivorous  birds  rejected 
such  larvae,  probably  on  account  of  some  unpleasant  taste  or  odour. 
Of  course  it  would  benefit  the  insect  but  little  to  be  bitten  in  two  and 
then  rejected,  and  Mr.  Wallace  had  suggested  that  bright  colours  and 
hairs  served  the  purpose  of  danger-signals,  warning  the  birds  of  the 
nauseousness  of  the  morsel.  Some  caterpillars  have  fringes  of  hairs 
just  above  the  legs,  and  Mr.  Meldola  suggested  that  such  hairs  might 
be  of  advantage  by  softening  the  shadow  thrown  by  the  insect  when 
stretched  along  a  bough,  and  so  rendering  it  less  distinctly  seen.  This 
was  the  case  with  the  larva  of  the  "  1.3.Y^^ei-moih,'''  Lasiocampa  querci- 
folia  shown  by  Mr.  Cole.  Other  caterpillars  possess  eye-like  spots,  and 
Dr.  Weismann  found  by  direct  experiments  that  these  frightened  birds 
off  the  insects ;  his  results  being  confirmed  by  the  experiments  of  Lady 
Verney.  In  short,  there  was  not  a  hair,  spot  or  marking  on  a  caterpillar 
but  possessed  some  meaning,  and  indicated  some  trait  in  the  economy 
of  the  species. 

The  Secretary  read  a  letter  from  Mr.  Andrew  Johnston  asking  for 

information  as  to  the  correct  orthography  of  the  words  "  High  Beach." 

The  general  opinion  of  the  meeting  was  that  the  word  should  be  so 

spelled,  and  not  "  Beech  ;  "  the  words  probably  indicating  high  ground, 

in  which  pebbly  gravels  cropped  out,  so  forming  a  "  beach."  * 

*  We  have  adopted  the  form  "  Beach  "  in  the  reports,  but  must  confess  to  feehiag  con- 
siderable doubt  as  to  its  coiTectness;  it  must  be  noted  that  the  word  is  spelled  "  Beech  "  m 
the  Ordnance  Maps,  in  Warner's  "  Plantee  Woodfordienses"  and  also  is  so  ^Titten  hi  some 
MS.  notes  in  Mr.  Un^Yin's  copy  of  the  same  work.  We  shall  be  glad  of  information  on  the 
point. — Ed. 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  Ivii 

Also,  extract  from  a  letter  from  Mr.  Christy,  taking  exception  to  the 
explanation  proposed  by  Mr.  Cole  at  the  last  meeting  to  account  for  the 
death  of  Shrews,  viz.,  that  they  were  killed  by  exposure  to  sharp 
autumnal  frosts.  Mr.  Christy  stated  that  he  had  as  often  found  dead 
Shrews  in  the  spring  and  summer  as  in  the  autumn.  He  suggested 
that  many  of  them  die  through  fighting,  as  they  often  bear  old  and  new 
wounds.  Some  die  from  other  causes,  however,  as  they  often  present  a 
compound  dislocation  of  the  backbone.  Mr.  Christy  suggested  that  the 
members  should  make  a  careful  examination  and  record  of  all  Shrews 
found  dead,  so  that  some  data  might  be  accumulated  to  aid  in  solving 
the  question  ;  a  desirable  result  were  it  only  to  disprove  the  belief 
(common  in  Essex)  that  they  die  from  inability  to  cross  a  path  ! 

Mrs.  Yeates  exhibited  a  sample  of  some  masses  of  a  curious  stony 
substance  found  in  quantities  in  digging  the  foundations  for  Mr. 
Barnes's  house,  Oak  Hall.  They  seemed  very  like  the  well-known 
septaria  from  the  London  clay. 


Wednesday,  Nov.  iotii,  iSSo. 

Science  Lecture. 

The  first  of  the  projected  series  of  Winter  Science  Lectures,  in  con- 
nection with  the  Club,  was  given  by  J.  E.  Harting,  Esq.,  F.L.S.,F.Z.S. 
(Editor  of  Zoologist).  The  President  occupied  the  chair,  and  in  intro- 
ducing the  lecturer  said  : — ^There  is  an  oft-quoted  proverb,  which  tells 
us  that  "Wisdom  cried  aloud  in  the  streets,  and  no  man  regarded 
her."  In  opening  the  present  session  of  lectures  in  connection  with 
our  Club,  I  can  only  express  a  hope  that  the  streets  of  Buckhurst  Hill 
will  not  be  the  scene  of  this  intellectual  degeneration.  The  work  which 
can  be  done  by  a  Field  Club  is,  as  I  pointed  out  in  my  Inaugural 
Address,  of  two  kinds:  original  research,  and  the  promotion  of  science 
in  our  own  district.  We  thus  appeal  to  two  widely  different  classes : 
to  the  special  scientific  worker  on  the  one  hand,  and  to  the  general 
public  on  the  other.  In  lectures  such  as  we  commence  with  this 
evening,  we  have  a  common  meeting-ground  for  both  these  classes. 
Being  fortunately  situated  close  to  the  great  focus  of  scientific  activity 
in  this  country — the  metropolis — we  can  secure  the  co-operation,  and, 
I  am  happy  to  say,  have  been  promised  the  assistance,  of  some  of  the 
most  eminent  among  our  scientific  workers.  We  thus  commence  our 
labours  as  missionaries  of  science  under  good  auspices,'and  we  appeal 
to  the  outside  public  to  show  that  these  labours  are  appreciated.  The 
President  then  called  upon  Mr.  Harting,  who  delivered  a  lecture  on 
"Forest  Animals"  (Transactions,  Vol.  I.,  p.  74).  At  the  conclusion  of 
the  lecture,  Mr.  Meldola  suggested  that  Mr.  Harting  would  be  happy 
to  answer  any  question  on  matters  connected  with  the  lecture. 


Iviii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

Mr.  Andrew  Johnston,  in  his  capacity  of  Verderer  of  the  Forest, 
asked  whether  there  was  any  Hkelihood  of  the  Roe  Deer,  and  Badger* 
remaining  in  Epping  Forest  if  undisturbed  there. 

Mr.  Harting  replied  that  both  these  animals  \vere  of  a  retiring  nature, 
and  required  to  be  kept  absolutely  quiet.  If  the  public  had  access  to 
all  the  covers  in  the  woods  it  would  be  impossible  to  keep  them,  but  if 
they  could  be  kept  undisturbed  they  might  do  very  well.  The  Roe 
Deer  was  of  a  wandering  disposition,  and  would  require  a  large  area  of 
forest  wherein  it  could  roam  undisturbed.  Therefore  he  thought  there 
would  be  some  difficulty  in  inducing  it  to  remain  in  Epping  Forest. 
The  Badger  only  required  protection,  quiet,  and  water,  and  he  thought 
there  would  be  no  difficulty  with  that  animal. 

A  cordial  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  Harting  was  carried  by  acclamation. 


THE  PRESIDENT'S  ADDRESS 

Delivered  at  the  Annual  Meeting,  January  22,  1881. 
BY  RAPHAEL  MELDOLA,  F.R.A.S.,  F.C.S.,  etc. 

Vice-President  of  the  Entomological  Society  of  London. 


■*i* 


Ladies  and  Gentlemen, 

Although  our  Rules  do  not  make  the  delivery  of 
an  annual  address  a  necessary  part  of  the  duties  which 
devolve  upon  your  President,  I  think  that  the  custom  of 
reviewing  the  labours  of  the  Club  annually  is  a  healthy 
one,  and  on  the  occasion  of  this  our  first  Anniversary  it 
will  not  be  amiss  to  express  the  hope  that  this  custom  will 
be  regularly  observed  by  our  future  Presidents. 

In  taking  stock  of  the  work  done  during  the  first  year  of 
our  existence,  we  have  every  reason  to  congratulate  our- 
selves upon  the  general  success  of  the  Club  ;  and  I  do  not 
think  that  I  go  too  far  when  I  state  that  it  is  impossible  to 
name  any  other  Society  of  a  similar  character  which  has 
grown  so  rapidly  within  such  a  small  period  of  time.  From 
the  140  original  members  entered  down  to  February  28th 
of  last  year — the  date  of  the  delivery  of  my  inaugural 
address — we  have  now  risen  to  about  240  members,  and 
candidates  for  admission  still  continue  to  come  forward. 
It  is  often  observed,  however,  that  when  an  organism 
grows  too  rapidly,  a  constitutional  weakness  is  the  result, 
and  I  should  be  no  true  friend  of  the  Club  if  I  reviewed 
our  work  solely  from  an  optimist  point  of  view  ;  it  will  be 
more  conducive  to  our  future  welfare  if  I  point  out  what 
appear  to  me  to  be  certain  weaknesses,  so  that  some  of 


98  The  rresidenfs  Address. 

this   growing   energy   may   be    directed    into    the   proper 
channels  for  strengthening  our  constitution. 

In  the  first  place,  we   must  never  lose  sight  of  the  fact 
that  we  profess  to  be  a  local  Natural  History  Society,  and 
although  we  include  the  names  of  some  few^  county  natu- 
ralists whose  scientific  status  is  w^ell  established,  we  cannot 
close  our  eyes  to  the  fact  that  we  are,  generally  speaking, 
in   a   state  of   scientific  poverty.     I  dwell  upon  this  point 
because  in  starting  this  Club  our  first  object  was  to  promote 
local  scientific  work,  and  if  we  fail  in  doing  this  we  must 
necessarily  undergo  degeneration,  and  our  case  may  be  in 
danger  of  becoming  suggestive   of  the   tragedy  of  Hamlet 
with  the  Prince  of  Denmark  left  out.     It  is  true   that  our 
meetings  have,  on  the  whole,  been  well — I  may  say  excel- 
lently— supported,  but  it  must  not  be   forgotten  that  our 
chief  help  has   come  from  external  sources.     Our  "  Pro- 
ceedings and  Transactions,"  which  are  just  published,  will 
show  that  many  of  our  contributions,   and  our  most   inte- 
resting discussions  and  exhibitions,  have  been  left  dependent 
on  a  very  limited  number  of  our   own  members,  or  have 
come  from  outsiders.     We    must    express    our  thanks   to 
those  who  have  so  kindly  extended  their  aid  to  us  ;  but  we 
must  do  more  if  we  are  to  maintain  our  high  position — we 
must  show  our  appreciation  of  their  support  by  working 
ourselves.     It  is  my  sincere  desire  to  see  the  Club  stand 
as  an  independent  edifice,  based  on  a  secure  foundation, 
and  strengthened,    if   necessary,   by    occasional    external 
support,   but  not   left    as   an   altogether   shaky  structure 
entirely  dependent  upon  such  props. 

Our  rapid  growth  bears  witness  to  the  fact  that  our 
objects  and  pursuits  are  of  widespread  interest,  and  it 
must  now  be  our  earnest  endeavour  to  convert  this  passive 
interest  into  active  co-operation.  I  again  appeal  to  our 
younger  and  rising  members  to  take  up  the  study  of  some 
branch  of  natural  science — to  make  observations  bearing 
on  the  natural  history  or  geology  of  our  district,  and  to 
communicate  the  results  of  their  labours  to  the  Club.  One 
of  the  most  serious  obstacles  in  the  way  of  natural  science 
studies  among  those  who  have  had  no  special  training  in 


The  President's  Address.  99 

such  subjects  appears  to  be  the  behef  that  some  special 
quahty  of  mind  is  necessary,  and  many  who  are  really 
interested  in  the  pursuits  of  the  naturalist  allow  their 
interest  to  remain  passive  for  this  reason.  But  the  neces- 
sary qualities  of  mind  really  differ  in  no  way  in  kind  from 
those  possessed  by  any  person  of  average  intelligence. 
Professor  Huxley  is  never  tired  of  insisting  that  science  is 
but  organized  common  sense  : — "  Anyone  who  looks  into 
the  matter  attentively  will  soon  perceive  that  there  is  no 
solid  foundation  for  the  behef  that  the  realm  of  science  is 
thus  shut  off  from  that  of  common  sense,  or  that  the  mode 
of  investigation  which  yields  such  wonderful  results  to  the 
scientific  investigator  is  different  in  kind  from  that  which 
is  employed  for  the  commonest  purposes  of  every  day  exist- 
ence. Common  sense  is  science  exactly  in  so  far  as  it 
fulfils  the  ideal  of  common  sense — that  is,  sees  facts  as  they 
are,  or,  at  any  rate,  without  the  distortion  of  prejudice, 
and  reasons  from  them  in  accordance  with  the  dictates  of 
sound  judgment.  And  science  is  simply  common  sense  at 
its  best ;  that  is,  rigidly  accurate  in  observation,  and 
merciless  to  fallacy  in  logic."-''  These  statements,  coming 
from  one  of  the  masters  of  biological  science,  must  surely 
hold  out  every  encouragement  to  those  who  desire  to  take 
up  the  study  of  these  subjects.  There  is  no  one  amongst 
us  but,  after  he  has  once  acquired  a  substantial  ground- 
work in  some  branch  of  our  studies,  can  do  real  service  to 
the  Club  and  to  science  at  large,  and  I  only  hope  that  our 
next  volume  of  publications  will  show  that  these  remarks 
have  fallen  upon  fertile  soil. 

In  many  scientific  societies  it  is  customary  for  the 
President  to  occupy  the  attention  of  the  members  at  the 
annual  meeting  with  a  discourse  upon  some  special  branch 
of  science  with  which  he  is  most  familiar,  and  although  this 
is  a  custom  of  which  I  greatly  approve,  I  much  regret  that 
my  numerous  occupations  have  left  me  without  the  time 
necessary  for  collecting  the  materials  for  such  an   address. 

*  "The  Crayfish:  An  Introduction  to  the  Study  of  Zoology," 
1880,  pp.  1  and  2. 


100  Tlie  President's  Address. 

As  this  is  only  our  first  year,  however,  it  is  perhaps  better 
that  I  should  draw  more  attention  to  the  general  work  of  the 
Club,  in  order  to  show  to  what  extent  we  have  striven  to 
carry  out  our  objects,  and  how  far  we  have  been  successful. 

As  already  stated  in  the  Eeport  of  the  Council,  we  have 
held  eleven  Ordinary  Meetings  and  seven  Field  Meetings 
during  the  year.  Although  our  Ordinary  Monthly  Meetings 
have  been  on  the  whole  well  supported,  we  have  thought 
it  desirable  to  diminish  their  number  this  present  session, 
in  order  to  increase  our  chance  of  securing  good  attendances 
throughout  the  year,  and  no  Ordinary  Meetings  will  be  held 
during  the  months  of  June,  July,  and  August.  By  this 
means  we  hope  to  concentrate  the  energy  of  twelve  meet- 
ings into  nine,  and  in  order  to  make  further  sure  of  keeping 
alive  the  interest  of  our  members,  the  Council  has  decided 
that  each  meeting  shall  be  announced  by  a  special  notice, 
so  that  members  may  be  made  acquainted  beforehand  with 
the  subjects  which  authors  or  exhibitors  propose  bringing 
forward.  For  the  carrying  out  of  this  plan  we  are  entirely 
dependent  upon  our  members,  and  it  is  earnestly  requested 
that  notice  will  be  given  to  the  Secretary  of  any  paper  that 
is  to  be  read,  or  any  exhibition  that  is  to  be  made,  at  least 
ten  days  previous  to  the  meeting. 

