THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 301
but they could have a few representative and educational collections, which
would serve to illustrate the natural history of Epping Forest. He called
upon the Hon. Secretary to explain the new scheme which was to be con-
sidered that afternoon.
Mr. Cole laid before the meeting a printed statement of the plans for the
re-arrangement and the estimated cost of carrying out the same. In doing so
he called particular attention to the vertebrate classes—birds and animals :
whether they should be exhibited at all, and, if so, how they should be
exhibited. The wish of the Epping Forest Committee of the Corporation of
London, that no large upright cases should be placed in the middle of the
rooms, and that no fitting should cross the main timbers of the walls, would
necessitate considerable change in the methods of arrangement, and a replace-
ment of some of the old cases by others. And these stipulations would also
bar any collections of vertebrates (mammals, birds, fishes) mounted in the
ordinary museum way. After full consideration of the matter, and in view of
the fact that their Essex Museum of Natural History at Stratford was now
easily accessible to all interested in the forest, Mr. Cole submitted that it was
not desirable for the Club to have two general collections of vertebrates, and
that they should avoid as much as possible any duplication of their work,
which meant waste of time, money, and energy. Many of their visitors and
members would, however, regret to find birds and beasts unrepresented, and
he thought that the plan he now submitted would fairly meet the views of all,
and would coincide with the wishes of the Corporation Committee If the
scheme were adopted and sufficient funds were obtained it was proposed to
have an exhibition of birds and animals mounted in natural groups in humble
imitation of the beautiful cases in the British Museum of Natural History.
It was also proposed to show a complete series of the eggs of birds frequenting
the Forest and examples of the most curious, pretty, and well-constructed
nests. Of the invertebrates, they intended to show complete sets of butter-
flies, the larger moths, beetles, bees etc. Further there would be a set illustra-
ting the geology of the Forest, and a collection showing the botanical and
pictorial characteristics of the Forest trees, as well as works of early man,
illustrations of the Forest Camps, and other antiquities. Some of these
collections, notably the groups of birds (which must be choice examples of the
taxidermist's art) would be very costly, and would involve much care and
labour in gathering together and proper preparation, but he thought that the
estimate of £300 would enable them to fit up the Museum in a satisfactory
manner.
The Secretary read out a list of subscriptions already promised, amount-
ing to nearly £100.
Mr. J. E. Harting, F.L.S., proposed the first resolution in the following
terms :—
" That this meeting approves and confirms the scheme of re-organization of the
Epping Forest Museum of the Essex Field Club, put forward in the printed statement
of the Hon. Curator, dated Dec. 8th, and pledges itself to do all in its power to promote
the interests of the Museum on the lines laid down."