XI 
Journal of Proceedings. 
slate-coloured bed, decomposed Septaria were found. An animated 
debate was raised as to whether the clays belonged to the basement beds 
of the Lower Bagshot or the upper beds of the London Clay, together 
with their relation to the sands previously seen on the other side of the 
brook.* Going through the Oak-hill Enclosure, where the rhododendrons, 
planted many years ago, have produced an abundance of seedlings, a route 
was taken through “ Hang-boy ” Slade to Great and Little Monk Woods, 
many questions of geological and botanical interest being started during 
the ramble, and a final halt was made at the “ Wake Arms,” where tea was 
served. At its conclusion the President, after a few words relating to this 
being the first Field Meeting of the year, referred to the recent death of 
Mr. Charles Darwin. He said Our own Club and British science in 
general has sustained a very heavy loss—in fact the heaviest loss which 
British science could possibly have sustained—by the death of our 
honorary member, Charles Darwin ; and this being the first meeting held 
since that calamity, I think it only just to allude to it in a few words. I 
shall have somewhat more to say about the noble life of that illustrious 
naturalist when we meet next Saturday. In the meantime I just pay this 
small tribute of respect to the memory of a man who was certainly 
England’s greatest thinker, the man who has stamped this age with a line 
of thought which will run through all future ages. I think I am perfectly 
justified in mentioning the circumstance now, because Mr. Darwin him¬ 
self took always the very liveliest interest in our proceedings, and I have 
many letters from him at home in which he congratulates me on the 
success which seemed to be attending our Field Club. 
Mr. Andrew Johnston said it was very gratifying to remember that 
the very first thing which occurred to him as Treasurer was to receive 
a cheque from Mr. Darwin for the Forest Camps Exploration Fund 
( 1882 ). 
Starting again, a pleasant walk through the Forest, turning aside by 
* Mr. N. F. Bobarts, F.G.S., to whom the Editor is indebted for the above geological 
sketch, has given the results of his investigations at Oak-hill Quarry in a short paper 
•which will appear in a future part of the ‘ Transactions.’ In passing it may be well to 
call the attention of well-wishers of the Forest to the fact that Oak-hill Enclosure is 
private property, and is now put up for sale. We understand that negotiations have from 
time to time been attempted to acquire it for the Forest, but some details as to cost have 
prevented the Conservators from buying it hitherto, although they are fully impressed 
with its importance. Anyone who will glance at the map, or better, will visit a very 
delightful spot, will recognise the immense importance to the public of this piece of 10 or 
12 acres. To build over it would utterly destroy the natural repose of the pretty They- 
don Woods, and w^e most ardently hoi e that means may be found by which this nook 
could be retained for the Forest, of which it is naturally an integral portion. Surely, 
if the Corporation of the City of London does not see its way to buy the land, it would 
only be a graceful thing in a few of the many thousands w'ho have benefited by its noble 
efforts in the cause of open spaces to subscribe the comparatively small sum demanded, 
and present “ Oak-hill Enclosure ” as a good-will offering to the Conservators for the 
benefit of the public, and so save the Forest from a well-nigh irreparable injury and loss. 
Vei bum sat sapient /'.— Ed. 