Of  the  numerous  subjects  brought  forward  and  discussed 
during  the  past  year,  it  is  not  my  intention  to  give  a 
detailed  account,  as  our  ''Proceedings"  containing  full 
reports  of  the  meetings  are  now  in  your  hands.  For  maintain- 
ing the  interest  of  these  meetings,  the  Club  is  very  much 
indebted  to  our  indefatigable  Honorary  Secretary,  Mr. 
William  Cole,  and  to  our  members  Mr.  E.  M.  Christy,  Mr. 
James  English,  and  others.  Mr.  Henry  Walker's  interest- 
ing lecture  on  ''A  Day's  Elephant  Hunting  in  Essex" 
formed  the  first  part  of  our  ''  Transactions  "  published  in 
September.  Among  the  discussions  raised,  one  of  the  most 
suggestive  appears  to  me  to  be  that  which  followed  the 
reading  of  Mr.  Christy's  note  on  the  habits  of  the  weasel 
and  stoat,  at  the  March  meeting,  on  which  occasion  I  had 
the  pleasure  of  giving  expression  to  some  ideas  which  I 
have  long  entertained  with  respect  to  the  white  colours  of 


The  President's  Address.  101 

Arctic  animals.     I  hope  to  have  an  opportunity  of  enlarging 
upon  this  suhject  on  some  future  occasion. 

Our  Field  Meetings  cannot  but  have  left  pleasant  memories 
with  us  all.     In  spite  of  unfavourable  weather  on  many 
occasions,  they  have  always  been  well  attended,  and  their 
success  is  largely  due  to  the  efforts  of  the   eminent  gentle- 
men who  have  acted  as  our  conductors.      The  best  thanks 
of   the    Club   are   due  to    Sir    Antonio   Brady,    Professor 
Boulger,  Dr.  M.  C.  Cooke,  Major-General  Pitt-Eivers,  Mr. 
B.  H.  Cowper,   Mr.  D'Oyley,  Mr.  Worthmgton  Smith,  and 
Mr.  Henry  Walker  ;  whilst  upon  our  Honorary  Secretary 
has  not  only  devolved  the  organization  of  these  meetings, 
but   likewise   the  preparation   of  those    excellent   reports 
which  have  appeared  in  the  Woodford  Times,  and  which  we 
shall  many   of  us   peruse    with   the    interest    of   personal 
experience  as  nowpubhshed  in  our  "Proceedings."    Among 
the  most  memorable  of  these  excursions  was  the  visit  to 
Ilford  in  July,  under  the  leadership  of  Sir  Antonio  Brady 
and  Mr.  Henry  Walker,  on  which  occasion  most  interest- 
ing collections  of  flint  implements  and  other   objects    of 
Palseohthic   and    Neolithic    age    were    exhibited    by    Sir 
Antonio  Brady  and  Mr.  Worthington  Smith  ;  and  Mr.  A.  E. 
Wallace  favoured  us  with  a  brief  sketch  of  his  views  on  the 
great  question  of  geological  climate  which  have  recently 
appeared  fully  elaborated  in  his  admirable   "  Island  Life." 
It  would  be  quite  out  of  place  to  attempt  here  to  lay  before 
you  any  of  the  lines  of  argument  adopted  by   Mr.  Wallace 
in  support  of  his  theory,  but  it  will  be  instructive,  as  show- 
ing the  rapidity  of  the  onward  march  of  science,  if  I  just 
mention  one  of  his  main  conclusions,  in  so  far  as   it  bears 
upon  a  statement  made  in  my  inaugural  address  delivered 
last  February.     In  speaking  of  the  glacial  epoch   {i.e.,  the 
last  glacial  period,  with  its  alternations  of  warm  periods),  I 
stated  that  the  causes  of  these  wonderful  conditions    of 
climate  wore  of  an  astronomical  nature,  thereby  of  course 
indicating  the  occurrence   of  winter  in  aphelion   (brought 
about  by  the  precession  of  the  equinoxes)   during  a  period 
of  great  excentricity   of  the  earth's  orbit.      This  theory, 
due  to  Dr.  Croll,  has  long  been  held  by  our  most  eminent 


102  The  President's  Address. 

geologists,  but  Mr.  Wallace  has  now  given  weighty  reasons 
for  believing  that  this  explanation  is  inadequate,  and  that 
purely  astronomical  causes  are  insufficient  to  account  for 
such  great  climatic  changes.  He  is  of  opinion  that  certain 
concomitant  geographical  changes  are  also  necessary,  and 
he  thus  adds  to  Croll's  astronomical  theory  a  modification 
of  the  purely  geographical  explanation  of  climatic  change 
long  ago  advanced  by  Sir  Charles  Lyell  in  the  "  Principles 
of  Geology."  The  history  of  science  presents  many  such 
instances  of  the  amalgamation  of  hypotheses.  A  theory 
may  for  a  long  time  be  maintained  until  some  new  and 
more  perfect  theory  is  offered  in  its  place — in  the  heat  of 
intellectual  excitement  the  older  theory  is  rejected  under 
the  belief  that  the  newer  one  has  rendered  it  unnecessary, 
but  in  the  course  of  time  it  is  seen  that  the  two  are  not 
necessarily  mutually  exclusive,  and  some  master  worker 
shows  that  they  are  both  requisite  for  an  adequate  expla- 
nation of  the  phenomena  concerned. 

The  Field  Meeting  held  on  the  3rd  of  July,  when  Major- 
General  Pitt-Eivers  gave  us  the  benefit  of  his  large 
experience  on  the  occasion  of  our  visit  to  the  ancient  earth- 
works in  the  Forest,  has  opened  up  a  line  of  work  which 
may  enable  our  Club  to  do  substantial  service  to 
archaeology.  At  this  meeting,  in  addition  to  our  conductor, 
we  had  with  us  Mr.  W.  L.  Distant,  one  of  the  directors  of 
the  Anthropological  Institute ;  Mr.  B.  H.  Cowper,  the 
discoverer  of  the  Loughton  Camp  ;  and  Mr.  D'Oyley,  the 
surveyor  of  the  earthworks ;  to  these  gentlemen  the  thanks 
of  the  Club  are  due.  The  history  of  these  camps  is  quite 
unknown,  and  their  supposed  founders  come  down  to  us 
only  through  uncertain  traditions  which  are  valueless  to  the 
scientific  archaeologist.  At  the  suggestion  of  our  conductor 
we  therefore  determined  to  attempt  to  settle  the  problem, 
by  raising  an  "  Exploration  Fund  "  for  the  purpose  of  open- 
ing these  earthworks,  with  a  view  to  obtaining  some  relics 
of  their  constructors.  I  have  already  had  the  pleasure  of 
informing  you  that  the  necessary  permission  has  been 
granted  by  the  Forest  Conservators,  and  the  thanks  of  the 
Club  have  been  rendered  to  this  body,  and  to  our  esteemed 


The  President's  Address.  103 

member  the  High  Sheriff,  Mr.  Andrew  Johnston,  who  laid 
our  cause  before  the  Epping  Forest  Committee  of  the 
Corporation  of  London.  The  details  of  the  proposed 
method  of  excavation  have  been  made  known  to  you  on  a 
former  occasion,  but  as  there  still  appears  to  be  some 
uneasiness  in  the  minds  of  many  of  our  members  as  to  our 
possibly  doing  a  permanent  injury  to  these  picturesque 
remains,  I  will  give  a  few  words  by  way  of  further 
explanation.  The  investigation  will  be  conducted  by 
digging  a  trench  about  ten  feet  wide  from  inside  the  camp 
right  through  the  inner  rampart  and  ditch,  and  on  through 
the  outer  rampart  to  the  exterior  boundary  of  the  camp. 
This  trench  will  be  carried  down  to  such  a  depth  as  to  get 
below  the  old  surface  hne,  and  a  most  searching  exami- 
nation of  the  soil  will  be  made  as  it  is  removed.  Any 
relics  found  on  this  old  and  buried  surface  will  certainly 
have  been  left  by  the  original  builders  of  the  camp,  and 
every  precaution  will  be  taken  to  insure  an  accurate  record 
of  the  exact  position  of  any  object  that  may  be  found.  A 
plan  of  the  proposed  method  of  working  has  been  kindly 
drawn  up  for  our  use  by  General  Pitt-Eivers,  and  Mr.  W. 
D'Oyley  has  offered  his  valuable  services  in  assisting  to 
carry  out  the  practical  details.  In  accordance  with  the 
terms  of  the  permission  granted  by  the  Epping  Forest 
Committee,  the  trench  will  be  filled  in,  and  the  original  form 
of  the  camp  restored  after  the  conclusion  of  our  examination, 
so  that  our  members  may  rest  satisfied  in  the  belief  that  no 
permanent  disfigurement  will  result.  It  may  perhaps  be 
thought  advisable  to  erect  some  mark  indicating  the 
position  of  our  cutting,  so  that  if  at  any  future  period  other 
investigations  of  the  same  camps  should  be  made,  the 
excavators  may  not  run  the  risk  of  going  over  our  work 
again.  The  Exploration  Fund,  as  you  already  know,  now 
amounts  to  about  £10,  a  sufficient  sum  to  enable  us  to 
investigate  one  of  the  camps,  and  to  publish  our  results ; 
and  if  these  are  sufficiently  encouraging,  we  shall  feel 
justified  in  appealing  for  a  further  sum  of  £20  or  £30  to 
enable  us  to  open  the  other  camp.  A  preliminary  survey 
will  be  made,  and  operations  will  be  commenced  as  soon  as 


104  TliG  President's  Address. 

the  weather  gives  some  prospect  of  our  being  able  to  find 
the  earth  dry  enough  for  sifting. 

In  attempting  to  unravel  the  mystery  that  surrounds 
these  venerable  relics  of  human  workmanship,  and  in 
endeavouring  to  discover  the  true  origin  of  the  camp  at 
Ambresbury  Banks,  and  of  ''  Cowper's  Camp,"  we  may 
perhaps  be  accused  of  trenching  upon  the  province  of  our 
old-established  colleagues  the  Essex  Archseological  Society, 
but  as  this  is  far  from  our  intention,  it  will  not  be  here  out 
of  place  if  I  venture  to  define  what  to  me  appears  to  be  our 
position  with  respect  to  this  Society,  and  to  archaeology  in 
general.  In  point  of  fact  the  studies  of  the  Society 
mentioned  commence  where  ours  leave  off — it  is  more 
especially  prehistoric  archseology  with  which  I  think  we 
should  concern  ourselves  as  a  Natural  History  Club  ;  and 
although  we  shall  always  welcome  historic  archaeological 
contributions  from  our  members — especially  when  relating 
to  the  biographies,  &c.,  of  Essex  naturalists — I  am  of  opinion 
that  our  Treasurer's  purse  should  not  be  bled  in  order  to 
publish  such  papers  iii  extenso,  but  that  such  materials 
when  communicated  to  us  should  be  handed  over  by  the 
Council  to  our  brother  Society  to  be  published  or  dealt 
with  as  they  shall  think  fit.  Let  not  these  remarks  in  any 
way  deter  our  members  skilled  in  archa3ology  from  giving 
us  the  results  of  their  labours  ;  their  contributions  will  add 
greatly  to  the  interest  of  our  meetings,  and  their  value  to 
the  science  will  be  the  rather  augmented  by  their  being 
ultimately  referred  to  a  Society  which  has  made  these 
subjects  its  proper  study. 

The  only  other  Eield  Meeting  upon  which  I  feel  called 
to  make  any  comment  was  the  last  of  the  session,  held  on 
October  2nd,  under  the  leadership  of  Dr.  M.  C.  Cooke, 
Mr.Worthington  Smith,  and  Mr.  James  English.  x\  humour- 
ous account  of  this  "  Fungus  foray  "  appeared  in  the  Gar- 
dener's Chronicle  of  October  9th,  from  the  pen  of  one  of 
our  conductors,  and  the  full  list  of  the  most  noteworthv 
species  collected  appears  in  our  "Proceedings."  The  meteo- 
rological authorities  treated  us  badly  on  that  occasion ;  but 
notwithstanding  tlieir  "aqueous  humours"  we  mustered 


The  President's  Address,  105 

strongly,  and  tlie  Cryptogamic  Botany  of  this  country  was 
powerfully  represented  in  the  persons  of  our  conductors 
and  visitors,  whilst  French  science  did  us  the  honour  of 
recognizing  our  meeting  in  the  person  of  the  eminent 
botanist  Professor  Maxime  Cornu,  of  Paris.  So  successful 
was  this  meeting  in  the  opinion  of  our  leaders  that  we  have 
determined  to  make  an  annual  institution  of  it,  and  I  only 
hope  that  for  many  years  to  come  we  may  rally  around  the 
same  able  conductors. 

The  next  point  to  which  I  propose  to  direct  your  atten- 
tion is  the  existing  state  of  affairs  with  reference  to  our 
Library  and  Museum.  These  are  still  in  a  rudimentary 
condition,  but  a  fair  start  has  been  made,  and  many  dona- 
tions of  books,  periodicals,  and  specimens  have  been 
received  during  the  year.  The  prospects  of  seeing  ourselves 
established  in  a  building  of  our  own  appear  to  be  as  yet 
remote,  but  a  timely  offer  of  assistance  has  come  from  the 
proprietors  of  the  Art  Classes,  to  whose  kindness  we  are 
indebted  for  the  use  of  the  apartments  where  we  now  hold 
our  meetings.  Two  rooms  in  this  house  have  been  allotted 
to  the  Club  for  the  Library  and  Museum,  and  the  Council 
has  resolved  that  a  certain  portion  of  the  funds  arising 
from  life-subscriptions  shall  be  expended  for  the  legitimate 
purpose  of  putting  up  such  fittings  as  are  considered  sufh- 
cient  to  meet  our  present  requirements.  We  are  thus  in  a 
better  position  to  make  an  appeal  for  donations,  and  I 
cannot  too  strongly  urge  upon  our  members  the  necessity 
for  using  every  effort  in  their  power  to  assist  in  the  further- 
ing of  this  object.  If  it  is  made  generally  known  that  we 
have  accommodation  for  books  and  specimens,  I  have  no 
doubt  but  that  many  contributions  will  be  forthcoming ; 
and  when  we  are  able  to  show  that  a  good  nucleus  exists, 
scientific  writers  will  be  encouraged  to  place  copies  of  their 
works  on  our  shelves,  where  they  know  that  good  use  will 
be  made  of  them,  or  to  present  us  with  collections  which 
they  desire  to  keep  local,  and  which  they  may  feel  assured 
will  be  well  looked  after. 

The  various  books  presented  have  been  announced 
at  our  meetings,  and  the  thanks  of  the  Club    have  been 


106  The  President's  Address. 

voted  to  tlie  respective  donors.  Among  the  first  con- 
tributions of  value  to  the  Museum  is  the  Herbarium 
of  mosses  and  hchens,  formed  by  Richard  Warner,  pre- 
sented by  Sir  J.  Clarke  Jervoise,  Bart.  I  am  also  glad  to  be 
able  to  inform  you  that  the  Rev.  Francis  Walker,  of  Dry 
Drayton,  has  recently  offered  us  his  ornithological  and  ento- 
mological collections  formed  in  that  parish.  As  the 
specimens  were  all  collected  in  the  neighbouring  county  of 
Cambridgeshire,  this  generous  offer  has  been  accepted,  and, 
in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of  the  donor,  the  collection 
will  be  kept  separate  in  our  Museum.  I  trust  that  ^t  no 
very  distant  period  it  may  be  the  duty  of  your  President  to 
announce  that  we  have  outgrown  our  present  accommoda- 
tion ;  this  will  be  a  sure  sign  that  we  have  w^orkers  in  our 
midst,  and  an  appeal  for  disestablishment  from  our  present 
c[uarters  may  then  be  met  by  substantial  support. 

