280
NOTES.
Clay. In the course of his lecture Mr. Rudler traced the geographical distri-
bution of the London Clay, and its geological position; he explained the
composition, properties and probable origin of clays in general, and their
industrial uses; gave descriptions of the minerals of the London Clay—particu-
larly iron pyrites and selenite—discussed the nature and origin of "septaria,"
sketched the flora and fauna of the London Clay period, and finally considered
the conditions under which the deposit was probably formed.
A very hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Rudler by acclamation, and
in proposing it, the President highly complimented Mr. Rudler on his interesting
lecture, and thanked him on behalf of the Society for his great kindness in
coming forward at a very short notice, and in the most ready and generous
manner, to fill a gap in their programme.
The usual conversazione concluded the meeting.
Well-section at Roxwell, Essex.—The well-section described in my note
in the July number of the Essex Naturalist (ante, page 150) is now complete
down to the gravel, and is as follows :—Top soil, two feet; white-clay, twenty-
eight feet; blue-clay, forty feet; gravel (not bored); total, seventy feet. This well
is situated on a hill, and the gravel is therefore identical with that met with in
the neighbouring valley of the Can, and in which all the water is found here-
abouts.—Reginald W. Christy, Roxwell, November 22nd, 1887.
Robert Morden's Map of Essex.—When referring to the map of Essex
kindly presented to the Club by Mr. Winstone (see ante, page 159), the writer
regretted his inability to give any information as to the draughtsman. By the
courtesy of Mr. R. K. Douglas, of the Printed Book Department, British Museum,
we have since learned that Robert Morden was a publisher and printseller who
traded at "the Atlas in Cornhill" from 1685-1720. He was also a globe and
map maker. Gough's "British Topography" contains several references to his
publications, principally maps. Gough remarks, speaking of the "Britannia,"
that "the maps in Gibson's first edition, engraved by Morden, were very faulty."
That Morden was nothing more than a compiler is shown in his "Address to
the Reader" in his "Geography Rectified" (2nd Edit., 1688), where he writes,
"I know that this wants the Helps and Advantages of a more Learned Pen ; and
indeed it ought to have been freed from those frequent avocations and disturbances
that attend a publick Shop and Trade." Many of his publications are in the
British Museum library.—Ed.
Otters in the Stour and Pods Brook.—On Sunday last (December nth)
two fine otters were caught at Sturmer, by Mr. Rae ; they are about a month old.
One has since died, and the other appears healthy and takes plenty of milk through
a teat. During the evening the old one was heard calling for its young close to
Mr. C. Purkis's, Sturmer.—"Suffolk and Essex Free Press," 14th December,
1887. Mr. A. Fitch recently bagged at Baythorne-end a fine dog otter, weighing
22lbs.( and measuring fifty inches.—"Essex County Chronicle," 30th December,
1887. On Monday night (December 26th) Mr. Daniel C. Rolfe trapped a fine
otter in a field belonging to Mr, Thomas Rolfe, close to Rayne Water Mill. The
animal, which weighed about I5lbs., is to be stuffed by Mr. Crick, taxidermist, of
Duke Street, Chelmsford,—" Essex County Chronicle," 30th December, 1887.
Deer-hunt on a Railway.—As the one p.m. branch passenger train from
Bishop Stortford reached Canfield level Crossing yesterday (Nov. 30th), the driver
and guard saw the Essex Staghounds running on the line immediately in their front
in "full cry," and the train had to be "slowed" to prevent accidents, one hound
having a very narrow escape. The Master (Mr. Sheffield Neave) and field had to
follow on behind the train, its speed being regulated by that of the hounds in the
van of the Chase. The noble quarry led his pursuers down the railway a couple of
miles, and when Dunmow Station was reached he mounted the platform, and broke
away by the brickfield, being eventually captured at the Ford, in the waters of the
Chelmer, after a capital and exciting run.—"Standard," December 1st, 1887.