^* REP0I^F, + ]SS3. #«-. 



r*N presenting the 12th Annual Report, the Council feel a 

 r "^ certain amount of diffidence in coming before you. 

 Gradual secessions from us have considerably weakened our 

 Society. We regret this very much, and though we are not 

 Pessimists, still it will require very great tact and energy to 

 carry us on in the future. The work of the past year, taken 

 altogether, may be considered fairly satisfactory. Judging from 

 the complaints that have reached us from all quarters as to the 

 scarcity of insects, our exhibitions have been very good. 



Your Council have always taken an active interest in the 

 preservation of Epping Forest. Early in the year we were 

 speedily on the alert, in conjunction with various other London 

 Societies, to prevent the passing of the High Beech Extension 

 Bill, promoted by the Great Eastern Railway. A resolution 

 condemning the projected railway was passed, and letters were 

 sent to the Members for Lambeth, Southwark, Greenwich, East 

 Surrey and West Kent, asking their assistance against the bill. 

 Further work in the matter was rendered unnecessary by the 

 defeat of the bill on the 12th March. 



During the summer four excursions were held, as follows : — 



2nd June ... Epping Forest. 



30th June ... Box Hill. • 



28th July ... Ashtead. 



25th August ... Sevenoaks. 



These were well attended, and many good and interesting 

 captures were made. 