In  the  course  of  our  endeavours  to  promote  science  in 
this  neighbourhood,  a  series  of  winter  lectures  has  been 
commenced,  the  first  of  which,  on  Forest  Animals,  delivered 
in  November  by  our  w^ell-known  colleague  Mr.  J.  E.  Hart- 
ing,  has  been  published  in  full  in  our  "  Transactions."  The 
second  lecture  of  the  session,  delivered  at  the  beginning  of 
this  month  by  Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace,  on  "The  Natural  His- 
tory of  Islands,"  nmst  yet  be  fresh  in  your  memories. 
Although  this  discourse  was  replete  wuth  facts  and  argu- 
ments of  the  highest  importance,  and  we  had  the  privilege 
of  hearing  directly  from  the  mouth  of  the  investigator  a 
most  masterly  exposition  of  those  subjects  which  he  has 
made  his  life -study,  w^e  cannot  fairly  consider  it  within  our 
power  to  print  this  lecture  verbatim.  The  subjects  treated 
of  by  Mr.  Wallace  will  be  found  in  one  of  the  Manchester 
Science  Lectures,  and  fully  elaborated  in  his  **  Island  Life," 
to  which  w^ork  I  may  refer  any  of  our  members  who 
require  further  information  ;  the  lecturer's  remarks,  more- 
over, covered  a  field  too  wide  to  be  considered  as  legiti- 
mately coming  within  our  province  as  a  local  Club.  We 
shall  hope  to  continue  these  lectures  from  time  to  time 
during  the  present  session  at  least,  and  as  their  object  is 


The  President's  Address.  107 

solely  to  awaken  a  general  interest  for  science  in  our  own 
district,  it  will  be  better  not  to  consider  our  lecturers  in 
any  way  bound  to  treat  of  purely  local  subjects.  As^  this 
part  of  our  work  is  in  fact  educational,  I  am  of  opinion 
that  any  branch  of  natural  history  (in  its  widest  sense) 
may  justly  come  within  our  scope  ;  and,  in  order  to  give 
the  greater  effect  to  our  operations  as  scientific  mission- 
aries, I  would  suggest  that  these  lectures,  if  carried  on 
next  session,  should  take  the  form  of  a  course  on  some 
particular  subject. 

As  a  Club  founded  for  the  purpose  of  studying  the  natural 
history,  &c.,  of  the  county,  and  of  Epping  Forest  in  parti- 
cular, we  have  every  reason  to  be  grateful  to  the  Corporation 
of  London  for  their  successful  efforts  in  preserving  the  Forest, 
and  I  hope  I  may  add,  in  accordance  with  the  words  of  the 
Epping  Forest   Act,  in  maintaining  as  far  as  possible  its 
"  natural  aspect."    To  us,  as  naturahsts,  the  Forest  is  only 
of  interest  so  long  as  it  remains  as  such.     When  we  con- 
sider that  we  have  within  easy  reach  of  the  Metropohs  a 
magnificent   area  of   wild  and  picturesque  country  freely 
accessible  to  the  pubhc  at  large,  and  long  the  resort  of  that 
more  hmited  class  who  wander  through  its  copses  or  across 
its  heathy  expanses  as  students  of  nature,  the  majority  of 
us  must  feel  that  it  is  our  duty  to  express  our  disapproba- 
tion of  any  act  that  would  tend  to  injure  directly  or  indi- 
rectly the  natural  features  of  that  Forest  which  both  in  our 
own  interest,  and  in  that  of  the  numerous  kindred  societies 
in  and  around  London,  we  now  justly  regard  as  the  object 
of  our  watchful  care.     It  was  on  these  broad  grounds,  and 
quite  independent  of  all  questions  of  private  interest,  that 
our  Council  met  on  the  8th  of  this  month  to  consider  the 
proposed  extension   of   the   Great  Eastern   Eailway  from 
Chingford  to  High  Beech.     Mr.  Francis  George  Heath,  one 
of  our  members  well  known  to  the  .public  for  his  zealous 
efforts  in  connection  with  the  preservation  of  open  spaces, 
brought  under  our  notice  a  resolution  protesting  against 
this  scheme.     This  resolution  was  carried  by  a  large  majo- 
rity, and  has  been  published  in  many  of  the  papers,  where 


108  The  President's  Address. 

it  has  doubtless  come  under  your  notice.  Those  of  our 
members  who  agree  in  this  decision  cannot  but  rejoice  that 
the  press  generally,  as  well  as  many  large  and  influential 
bodies,  have  also  expressed  their  disapproval  of  this  inter- 
ference with  the  Forest,  and  for  my  own  part  I  can  only 
give  utterance  to  the  wish  that  the  Eailway  Company  may 
be  led  to  reconsider  their  plan,  or  to  alter  the  route  of  the 
projected  extension  so  as  to  leave  our  Forest  untouched. 

The  remarks  made  at  the  commencement  of  this  address 
with  reference  to  our  lack  of  active  science  workers  will,  I 
trust,  be  taken  in  the  spirit  in  which  they  were  offered — 
the  desire  to  see  the  Club  doing  good  work  and  taking  a 
high  position  among  such  societies.  We  are  still  in  our 
infancy,  and  too  much  ought  not  to  be  expected  from  us  at 
first  starting.  Still,  in  view  of  our  increasing  energy,  it  is 
not  too  soon  to  begin  to  consider  some  of  the  numerous 
lines  of  useful  work  which  we  might  take  up,  and  I  will 
therefore  in  conclusion  offer  a  few  suggestions  which  may 
possibly  serve  to  hasten  the  production  of  some  of  the  more 
solid  contributions  to  science  which  it  should  be  our  ambi- 
tion to  see  emanate  from  this  Club. 

In  the  first  place,  as  regards  local  catalogues  of  animals 
and  plants — our  County  Directory — why  should  we  not 
commence  this  next  season  upon  some  of  the  better  known 
orders  of  insects,  such  as  Lepidoptera  or  Coleoptera  ?  Sup- 
posing we  take  the  former,  as  having  been  the  more  exten- 
sively worked  at.  A  large  amount  of  material  already 
exists  scattered  throughout  the  various  British  entomo- 
logical publications,  and  we  should  have  to  commence  our 
list  by  systematic  compilation.  That  done,  we  can  begin 
to  collect  records  from  our  own  members,  many  of  whom 
have  long  collected  in  the  county;  and  I  would  suggest  that 
a  circular  should  be  sent  round,  not  only  to  our  members, 
but  also  to  all  entomologists  who  may  have  worked  our 
district,  asking  for  their  assistance.  In  the  case  of  the 
rarer  species,  the  locality,  date  of  capture,  and  name  of 
captor  should  be  given,  together  with  references  if  the 
capture  has  already  been  published.  Every  care  should  be 
taken  to  make  our  first  list  a  typical  one,  and  w^orkers  at 


The  President's  Address.  109 

other  groups  would  thus  be  encouraged  to  follow  it  up  by 
catalogues  of  their  own  special  objects  of  study.  There  is 
yet  another  point  to  be  mentioned  in  connection  with  the 
preparation  of  such  lists,  and  that  is  the  possible  occurrence 
of  local  variation.  Of  course  we  cannot  expect  in  such  a 
limited  area  to  find  many  or  well-marked  instances  of  this 
phenomenon,  but  it  nevertheless  seems  to  me  desirable  to 
make  a  most  careful  comparison,  especially  in  the  case  of 
variable  species,  between  series  from  the  various  portions 
of  our  own  county  and  series  from  other  parts  of  the 
country  and  from  the  Continent.  This  is  the  more  espe- 
cially desirable  with  common  and  variable  species  which 
extend  to  our  marsh-fringed  coast.  Mr.  H.  W.  Bates  tells 
us  that  in  the  Amazon  Valley  the  butterflies  undergo  modi- 
fication to  such  an  extent  that  many  species  appear  to 
change  into  a  distinct  local  race  in  every  fresh  district.  It 
is  obviously  useless  to  look  for  such  striking  instances  in  a 
small  island  like  ours,  where  there  are  but  few  facilities  for 
isolation,  and  whero  local  variation  is  consequently  oblite- 
rated by  free  intercrossing.  But  there  is  no  reason  why 
the  phenomena  which  occur  in  the  tropics  en  grand  should 
not  appear  in  this  country  en  petit,  and  a  searching  exami- 
nation of  long  series  of  specimens  in  the  manner  suggested 
may  possibly  result  in  the  discovery  of  some  positive 
evidence  in  this  direction. 

The  next  suggestion  is  one  that  appeals  to  our  botanists. 
We  have  had  recently  added  to  our  Forest  large  tracts  of  land 
formerly  under  cultivation,  but  now  being  gradually  recon- 
verted into  forest  land.  It  appears  to  me  that  we  have 
here  a  natural  experiment  going  on  of  which  we  should 
take  advantage :  we  can  surely  learn  something  of  the 
manner  in  which  a  forest  spreads  by  keeping  a  careful 
watch  upon  such  tracts,  noting  the  plants  that  from  time 
to  time  make  their  appearance,  and  by  this  means  recording 
the  encroachment  of  species,  and  observing  the  effects  of 
that  struggle  for  life  which  is  one  of  the  prime  factors  in 
the  evolution  of  living  forms. 

One  other  suggestion,  and  I  have  finished.  Now  that 
our  sylvan  head-quarters  have  so  much  increased  in  extent 


110  The  President's  Address. 

and  are  preserved,  I  hope,  from  rough  usage,  why  should 
we  not  make  an  attempt  to  restore  some  of  the  beautiful 
insects  that  formerly  inhabited  our  Forest,  but  which  have 
been  collected  off  the  face  of  the  district?  Why  should 
not  our  glades  be  once  more  enlivened  by  the  graceful 
flight  of  Limenitis  Syhilla  ?  Why  should  we  not  see  Argyn- 
nis  PajyJiia  a  common  frequenter  of  our  bramble -blossoms  ? 
Such  species  abound  in  New  Forest,  Hampshire,  and  the 
conditions  of  our  own  Forest  seem  favourable  for  them ; 
they  formerly  inhabited  this  district,  and  there  is  no  reason, 
as  far  as  we  can  see,  why  they  should  not  do  so  again. 
Some  of  our  members  will,  perhaps,  bear  this  suggestion 
in  mind  during  the  approaching  summer,  and,  instead  of 
filling  rows  in  their  cabinet  drawers,  will  forward  living 
specimens  to  enable  us  to  attempt  this  restoration. 

The  brief  resume  of  our  work  which  I  have  now  laid 
before  you  cannot  but  impress  those  who  are  interested  in 
our  progress  with  the  idea  that  we  have  entered  upon  our 
career  with  an  activity  that  promises  well  for  our  future 
prosperity.  The  objects  of  the  Club,  as  laid  down  in  our 
Eules,  have  thus  far  been  carried  out  with  success,  and 
our  position  as  a  scientific  body  is  now  well  established. 
We  are  about  to  enter  upon  another  year  of  our  labours  :  it 
is  for  you  to  carry  on  the  good  work. 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  lix 


Saturday,  November  27TH,  1880. — Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  at  seven  o'clock,  the  President  in  the 
chair.  The  following  persons  were  ballotted  for  and  elected  members 
of  the  Club :— Messrs.  George  Brooke,  F.  T.  Lockyer,  Thos.  S. 
Morten,  C.  J.  S.  Parker,  Rev.  T.  W.  Peile,  Edwin  Richardson,  G.  T. 
Saul,  F.Z.S.,  Miss  Spicer,  Messrs.  W.  Thorp,  B.Sc,  F.C.S.,  &c..  T. 
H.  Varley,  F.R.A.S.,  &c.,  F.  B.  Wells,  E.  Wheeler. 

Mr.  P.  Copland  was  chosen  Auditor  on  behalf  of  the  Council,  and 
Mr.  Saul  on  behalf  of  the  members. 

The  following  works  were  presented  to  the  Club  :  Warner's  "  Plantse 
Woodford  lenses,"  by  Sir  J.  Clarke  Jervoise  ;  Relham's  "  Flora  Cantabri- 
giensis,"  Ray's  "  Wisdom  of  God  in  Creation,"  and  Ray's  "  Travels," 
by  Messrs.  \N .  and  B.  G.  Cole. 

The  following  letter  from  Lieut. -Col.  Russell,  J. P.,  D.L.,  North 
Ockenden,  Essex,  addressed  to  the  Secretary,  was  read  :— 

"  November  loth,  1880. 

"  Dear  Sir, — The  enclosed  notices  of  motion  have  been  given  at  the 
last  Essex  Quarter  Sessions,  and  the  one  of  them  which  there  seems  to 
l3e  best  supported  will  be  made  January  4th.  Motion  No.  2  would 
meet  with  overwhelming  support  as  against  March  ist  for  beginning  of 
close  time  for  all  birds,  but  No.  i  is,  I  think,  better  in  itself,  and  is  pre- 
ferred by  the  men  near  the  coast  on  whose  land  large  numbers  of  Ducks 
breed,  by  Decoyholders,  and  by  shooters  of  all  sorts.  I  shall  be  glad 
to  know  the  opinions  and  wishes  of  the  members  of  the  Epping  Forest 
Naturalists'  Club  on  the  subject,  with  a  view  to  try  and  get  done  what 
will  be  most  generally  suitable.  With  the  exception  of  the  few 
migrants  mentioned  in  (i),  which  do  not  breed  in  this  county,  and 
whose  numbers  experience  shows  not  to  be  affected  by  close  time  in 
this  county,  everybody  seems  willing  to  let  the  birds  have  close  time 
from  the  ist  of  March. — Yours  faithfully, 

"  C.  Russell." 

The  resolutions  referred  to  above  : — 

"  (I.)— That  this  Court  do  apply  to  the  Secretary  of  State  for  the 
Home  Department  to  vary  the  close  time  under  the  Wild  Birds 
Protection  Act,  1S80,  for  this  county  in  manner  following,  that  is  to 
say  :  That  the  close  time  as  regards  the  Curlew,  Dunbird  (including 
Scaup  Duck),  Gedwit,  Knot,  Oxbird,  Plover  (not  including  Lapwing), 
Snipe,  Widgeon,  Wifd  Goose,  and  Woodcock,  extend  annually  between 
the  ist  day  of  April  and  the  ist  day  of  August."  * 

*  At  the  meeting  of  the  Essex  Quarter  Sessions  held  on  January  4th,  1S81,  the 
above  (first)  resolution  was  carried,  on  the  motion  of  Lieut. -Col.  Russell,  seconded 
by  Mr.  J.  Round,  M.P.  ;  and  upon  the  proposition  of  Mr.  Round,  seconded  by  Mr.  E. 
N.  Buxton,  it  was  agreed  that  the  following  gentlemen  be  appointed  a  Committee  to 


Ix  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

"  (II.) — That  this  Court  do  apply  to  the  Secretary  of  State  for  the 
Home  Department  to  vary  the  close  time  under  the  Wild  Birds 
Protection  Act,  1880,  for  this  county  in  manner  following,  that  is  to 
say :  That  the  close  tim.e  as  regards  all  Wild  Birds  extend  annually 
between  the  15th  day  of  March  and  the  ist  day  of  August." 

