264
ANNUAL REPORT.
in the excellent photographs showing the workings1, they saw flat surfaces
of chalk at a height of three, four or five feet above the floor. These surfaces of
chalk were called by the photographer "altar-tables." He could not agree
with the photographer on this point, as the probable explanation of these raised
surfaces seemed to him to be in a wholly different direction. These galleries,
when fully developed, were about 12ft. high. Here and there, however,
were some 6ft. or less. Those now 12ft. high had once been much lower,
their present height having been attained simply by lowering the floor. The
so-called "altar-tables" were therefore (he thought) simply the remains of
intermediate stages in the development of these galleries. And instead of
there being any arrangement of the galleries leading up to these "altar-
tables"—as might be expected on that hypothesis—they seemed to him to occur
at odd corners here and there, just as might be expected if they simply marked
stages in the excavation of the galleries. Nevertheless these Chislehurst excava-
tions, if considered simply as workings for chalk, were extremely interesting, and
well worth visiting, and he thought the public much indebted to those who
had lighted them up and opened them for examination
The Caterham Bourne.—Mr. Holmes also exhibited photographs showing
the unusual amount of water lately flowing down the bourne in the usually dry
chalk valley at Whytleafe, near Caterham, Surrey, the result of the abnormal
rainfall of last year (1903).
A paper by Mr. T. V. Holmes, F.G.S., entitled "On the Origin of the term
'Sarson Stones'" was taken as read owing to want of time. It appears in the
present part of the Essex Naturalist (pp. 275—9),
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31st, 1903.
[Read and adopted at the 24th Annual Meeting on April 16th 1904.]
Financial.—Mr. Howard's financial reports for the last two years are
presented with this. The adverse balance is accounted for by the increase in the
cost of the Essex Naturalist for the past year, and in a falling off in the roll
of subscribing members, consequent upon the lamentable number of deaths of old
members of the Club. Many of these were original members, and as the Club is
now entering upon its 25th year, it is but natural that such losses should occur.
The Council considers that the working members of the Club have a just cause of
complaint that their efforts are not sufficiently supported by residents in the
county. In a large and populous district such as Essex, there are surely
hundreds of persons who might reasonably be expected to join the Society. The
common excuse, inability to attend the meetings, is surely not a point to urge
against the Club. The Head-Quarters must be in some one spot, and Stratford is
certainly the most accessible place it convenience of travelling from all parts of
the County and the North and East of London is considered. And membership
of a Society like ours (and it may be added, of our co-workers, the Essex
Archaeological Society) surely should be put on higher ground than mere personal
convenience. Well-wishers of the popularisation of natural science and
archaeology should determine to support the Society, as well as those residents
1 Obtainable at the Bickley Arms Hotel.