THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 183
that it is becoming difficult to fix the precise spots which formed the subjects of
some of his paintings. Nevertheless I hope that the trip we have so courageously
taken on this inclement afternoon, may give some idea of the character of
'Constable's country,' which inspired the genius of so great and so thoroughly
English an artist. It is worthy of remark that Sudbury, a few miles up the river,
was the birthplace of Gainsborough, many of whose pictures were also painted
on the Stour."
Hearty thanks were accorded Mr. Shenstone for his address, and the party
then returned to Colchester, in time for the final and most important event of
the day.
The Mayor's Reception.
The arrangements for this conversazione were admirably carried out by the
Mayor, Mr. Shenstone, and one or two others of the promoters, and everything
possible was done to make the gathering one worthy of the occasion. In the first
place, the Town Hall was very tastefully decorated, or, rather, the portions that
were used, the great experience in this direction of Mr. H. L. Griffin having been
requisitioned for the purpose. The staircases and vestibule were carpeted in
crimson, and the walls were hung with Union Jacks and other flags, handsome
curtains, &c., being arranged at various points, while a number of choice
flowering and ornamental plants, &c., were displayed with much effect. The
Assembly Room was also prettily draped with bunting, the windows being taste-
fully curtained, while plants and flowers and trophies of flags were arranged in
different parts of the room, which was beautifully fitted up as a drawing-room.
Conspicuous on the walls of the Assembly Room were some fine engravings of Ded-
ham Vale (lent by Mr. Gale), which has been rendered ever famous by Constable,
and the silken Corporation banner which was sent by the Borough to the Paris
Exhibition ; while among the interesting exhibits shown about the room were the
fine mace, loving cup, and other regalia of the Corporation, an attractive
collection of photographs illustrating views of the neighbourhood, some the work
of Mr. Shenstone, and some of Mr. W. Gill, and a number of instruments and
appliances for the most part connected with electric science. At either end of the
room about half-a-dozen incandescent lights were fixed by Messrs. Christy, Son,
and Norris, of Chelmsford, who are carrying out an installation of the electric
light at the two establishments of Messrs. Evatt Sanders and Son, in High Street.
Electric energy was conveyed from Messrs. Sanders and Son's installation by wire
across the street to an electric motor also lent by that firm, and which worked a
lathe lent by the Britannia Company, and sewing machines lent by Singer
Manufacturing Company. Professor Thompson exhibited some electrical
apparatus, including a tiny glass goblet within which were rubies and crystals
which looked dull and sombre until brought into contact with a tiny metal rod,
when the crystals became luminous and iridescent, presenting a very charming
appearance.
Refreshments were served in the Council Chamber, and while the company
was assembling, the band of the Royal Dragoons, stationed in the gallery,
played an excellent selection of music.
The guests were received on their arrival by the Mayor (who wore his chain
of office), and by the Mayoress, both of whom exerted themselves in every way to
promote the success of the gathering. The company was a large one, and
included the principal inhabitants of Colchester and the neighbourhood, for, in