In    the   discussion    which    followed,    Mr.    J.    E.    Harting,    F.L.S., 
remarked  that  although  in  the  recently  passed  "  Wild  Birds  Protec- 
tion Act,  18S0,"  which  repealed  the  three  Acts  of  1869,  1872,  and  1876 
an  endeavour  had  been  made  to  fix  such  a  close  time  as  would  be  most 
generally   acceptable   throughout    the    United    Kingdom,  it  was  quite 
possible  that  in  some  parts  of  the  country  a  different  close  time  would 
be  more  suitable.     It  was  well  known  to  naturalists  that  some  species 
of  birds  begin  to  nest  earlier  in  some  counties  than  they  do  in  others ; 
and  it  was  also  well    ascertained  that  certain  species,  like  the  Wood- 
cock, whose  protection  during  the  breeding  season  was  very  desirable, 
were  very  early  breeders.      He  had  observed  in  certain  districts  that 
where   owners  of  game  preserves  had  given  orders  not  to  have  the 
coverts  disturbed  after  the  ist  of  February,  Woodcocks  had  remained 
to  breed.     It  was  to  meet  cases  of  this  kind  that  the  close  time  fixed  by 
the  Act  now  in  force  had  been  made  to  commence  early,  usually  from 
the  ist  March  to  the  ist  August.      But  he  was  quite  prepared  to  hear 
that  this  was  too  early  a  commencement  for  some  counties,  and  they  had 
just  learnt  from  Lieut. -Col.   Russell's  letter    that  in   his  opinion  this 
was  the  case  in  the  county  of  Essex.     If  so,  the  Act  provided  a  remedy 
by  enabling  the  Home  Secretary,  upon  application  of   the  Justices  at 

communicate  with  the  Home  Secretary  in  regard  to  the  close  time  for  wildfowl, 
with  power  to  make  any  slight  changes  necessary  to  meet  the  views  of  the  Home 
Secretary  : — Messrs.  C.  P.  Wood,  E.  N.Buxton,  J.  O.  Parker,  R.  Woodhouse,  T.  C. 
Baring,  M.P.,  J.  Round,  M.P.,  and  I,ieut.-Col.  Russell ;  and  it  was  further  agreed,  on 
the  motion  of  Lieut. -Col.  Russell,  seconded  by  Major  Tufnell-Tyrell,  that,  if  thought 
advisable,  the  Committee  be  empowered  to  ask  for  a  close  time  for  all  wild  birds  in 
the  county  from  the  15th  March  to  the  ist  August.  In  a  further  letter,  dated 
December  loth,  Col.  Russell  remarks  : — "  I  do  not  know  whether  I  made  it  clear  that 
we  could  probably  get  a  change  for  all  birds  to  15th  March  and  ist  August,  and  this 
would  suit  fairly  well  both  birds  and  shooters  ;  but  it  seems  to  me  better  to  let  all  the 
birds  have  protection  from  ist  of  March,  except  the  few  which  perhaps  once  in 
several  years  give  a  chance  in  passing  in  March,  such  birds  being  worth  shooting, 
and,  as  I  am  satisfied,  will  not  have  their  numbers  sensibly  diminished  by  what 
are  killed  here,  vastly  greater  numbers  passing  than  can  find  accommodation  or 
inducement  to  remain."  Referring  to  the  Wild  Birds  Act  he  adds  :  "  I  should  have 
been  glad  to  see  eggs  protected,  but  there  are  several  objections,  some  of  which  were 
several  years  back  well  pointed  out  by  Professor  Newton — so  I  did  not  see  my  way 
to  advise  this.  I  suggested  some  limit  of  time  being  put  to  the  sale  of  foreign  fowl. 
This  was  not  done,  and  if  the  killing  or  taking  of  migrants,  as  Widgeons,  is  stopped 
many  weeks  earlier  than  in  JHolland  (ist  April  in  one  part,  15th  April  in  another) 
so  that  our  shops  are  full  of  Dutch  birds,  there  will  be  great  dissatisfaction  and 
temptation  to  break  the  law,  and  many  opportunities  of  doing  so  profitably,  by  pass- 
ing oft  our  few  birds  as  Dutch.  Tnis  is  one  great  reason  for  extending  the  time  of 
killing  such  birds." — Ed. 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  Ixi 

Quarter  Sessions,  to  make  an  order  extending  or  varying  the  close 
time.  No  doubt  those  sportsmen  and  naturahsts  who  resided  in 
Essex  would  be  the  best  judges  of  the  period  which  would  be  most 
suitable  in  their  own  county  ;  and  from  what  he  knew  of  Col.  Russell's 
capabilities  and  long  experience  in  matters  relating  to  wild-fowl,  he 
felt  sure  that  his  proposed  application  to  vary  the  close  time  would  not 
be  made  without  good  reason. 

The  President  was  sure  the  Club  was  much  obliged  to  Mr.  Harting 
for  his  remarks  ;  few  naturalists  had  a  better  right  to  speak  with 
authority  on  the  subject,  and  he  proposed  that  the  Secretary  be 
requested  to  write  to  Col.  Russell  with  reference  to  this  matter. 

The  Secretary  thought  that  the  great  thing  to  be  agitated  for  was  a 
close  time  for  all  birds  without  exception.  At  present  the  Act  was 
almost  nugatory ;  it  was  simply  impossible  in  most  cases  to  prove 
legally  that  a  Hedge-popper  or  Bird-catcher  was  trapping  or  murder- 
ing any  particular  species,  and  so  a  beneficent  Act  had  become  almost 
a  dead-letter  in  the  law, 

Mr.  English  exhibited  a  large  number  of  species  of  Fungi,  both  in  a 
fresh  and  preserved  state,  belonging  to  the  Agaricini  and  Polyporei  ior 
the  purpose  of  illustrating  some  remarks  he  had  drawn  up  on  the 
connecting  links  which  united  these  two  orders  of  the  family  Hymeno- 
mycetes.  Among  the  species  exhibited  were  Polyportis  fomentarms,  from 
which  Amadou  or  German  tinder  is  made,  the  fungus  being  cut  into 
slices,  dried  and  beaten  until  soft  ;  Poly  poms  lucidns  from  Hornbeam, 
interesting  as  being  a  cosmopolitan  species,  and  Lenzites  betulina  from 
Birch  stumps.  Mr.  English  exhibited  also  a  specimen  of  Osmylus 
chrysops.  L.,  a  pretty  insect  belonging  to  the  Hcnicrohidcd,  which  had 
flown  into  his  shop  in  August  last.  It  is  generally  found  amongst 
hedges,  seeming  to  prefer  stony  rapid  streams  fringed  with  alders. 
Mr.  Cole  had  taken  it  in  New  Forest,  but  had  not  observed  it  at 
Epping. 

Mr.  Argent  exhibited,  on  behalf  of  Master  G.  Watkins,  a  specimen  of 
Vanessa  antiopa  (the  "  Camberwell-beauty  "  butterfly),  taken  near  Ilford 
during  the  last  week  in  August. 

Mr.  W.  C.  Barnes  exhibited  some  pieces  of  a  felt-like  substance 
which  had  been  found  closely  covering  some  hot-water  pipes  in  his 
house.     It  had  every  appearance  of  being  the  work  of  spiders. 

The  Secretary  presented,  on  behalf  of  Sir  J.  Clarke  Jervoise,  Bart., 
a  collection  oi  Mosses  and  Lichens  made  by  Richard  Warner  (1711- 
1775),  author  of"  Plantfe  Woodfordienses."  He  thought  that  the  Club 
was  much  indebted  to  Sir  J.  C.  Jervoise  for  another  copy  of  the  above- 
named  work,  and  also  for  his  kind  present  of  the  Herbarium. 
Although  the  latter  was  perhaps  of  no  great  scientific  value,  it  was 
extremely  interesting  as  a  memento  of  an  Essex  worthy — a  quiet 
"  ingenious"  country  gentleman,  who,  at  a  time  when  botanical  studies 


Ixii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

were  heUl  in  much  less  esteem  than  at  present,  did  his  best  to  aid 
forward  the  science  which  had  afforded  him  such  true  and  life-long 
delight.  Mr.  Cole  read  a  paper  he  had  drawn  up  giving  as  complete 
an  account  as  the  scanty  materials  would  allow  of  Warner's  life  and 
"  botanical  amusements,"  and  of  the  origin  of  the  book  by  which  he  is 
best  known.*  Sir  J.  C.  Jervoise  had  also  sent  up  for  the  inspection  of 
the  members  a  quaint  and  valuable  parchment  Pedigree  of  the  Warner 
Family. 

Mr.  Fisher  Unv>in  exhibited  a  large  number  of  views  and  drawings 
in  illustration  of  persons  and  places  mentioned  by  Warner.  He 
thought  as  naturalists  they  might  learn  especially  one  thing  from  the 
interesting  sketch  of  our  author  given  by  Mr.  Cole,  and  that  was  to  do 
the  thing  which  came  nearest  to  hand  ;  study  first  the  productions  of 
their  own  neighbourhood,  and  let  wider  fields  of  work  come  as  they 
may.  He  had  been  searching  for  the  "  Plantae  "  for  years,  but  had  lately 
come  upon  quite  a  preserve  of  copies  of  the  book,  and  had  secured  two 
or  three  enriched  with  curious  notes.  These  he  exhibited.  One  had 
belonged  to  the  Rev.  J.  Shepard,  Rector  of  Woodford,  and  a  friend  of 
Warner's.  In  it  was  a  note  of  the  dimensions  in  1774  of  the  Yew-tree 
in  Woodford  Churchyard,  and  Mr.  Unwin  thought  it  would  be  well 
for  the  Club  at  one  of  its  Field  Meetings  to  visit  the  tree  and  take  the 
dmiensions  now  for  the  purpose  of  comparison.  Another  copy  of  the 
book  contained  a  MS.  list  of  plants  growing  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Chigwell,  drawn  up  by  the  Rev.  S.  Palmer,  of  that  place,  as  well  as 
many  other  interesting  notes  of  the  plants  of  the  Forest.  Mr.  Unwin's 
exhibits  were  a  source  of  much  pleasure  to  the  meeting,  interspersed 
as  they  were  with  short  remarks  upon  the  persons  and  places  referred  to. 

Mr.  George  Spicer  exhibited  a  view  of  the  Old  House  in  which 
Richard  Warner  lived,  and  copies  of  the  same  print  were  presented  to 
the  Club  by  Sir  Clarke  Jervoise. 

The  President  thought  it  would  be  a  good  work  for  some  of  their 
botanical  members  to  make  a  comparison  of  the  list  of  plants  now- 
known  to  occur  around  Woodford,  and  those  recorded  by  Warner. 
The  question  of  the  extinction  of  species  is  always  one  of  great  interest. 

Cordial  votes  of  thanks  were  accorded  to  Mr.  Englisil,  Sir  J.  C. 
Jervoise,  Mr.  Cole,  Mr.  Unwin,  and  Mr.  Harting,  for  their  various 
communications. 

Mr.  J.  Travis,  of  Saffron  Walden,  communicated  the  following  list 
of  rare  birds  taken  in  Essex,  recently  received  by  him  for 
preservation  : — 

(i.)     September    6th,    1878   (?).     Dusky    Petrel    {Piiffinus    ohscurus) 
found   in   the  early  morning  after  a  very  rough  night,  by  the  roadside 

-.;  The  Editor  reserves  this  paper  for  the  present,  at  least,  in  the  hope  of  obtaining 
further  information  of  Warner  and  his  scientiiic  friends.  Any  particulars  of  this 
nature  will  be  welcomed  gladly. 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  Ixiii 

at  Sampford,  by  Barker,  the  Postman.  It  was  apparently  in  a  fatigued 
state,  but  lived  two  days  in  my  (Mr.  Travis's)  possession,  during  which 
time  it  ate  a  few  slugs,  and  sometimes  used  its  hooked  bill  to  assist  it  in 
climbing  about  the  cage.  The  specimen  was  sold  to  Mr.  Burrell,  of 
Littlebury. 

(2.)  November  gth,  1879.  Fulmar  Petrel  [Pyoccllavia  ghicuilis),  taken 
by  G.  Pavitt,  Esq.,  Battle's  Bridge,  near  Chelmsford,  and  now  in  his 
possession. 

(3.)  December  5th,  1879.  Great  Bustard  {Otis  tarda),  shot  by  Mr. 
Pertwee  on  what  is  called  the  "  Main  "  near  Chelmsford,  and 

(4.)  February  6th,  1880.  Another  Bustard  shot  by  the  foreman  to 
Mr.  Jonas,  Manor  Farm,  West  Wickham,  Cambridgeshire,  and  now  in 
the  latter's  possession.  Has  any  other  naturalist  within  the  last  fifty 
years  been  so  fortunate  as  to  receive  two  English  specimens  of  the  Great 
Bustard  within  so  short  a  period  ? 

[These  specimens  are,  of  course,  the  birds  referred  to  in  Mr.  Christy's 
paper,  "Transactions,"  pp.  59  and  62. — Ed.] 

{5.)  August  27th,  1880.  A  pair  of  Woodchat  Shrikes  {Lanius  auricu- 
latus),  shot  by  a  man  named  Jeffrey,  between  Elmdon  and  Arksden. 
A  boy  driving  sheep  into  Walden  was  accosted  by  Jeffrey,  who  had  a  gun. 
He  gave  the  birds  to  the  boy,  remarking  that  they  were  "  a  pretty  pair, 
and  perhaps  the  bird-stuffer  might  give  something  for  them."  I  received 
them  within  two  hours  of  their  death,  quite  fresh  and  hardly  stiff.  These 
are  the  first  specimens  of  this  very  rare  bird  I  have  heard  of  as  occurring 
in  Essex. 

(6.)  ,  iSBo.     Peregrine  Falcon  {Falco  peregrinus),  taken 

by  the  gamekeeper  to  Squire  Wilkes,  of  Lofts  Hall,  in  whose  possession 
it  now  is. 

(7.)  November,  1880.  Peregrine  Falcon,  a  young  bird  trapped  by 
one  of  Lord  Braybrooke's  keepers  at  a  moorhen,  on  which  it  had  been 
feeding,  near  the  Debden  Road,  Saffron  Walden.  Two  other  Peregrines 
killed  in  the  neighbourhood  are  now  in  my  hands. 

(8.)  1880.     Two  Merlins  {Falco  jEsalon),  killed  by  Mr. 

Chipperfield,  of  Newport,  near  Saffron  Walden. 

(9.)  November  ist,  1880.  Two  Black-throated  Divers  {Colymbus 
arcticus),  taken  at  Southend,  and  now  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Ackland, 
of  Saffron  Walden. 

<'io.)  November,  1880.  Sclavonian  Grebe  {Podiceps  auritus),  taken  at 
Southend,  and  now  in  possession  of  Mrs.  Ackland,  Saffron  Walden. 

(11.)  November  12th,  1880.  Grea.t  Grey  Shrike  {Lanius  excubitor),  a 
good  female  specimen,  shot  by  Mr.  H.  Rolfe,  of  Clavering,  and  now  in 
his  possession. 

(12.)  June  27th,  1879.  A  Lesser  Redpole's  nest  {Liiiota  linaria),  taken 
by  a  boy  named  Rushforth  out  of  some  fir  trees  by  the  roadside  close 
to  Shortgrove  Park.     It  contained  young,  which  were  brought  to  me, 


Ixiv  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

and  I  have  one  of  them  yet — a  very  healthy  bird,  thanks  to  the  care  of 
Mrs.  Travis.  The  boy  had  thrown  away  the  nest,  but  described  it  as 
very  much  like  a  linnet's,  but  smaller. 

