63 



Hall by Mr. E. W. Swanton and the Museum Committee, 

 contained, among a large number of interesting natural 

 history specimens, a particularly tine collection of birds' 

 eggs, shown by Mr. Thomas Parkin, J. P., M.A., F.Z.S., and 

 was open for inspection throughout the Congress, as was 

 also the local museum at the Brassey Institute. 



" The general arrangements for the Congress were carried 

 out by a strong local committee, and proved entirely satis- 

 factory. 



" The business coming before the Delegates' meetings 

 included, among other items, the reading of the reports of — 



"The Autumn Meeting by Mr. H. Norman Grey, which 

 gave an account of the visit of the members of the Union to 

 the Apartments of the Royal Society. 



''The Photographic Secretary, Mr. E. A. Martin, F.G.S., 

 from which it appeared that, among other sets of lantern 

 slides, available for the use of Societies comprised within 

 the Union, one of ' Some British Orchids,' with explanatory 

 notes, is much in request. Among sets in course of forma- 

 tion are ' English Wild Flowers,' with special reference to 

 forms of capsules and their dehiscence, and ' Photomicro- 

 graphs,' to which assistance by the members of the Asso- 

 ciated Societies is invited. 



" The Treasure Trove Committee's report was read by 

 Mr. H. Norman Grey. 



"The Report of the Council and the Treasurer's State- 

 ment showed the affairs of the Union to be in a satisfactory 

 condition. 



"On the motion of Dr. G. Abbott, M.R.C.S., F.G.S., 

 a Cryptogamic Section was formed, and it was proposed to 

 hold a meeting of the Section at Tunbridge Wells in the 

 autumn. 



" Mr. W. T. Vincent referred to the perilous condition of 

 the ancient stone circles in the weald of Kent, especially the 

 one at Coldrum, near Wrotham, the preservation of which 

 has, for some time past, occupied the attention of the Union. 

 It was satisfactory to have it stated that the preservation of 

 the Coldrum Circle was now assured, and that it was pro- 

 bable that an equally reassuring report with regard to the 

 others would be forthcoming in the near future. 



" Mr. F. Merrifield, F.E.S., called attention to the great 

 necessity for legislation for the prevention of pollution of 

 rivers and streams; and Mr. W. Ruskin Butterfield men- 

 tioned Lord Avebury's Plumage Bill, both of which measures 

 received the approval of the Congress. 



