THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
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molluscan animal abstracted. This went to show that the otter lived to
some extent upon mollusca.
Mr. Chalkley Gould exhibited on behalf of Mr. B. G. Cole, a counterfeit
Spanish dollar found a few years ago in Epping Forest, which had been
presented to the Forest Museum by Mr. Percy Gearing. Mr. Gould remarked
that during the reign of George III. the excessive scarcity of silver money led
the British Government to attempt to remedy the deficiency by buying Spanish
dollars, counter-marking them (on the bust of the Spanish ruler) with the
Hall-mark of King George, and issuing them as British coin. As a natural
consequence counterfeiting on a large scale ensued, and after two attempts so
to utilize the dollars, the Government abandoned the plan ; the entire Spanish
impression was obliterated tinder a powerful press, and the silver was used to
coin the well-known Bank of England dollar. The exhibited example of the
forged dollar, with the counter-mark of 1797, was found with many others in
Epping Forest, near the "Wake Arms," at a spot selected, doubtless, by
some counterfeiter who was prevented from recovering the hoard. It is heavily
plated with silver upon a copper body, The coin is "Carolus III. [of Spain]
Dei Gratia, 1773" About 40 years ago a considerable number were found at
or near the same spot.
Mr. Frank P. Smith gave a most interesting viva voce account of the
preliminary portion of his projected series of papers on "The Spiders of
Epping Forest." The lecture was illustrated by about 50 lantern slides,
many of photographs taken in the open from actual specimens, affording
instances of "Aggressive Resemblance" and other facts in the life-histories
of spiders. Mr. Smith also explained his methods of collecting and studying
spiders, and the precautions necessary in securing photographs.
The President proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Smith for his
admirable lecture, and for the series of papers of which it was the forerunner.
He also made some remarks on points in the lecture, more particularly on the
instances brought forward of "Aggressive Mimicry" among spiders.
The vote of thanks was passed by acclamation and Mr. Smith replied.
The report of the Club's Delegate at the British Association meeting at
Glasgow, Mr. F. W. Rudler, F.G.S., was taken as read. Mr. Rudler was
cordially thanked for his report and for his services as Delegate. The Report
was printed in the last part of the Essex Naturalist, ante pp. 140-145.
A paper on Eolithic Implements from the Plateau Gravel around
Walderslade, by Mr. J. P. Johnson was "read" in abstract (in Mr. Johnson's
absence through illness) by Mr. A. S. Kennard. The paper was illustrated
by specimens and by a few lantern slides. It will appear in the Essex
Naturalist.
Mr. A. S. Kennard also exhibited and presented to the Club, some
Eolithic stones from the country near Rochester.
Both Mr. Kennard and the President commented on the value of these
implements as affording evidence of the existence of man at the time the
Plateau gravels were deposited. Mr. Paulson also joined in the discussion.
Votes of thanks to Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kennard were passed.