172 ACCOUNT OF THE GENERAL AND ANNUAL MEETINGS. 
THE 455th GENERAL, MEETING. 
April 6th, 1916. 
"The Natural History of Brean Down, Somerset." 
The facts concerning this interesting headland were described 
by three members, who had each studied a special portion 
pf it. 
Prof. S. H. Reynolds, F.G.S., dealt with the geology, and 
showed it was the worn-down remnant of a much higher ridge of 
hills. 
Mr. H. Vicars Webb told about the formation of the Bird 
Sanctuary, and how it was already becoming the haunt of rare 
birds, some of whose habits afforded an interesting study. 
Mr. J. W. White, F.L.S., enlarged on the details given in his 
" Flora of Bristol " concerning the plants specially associated 
with that isolated and wind blown island. 
Exhibit by Miss I. M. Roper, F.L.S., of the rare apricot- 
coloured violet Viola odorata var. sulphurea. 
THE 456th GENERAL, MEETING. 
May 4th, 1916. 
' ' Some Personal Observations of Owls and Kestrels, ' ' by 
Mr. H. Vicars Webb. 
There is an idea that these kind of birds are destructive to 
game and poultry, but a study of their food supply shows them 
to be very advantageous to keep down vermin. The char- 
acteristic manner in which the birds poise and descend violently 
on their prey is made possible by the natural power of eyes and 
talons, and fortunately their habits of intense watchfulness 
result in their keeping plentiful for their ways to be studied by 
those who seek them or know how to attract them by an imita- 
tion call-note. 
Dr. G. Munro Smith also read some notes by his son, now on 
war service, on the little Owl recently introduced into England, 
where it is increasing rapidly, and affords much interest by its 
daylight hunting. 
Exhibit by Miss Ida M. Roper of a hybrid of the primrose and 
the cowslip, sometimes mistaken for the species oxlip. 
ANNUAL EXCURSION. 
June 24th, 1916. 
The summer excursion was made to Oldbury Court Woods, 
near Bristol, by kind permission of Mr. H. Vassall, and its varied 
attractions of plant life were enjoyed by the numerous company. 
Mr. H. Vicars Webb described some of the birds, with details of 
the life habits of others, especially of the cuckoo, wryneck, and 
corncrake. 
