238
NOTES.
(new edit. revised, 1883) we learn that at Ashdon, in Essex, a potter's kiln of
this period was discovered by the Hon. R. C. Neville in 1852. It was of square
form, being, as nearly as could be measured, 18 feet square, inclusive of the outer
walls, &c., &c."
Mr. Fitch said that he had seen the site of the supposed kiln, and was also dis-
posed to consider it as one of the rubbish pits similar to those at Maldon and
elsewhere.
Mr. George Massee, F.R.M.S. (of the Museum at Kew, and Lecturer on Botany
to the London University Extension Society), then delivered a lecture entitled
"How to Commence the Study of Botany."
The leading idea of the lecture was to indicate the sequence of study necessary
to enable the student to estimate the relative value of observations and experiments,
in order to obtain a clear idea of the structure and affinities of plants, and also of
the influence exercised by the Vegetable Kingdom on the earth, and consequently
directly or indirectly on animal life:—(1.) What is a plant ? (2.) Chemistry of
plant-life. (3.) Physics of plant-life. (4.) Progressive evolution of plant-life,
and its effects on surroundings.
The lecture was illustrated with diagrams, and drawings on the black board.6
A short discussion was carried on by the President, Mr. White, Mr. Greatheed,
and the Lecturer, to whom a cordial vote of thanks was given.
Rare Birds in Essex.—It is stated in the "Essex County Chronicle," of
December 27th, 1889, that the following birds had recently been placed in the
hands of Mr. J. Pettitt, of North Street, Colchester, for preservation:—"On
December 7th, at St. Osyth, Mr. Dale, farmer, brought down a good specimen,
in full plumage, of the great bittern. A female specimen of the great grey shrike
was killed near Halstead on December 9th, and on October 31st a young specimen
of the little gull was shot at Brightlingsea. A short time ago Dr. Salter, J.P.,
brought down a spotted redshank on Tollesbury Marshes ; and on November 19th,
at the same place, a fine specimen of the peregrine falcon, weighing 21/2 lbs., was
killed."
Birds attracted to Burning Ricks as to a Lighthouse.—"Hearing that
many birds were seen flying round some ricks set on fire by lightning at Stebbing,
in Essex, on September 2nd, I asked the Vicar (Rev. A. R. Bingham Wright) for
details as to the species, in case you should care to publish them, and he kindly
replied, as follows :—'My informant in charge of our fire-engine said these were a
lot of larks (this probably would include sparrows, yellowhammers, greenfinches,
&c), some plover (lapwing, no doubt), and some gulls. The place is about 20
miles from the estuary of the Blackwater. Another witness of the fire describes
the two kinds of large birds (he was ignorant of their respective names) as wheel-
ing above the ricks at different heights, each flock keeping to itself. I may
mention that in stormy weather gulls are frequently about the fields here.'—J. E.
Kelsall," in "Zoologist" for December, 1889.
6 In the circular calling the meeting it was stated that "the Council greatly desires that more
would take up the practical study of one or other of the subjects included within the purview
of the Club, and Mr. Massee's is the first of a series of discourses which will be promoted from time
to time, with the object of inciting and advising members to the selection of lines of practical
biological and geological study. It was forcibly pointed out in the last Presidential Address, and
it is a matter of common knowledge, that our Field Meetings are not so useful and instructive as
they might be, owing to the want of some kind of elementary knowledge of the subjects brought
forward, or the objects seen, on the part of these attending. If encouragement is given, the
Council hopes to make some arrangements to enable members to remedy this defect; but to render
these efforts successful, the members must show a desire to learn, and willingness to undergo the
necessary training, and to obtain the books and instruments.