88 PROCEEDINGS COTTESWOLD CLUB 1907 
Mr Watkins was more successful with what he described as ‘‘ The 
denizens of an old cherry tree.” A cherry tree having been cut down 
at his home, he set to work to collect all the larva and eggs he could 
find, with the result that, after months of close observation, he 
was able to work out the life-histories of many insects. These formed 
the basis of an article written for a scientific magazine, with illustra- 
tions from his own drawings. He was particularly interested in insect 
pests, and did all in his power to persuade agriculturists to make 
observations for themselves and profit by the same. He paid consider- 
able attention to the Diptera, and formed a very fair collection. He 
hoped to have worked out the spiders of Gloucestershire. As a 
Coleopterist, he was most painstaking, and possessed some excellent 
specimens. Mr Edgar Lifton, of Gloucester, to whom we are in- 
debted for the photograph of the deceased, taken near the porch of 
Kingsmill House (Plate VIII), informs us that he had received valu- 
able help from Mr Watkins in dealing with the Order Coleoptera, he 
having named something like 300 specimens belonging to this Order— 
some really most difficult to identify. He was not less keen on 
the Dragon-flies, and helped Mr Newstead, of Chester, with his work 
on the Coccids. 
He did not confine himself to one branch of Natural Science. 
Entomology held first place in his affections, and those of us who have 
accompanied him on some of his forays will recall his keenness 
of observation and wealth of knowledge. But he studied plant-life in 
connection with the habits of insects, and had devoted time to Geolo 
and Ornithology. Sometimes he humorously described himself as 
a ‘* Jack-of-all-Trades,” but this was only because he had thrown his 
net more widely than most entomologists. It certainly could not be 
said that he was not master of his own particular craft. But for 
his infirmity he would probably have joined the Cotteswold Club years 
ago, and the zest which he brought to bear upon the excursion he took 
with Members two years ago—(the Wickwar and Hawkesbury Upton 
Meeting )—was commented upon by more than one, and as we recall 
it in summing up his useful career, our regret that the stimulating 
influence of his presence had not been oftener felt on such occasions 
is emphasized. 
W. THOMPSON. 
C. A. WITCHELL 
(Plate IX.) 
During the past Session Gloucestershire has lost one of its most 
valued Naturalists through the death of Mr Charles A. Witchell, at the 
early age of 44. 
Mr Witchell acted for some years as the Hon. Secretary of the 
Cheltenham Natural Science Society, and it was a matter of general 
regret when increasing work led him to resign only a short time before 
his death. 
PRESENTED 
50 SEP 1807 
