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 



