52
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
On March 7th last he noticed eighteen specimens of the banded moths at rest
on oak trunks in Hazeleigh Hall Wood, a larger number than he had ever
before seen of this distinct variation. The almost apterous females of the same
moth were also exhibited.
Mr. C. Oldham exhibited some pieces of coal from his cellar showing fossil
remains, which Mr. E. T. Newton, F.G.S., who was present, pronounced to be
fragments of one of the gigantic club-mosses (Lepidodendron) of the coal-measures.
Mr. T. V. Holmes exhibited drawings of some ancient caves near Nottingham,
which had been sent to him by Mr. F. J. Bennett, F.G.S They were in the
Red-sandstone, and were doubtless originally of pre-historic age, but had been
modified from time to time, and converted to various uses.
Mr. Fitch made some remarks on the ravages of the Bean-weevil (Bruchus
rufimanus), which had been a most destructive insect in Essex during the past
season. He had placed a short account of the beetle's doings in the Secretary's
hands for publication in the Essex Naturalist. Mr. Fitch alluded to the
futility of the methods suggested for its eradication by the entomological adviser
to the Agricultural Department, and confessed that, speaking as a practical ento-
mologist and farmer, he could at present propose no practical remedy for this
serious pest. He also exhibited specimens of the Pear-midge, which he thought
would prove to be Diplosis nigra, and its parasite, a species of Platygaster. It
would be remembered that Mr. Andrew Johnston drew attention last year to the
damage this insect was doing to the young fruit on the pear trees in Woodford
and elsewhere in Essex. Mr. Fitch said that he had known the grub of the insect
for many years, but until the perfect fly had been bred, he was always doubtful of
the exact name. He proposed writing an account of the insect for the Essex
Naturalist, as its presence in our orchards was a matter of serious interest for
gardeners.
Mr. W. Cole exhibited the very fine pre-historic stone pestle found some years
ago in Epping Forest, and which had been recently described and figured by
Mr. Worthington Smith in the Essex Naturalist (ante page 4); also several
Essex specimens of the curious "hammer stones," rude mullers used for breaking
and beating up things in pre-historic times. The examples shown were from
Leyton, Parndon and Orsett, Essex.
Mr. F. C. J. Spurrell, F.G.S., read a long and elaborate paper entitled, "The
Essex Shore and Marshes of the Thames." The paper was largely illustrated
with maps, plans and geological sections, and treated of the early and later geolo-
gical changes of the river and its shores ; the floods and making of the sea-walls
in pre-historic times, and the early history of the Thames ; the advent and remains
of the Romans—their potteries, dwellings and burials; the mysterious mounds
near the estuary, the salt pans, Welter's works and "red hills;" the ports,
shoreworks, camps (Shoebury, Benfleet), Saxon, and later works, and other
matters of geological or archaeological interest, which many years' researches on
both banks of the Thames from London to the Nore had enabled him to note and
examine. A discussion on the many points of interest raised by Mr Spurrell was
carried on by the President, Mr. Henry Walker, F.G.S., Mr. E. T. Newton,
F.G.S., Mr. T. V. Holmes, F.G.S., Mr. Walter Crouch, F.Z.S., Prof. R.
Meldola, F.R.S., and. Mr. W. Greatheed. We hope to publish the paper with
illustrative maps, plans, etc., in an early number of the Essex Naturalist.
A hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Spurrell was passed, and at the close of the
meeting the usual service of tea and coffee and light refreshments was made.