226 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
Eight galvanized steel river boats were in course of building. They are
adapted to carry indiarubber, ivory, and other light produce, and are paddled
by the natives on the creeks and rivers in connection with the Congo to bring
the produce down to the steamers running on the river. After being con-
structed at Wivenhoe, these boats, of which Messrs. Forrestt and Son, have
made hundreds in the last 10 years, are taken to pieces and carried on the
heads of natives about 1,500 miles through the forest and then put together
again.
The tide, however, was falling, and interesting as the ship-building was,
a hurried embarkation on board the "Pyefleet" became imperative. For
fear that so large a party could not be accommodated on the dredging vessel,
a smaller steamboat, the "Wyvern," had been hired from Messrs. Forrestt,
but she was not much used during the day. The Police steam launch, under
the command of the Chief Constable, Mr. R. O. Coombs, rendered valuable
service as an auxiliary means of transport.
Scarcely had those new to the Colne finished their expressions of admira-
tion of the breezy estuary and its picturesque surroundings, than the sun
came out and lighted up the distant hills with the mellow shades of autumn,
and all fears of rain were finally dispelled. Having reached that part of the
river which lies between the mouth of Brightlingsea Creek and Mersea, a
dredge was thrown overboard and soon the deck was covered with oysters in
almost every stage of growth, except maturity. As stated above the pro-
gramme had furnished the spectators with a sketch of the natural history of
the oyster, and so all could readily follow the practical demonstration of the
conductors and the dredgermen members of the Colne Fishery Board.
Owing to the constant cleansing of the beds, very few marine animals were
obtained, but great interest was shown in the abundant specimens of two
or three species of Ascidians and the curious "Pipe-weed" (Alcyonidium
glomeratum).
The vessel then steamed up the Pyefleet, a channel dividing Mersea
from the mainland, where the oysters are relaid to fatten. At Pewit Island
the whole party landed and inspected the pits in which the mature oysters
are placed to keep until wanted. The dredgermen demonstrated the methods
of trimming, cleaning, and packing the oysters for the market.
i
Then came luncheon in the Packing-house, which had been catered for
in an admirable manner by Mr. J. G. Potter, of Colchester, who had brought
the whole with tables and other furniture across in the police launch early in
the day. It was a veritable "Oyster Feast" on a small scale, an abundant
supply (1,300 !) having been supplied for the party.
In the open, at an extemporised table of boards placed on oyster-barrels,
the Ordinary Meeting (the 172nd) was held, Mr. David Howard, president,
in the chair.
The Right Hon. the Countess of Warwick and Mr. E. E. Turner were
elected members.
Dr. H. C. Sorby, F.R.S., read a paper entitled, "General Remarks on the
Marine Natural History of the Colne Estuary" (ante, p. 166). Dr. Sorby
exhibited specimens in illustration of his remarks, as well as lantern-slides of
marine animals and algae, preserved by special methods, which he was