Mr.  Harting  said  he  should  like  to  make  a  few  remarks  on  the  above 
list.  Many  of  the  birds  mentioned  were  of  extreme  rarity,  and  he 
thought  it  would  be  wise  to  ask  for  further  particulars  before  giving  the 
list  a  permanent  place  in  the  records  of  the  Club.  From  experience  he 
could  say  that  in  many  cases  it  would  be  found  on  examining  the 
evidences  on  which  such  lists  were  based  that  the  writers  have  been 
too  hasty  in  identifying  their  specimens  with  rare  species.  The  very 
first  bird  on  the  list,  to  his  mind,  was  very  doubtful ;  the  Dusky  Petrel 
was  of  extreme  rarity  in  Britain,  and  has  only  been  obtained  on  one  or 
two  occasions ;  he  could  not  help  thinking  that  the  bird  referred  to 
would  prove  to  be  a  specimen  of  the  Manx  Shearwater;  that  bird  breeds 
here,  and  it  is  often  called  a  Petrel,  although  it  differs  from  that  genus 
in  some  respects.  Of  course  it  was  quite  possible  that  all  the  birds 
mentioned  were  correctly  named,  but  he  would  strongly  urge  the  neces- 
sity of  caution  and  enquiry  before  accepting  as  absolute  facts  the 
statements  made  in  such  lists  as  the  above. 

The  President  thought  all  would  agree  with  Mr.  Harting  in  the 
necessity  for  caution  :  errors  were  easily  committed  and  then  became 
difficult  to  eradicate.  He  would  suggest  that  the  Secretary  should 
communicate  with  Mr.  Travis,  with  the  view  of  settling  the  questions 
raised. 

[The  list  was  returned  to  Mr.  Travis,  who,  we  understand,  is 
a  good  ornithologist,  and  it  is  now  printed  as  revised  by  him. — Ed.] 

Mr.  P.  Copland  exhibited  some  specimens  of  fossil  wood  from  the 
London  clay  at  Walton-on-the-Naze,  and  Mrs.  Yeates  some  glacial 
drift  fossils  picked  up  in  the  neighbourhood  of  High  Beech. 

The  meeting  then  resolved  itself  into  a  conversazione. 


Saturday,  Dece.mber  iSth,  1880.— Ordinary  Meeting. 

The  Monthly  Meeting  was  held  at  the  Head  Quarters,  at  seven  o'clock, 
the  President  in  the  chair.  The  following  works  were  presented  to  the 
library:  "Journal  of  Royal  Microscopical  Society,"  presented  by 
W.  Emmens,  Esq.,  F.R.M.S. ;  "  History  and  Description  of  Cassiobury 
Park"  (folio),  by  John  Britton,  presented  by  Messrs.  Alfred  and 
G.  H.  Lockyer;  "Deterioration  of  Oyster  and  Trawl  Fisheries  of 
England,"  by  J.  P.  Hore  and  E.  Jex,  presented  by  the  authors.  The 
following    persons    were    elected    members    of  the   Club  : — Charles 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  Ixv 

Copland.    C.E.,    H.     C.    Chilton,    W.    T.     Christian,    Sir  J.   Clarke 
Jervoise,  Bart.,  and  James  Miller. 

The  Secretary  gave  notice,  on  behalf  of  the  Council,  that  it  was 
intended  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  to  propose  some  slight 
alterations  in,  and  additions  to,  Rules  III.,  IV.,  VII.,  and  XV. 

It  was  announced  that,  in  accordance  with  Rule  III.,  the  following 
members  would  retire  from  the  Council :  H.  B.  Hooper,  Rev.  C.  J. 
Ridgeway,  C.  E.  Taylor,  and  T.  J.  Woodrow.  The  following  members 
were  recommended  for  election  into  the  Council :  B.  G.  Cole,  Rev.  T.  W. 
Peile,  Charles  Thomas,  F.G.S.,  and  T.  Fisher  Unwin.  No  other  can- 
didates were  proposed.  As  officers  for  1881  the  following  members 
were  recom.mended  by  the  Council :  Prc5/rf^«^— Raphael  Meldola, 
F.R.A.S.,  F.C.S.,  &c.;  Tfeasurer—Uenxy  J.  Barnes;  Secretary— WiWmm 
Cole;  Librarian — Alfred  Lockyer. 

The  President  said  that,  by  Rule  XV.,  the  Annual  General  Meeting 
should  be  held  on  the  second  Saturday  in  January,  which  would  fall  on 
January  Sth.  The  Council  was  of  opinion,  however,  that  this  would 
hardly  allow  time  for  the  officers  to  prepare  their  statements,  and  there- 
fore, with  permission  of  the  members,  it  was  proposed  to  alter  the  date 
to  January  22nd,  and  to  confirm  such  alteration  at  the  Annual  Meeting. 
This  was  agreed  to. 

The  Secretary  exhibited,  on  behalf  of  Mr.  John  Waller,  some  sections 
of  the  common  crab-apple  {Pynts  Mains)  with  Mistletoe  attached,  showing- 
the  mode  of  growth  of  the  parasite  in  the  wood  of  the  tree.  These 
specimens  were  obtained  at  High  Beech,  Epping  Forest,  in  1876,  by 
Mr.  Waller,  and  were  beautifully  cut  and  polished.  The  specimens 
showed  the  root  of  the  parasite  forcing  its  way  into  the  very  heart  of 
the  wood,  the  pressure  distorting  the  concentric  rings  and  medullary 
rays  of  the  apple  tree  in  a  very  curious  manner. 

Mr.  Meldola  observed  that  there  was  a  point  in  the  life-history  of  the 
Mistletoe  well  worthy  of  consideration.  It  was  well  known  that  the 
glutinous  seeds  were  deposited  on  the  bark  of  the  trees  by  birds,  and  it 
was  stated  on  very  good  authority  that  in  whatever  position  the  seed 
might  be  placed  with  respect  to  the  branch,  the  radicle  (or  embryo  root) 
always  turned  towards  the  bark  of  the  tree  as  development  took  place. 
He  was  disposed  to  think  that  the  cause  of  this  phenomenon  lay  in  the 
avoidance  of  light ;  the  radicle  required  shade  for  vigorous  growth,  and 
therefore  it  turned  towards  the  bough  of  the  tree  to  which  the  seed  was 
attached.  He  would  recommend  it  as  a  matter  for  experiment  to  their 
botanical  members  ;  it  would  lend  a  new  and  scientific  interest  to  a  plant 
which  possessed,  he  understood,  a  peculiar  charm  at  this  season  of  the 
year. 

Mr.  H.  J.  Barnes  exhibited,  on  behalf  of  his  brother,  some  fossils 
found  at  Shanklin,  Isle  of  Wight.  They  appeared  to  belong  to  the 
Lower  Bagshot  formation. 


Ixvi  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

The  Secretary  called  attention  to  the  Second  Science  Lecture,  which 
would  be  delivered  in  the  Woodford  Lecture  Hall,  on  January  4th,  by 
Mr.  A.  R.  Wallace.  He  trusted  that  a  large  number  of  members  would 
attend,  and  show  their  appreciation  of  a  lecturer  of  Mr.  Wallace's  high 
scientific  and  literary  reputation. 

The  usual  conversazione  closed  the  meeting. 


Tuesday,  January  4TH,  1881. — Science  Lecture. 

The  second  winter  Science  Lecture  was  delivered  this  evening  by 
Alfred  Russel  W^allace,  Esq.,  F.L.S.,  F.Z.S.,  &c.— subject,  "The 
Natural  History  of  Islands."  The  lecture  took  place  in  the  Woodford 
Hall,  Mr.  Meldola  occupying  the  chair  and,  in  a  few  appropriate 
words,  introduced  Mr.  Wallace.  It  is  unnecessary  to  give  any  abstract 
of  Mr.  Wallace's  very  interesting  and  instructive  remarks,  as  the  sub- 
jects touched  upon  will  be  found  fully  elaborated  in  his  "  Island  Life; 
or,  The  Phenomena  and  Causes  of  Insular  Faunas  and  Floras,  including 
a  Revision  and  attempted  Solution  of  the  Problem  of  Geological 
Climates,"  London,  iSSi. 

'    Before  asking  the  audience  to  pass  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  Wallace, 
the  President  invited  questions  on  the  subjects  brought  forward. 

Mr.  Harting,  referring  to  the  lecturer's  remarks  on  the  probable 
mode  of  the  introduction  of  fresh- water  fish  into  remote  islands,  sug- 
gested the  following  as  worthy  of  consideration :  That  the  heron, 
being  a  fish-eater  and  of  rapid  flight,  might,  after  having  seized  its 
prey,  travel  a  long  distance  and  disgorge  the  fish  in  a  living  state  in 
some  island  lake.  It  was  a  well-known  fact  that  when  disturbed  these 
birds  had  the  habit  of  freeing  themselves  of  food  ;  and  he  thought  it 
was  not  unlikely  that  to  such  a  cause  may  be  owing,  some  of  the 
puzzling  facts  respecting  the  distribution  of  fishes  mentioned  by  the 
lecturer. 

Mr.  Wallace  said  that  the  essential  point  to  be  decided  was  whether 
a  fish,  after  being  carried  any  considerable  distance  in  such  a  way, 
could  be  disgorged  alive,  and  asked  Mr.  Harting  whether  he  knew  of 
such  an  occurrence. 

]\Ir.  Harting  gave  one  instance  related  to  him  by  the  falconer  to  the 
King  of  Holland  ;  and  he  thought  it  not  at  all  improbable  that  a  fish 
could  exist  for  some  time  in  the  gullet  of  the  bird. 

Andrew  Johnston,  Esq.  (High  Sheriff),  proposed  a  hearty  vote  of 
thanks  to  the  lecturer,  which  was  passed  by  acclamation. 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  Ixvii 


Saturday,  January  22Nd,  i88i. — Ordinary  and  Annual  Meetings 

In  accordance  with  notice  sent  to  all  members,  the  Annual  General 
Meeting  was  held  at  the  Head  Quarters,  the  President  in  the  chair. 

Previous  to  the  Annual  Meeting  an  Ordinary  Meeting  took  place, 
when  the  following  were  elected  members  of  the  Club  : — Mrs.  Barnes, 
Rev.  W.  J.  Bolton,  M.A.,  Edward  Brooke,  J.P.,  D.L.,  &c.,  Lieut. -Col. 
Russell,  J. P.,  D.L.,  &c.,  Samuel  Smith,  Frederick  Stewart,  J.  G. 
Thomasin,  Mrs.  Thomasin,  Rev.  W.  J.  Wright,  B.A. 

The  following  books  and  magazines  were  presented  to  the  library : — 
Gerarde's  "  Herball,  or  General  Historie  of  Plantes,"  presented  by  Mr. 
J.  Hutchison  ;  "  Midland  Naturalist  "  (monthly),  by  Mr.  A.  Lockyer  ; 
"Naturalist"  (monthly),  by  Mr.  G.  H.  Lockyer;  "American  Ento- 
mologist "  (monthly),  by  Mr.  F.  T.  Lock3^er  ;  "  Flora  of  Essex  County 
Mass."  and  "  Notes  on  Woody  Plants  of  Essex  County  Mass.,"  by  the 
author,  Mr.  J.  Robinson  ;  Moffat's  "  Insectorum  sive  Minimorum 
Animalium  Theatrum,"  &c.,  1634,  by  Mr.  B.  G.  Cole;  "Nature" 
(weekly)  ;  "The  Cobham  Journals,"  and  "Synopsis  Plantarum  insulis 
Britannicis,  &c.,"  by  Mr.  W.  Cole.  By  exchange  :—"  The  Proceedings 
of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History,"  Vol.  XX.,  Parts  i,  2,  and  3; 
and  "  Report  of  South  London  Entomological  Society  for  1880." 

It  was  also  announced  that  the  Rev.  F.  A.  Walker,  B.D.,  F.L.S., 
had  presented  to  the  Club  his  Collections  of  Birds,  Birds'-eggs,  and 
Insects,  formed  during  the  preparation  of  his  "  History  of  Dry  .Drayton, 
London,  187G." 

The  thanks  of  the  Society  were  unanimously  voted  for  the  above 
valuable  donations. 

The  Secretary  read  a  letter  he  had  received  from  Mr.  J.  Eliot 
Howard,  F.R.S.,  suggesting  that  the  needs  of  insectivorous  birds  should 
be  provided  for  during  the  hard  weather  by  hanging  a  netted  bag  full 
of  scraps  of  meat,  suet,  &c.,  from  the  bough  of  a  tree  or  bush  in  some 
convenient  place.  Mr.  Robarts  remarked  that  he  had  adopted  Mr. 
Howard's  suggestion  ;  the  plan  answered  well,  and  the  lively  habits  of 
the  hungry  little  visitors  afforded  much  pleasure. 

The  President  said  the  Society  was  probably  aware  that  the  Council 
had  passed  a  resolution  as  follows  ;  that  it  had  appeared  in  most  of  the 
influential  London  and  county  newspapers,  and  that  the  scheme  of 
destruction  was  almost  unanimously  denounced  by  those  whose 
opinion  was  entitled  to  weight.  He  read  the  resolution  passed  at  the 
Meeting  of  the  Council  on  January  8th  : — 

"That  the  Council  of  this  Society,  on  behalf  of  the  large  section  of 
the  population  of  London  interested  in  the  pursuit  of  Natural  History, 
desires  to  record  an  emphatic  protest  against  the  proposal  of  the  Great 
Eastern   Railway   Company   to   carry   a   line   across   Epping   Forest 


Ixviii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

believing    that  it  is  wholly  unnecessary  for  the  railway  to  take  the 
route  projected,  and  that  it  would  not  fail  to  prejudicially  affect  the 
advantages  secured  by  the  Epping  Forest  Act,  which  directs  that  the 
Forest  is  to  be  preserved  as  far  as  possible  in  its  natural  aspect." 
The  Club  than  resolved  itself  into  the 


Annual  General  Meeting. 

The  Treasurer's  Statement  of  Account  (see  page  Ixix)  was  read, 
and  after  some  little  discussion,  was  agreed  to  unanimously,  on  the 
motion  of  Mr.  Letchford,  seconded  by  Mr.  J.  Hutchison. 

The  Secretary  read  the  Report  of  the  Council  for  the  Year 
1880:— 

In  presenting  the  first  Annual  Report,  the  Council  feels  that  it  can 
honestly  and  sincerely  congratulate  the  members  on  the  success  which 
has  attended  the  foundation  and  first  year's  work  of  the  Club.  It  is 
unnecessary  to  recapitulate  the  steps  taken  in  the  formation  of  the 
Society  ;  a  short  sketch  of  its  origin  has  been  prefixed  to  the  Report  of 
the  Inaugural  Meeting  in  the  "  Proceedings,"  and  its  subsequent 
progress  is  fresh  in  the  minds  of  members.  Within  two  months  of  the 
establishment  of  the  Club,  when  the  list  of  original  members  was 
closed,  the  number  was  169  ;  since  that  date  58  members  have  been 
elected.  The  Council  regrets  to  record  the  loss  of  one  member,  Mr.  G. 
Thompson,  by  death,  already  alluded  to  by  the  Chair  ;  two  members 
have  resigned,  so  that  our  strength  on  December  31st  was  224.  It 
will  be  admitted  that  this  forms  a  very  gratifying  token  of  the  position 
the  Society  has  already  taken  in  public  estimation,  but  your  Council  is 
sanguine  enough  to  hope  that  it  is  but  the  precursor  of  further  advance 
The  real  backbone  of  a  Society  such  as  yours  is  the  possession  of  a 
large  body  of  enthusiastic  members,  and  it  cannot  be  too  strongly 
urged  upon  all  well-wishers  that  it  should  be  their  duty  and  pleasure 
to  obtain  additional  recruits,  and  so  add  to  the  stability  of  the  Club, 
and  its  power  of  accomplishing  useful  and  permanent  work. 

