THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 107
including a fine series of the rare Geometra papilionaria (the "Large Emerald
Moth" ) from Epping Forest, the first time he had met with the insect in Essex
(see "Notes," post).
Mr. Oldham exhibited a specimen of the new English moth, Plusia moneta,
taken in his garden at Woodford in June, and Abraxas ulmata from Epping
Forest, the second known Essex specimen (see "Notes," post).
Mr. G. B. Cole showed a fine aberration of the common "Magpie-moth,"
Abraxas grossulariata, found that morning at Buckhurst Hill.
Quite a small museum had been arranged in the room by Mr. Crouch, and
among his exhibits were some local views, etc., and a very large photograph,
presented to the Club by Mr. G. E. Pritchett, F.S.A., of a huge block of con-
glomerate from Farnham, Essex, in the grounds of his residence, Oak Hall, near
Bishops Stortford (see Essex Naturalist, vol. iii., p. 89, and iv., p. 225).
The most important show, however, was a number of large cases containing
a quantity of Roman and Romano-British pottery, and other remains, found
in the gravel pit on St. Swithin's from 1888 to 1891. They are all in a
fragmentary condition. On these a running comment was made by Mr. Crouch,
who handed round the most interesting and typical specimens. Amongst these
were :—a rim of a Roman mortarium with potter's label, SOLLVS. F., some frag-
ments of incised Upchurch ware, portions of a huge amphora, which was probably
about the size of the perfect one in the Club's Museum, about three feet in
height, but far the greater portion were pieces of rude and coarse British pottery,
which occurred in vast quantity. Only one piece of bronze—a Roman key—has
been taken ; but portions of dried clay have occurred, part of the "wattle and
daub" of early dwellings, such as those mentioned by Strabo and Caesar. From
the high position of the field it is probable that a pre-historic camp was once
here, but of this we have no direct evidence, the land having been for so many
centuries under cultivation. Only one Palaeolithic implement has been found
(by Mr. W. Cole), which has been already recorded in The Essex Naturalist,
1888, vol. ii, p. 262. These finds have been confined to a limited area, and during
the past two years scarcely anything has been found. Various specimens of the
constituent minerals and composition of the gravel, pebbles, derived fossils, etc.,
and some remains of bones and teeth of ox, horse, etc., were also mentioned and
shown.
On the motion of Prof, Meldola, a very cordial vote of thanks was passed to
Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton-Barnes for their kindness in allowing the use of their
house and grounds for the meeting, which was suitably acknowledged by Mr.
Barnes ; and after another visit to the birds and animals, the members dispersed
about nine o'clock, well pleased with the most enjoyable visit.
Water Excursion on the River Stour, through the Vale of
Dedham and "Constable's Country."
Saturday, July 29th, 1893.
The valley of the river Stour, which forms the boundary for many miles of
our county, is famous for its rural beauty, and contains some of the most charm-
ing scenery in Essex. To the artistic mind it recalls at once the name of John