246
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
Dr. Taylor then briefly described the various forms of animal life dredged up
during the morning, taking as his texts the numerous specimens in the bottles
and jars on the deck. Nearly every conspicuous species mentioned in the above
lists was attended to, and many very interesting remarks were made on the
details of their structure or life-history.
Dr. Taylor's remarks were highly appreciated by the company ; and then Mr,
Walter Crouch, upon the invitation of the former, said a few words about the
shells, referring more particularly to monster. Almond Whelks (Fusus norvegicus),
which had been brought to the Orwell with oyster spat from the Dogger Bank.
Mr. E. A. Fitch, as President of the Club, proposed a comprehensive vote
of thanks. First of all, he said the Essex Field Club felt indebted to the Ipswich
people for supporting such a splendid Museum as that over which Dr, Taylor
presided. The collection there of fossils illustrating the Red Crag, both of Suffolk
and Essex, was, perhaps, one of the best in the country; and the graphic demon-
stration by the Curator, to which they had listened on the previous night, alone
repaid a visit to the town. During the whole of that Excursion, moreover,
the Doctor had been always demonstrating and answering the many questions of
inquiring friends, and to him their thanks were in the first place due. They had
also to most warmly thank the members of the Ipswich Scientific Society for
the reception given them, Mr. G. H. Hewetson and Mr. W. Cole for their hard
work as Secretaries, and Mr. Frank Woolnough for the excellent manner in which
the Excursion had been organised.
Mr. H. Miller, jun., on seconding the motion, said he hoped there would be
another joint Excursion next year in some part of Essex, and that Dr. Taylor
would again be present with them.
The motion was carried by acclamation, and Dr. Taylor, in reply, said that he
was always happy to do what he could to assist naturalist students.
A vote of thanks was also passed to Mr. W. Jolly for his courteous assistance
in superintending the dredging operations.
In other ways than those strictly scientific, the Excursion was very much
enjoyed. Luncheon and tea were served on board by Mr. James Hardwick, of
the "Queen Street Restaurant," and these important arrangements were well
carried out under the personal supervision of Mrs. Hardwick. The veteran
Captain Mills was anxious to please his visitors, and was most successful in his
efforts ; and the crew and dredgermen were most helpful in assisting the various
efforts of the naturalists.
A short run was taken up the Stour to Parkeston. The Stour is celebrated as
certainly the most beautiful of Essex rivers. Constable was born upon its margin,
and the charms of its scenery made a deep impression on his mind and works.
"I associate," he said, "my careless boyhood with all that lies on the banks of the
Stour ; these scenes made me a painter, and I am grateful." Unfortunately, the
river not being navigable far from its mouth for a vessel like ours, the scenes of
Constable's labours were reserved for another visit to the Stour.
At Harwich some of the members were landed, in order to catch an earlier
train home, and spent some time in viewing the town, perhaps, historically, the
most interesting port in Essex, which was long the chief point of communication
between England and Holland. It was a very early settlement; the remains of
a camp may still be traced to the south, and Roman relics have been found in
and about the town. It had early acquired such maritime importance as to be
able, in 1347, to furnish fourteen ships to the fleet of Edward III. The harbour