In  reviewing  the  events  of  the  session,  a  first  place  must  be  given  to 
the  honour  conferred  upon  the  Society  by  the  Duke  of  Connaught.  The 
fact  that  his  Royal  Highness  has  both  an  official  and  personal  interest 
in  the  County  as  Ranger  of  Epping  Forest  lends  a  peculiar  appro- 
priateness to  his  kind  and  ready  acceptance  of  the  office  of  Patron  of 
the  Club. 


Journal  of  Proceedings. 


Ixix 


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Ixx  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

The  details  of  the  establishment  of  the  "  Forest  Camps  Exploration 
Fund  "  will  be  found  in  the  "  Journal  of  Proceedings."  The  Treasurer 
reports  that  the  sums  given  or  promised  up  to  January  ist  amount  to 
;£'44  3s.  This  sum  will  enable  the  Club  to  work  at  one  Camp  as  soon 
as  the  weather  is  favourable  in  the  spring,  and  in  all  probability 
the  surplus  will  be  sufficient  to  cover  the  cost  of  printing  the  results  of 
the  investigation  in  the  "  Transactions."  It  is  very  desirable  that  both 
Camps  should  be  examined,  and  the  Council  solicits  further  subscrip- 
tions from  members  and  others  interested  in  the  subject. 

Eleven  Ordinary  Meetings  of  the  Club  have  taken  place  during  the 
year;  341  members  have  attended,  giving  an  average  of  31  for  each 
meeting.  Seventy-six  visitors  have  also  been  present.  At  the  seven 
Field  Meetings  held  during  the  summer,  226  members  have  attended, 
giving  an  average  of  32,  with  106  visitors.  Your  Council  is  fully 
sensible  of  the  great  importance  of  interesting  and  instructive  meetings  ; 
every  effort  will  be  made  to  maintain  that  character,  and  it  is  sincerely 
hoped  and  requested  that  members  and  friends  will  in  all  ways  within 
their  power  aid  such  attempts.  The  Club  is  very  much  indebted  to 
those  gentlemen  who  so  kindly  acted  as  conductors  at  the  Field 
Meetings.  The  Council  also  records  with  gratitude  the  pleasant 
hospitality  accorded  to  the  Club  on  its  visit  to  High  Laver  Rectory  by 
Mrs.  and  Mr.  Rodwell. 

Two  parts  of  the  "  Transactions  "  have  been  published,  in  addition 
to  the  President's  Inaugural  Address,  which  comprises  pp.  1-26,  the 
whole  occupying  154  pages.  Part  I.  is  occupied  by  Mr.  Walker's 
lecture,  a  sheet  of  geological  sections  being  given  with  it ;  whilst 
Part  II.  gives  papers  and  full  reports  of  meetings  up  to  and  including 
November  loth.  The  Covmcil  is  painfully  aware  of  the  paucity  of 
papers  and  communications  submitted  to  the  Club,  but  as  this  subject 
is  dwelt  upon  elsewhere,  it  is  unnecessary  to  do  more  than  refer  to 
it  in  this  place. 

A  few  books  and  publications  have  been  presented  to  the  Club 
during  the  year,  which  are  duly  acknowledged  in  the  reports  of  the 
meetings,  but  the  Library  is  necessarily  at  present  in  an  embr)-onic 
stage.  Pressure  of  other  affairs  obliged  Mr.  Argent  to  resign  the  office 
of  Librarian  in  October,  when  the  post  was  taken  by  Mr.  Alfred 
Lockyer  until  the  Annual  Meeting.  Mr.  Lockyer  offers  his  services  as 
Librarian,  and  he  has  already  been  working  energetically  to  establish 
friendly  relations  and  exchange  of  publications  with  London  and 
Provincial  Societies.  Two  rooms  at  the  Head  Quarters  will  shortly  be 
fitted  up  as  a  Library  and  Museum,  and  the  Council  earnestly  begs 
members  and  others  to  aid  with  books  and  specimens.  A  special 
circular  will  be  issued  giving  details  as  to  the  kind  of  specimens  required, 
and  best  mode  of  preparing  the  same  for  our  collections.  Two 
contributions  to  the  museum  demand  special  notice  :  a  small  Herbarium 


Journal  of  Proceedings.  Ixxi 

of  lichens  and  mosses  collected  by  Richard  Warner,  given  to  the  Club 
by  our  member  Sir  J.  Clarke  Jervoise,  Bart. ;  and  the  collections  formed 
at  Dry  Drayton  by  our  member  Rev.  F.  A.  Walker,  B.D.,  F.L.S. 
These  latter  comprise  small  collections  of  birds,  birds'-eggs,  and  insects, 
gathered  in  the  preparation  of  the  donor's  "  History  of  Dry  Drayton, 
London,  1876." 

The  thanks  of  the  Club  are  due  to  the  Conductors  of  the  Art  Classes 
(Miss  |.  E.  Cole  and  Mr.  H.  A.  Cole)  for  permission  to  meet  in  the 
rooms  at  3,  St.  John's  Terrace,  and  the  Council  has  great  pleasure  in 
accepting  the  offer  of  two  rooms  for  the  sole  use  of  the  Club's  Library 
and  Museum. 

Bearing  in  mind  the  large  amount  of  work  involved  in  launching  a 
Society  such  as  ours,  the  members  will  probably  consider  the 
Treasurer's  statement  satisfactory.  The  Council  records  with  thanks 
special  donations  towards  expenses  from  Mr.  Darwin,  Mr.  Walker, 
Mr.  Letchford,  and  Mr.  Browne. 

In  conclusion,  your  Council  cannot  but  consider  that  the  events  of 
the  year  form  an  encouraging  earnest  of  future  work,  and  the  officers 
confidently  hope  that  they  will  not  lack  the  energetic  and  enthusiastic 
support  of  members  and  friends  during  the  year  1881. 

< 

The  Report  was  carried  unanimously,  on  the  motion  of  Mr.  B.  G. 
Cole,  seconded  by  Mr.  Hutchison. 

The  Secretary  proposed  on  behalf  of  the  Council  the  following  slight 
alterations  in  the  Rules : — Rule  III.,  to  strike  out  the  word  "  seven,"  and 
to  read  ''Jive  to  form  a  quorum.''  After  Rule  IV.  to  add  ''should a 
vacancy  occ::r  in  the  Council  by  retirement  or  otherwise,  the  Council  shall  have 
power  to  nominate  any  member  to  fill  the  vacancy  until  the  next  General 
Meeting.''  In  Rule  VII.  to  add  at  end  of  first  sentence,  "but  shall  not  be 
entitled  to  receive  the  publications  of  the  Club  during  the  year  ivithout  pay- 
ment;" and  in  Rule  XV.  to  strike  out  in  the  first  sentence  the  words 
"  on  the  second  Saturday,"  so  as  to  read,  "  The  Annual  General  Meeting 
shall  be  held  in  January."'   These  alterations  were  unanimously  agreed  to. 

The  members  nominated  at  the  meeting  on  December  i8th  were 
chosen  to  fill  vacancies  on  the  Council  and  as  Officers  for  1881. 

On  the  proposal  of  the  Council,  the  following  gentlemen  were 
elected  Honorary  Members  of  the  Club,  in  recognition  of  distinguished 
efforts  for  the  advancement  and  spread  of  natural  science,  and  in 
grateful  acknowledgment  of  services  rendered  to  the  Club  : — Dr.  M. 
C.  Cooke,  M.A.,  A.L.S.,  J.  E.  Harting,  F.L.S,,  F.Z.S.,  Worthington 
G.  Smith,  F.L.S.,  Major-General  Pitt-Rivers,  F.R.S.,  and  Henry 
Walker,  F.G.S. 

The  President  then  delivered  his  Annual  Address  ("Transactions," 
Vol.  I.,  p.  97). 


Ixxii  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

Mr.  Robarts,  in  proposing  that  the  address  be  printed  and  circulated 
in  the  usual  way,  said  it  was  the  future  w^hich  should  possess  the  most 
interest  for  them.  It  was  very  desirable  that  all  members  should  strive 
to  add  their  quota,  however  humble,  to  increasing  the  interest  of  the 
meetings,  especially  in  objects  and  facts  connected  with  the  County. 
They  ardently  wished  for  a  great  increase  in  the  number  of  members, 
not  mainly  to  augment  the  funds,  but  that  more  matter  in  the  way  of 
original  contributions  might  find  its  way  into  their  hands.  The 
resolution  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Lockyer,  and  carried  by  acclamation. 

Mr.  Letchford  proposed  a  hearty  vote  of  thanks  to  the  Officers  of  the 
Club  in  a  humourous  speech.  Mr.  Hutchison  seconded,  saying  that  few 
were  aware  of  the  large  amount  of  work  thrown  upon  officers  of  such 
Societies.  The  compliment  was  suitably  acknowledged  by  Messrs. 
Meldola,  Barnes,  Cole,  and  Lockyer.  Thanks  were  also  voted  to  the 
Auditors ;  and  on  the  motion  of  the  President,  seconded  by  the 
Treasurer,  Miss  J.  E.  Cole  and  Mr.  H.  A.  Cole,  the  Conductors  of  the 
Government  Art  Classes,  were  warmly  thanked  for  the  accommodation 
afforded  to  the  Club  for  its  meetings,  and  the  use  of  rooms  for  the 
Library  and  Museum. 


Lxxiii 


INDEX 


TO 


JOURNAL    OF    PROCEEDINGS, 


Algi^,  etc.,  observed  at  Field  Meeting,  xviii. 

Alterations  in  Rules,  Ixxi. 

Ancient    Earthworks   in    Epping  Forest,   Proposed  excavation  of, 
xxxii,   1,  liv. 

,  Visit  to,  xxiv. 

Annual  General  Meeting,  Ixviii, 

Aplecta   occulta,  xxii. 

Balance  Sheet,  1880,  Ixix. 

"  Botanical  work  to  be  done,"  xliii. 

Botany  Class,  Proposed,  xi. 

Boulger,  Prof.  G.  S.,  Abstract  of  Lecture,  xliii. 

Brady,  Sir  Antonio,  Abstracts  of  Addresses,  xiii,  xxxiii. 

Bustard  in  Essex,  v. 

Club,  Origin  of,  i. 

Connaught,  H.R.H.  The  Duke  of,  as  Patron,  liv. 
Connection  between  the  Agaricini  and  Polyporei,  Ixi. 
Cooke,  Dr.  M.  C,  Abstracts  of  Addresses,  xviii,  li. 
Cowper,  B.  H.,  Abstracts  of  Address,  xxv,  xxvii. 

Daphne  laureola,    v,    ix. 
Deer  of  Epping  Forest,  xlvi. 
Drosera  rohindi folia,  xxii. 
Dwarf  Lepidoptera,  xlvi. 

Ennomos  angularia,  xi. 

Ephyra  pimctaria,  x. 

Epping  Forest  and  the  Great  Eastern  Railway,  Ixvii. 

Epping,  Visit  to,  xix. 

Exchange   Scheme,  xxiii. 


Lxxiv 

Field  Meetings,  viii,  xvi,  xix,  xxiv,  xxviii,  xl,  xlviii 

Food,  influence  of,  on  Insects,  xi,  xxxix. 

Foundation  Meeting,  ii. 

Fungi,  gathered  at  Field  Meeting,  xlix. 

Fungi,  rare,  Iv. 

*  Fungus  Meeting,'  xlviii. 

Galium  aparine,  sub-species  ]'aiUantii,  xxxii. 
Greensted  Church,  viii. 
Gynandromorphous  Butterfly,  xi. 

High  Laver  Church,  ix. 
Honorary  Members,  iii,  Ixxi. 

Ilford,  Visit   to,  xxviii. 
Insectivorous  Birds  in  Winter,  Ixvii. 

Lastvea  oreopteris,   xix,  xxii. 

Lepidium  dmba,  xii. 

Lepidoptera,  Mortality  among,  xxxix. 

Library,  Donations  to,  iv,  v,  x,  Iv,  lix,  Ixi^-,  Ixvii. 

Meldola,  R.,  Abstracts  of  Addresses,  vi,  xxii,  xlvi,  Ivi. 
Mistletoe,  Growth  of,  Ixv. 
Monk's  Woods,  Visit  to,  xvi. 
Mountain  Buckler  Fern,  xxii. 
Museum,  Donations  to,  Ixi,  Ixvii. 

Officers  and  Council,  1880,  iii;   1881,  Ixv. 

Ongar,  Visit  to,  viii. 

Ordinary   Meetings,   iv,    v,    x,   xii,   xxi,   xxxii,   xxxviii,  xlv,   liv,  lix, 
Ixiv,  Ixvii. 

Osmylus  chrysops,  Ixi. 

Pitt-Rivers,  Major-General,  Abstract  of  Address,  xxvi. 

Preliminary  Circular,  i. 

Protective  Resemblance  in  Insects,  xlvi 'Ivi. 

Quail  in  Essex,  xlv. 

Rare  Birds  in  Essex,  Ixii. 
Report  of  Council,  1880,  Ixviii. 

Science  Lectures,  Ivii,  Ixvi. 

Seasonal-dimorphism  in  Insects,  x. 

Shrews,  Mortality  among,  xlvi,  Ivii. 

Smith,  W.  G.,  Abstracts  of  Addresses,  xxxvii,  Iii. 

Spercheus  emarginatus,  vi. 


Lxxv 


Spurge   Laurel,  v,  ix. 
Sterrha  sacraria,  vi. 
Sundew,  xxii. 

Tea  Fund,  v,  vii- 
Thelephora  mnltizonata,    xlvi, 
Theydon  Bois,  Visit  to,  xl. 
Theydon  Garnon  Church,  xlii. 
Trichopteryx  ambigua,  vi 

Vanessa  antiopa,   Ixi. 
Vice-Presidents,  iv. 

Walker,  H.,  Abstracts  of  Addresses,  xxi,  xxx. 
Wallace,  A.  R.,  Abstract  of  Address,  xxxiv. 
White  Stoats,  vi. 
Wild  Birds'  Protection  Act,  1880,  lix. 


ERRATA, 


P.  10  line  21  for  Woodfordiensi's  read  Woodfordienses. 

20  , ,        I  y  ,,  ,,  ),  ,1 


26 

II 

II 

rodicosus 

1 1 

radicosus. 

11 

14 

II 

alnicolor 

1 

alnicola 

) ) 

2  from  bottom 

reptum 

II 

reptans. 

» » 

3          do. 

) ) 

fermn 

II 

puliferum 

ix 

18  &  20 

II 

oderata 

1 1 

odorata. 

xi 

25 

1 1 

weasels 

1 1 

stoats. 

xiv 

6 

I ) 

onines 

1 1 

omne. 

xlix 

)  » 

iq 

1 ) 

Bolcti 

1 1 

Boleti 

NATURALISTS'   FIELD   CLUB. 


LIST    OF    MBMBBKS. 

PATRON. 
H.K.H.  THE  DUKE  OF  CONNAUGHT  &  STRATHEAKN,  K.G. 

{Ranger  of  Eiyplng  Forest). 


Elected  January  22nd.,   J 881. 

President. 

RAPHAEL    MELDOLA,    F.R.A.S.,  F.C.S.,   &c. 

Vice-President  of  Entomolof/ical  Society. 

Vice-Presidents. 

J.  T.  CARRINGTON,  F.L.S.  (Natioralist,  Boijal  Aqioarium). 

EDWARD    A.    FITCH,   F.L.S. 

N.  F.  ROBARTS,  F.G.S.       Rev.  W.  LINTON  WILSON,  M.A. 

Other  Members  of  Council. 


WILLIAM   J.   ARGENT. 
EDWARD     B.     AVELING, 
D.Sc,  F.L.S. ,  &c. 


