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THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
"one Hearne, a park-keeper, had opened these barrows, and no doubt removed
many valuable relics." The appearance of some of the more prominent
barrows still remaining shows that "exploration" implied simply digging into
them from the top.
Mr. J. Chalkley Gould said however much we may deplore the destruction
of Pictsbury Ramparts, to which Mr. T. V. Holmes has just referred, we
must remember that vandalism was perpetrated by some (probably needy)
farmer anxious to make the utmost of his land, but what shall be said of the
British Government which a few years ago destroyed the greater part of the
interesting earthwork at Shoeburyness—a work which is of so great interest
not because of its size, but for its definite mention in the Saxon Chronicle ?
We hope that the present War Office authorities are careful of. the fragment
which remains.
With regard to the settlement of the Saxons in our county, which appears
to have been accomplished so much later than similar settlements elsewhere,
Kent and Suffolk for instance, it would be work worthy of the Essex Field
Club by investigation of any sort to throw light on this subject and the reason
for the later occupation.
Mr. Read's address was so full of matter that one could talk long of the
points it suggests, but he would only refer to the remarks upon the multi-
plication of museums. There is no doubt that their undue increase would
weaken the character of all and to establish too many will be a serious
mistake
Mr. A. S. Kennard pointed out the difficulties under which the
archaeological student laboured, arising from the indifference of the general
public. He noted that two most important discoveries in connection with the
"Bronze Age" had been made in Essex, one being the largest bronze sword
yet found in this country, and the other a magnificent hoard of bronze
spear heads of an extremely raw type. He urged the importance of describing
all objects of interest as soon as it was possible. He pointed out how utterly
untrustworthy with the statements often made by the labourers and warned
the members against a well-known forger of flint implements at present living
in Essex
The discussion was continued by Mr. Reader, Mr. Briscoe, who advocated
the establishment of a photographic survey of Essex by the Club in connection
with the Museum, and by Mr. W. Cole and others.
A very cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Read, who replied on
some points alluded to by the speakers.
Mr. W. H. Dalton, F.G.S., exhibited and presented to the Museum some
specimens of brackish water Mollusca from Fowlness, Essex, which had been
collected during the past summer by Mr. Llewellyn Owen.
THE 209th ORDINARY MEETING.
Saturday, February 22ND, 1902.
The 209th Ordinary Meeting was held in the Technical Institute
Stratford, at 6.30 p.m., the President, Prof. R. Meldola, F.R.S., in the chair
Mr. F. W. Green was elected a member,