42 THE PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS IN ESSEX.
usefulness in the future will increase. I believe the outside world
believes that we are honest in our endeavours to make the study of
all the 'ologies an agreeable and pleasant recreation, and that our
chief aim is to advance the study of matters connected with our
industries, so that we may be able to compete with foreign countries
upon something like even terms. In quitting the Presidential chair,
I have to thank the members and the officers of the Club for their
loyal and courteous support of me upon all occasions. I have
endeavoured to perform the duties of the office to the best of my
ability, but I cannot but feel that I can in no way compete with
those who have preceded me in the chair. But I think I may con-
gratulate myself, in handing over the chair to my successor, that
I hand it over as a well-nurtured and flourishing tree in full and
robust health.
[As one or two of the important subjects touched upon in Mr. Chancellor's able
and interesting address are of a somewhat controversial nature, while one other at
least may, in the future, come before the Club for consideration, the Editor may
be permitted to say that the Council and members of the Club are in no sense
hound by the opinions which Mr. Chancellor, as President of the Club, and as
an active member of the Essex Technical Instruction Committee, is so fully
competent to make. Also, we may point out, to prevent further spread of mis-
understandings, which have already arisen, that "The Essex Review" is wholly
a business speculation of some members, and that the Club has no official con-
nection with it in any sense. And, perhaps, it may be as well to state, further, that
the Library and Museums of the Club are its sole property, and that no money
for fittings, etc., has been received in any way other than by contributions of old
members of the Club, previous to the amalgamation of the Chelmsford Museum.
The public appeal for funds has, up to the present time, met with no response.—
Ed.]
THE PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS IN
ESSEX.
AT the commencement of the year the attention of the Council
of the Club was directed to the above-named important
subject by our member, Mr. Miller Christy, F.L.S., who, as the
author of the admirable book "The Birds of Essex," is so qualified
to advise on this matter. Mr. Christy pointed out the important
powers conferred on the Secretary of State under the act to amend
the Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880, passed in July, 1894 (57th
and 58th Vic, cap. 24), which powers might be exercised at the
request of the local authorities of the counties, and he suggested