THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 299
Prof. Meldola made some remarks on the state of the sections at Walton-
Naze many years ago, when he had the opportunity of visiting the spot with
Messrs. W. and B. G. Cole in 1880.
A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Johnson on the proposal of the
President.
Mr. J. C. Shenstone, F.L.S., V.P., then gave a most interesting
"Lantern Demonstration" of a series of Photographs of British Wild Flowers.
The exhibition was designed to illustrate the value of photography in
depicting the natural form and "habit" of plants, and, in some instances, the
natural surroundings. The slides were nearly 100 in number, all made by-
Mr. Shenstone himself, and in the vast majority of cases from Essex plants
and localities. Mr. Shenstone enlivened his demonstration with many
botanical and "folk-lore" particulars of the several species, and the localities
and also of the special precautions necessary in taking such photographs in
the open.
Prof. Meldola (who had taken the chair, Mr. Howard being obliged to
leave before the conclusion of the lecture) praised the skill and perseverance
shown by Mr. Shenstone in producing this remarkable series of pictures, and
said that it was quite refreshing to see photography applied to such a useful
purpose—amateur photographers in general expending their energies in
purposeless "snap-shotting" of inappreciated portraits and views. But the
absence of colour in such slides led all naturalists to look forward to the
advent of some system of "colour-photography." It would add greatly to
the interest and value of Herbaria if in addition to the dried specimens photo-
graphs of living plants in their habit as they grew and with the natural sur-
roundings could be preserved. And the lecturer had shown them how to do
it. He proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Shenstone for his interesting
and helpful demonstration.
Some discussion took place on points in the habits of some of the plants,
and the vote of thanks was passed with acclamation, and also one to Mr.
King for his skilful management of the electric lantern by which the slides
were projected on the screen
Mr. Shenstone replied, and some announcements of forthcoming arrange-
ments having been made, the meeting ended.
[An innovation was made on this occasion, by way of experiment, the
usual Tea having been served in the Refreshment Room of the Institute at
six o'clock, instead of after the Meeting as heretofore.]