18
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL.
obtained may suggest. A list of the subscribers to the fund, and acknowledge-
ments of kind aid received during the progress of the explorations, have already
been printed in the report.
The duties of Librarian have fallen upon Mr. Wire alone during the past year.
The main work done has been in connection with our correspondence and
exchange of publications with other Societies. Many important additions to cur
stock of books have been received, and thirty-seven volumes have been bound.
A large number of volumes still remain unbound, but an effort will be made to
decrease the number during the ensuing year. A printed catalogue is much
needed, to show our possessions and desiderata. The efforts of the Librarian in
increasing the stock of books are mainly directed to the acquisition of—1st.,
Books of whatsoever nature or kind relating to, or in illustration of, the County of
Essex and its productions ; 2ndly, Books useful to local workers in any branch of
natural history or geology ; and 3rdly, To gather together as complete a set as
possible of the publications of local societies having like aims with our own. There
can be no doubt that many of our members could aid in the accomplishment
of one or other of the above purposes. A statement on this subject will shortly
be issued. The principal accessions to the Museum have been the fine collection
of a representative series of British fossils from Mr. Carvahlo, and the Essex
Herbarium of the Rev. Thomas Benson, presented by Mrs. Sidney Thorpe. The
want of sufficient room for the books, and of cabinets and cases for specimens,
still continues to be a matter for regret.
The Council feels that in heartily thanking Mr. T. V. Holmes for his services
during his three years of office as President now ending, it is but expressing the
universal feeling of the members of the Club. Mr. Holmes has not only, by his
numerous papers and addresses, furnished admirable matter for publication in
our journal, but also, by his exertions during the Denehole explorations, has
largely aided in carrying out a difficult piece of work. Mr. Holmes has always
been ready to help forward the Club in many ways, and has consistently endea-
voured to carry on its best traditions in the way of original investigations in the
county.
In recommending Mr. E. A. Fitch to the office of President for 1888, the Council
is confident that the interests of the Club will not suffer in any way under his
guidance. Mr. Fitch's example and eminence as an entomologist will, it is
hoped, tend to foster a taste among the members for a branch of science for the
outdoor study of which parts of Essex offer peculiar facilities, and which has
lately, perhaps, been somewhat neglected by us.
The employments of the past year have been rather in the nature of gathering
up and finishing off the uncompleted work of former sessions, than in the initiation
of new departures, but as one result the Council is glad to report that the condition
and status of the Club has improved, and that the members may look hopefully
forward to the future. The only uncompleted work to which the Society is
definitely pledged is the preparation of a Catalogue of the Pre-historic remains
in Essex. Unfortunately, but little help has been afforded our Editor in this
department hitherto; the Council, however, strongly commend the subject to
the attention of the members during the ensuing year, so that a preliminary
list, at least, may be commenced during the coming session.