GEORGE  C.  HARCOURT. 
FRANCIS  G.  HEATH. 
J.  P.  HORE. 


RICHARDL. BARNES, F.C.S.      ANDREW  JOHNSTON,  HigJi 

Sheriff,     (Verdere?;     Epiring 

Forest). 
REV.  T.  W.  PEILE. 
NATHANIEL     POWELL, 

J. P.,  &c. 
HILDEBRAND    RAMSDEN, 

M.A.,  F.L.S.,  F.R.M.S.,  &c. 
W.  G.  S.  SMITH. 
CHARLES  THOMAS,  F.G.S. 
T.  FISHER  UNWIN. 


W.  C.  BARNES. 

E.    N.    BUXTON,     J.P.,     &c 

{Verderer  Eppinq  Forest). 
ROBERT  M.  CHRISTY. 
B.  G.  COLE. 
PATRICK  COPLAND. 
REV.  JAMES  FRANCIS,  M.A 
GEORGE  J.  GODWIN. 
HERBERT     GOSS,     F.L.S., 

F.G.S.,  &c. 


Treasurer. 
H.  J.    BARNES,    F.C.S.,    (Berlin),    Oak    Hall,    BucMurst-hill 
Essex. 

Secretary. 

WILLIAM    COLE,    M.E.S.,     Laurel     Cottage,    Buchlmrst-liill, 
Essex. 

Librarian. 

ALFRED  LOCKYER,  Tavistocli-road,  Snareshrooh,  Essex. 


JANUARY,     1881. 


Head  Quarters  of  Club  ; 
3,  ST.  JOHN  S    TERRACE,   BUCKHURST    HILL. 


LIST  OF   MEMBERS. 

(Corrected  to  January  22,  1881.) 


atma. 


H.R.H.     THE     DUKE     OE     CONN  AUGHT     AND 

STRATHEARN,    K.G., 

Rangek    of    Eppinct    Eorest. 


lonorarg  P^cnrbers. 


Date  of  Election. 

Jan.  10,  1880.    Browne,  Charles,  M.A.,  Barrister-at-law, 

2,  Stone-buildings,  Lincoln's-inn,  W.C. 
22,  1881.    Cooke,  M.   C,  M.A.,  LL.D.,  A.L.S.,  146, 

Junction-road,  N. 
10,  1880.    Darwin,   Charles,   M.A.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S., 
L.   and  E.  E.L.S.,   F.G.S.,  &c.,   Down, 
Beckenham,  Kent. 
22,  1881.    Harting,  J.E.,E.L.S.,E.Z.S.,22,Begent's- 
park-road,  N.W. 
Pitt-Rivers,   Major-General,  F.R.S.,    19, 

Penywern-road,  South  Kensington,  W. 
Smith,    Worthington    G.,    F.L.S.,    125, 
Grosvenor-road,  Highbury,  N. 
,,  Walker,   Henry,  F.G.S.,    6,   Oakington- 

road,  St.  Peter's-park,  W. 
10,  1880.    Wallace,  Alfred  Russel,  E.L.S.,  E.Z.S., 
Pen-y-bryn,  St.  Peter's-road,  Croydon. 
,,  Whitaker,   William,   B.A.,   F.G.S.,   <fec., 

Her    Majesty's   Geological    Survey,    Jer- 
myn-street,  S.W, 


>) 


>> 


iv  List  of  Members. 


#rbin;irn  ||Icmbcrs. 


{Original  Members,  registered  under  JRule  VI.,  are  denoted 
b//  an  '■'■'- ;  Life  Members  are  indicated  by  a  t-  Where 
no  county  or  postal  letter  is  added,  Essex  is  understood.) 


Date  of  Election. 

'■'  Adams,  Herbert,  J.,  Roseneatli,  London- 
road,  Enfield,  N. 
May  29,  1880.    Alcock    (Miss),     The    Hall,     Sunnyside, 

Chingford. 

*  Alcock  (Miss),  Ada,  The  Hall,  Snnnyside, 

Chingford. 

"  Allen,  William,  at  3,  Liverpool-terrace, 
Canning  Town,  E. 

■•'  Argent,  W.  J.,  Nightingale-villas,  Wan- 
stead. 

=''  Aveling,  Edward  B.,  D.Sc,  F.L.S.,  &c., 
Royal  Polytechnic,  Regent-street,  W. 

*  Babington,    C.  C,  M.A.,   F.R.S.,  F.L.S., 

F.G.S.,  &c.  {Professor  of  Botany,  Univer- 
sity of  Cambridge),  5,  Brookside,  Cam- 
bridge. 

-  Barclay  (Mrs.),  H.  F.,  Woodford. 

■■''  Barnes,  Charles  E.,  Oak  Hall,  Buck- 
hurst-hill. 

■'-  Barnes  (Miss),  Clara,  Oak  Hall,  Buck- 
hurst -hill. 

■-'•  Barnes,  Henry  J.  {Hon.  Treasurer),  Oak 
Hall,  Buckhurst-hill. 
Jan.  22,  1881.    Barnes  (Mrs.),  Oak  Hall,  Buckhurst-hill. 

'■■■  Barnes,  R.  L.,  F.C.S.,  Oak  Hall,  Buck- 
hurst-hill. 


List  of  Members.   ■  v 

Date  of  Election. 

-  Baknes,  W.  C,  Oak  Hall,  Buckhurst-liill. 
■''  Barnett  (Miss),  Melrose  Villa,  Buckhurst- 
liill. 

■''  Benton,  Geokge  A.,  Yarra  Villa,  Princes- 
road,  Buckhurst-hill. 

''  BiLLUPS,  T.  E.,    M.B.S.,    4,  Swiss-villas, 
Coplestone-road,  Peckliam,  S.E. 
June  26,  1880.     Bodle,  William,  Palmerston-road,  Buck- 
hurst-hill. 
Jan.  22,  1881.     Bolton,    Eev.  W.    J.,    M.A.,   St.   John's, 

Stratford. 

■''  BoscHER,    E.,    M.E.S.,   Bellevue    House, 
Twickenham. 
June  26,  1880.     Boulger,  Professor  G.  S.,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S., 

144,  Kensington-park-road,  W. 

-■'  Brady,  Sir  Antonio,  F.G.S.,  J. P.,  &c., 
{yerdercr  of  Epijing  Forest),  Maryland 
Point,  Stratford.  , 

■■'  Brook,  George  (Ter.),  F.L.S.,  Fernbrook, 
Huddersfield. 

'■^''  Brooke,   Arthur,   Carisbrooke,   Muswell- 
hill,  N. 
Jan.  22,  1881.     Brooke,  Edward,   D.L.,  J. P.,  &c.,    Caen 

Wood  Towers,  Highgate,  N. 
Nov.  27,  1880.     Brooke,  George,  Beech  Hall,  Hale  End, 

Walthanistow. 

•"  Browne,  Colvill,  5,  Hilldrop-road,  Cam- 
den-road,  N.,  and  Scientific  Club,  Savill- 
row,  W. 

-''  Burney,  George,  Millwall,  E. 

'•'  Burrows,  John,  Wanstead. 

-''  Buxton,  E.  N.,  J. P.,  &c.,  (Verdercr  of 
E])inng  Forest),  Knighton,  W^oodford. 

''-  Buxton,  Sir  T.  Fowell,  Bart.,  J. P.,  &c., 
{Verderer  of  Fppiiig  Forest),  Warlies, 
Waltham  Abbey. 

-  Buxton,    T.    F.    V.,    Warhes,    Waltham 

Abbey. 


vi  List  of  Members. 

Date  of  Election. 

■'•  Cansdale,  W.  D.,  M.E.S.,  Guithavon- 
terrace,  Witham. 

Aug.  28,   1880.    Caklingfokd,  The  Right  Hon.  Lord,  Dud- 
brook  House,  Navestock. 

=■'  Cakrington,  John  T.,F.L.S.,  M.E.S.  {Vice- 
President),  Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster 
S.W. 

-•'  Challis,  a.  F.,  The  Chestnuts,  Buckhurst- 
hilL 
Dec.  18,  1880.    Chilton,  Henry  C,  Woodford. 

„  ,,  Christian,     Walter    T.,    2,    Eaton-villas, 

Loughton. 

y  ■'•=  Christy,  Robart  M.,  Chignal  St.  James, 

near  Chelmsford. 

-'•  Clapham  (Mrs.),  A.  H.,  Buckhurst-hill. 

'•'-  Clarkson,  James  A.,  4,  St.  John's-terrace, 

Buckhurst-hill. 
"  Clegg,  Joseph,  M.R.C.S.,  Epping. 

■•'  Cole,  Benjamin  G.,  Laurel  Cottage, 
Buckhurst-hill. 

-■'  Cole,  Henry  K.,  Laurel  Cottage,  Buck- 
hurst-hill. 

-'•  Cole  (Miss),  Laurel  Cottage,  Buckhurst- 
hill. 

'■•'  Cole  (Miss),  Jane  E.,  Laurel  Cottage, 
Buckhurst-hill. 

'•'  Cole,  Rev.  John  F.,  Roffey  Vicarage, 
Horsham,  Sussex. 

{Founder)  Cole,  William,  M.E.S.  {Hon.  Secretary), 
Laurel  Cottage,  Buckhurst-hill. 
*  Cooper,    Frank    W\,     L.R.C.S.    (Edin.), 

Gainsborough  House,  Leytonstone. 
■■'-  Cooper,  John  D.,  The  Hollies,  Woodford 
Green. 
Dec.  18,    1880.  Copland,  Charles,  C.E.,  &c..  The  Park, 

Kingston-upon-Hull. 
■    Copland  iMrs.),   Hillcote,   Buckhurst-hill. 


List  of  Mevibers.  vii 

Date  of  Election. 

-''  Copland,  PATiiicK,  Hillcote,  Jiuckhurst- 
hill. 

*  Copland,  P.  F.  (Jimr.),  M.E.S.,  Hillcote, 
Buckhurst-hill. 

■•'  CoEDER,  Henky,  Grove  House,  Great 
Baddow. 

"  Crisp,  Frank,  LL.B.,  B.A.,  F.L.S.,  Secre- 
tary  to   the  Boyal  Microscojncal  Society 
M.E.S.,    &c.,    5,    Lansdovvne-road,    Not- 
ting-hill,  W. 

■'-  Crouch,  Henry,  F.E.M.S.,  &c.,  Grove-hill, 
Woodford. 

Aug.  28,  1880.    Crouch,  Walter,  Grafton  House,  Welles- 
ley-road,  Wanstead. 

Sejyt.  25,  1880.    Cutting,     William     M.,      Elm     House, 

Loughton. 

-■'  Deacon,  Octavius,  Golding's-hill,  Lough- 
ton. 

■''•  Devitt,  Henry,  Hillside,  Buckhurst-hill. 

■■'-  D'Oyley,  William  {Hon.  Surveyor), 
Loughton. 

■•'  Duffield,  Frederick  H.,  78,  Claverton- 
street,  Pimlico,  S.W. 

-tr>uNNiNG,  J.  W.,  M.A.,  F.L.S.,  F.Z.S.,  12, 
Old-square,  Lincoln's-inn,  W.C. 

"  DuRRANT,  W.  G.,  Whitehall-road,  Wood- 
ford. 

'•'■  Emery,  W.  Francis,  104,  Liverpool-road, 
Islington,  N. 

-'•  English,  James,  Epping. 

Aug.  128,  1880.    Essex,  The  Eight  Hon.  the  Earl  of,  Cassio- 

bury  Park,  Watford,  Herts. 

,,  ,,  Fawcett,  William,  Fern   Villa,  Maybank- 

road,  Y/oodford. 

3fay  29,  1880.    Finzi,  John,  105,  Gower-street,  W.C. 

■'•  Fisher,  Lionel  P.,  South  Side,  Harrow, 
Middlesex. 


viii  List  of  MeuibeTH. 

Date  of  Election. 

Aug.   28,  1880.    Fisheii,   William  E.,  M.A.,  Barrister-at- 

law,  &c.,  South  Side,  Harrow,  Middlesex. 

'■'  Fitch,  Edward  A.,  F.L.S.,  Secretary 
to  the  Entomological  Societ//,  &c.  (Vice- 
President),  Brick  House,  Maldon. 

■■'  FoKBES,  William  P.,  Evergreen  Lodge, 
Wan  stead. 

■■'  FoRSTEE,  William,  East  Lenham  Lodge, 
Cleveland-road,  Wanstead. 

■■'-  Fowler,  William,  J. P.,  &c..  Forest  House, 
Leytonstone. 

-'=  Francis,  Eev.  James,  M.A.,  Vicarage, 
Waltliam  Holy  Cross. 

-  Francis,  William,  Ph.D.,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S., 

F.C.S.,    F.E.A.S.,    &c..    Manor    House, 
Kichmond,  Surrey. 
JidU  24,  1880.    Friswell,  Eichard  J.,  F.C.S.,  F.I.C.,  &c., 

10,  Clapton-square,  Lower  Clapton,  E. 

■'''  Gardner,  Samuel,  5,  AVhitehall-lane, 
Buckhurst-hill. 

■''-  Gardner,  Thomas,   Oak  Lea,   Whitehall- 
road,  Buckhurst-hill. 
Maij  29,  1880.    Gawler,  JohnM.,  2,  Park-villas,  Margery- 
park,  Stratford. 
Aicg.  28,  1880.    George,    William,    19,    Church-crescent, 

South  Hackney,  N.E. 

■-•'  GiBBS,  John,  Writtle-road,  Chelmsford. 
Mai/  29,  1880.    Glass,  Charles  J.,  Bocking  House,  Wal- 

thanistow. 

'■'  Godwin,  George  J.,  4,  St.  John's-villas, 
Buckhurst-hill. 

'•'-  Godwin  (Mrs.),  4,  St.  John's-villas, 
Buckhurst-hill. 

■''  Gomm,  William  H.,  Waitham  Abbey. 

"^^  Gordon,  Frederick,  Ellerslie,  Buckhurst- 
hiU. 

-  Goss,  Herbert,   F.L.S.,  F.G.S.,  M.E.S., 

&c..  The  Avenue,  Surbiton-hill,  Surrey. 


Ll^t  of  Members.  ix 

Date  of  Election. 

-•'•  Gould,  F.  C,  10,  Kiiightoii-villas,  JBuck- 
hurst-hill. 

-  Grippek,    Joseph    E.,     35,     High-street, 

Worcester. 

'■'■  Gkut,  Ferdinand,  F.L.S.,  kc.  {Librarian 
to  the  Entomological  Society),  9,  King- 
street,  Southwark,  S.E. 

'■'-  Halsey,  William,  3,  Mornington-road, 
Woodford. 

-•■  Hakcoukt,  George  C.,34,  Wellesiey-road, 
Wanstead. 

'■■'  Harper,  Augustus,  Lomsenheim,  Cleve- 
land-road, Wanstead. 

"-■'  Hart,  F.  G.,  Canes,  near  Harlow. 

■•■  Heath,    Francis    G.,    Brunswick   Lodge, 
South  Hackney,  N.E. 
Julij  24,  1880.    Heathfield,  Ernest,  Snakes-lane,  Wood- 
ford. 

"-••  Henty,  Egbert,  Nazing  Park,  Waltham 
Cross. 

'■■'  Hodge  (Miss),  Catherine  L.,  Magdala 
House,  Buckhurst-hill. 

■''  Hodge  (Miss),  Mary,  Magdala  House, 
Buckhurst-hill. 

'■'•  Hodge,  Samuel  W.,  Magdala  House, 
Buckhurst-hill. 

-  Hooper,  Basil  M.,  2,  Albert-villas,  White- 

hall-road, Woodford. 

