23 
The Transactions now appear so regularly, that it may seem 
superfluous to mention their production year by year. Every year, 
however, a debt of gratitude is owed to those staunch supporters of a 
permanent record of our doings, and the volume for 1902 is well up 
to the level of its recent predecessors. 
Seven new members were elected, while the Society lost one 
member, Mr. H. Ainslee Hill, through death. Donations to the 
Library include Felstead School Scientific Society’s Transactions, by 
Rev. E. Gepp; a series of Guides to various branches of Natural 
History through the British Museum ; The Butterfly Book, by W. J. 
Holland, through Rev. C. R. N. Burrows ; and the List of the Lepi- 
doptera of Cheshire, by the Cheshire Society. Mr. V. Eric Shaw and 
Mr. G. H. Heath have presented specimens to the Society’s collection. 
Following the initiative of last year, two field excursions were 
held. The first was to Brentwood on June 6th, 1908, Mr. L. B. 
ProuG acting as leader. A very fair number of members took part, 
and although little collecting was indulged in, an enjoyable afternoon 
was spent. Amongst the captures reported occur the following:— 
Chrysophanus phlaeas, C'oenonympha pamphilus, Pseudopanthera macu- 
laria, Ectropis punctularia, Iodis lactearia, Lomaspilis marginata, and 
Hydriomena autumnalis. Two larvae only of Notolophus yonostigma 
were taken, but a good number of Eucestia spartiata and (Jraphiphora 
ininiosa were beaten. Owing to the weather turning cold in the 
evening, Erastria venustula was not observed. The second excursion 
was held on July 18th at Clandon, when Mr. C. P. Pickett took the 
responsibility of leader. The day was unfortunately dull, and 
occasionally heavy showers fell. To those to whom the locality was 
new, even under the adverse conditions, great satisfaction was expressed 
as to the evident possibilities of the ground. In the intervals of sun¬ 
shine, Aryynnis aylaia was tolerably plentiful, while Hipparchia 
hyperanthus and Maniola Janeiro were in some abundance. Polyonwiatus 
corydon was just beginning to appear; Thymelicus thaumas and 
Epinepliele tithonus also occurred. Of the moths, the following were 
secured:— Eudalimia maryaritata, Alpheta nebulosa, and Hydriomena 
furcata. Owing to the rain larva-beating could not be satisfactorily 
pursued. It was noted, however, that larvae of Hypocrita jacobaeae 
were extremely abundant. 
An innovation this year, that proved a success, was the “ Exchange 
Evening,” held on the first meeting in November. By making such 
an evening a fixture for the first meeting in November, probably even 
bigger successes may be scored in the future, and even greater mer¬ 
cantile transactions effected. There is one matter which must not 
pass umnentioned. It is the conduct of our meetings. No one intends 
to make his neighbour discomfited by conversation ; yet such it is, 
and we therefore openly appeal to the members at large to give every¬ 
one a fair hearing, and not indulge in more conversation than is 
absolutely necessary during the business part of the meetings. 
The following programme was carried out during the year 1902 :— 
.1902, Dec. 16. “ A Spanish Excursion in 1902 ” .. Dr. T. A. Chap¬ 
man, F.E.S. 
1903, Jan. 6. Pocket Box Exhibition 
,, 20. “Variation in Gnophos obscurata ” Mr. L. B. Prout, 
F.E.S. 
