428 NOTES AND COMMENTS [jtjne 



East Anglia. From the faunistic and geological points of view the 

 counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex have much in common, and 

 the concentration of all records in one periodical publication would be 

 a gain to local field-workers, as well as to the weary student in the 

 library. Such a body as the East Anglian federation would arouse 

 more interest in natural science, would attract more members, would 

 obtain more money, and would be listened to with greater respect 

 than any local society however energetic. Mr. Cole, in his paper, 

 alluded to several lines of activity in which such a federation could 

 do good work. One such is the establishment of a biological station, 

 and this suggestion has been welcomed warmly. Now there are 

 already a fair number of marine biological stations around our coasts ; 

 but where this country falls behind so many others is in the absence 

 of a fresh-water station. The broads of Norfolk offer an admirable 

 field for the systematic study of fresh-water life, and we earnestly hope 

 that the East Anglian naturalists may see their way to found such a 

 station as we have loiii>' advocated. 



The Essex Museum of Natural History. 



This is another matter in which the Essex Field Club is doing- 

 good service. This museum must not be confused with the charming 

 little Epping Forest Museum of which we have previously given some 

 account. It is a far bigger affair and covers a wider field. The Club 

 has long had a museum of county natural history at Chelmsford, but 

 it was found impossible to carry this on in an adequate manner with- 

 out financial aid. This was sought at Chelmsford from individuals, 

 from a local society, and from the Corporation, but in vain. In June 



1897 the Corporation of West Ham was approached, and in July 



1898 an agreement was entered into between that body and the 

 Essex Field Club. Towards the £6000 needed for building and site, 

 Mr. J. Passmore Edwards contributed £2500, thus removing the only 

 serious difficulty, and on October 6, 1898, he laid the foundation stone 

 of what is to be called the Essex Local and Educational Museum of 

 Natural History. The museum, designed by Messrs. Gibson and 

 Eussell, will ultimately be a very handsome structure, adjoining, but 

 distinct from the Technical Institute of the West Ham Corporation in 

 the (Main) Romford Road, Stratford. The balance of the cost, and 

 the upkeep of the building will be defrayed by the Corporation of 

 West Ham. 



The promoters of this museum have availed themselves to the full 

 of the experiences of others, and their scheme for the maintenance of 

 the institution may serve as a model. This is shown by the follow- 

 ing extracts from the statement and appeal now being circulated. 