■■'■  Hooper,  Horace  B.,  Eoden  House, 
Abridge. 

■''  HoRE,  J.  P.,  7,  Charlotte-street,  Portland- 
place,  W. 

■'-  Howard,  David,  Rectory  Manor,  Walthani- 
stow. 

-'■  Howard,  John  Eijot,  F.E.S.,  F.L.S.,  &c., 
Lord's  Meade,  Tottenham,  N. 

'■'  Howard,  William  C,  North  Side,  Totten- 
ham, N. 


X  List  of  Members. 

Date  of  Election. 

'^  HowAKD,    W.     DiLLWORTH,     City    Mills, 

Stratford. 
"-  Hutchison,  John,  Fairlight,   Palmerston- 

road,  Buckhurst-liill. 
-  Hutchison,  W.  D.,  22,  Bruce-road,   Bow, 

E. 

Sept.  25,  1880.    Hutchison,   W.   E.,   9,   Hill-street,   Clap- 
ton, E. 

Dec.   18,  1880.    Jervoise,  Sir  J.  Clarke,   Bart.,   Idsworth 

Park,  Horndean,  Hants. 
May  29,  1880.    Jesse,  Frank. 

■•'-  Johnston,  Andrew,  High  Sheriff  of  Essex 
(Verderer  of  Epioing  Forest),  The  Firs, 
Woodford. 

Aug.  28,  1880.    Jones,  D.  B.,  13,  Old  Broad-street,  E.C. 

Sept.  25,  1880.    Kell,    E.    Delacourt,     Holland    House, 

Spring  Grove,  near  Isle  worth. 

-'•  Kelly,  Alexander,  Sprigg's  Oak,  Epping. 

'■'■  Kelly  (Mrs.),  Sprigg's  Oak,  Epping. 

"•'  Kelly  (Miss),  Catherine,  Aubrey  House, 
Woodford. 

'•'  King,  David  K.,  St.  Bartholomew's  Hos- 
pital, E.C. 

■^  King,  Joseph  E.  S.,  16,  North-buildings, 
Finsbury-circus,  E.C. 

■'■'  King  (Mrs.),  37,  Arundel-square,  Barns- 
bury,  N. 

'•'  Kingdon,  Rev.  H.  J.,  M.A.,  Good  Easter 
Vicarage,  Chelmsford. 

Aug.  28,  1880.      Leeman,  Eev.  Alfred,  M.A.,  &c..  Starling 

Lodge,  Buckhurst-hill. 
"-  Letchford,  R.,    F.R.M.S.,   &c.,  Prospect 

House,  Woodford. 
'"  Lindsay,    R.    B.,     1,     St.    Ann's-terrace, 

Stamford-hin,  N.     ' 
■-•-  Lister,  Arthur,  J. P.,  F.L.S.,  &c.,Leyton- 

stone. 


Lis t  of  Memhei  s .  xi 

Date  of  Election. 

■■-  LocKYER,  Alfred  [Hon.  Librarian),  Tavis- 

tock-road,  Snaresbrook. 
■'-  LocKYER,    Bernard,    33,    Freegrove-road, 
Holloway,  N. 

Nov.  27,  1880.    LocKYER,   F.  T.,  Ealeigh,   North  Carolina, 

United  States. 

'■'  LocKYER,  G.  H.,  Tavistock-road,  Snares- 
brook. 

-''  Lubbock,  Sir  John,  Bart.,  D.C.L.,  LL.D., 
M.P.,  F.E.S.,  F.G.S.  {President  British 
Association),  High  Bhiis,  Farnborough, 
Kent. 

"  Mackmurdo,  Walter  George,  Beechmont, 
Pahnerston-road,  Buckhurst-hill. 

July  24,  1880.  Mackonochie,  Willl\m,  St.  Mary's  Hos- 
pital, Paddington. 

■'•  Makins,  Colonel,  M.P.,  J. P.,  D.L.,  &c., 
Prince's-gate,  S.W. 

='=  Marriage,  F.  G.,  Barnes  Farm,  near 
Chelmsford. 

Aug.  28,  1880.    Martin,  Edward,   B.A.,   Barrister-at-law> 

F.Z.S.,  &c.,  6,  New-square,  Lincoln's-inn, 
W.C. 

Jidy  24,  1880.    Martin,    Walter    E.,    1,    Victoria-villas, 

Derby-road,  Woodford. 

■■''  McKenzie,    Alexander     (Captain    Hon. 

Artillery  Company),     Superintendent    of 

Epijing  Forest,  Ferrestone  Lodge,  Horn- 

sey,  N. 
-•'  McKenzie,   John  A.,    Ferrestone    Lodge, 

Hornsey,  N. 

-  Meldola,  Eaphael,  F.E.A.S.,  F.C.S., 
M.P.S.,  F.I.C.,  &c.,  Vice-Preside7it  of  the 
Entomological  Society  (President),  21, 
John-street,  Bedford-row,  W.C. 

■-■'t  Melles,  William,   F.L.S.,   Sec,    Seward, 
stone  Lodge,  Sewardstone. 


xii  List  of  Members. 

Date  of  Election. 

-■-  MiALL  (Miss),  Darwen  House,  Buckhurst, 

hill. 
''-  Mildred,  Mrs.,  Chigwell. 
Dec.  18,  1880.     Miller,  James,  Woodford  Wells. 
Nov.  27,  1880.     Morten,  Thomas  S.,  42,  Haverstock-liill, 

N.W. 

■■'  Oldha^i,     Charles,     2,    Warwick- villas, 
Chelmsford-road,  Woodford. 

Aug.  28,  1880.     Ormerod    (Miss),    Eleanor    A.,    F.M.S., 

M.E.S.,    &c.,    Dnnster    Lodge,    Spring- 
grove,  Islewortli. 

-  Owen,  John,  320,  Old-street,  E.G. 

■■''  Oxley,  Frederick,  F.E.M.S.,  &c.,  Wood- 
ford, and  8,  Crosby-square,  E.C. 

Nov.  27,  1880.     ParivER,  Charles  J.,  Eosslyn  Villa,  Snares- 
brook. 

'■'■'  Parker,    James    F.,    6,    Adelaide-terrace, 
Ilford. 

Nov.  27,  1880.     Peile,  Eev.  Thomas  W.,  Rectory,  Buck- 
hurst-hill. 

■-  Powell,  Nathaniel,  J. P.,  D.L.,  t^c,  Buck- 
hurst-hill. 

Atiij.  28,  1880.     Priest,    x\rthur,    M.D.,    &c.,    W^althani 

Abbey. 

July  24,  1880.     Prince,  Charles  E.,  M.R.C.S.,  &c.,  Buck- 
hurst-hill. 

'•'t  Ramsden,  Hildebrand,  M.A.,  F.L.S., 
F.R.M.S.,  &c.  (President  of  tlie  Hackney 
Microscopical  Society),  26,  Upper  Bed- 
ford-place, Russell- square,  W.C. 

'••  Rayleigh,  The  Eight  Hon.  Lord,  M.A., 
F.R.S.,  &c.  {Professor  of  Exjjcririieiital 
Physics,  University  of  Cambridge),  Ter- 
ling-place,  Witham,  and  5,  Salisbury- 
villas,  Cambridge. 


List  of  Member s.  xiii 

Date  of  Election, 

Aug.  28,  1880.  f  Eeay,    The    Eight    Hon.    Lord,    D.C.L.^ 

F.E.G.S.,    &c.   {Presideiit  Social   Science 
Congress),     6,     Great     Stanhope-street, 
Mayfair,  W. 
JuUj  24,  1880.     Eeeves,  Luther,  Prospect  Cottage,  George- 
lane,  Woodford. 
Nov.  27,  1880.     EiCHARDsoN,    Edwin,    289a,    Kmg's-road, 

Chelsea,  S.W. 
"■'  EiDGEWAY,  Eev.  C.  •!.,  B.A.,  31,  Albany- 
street,  Edinburgh. 
"  EoBARTS,  N. F., F.G.S.,  &c.  ( Vice-President), 

Eosebrae,  Glengall-road,  Woodford. 
'•'  EoBARTS,  Sydney,  Stamford-hill,  N. 
"  EoDWELL,  Eev.  E.  M.,  M.A.,  &c.,  Eectory, 
High  Laver. 

Aug.  28,  1880.     Eosslyn,  The  Eight  Hon.  the  Earl  of,  M.A., 

F.Z.S.,  kc,  Easton  Lodge,  Dunmow. 
■•'  EussELL,    Eev.    A.    F.,     M.A.,    Eectory, 
Chingford. 
Jan.  22,  1881.     Eussell,    Lieut-Col.,     J. P.,     D.L.,     &c., 

Stubbers,  Eomford. 
"  Saul,  David  H.,  1,  Elm-terrace,  Woodford. 

Nov.  27,  1880.     Saul,  George  T.,  F.Z.S.,  &c.,  Bow  Lodge, 

33,  Bow-road,  E. 
■'•  S  A  WARD,  William,  Epping. 
'■'  Shipley,  Arthur  E.,  Springfield,  Windsor, 
Berks. 
May  29,  1880.     Smith    (Mrs.),    Mary,     Woolpits,     Great 

Saling. 
Jan.  22,  1881.     Smith,  Samuel,  331,  Hackney-road,  N.E. 
■''  Smith,  Sidney,  Tavistock  Villa,  Lea-bridge- 
road,  Ley  ton. 

*  Smith,     W.    G.    S.     {Hon.    Sec.     ''Forest 

Fund"),  Eose  Cottage,  Forest  Gate. 
■''-  Smither,  William,  Woodford  Wells. 

■'-  Smoothy,  Charles,  Bexfields  Farm,  Gal- 
ley wood,  Chelmsford. 


xiv  List  of  Members. 

Date  of  Election. 

-'■  Snell,  Edward  K.,  M.B.,  &c.,  70,  City- 
road,  E.G. 

'■''-  Spicee,  Albert,  Woodford. 

Nov.  27,  1880.     Spicer  (Miss),   Ellen,    ''  Harts,"   Wood- 
ford. 
'•'  Spicer,  George,  "  Harts,"  Woodford. 

'■'  Spiller,  John,  F.C.S.,  kc,  2,  St.  Mary's- 
road,  Canonbury,  N. 

■'•  Spiller,  William,  F.C.S.,  &c.,  Fitzjohn's- 
avenue,  Hampstead,  N.W. 

■'-  Stable,  Robert  S.,  Cleveland-road,  Wan- 
stead. 

-  Stainton,  H.  T.,  F.R.S.,  F.L.S.,  F.G.S., 

[President  of  the  Entomological  Society), 
kc,  Mountsfield,  Lewisham,  S.E. 

.  ■'-  Stephens,  R.  Darvell  S.,  Bradpole,  Brid- 
port,  Dorset. 

"  Stevens,  William,  The  Green,  Woodford. 
Jan.  22,  1881.     Stewart,  Frederick  (^07i.  Sec.  to  the  Neiv 

Cross  Microscojncal  Society),   516,  Kings- 
land-road,  N.E. 

"  Swallow,  Rev.  R.  D.,  M.A.,  &c..  Grammar 
School,  Chigwell. 

'■'  SwoRDER,  Charles B.,  Woodlands,  Epping. 

"^  SwoRDER,    Walter,    1,    Blandford-villas, 
Queen's-road,  Buckhurst-hill. 

■''-  Taylor,   Thomas  P.,   Booking,  Braintree, 
and  St.  Bartholomew's  Hospital,  E.G. 

Ifa^/ 29,  1880.  t  Thomas,     Charles,     F.G.S.,      Clarendon 

House,  Buckhurst-hill. 

Ja7i.  22,  1881.     Thomasin,  Jaimes  G.,   St.  Ann's,  Hendon, 

Middlesex.  * 

„  „  Thomasin  (Mrs.),  J.  G.,  St.  Ann's,  Hendon, 

Middlesex. 

'•'•  Thompson,  A.,  Beech  View,  Buckhurst-hill. 


List  of  Members.  xv 

Date  of  Election. 

June  26,  1880.     Thompson,  Eiinest  E.,  66,  Albany-street, 

Eegent's-park,  W. 
July  24,  1880.      Thompson,  Robert  M.  Bird,  Walden  Hall, 

Saffron  Walden. 
Nov.  27,  1880.     Thorp,   William,   B.Sc,   F.C.S.,   F.I.C., 

39,  Sandringham-road,  Kingsland,  E. 
'■'  Thorpe  (Mrs.),  Dowgate,  Cambridge-park, 

Wanstead. 
■•'-  TozER,  Edward,  Woodford. 

June  26,  1880.     Travis,  J.,  Saffron  Walden. 

■'•  Trimmer,  Francis,  M.D.,  &c..  Forest  Gate. 
Aug.  28,  1880.     Turner,  W.  Pickett,  M.R.C.S.,  &c.,  Lan- 
caster-terrace, Leytonstone. 
■•'•  Tweed,  Walter,  Epping. 
■•'  Unwin,  T.  Fisher,  The  Elms,  Woodford 
Bridge,  Chigwell. 
Nov.  27,  1880.     Varley,  Frederick  H.,  F.R.A.S.,  M.P.S., 

&c.,    Mildmay   Park   Works,    Mildmay- 
avenue,  Highbury,  N. 
'■-  Vaughan,  Howard,  M.E.S.,  11,  0  springe - 

road,  Brecknock-road,  N.W^. 
''-  Vincent,  Ralph,  Leytonstone. 
'''  Wakefield,  W.  T.,  Farm-hill,   Waltham 
Abbey. 
June  26,  1880.     Walker,  Rev.  F.   A.,  B.D.,  F.L.S.,    &c., 

Bourne  Villa,  Bournemouth,  Hants. 

June  26,  1880.     Waller,   John,   5,    Talbot-road,   Totten- 
ham, N. 

A%ig.  28,  1880.  fWALsiNGHAM,  Lord,  M.A.,  F.Z.S.,  M.E.S., 

&c.,  Eaton  House,  Eaton-square,  S.W. 

May  29,  1880.      Welsh,  Charles,  6,  Julia-terrace,  Leyton- 
stone. 

Nov.  27,  1880.     Wells,  Frank  B.,  25,  Lorne-road,  Finsbury 
,      Park,  N. 

"  Weston,  Walter  P. ,  Auburn  Villa,  Disraeli- 
road,  Putney,  S.W. 
Nov.  27,  1880.     Wheeler,  E.,  Whitehall-road,  Woodford. 


xvi  List  of  Member fi. 

Date  of  Election. 

■■  Whitboukn  (Miss),  Darwc3n  House,  Buck- 

liurst-hill. 
■''  White,    William,     Morden    House,    55, 

Highbury-hill,  N. 
"  Wilson,    Eev.    W\    Linton,    M.A.    [Vice- 

Fresident),  Oakhurst,  Chigwell. 
"fWiNSTONE,  Benjamin,  M.R.C.S.,  &c.,  Ocke- 

ridge,   Epping  ;    and  53,   Russell- square, 

W.C. 
June  26,  1880.      Weight,    W.    H.,    Oakburu,    New-road, 

Buckhurst-hill. 
Jan.  22,  1880.      Wright,    Rev.   W.   J.,    B.A.,   St.    John's, 

Stratford. 
"  Yeates  (Mrs.),  Erin  Villa,  Buckhurst-hill. 
'■'  Young,     Frederick,    J. P.,  &c.  {President 

''Forest  Fund''),  5,  Queensberry-place, 

Queen's  Gate,  S.W. 


N.B. — Members  are  requested  to  give  early  notice   of  any 
Change  of  Address  to  the  Hon.  Secretary. 


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