THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. — REPORTS OF MEETINGS. 165 



A very large number of specimens were shown by Mr, E. Bidwell, who 

 possesses the finest collection, probably, of objects illustrating the history of fire- 

 making appliances in existence. The lecturer also exhibited some specimens, and 

 others were shown by the Secretary, brought from the Club's Museum. The 

 lecture was also further illustrated by a series of slides shown by the electric 

 lantern. 



The Lecturer was much applauded by the large meeting, and afterwards a< 

 discussion on special points was carried on by Professor Meldola, Mr. W. H. 

 Dalton, Mr. Walter Crouch, Mr T. W. Reader, Mr. W. M. Webb, Mr. 

 Bidwell, Mr. F. W. Rudler, Mr. Christy, and others. And a very cordial vote of 

 thanks to the President for his lecture was passed by acclamation. 



THE 244th ORDINARY MEETING. 



Saturday, February 24.TH, 1906. 



The fourth meeting of the Winter Session was held in the Technical Institute- 

 as usual, at 6.30 o'clock, the President, Mr. Miller Christy, F.L.S., in the 

 chair. 



New Members. — Mr. Frederick W. Evens, 27, Stanley Gardens, Hamp- 

 stead, N. IV. ; Mr. Percy G. Thompson, Dei went House, High Road, Loughton ; 

 and Mr. S. Hazzledene Warren, F.G.S., Sherwood, Loughton, were elected. 



Dipteron Injurious to Daffodils. — Mr. Chittenden exhibited specimens of 

 the fly, Merodon equestris, and made some remarks upon the same, which will 

 be embodied in a "Note." Mr- W. Cole pointed out the remarkable 

 " beedike " appearance of the fly, as suggesting a case of mimicry. 



.Flint Implements from Braintree and Mammalian Bones from 

 Clacton — The Rev. J. W, Kenworthy sent for exhibition a small collection of 

 flint implements from Braintree, including three which he was inclined to think 

 were earlier than the usual Thames and Ouse well-formed implements Also a 

 small lot of Mammalian bones from the submerged forest at Clacton. 



Mr. Whitaker, F.RS-, pointed out that the beds at Clacton were quite 

 distinct from those known to Geologists as " Forest Beds," (See Geol. Mag., 

 Vol. v., p. 214, and Geol. and Arch of Walton Naze and Clacton. by H. Stopes, 

 F.G.S., and W- H. Dalton, F.G.S.). 



Hairy-armed Bat in Essex, — Mr. Cole exhibited a specimen of Vesperugo 

 leisleri, which had been detected amongst skins of bats, presented by Mr. 

 Reginald Christy. See " Notes." 



Skomer Vole. — Mr. Cole also exibited a skin of this vole (JLicrolus 

 orcadensis), which had been given tc him by the describer, Mr. J. G. Millais, 

 F.Z.S. 



The President made some remarks upon the exhibits, and referred to the 

 doubtful position of the Skomer Vole as a distinct species. 



Mr. W. M. Webb, F.L.S., however, said that he had had an opportunity of 

 observing the Skomer Vole in captivity, and from its general appearance and 

 habits he was disposed to consider it entitled to rank as a species. 



On the motion of the President cordial votes of thanks were accorded to the 

 exhibitors. 



