254 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 



" one Hearne, a park-keeper, had opened these barrows, and no doubt removed 

 many vahiable relics." Tlie appearance of some of the more prominent 

 barrows still remaining shows that " exploration " implied simply digging into 

 them from the top. 



Mr. J. Chalkley Gould said however much we may deplore the destruction 

 of Pictsbury Ramparts, to which Mr. T. V. Holmes has just referred, we 

 must remember that vandalism was perpetrated by some (probably needy 

 farmer anxious to make the utmost of his land, but what shall be said of the 

 British Government which a few years ago destroyed the greater part of the 

 interesting earthwork at Shoeburyness — a work which is of so great interest 

 not because of its size, but tor its definite mention in the Saxon Chronicle ? 

 We hope that the present War Office authorities are careful of the fragment 

 which remains. 



With regard to the settlement of the Saxons in our county, which appears 

 to have been accomplished so much later than similar settlements elsewhere, 

 Kent and Suffolk for instance, it would be work worthy of the Essex Field 

 Club by investigation of any sort to throw light on this subject and the reason 

 for the later occupation. 



Mr. Read's address was so full of matter that one could talk long of the 

 points it suggests, but he would only refer to the remarks upon the multi- 

 plication of museums. There is no doubt that their undue increase would 

 weaken the character of all and to establish too many will be a serious 

 mistake 



Mr. A. S. Kennard pointed out the difificulties under which the 

 archaeological student laboured, arising from the indifference of the general 

 public. He noted that two most important discoveries in connection with the 

 " Bronze Age" had been made in Essex, one being the largest bronze sword 

 yet found in this country, and the other a magnificent hoard of bronze 

 spear heads of an extremely raw type He urged the importance of describing 

 all objects of interest as soon as it was possible. He pointed out how utterly 

 untrustworthy with the statements often made by the labourers and warned 

 the members against a well-known forger of flint implements at present living 

 in Essex 



The discussion was continued by Mr. Reader, Mr. Briscoe, who advocated 

 the establishment of a photographic survey of Essex by the Club in connection 

 with the Museum, and by Mr. W. Cole and others. 



A very cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Read, who replied on 

 some points alluded to by the speakers. 



Mr. W. H. Dalton, F.G.S., exhibited and presented to the Museum some 

 specimens of brackish water MoUusca from Fowlness, Essex, which had been 

 collected during the past summer by Mr. Llewellyn Owen. 



THE 209th ORDINARY MEETING. 

 Saturday, Febkuarv 22ND, 1902. 

 The 209th Ordinary Meeting was held in the Technical Institute, 

 Stratford, at 6.30 p.m., the President, Prof. R. Meldola, F.R.S. in the chair. 

 Mr. F. W. Green was elected a member. 



