3 
one of the finest series of ruffs and reeve3 preserved in any Norfolk 
collection. From thence they went to Winfartliing to see the 
“Winfarthing Oak,” where Mr. Amyot read a paper giving the 
history, so far as known, of the venerable tree, which he allows us 
to publish in our Transactions. From Winfarthing they went to 
Roydon rectory, where the Rev. T. C. Hose welcomed them with 
the most liberal hospitality, providing a splendid luncheon 
laid out in the garden of the rectory. After luncheon the party 
went to Roydon Fen under the guidance of Mr. Frere, who showed 
them ono of the choicest rarities among the fen plants known to 
grow there, Liparis loeselii, also two species of Utriculana and 
other bog plants of more common occurrence. From Roydon they 
returned to Diss, and before leaving took a very hurried glance at 
the curiosities collected at Diss rectory. To all those kind friends 
who helped to provide the enjoyment of that day, to Mr. Amyot, 
Mr. Frere, the Rev. Temple Frere, the Rev. C. R. Manning, and 
especially the Rev. T. C. Hose, are duo the hearty thanks of every 
one who joined the excursion. I have myself a special cause for 
thanks, for I was shown that day the only locality I know of in 
the county, for the beautiful little fern Cystopteris fray i l is. 
Many interesting objects have been exhibited at our monthly 
meetings, among which may be specially mentioned a collection of 
seventy-five species of British bees by Mr. J. B. Bridgman ; a 
beautiful little nest of the harvest mouse from Stalham, and many 
interesting plants by Mr. Bayfield and Mr. R. P. Burch am. 
Having thus briefly reviewed the proceedings of our past year, I 
come now to the most difficult portion of my duty. It is usually 
expected of a retiring President, that he should have some original 
observations to report, or fresh views on some subject connected 
with the objects of the Society to which he belongs to communi- 
cate. Here I must ask your indulgence ; I have neither time for 
observation, or talent for the expression of original thought, and I 
must ask you to pardon me, and to accept, instead, a few dull 
remarks based almost entirely upon the thoughts and sayings of 
other men. 
I suppose that ono of the uppermost subjects of thought among 
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