THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
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tow-net, chiefly by Messrs. Fitch, Crouch, and W. Cole ; but the swirl of the water
as the barge was pulled along hindered the success of their endeavours; and as
Mr. Crouch opined, better results would probably be obtained by carefully work-
ing in the more quiet backwaters. In Mr. French's paper in the Essex Naturalist
(vol. ii., pp. i and 46), many species are recorded from the Chelmer near Felstead.
The results of the day's work were rather disappointing, only eighteen species being
on record, as shown in the following list. Nearly all of these were taken alive,
and were exhibited in a small aquarium brought for the purpose. A considerable
number of caddis cases (Phryganidae) were observed on the water weeds, some
formed of stones, twigs, &c., whilst others were thickly covered with adherent shells,
chiefly of Sphaerium.
LIST OF AQUATIC MOLLUSCA OBSERVED IN THE CHELMER, AUGUST
8th, 1891.
Some interest was evinced in two Musk Beetles (Aromia moschata) that were
taken off the pollard willows. Only one butterfly, Vanessa io (the Peacock) was
seen. Our President boxed several moths off the tree-trunks—the "Yellow-tail"
(Liparis auriflua), the "Dagger" (Acronycta psi), the "July Highflyer" (Ypsipetes
elutala) being the most abundant. As the tow-rope swept over the reeds and
sedges many moths and Phryganids, &c., were disturbed but not secured. The
"Scorpion Fly" (Panorpa communis) was also abundant, and its curious structure
attracted notice.
During the afternoon, Mr. T. V. Holmes, F.G.S., read a very interesting
paper on "The Geology and Scenery of the Club's Voyage from Maldon to
Chelmsford, August 8th, 1891," already printed in the Essex NATURALIST (ante,
pp. 197-202.) The paper was illustrated with geological maps and sections.
Cordial votes of thanks were passed to all who had assisted in the success of
the meeting.
Most ample provision of light refreshment was provided on board by our kind
"skipper," Mr. Fitch, and somewhat late in the afternoon a combined luncheon
and tea was partaken of in the garden of the Paper (Livermore's or Huskett's)
Mill, the use of which was kindly granted by Mr. Pharaoh Byford.
After luncheon, an Ordinary Meeting (the 126th), was held for the pro-
posal and election of new members, Mr. Fitch, President, in the chair.
The following were duly elected : Messrs, J. H. Chapman-Coombs, A. H, Gray,
and C. F. Osomond.
On the motion of the President, a special vote of thanks was passed to Mr.
Byford and family, for allowing the luncheon to be served in their grounds, and for
their kind aid in many ways given in the arrangement of the details of the meeting.