REPORT. 137 
Mr. Ward Adcney exhibited a number of eggs which had for the most 
part been collected in the fields around. 
Mr. Gude, the conchologist, had brought swan-mussels, British pear- 
mussels, a case of preserved blossom of the Malayan pitcher plant 
{nepenthe), together with some newly cut specimens of the same. 
Mr. Perks brought living water snails, with pictorial representations 
of them, also a specimen of the uncommon fresh water limpet. 
Cases of remarkably fine corals were shown by Mr. Perry, and large 
drawers of fossils from the chalk, gault clay, eocene formations, and 
carboniferous beds were ranged down the centre tables. 
Mr. Rawlings, of South Norwood, exhibited Silurian fossils and belem- 
nites from the lias clay. 
Antiquities dug up from City excavations came from Mr. Perry, a 
crochet hook being specially noticeable, bearing the inscription, “ Keei> 
your temper.” 
Mr. Long exhibited a “ Breeches Bible,” also an antique prayer book, 
which had been presented to him by the late Mr. George Bentley, the 
publisher. Mr. Long also exhibited a large case containing two fine 
cormorants, and kindly provided ferns for table decorations. The walls 
of the hall were covered with reproductions of valuable manuscripts in 
the British Museum, and a large number of pressed orchids and other 
wild flowers, provided by the hon. secretary, who also showed original 
manuscript letters from the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, his son. Right 
Hon. Herbert Gladstone, Professor Hu.xley, Professor Bryce, G. R. Sims, 
William Black, the late Lord Selborne, G. A. Sala, Mrs. Fawcett, Sir 
Francis Knollys and others. A large centre table was occupied with 
specimens kindly lent by Mr. Downing, the Croydon delegate to the 
central Society. These comprised shells, corals, Egyptian insects, a 
squirrel from the New Forest, sections of various kinds of timber, and 
numerous miscellaneous specimens. The evening proved a thoroughly 
enjoyable one. 
For each of the summer months of 1896, a Saturday afternoon 
ramble has been arranged in the locality, and it is anticipated that 
numerous friends will Join with the societies in these rambles. 
The Committee acknowledge with gratitude the many kindly re- 
ferences to the work of the branch, which have appeared in the Croydon 
and Norwood press. 
