THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.—REPORTS OF MEETINGS. 165
A very large number of specimens were shown by Mr. E. Bidwell, who
possesses the finest collection, probably, of objects illustrating the history of fire-
making appliances in existence. The lecturer also exhibited some specimens, and
others were shown by the Secretary, brought from the Club's Museum. The
lecture was also further illustrated by a series of slides shown by the electric
lantern.
The Lecturer was much applauded by the large meeting, and afterwards a
discussion on special points was carried on by Professor Meldola, Mr. W. H.
Dalton, Mr. Walter Crouch, Mr. T. W. Reader, Mr. W. M. Webb, Mr.
Bidwell, Mr. F. W. Rudler, Mr. Christy, and others. And a very cordial vote of
thanks to the President for his lecture was passed by acclamation.
THE 244th ORDINARY MEETING.
Saturday, February 24TH, 1906.
The fourth meeting of the Winter Session was held in the Technical Institute
as usual, at 6.30 o'clock, the President, Mr. Miller Christy, F.L.S., in the
chair.
New Members.—Mr. Frederick W. Evens, 27, Stanley Gardens, Hamp-
stead, N.W. ; Mr. Percy G. Thompson, Derwent House, High Road, Loughton ;
and Mr. S. Hazzledene Warren, F.G.S., Sherwood, Loughton, were elected.
Dipteron Injurious to Daffodils.—Mr. Chittenden exhibited specimens of
the fly, Merodon equestris, and made some remarks upon the same, which will
be embodied in a "Note." Mr. W. Cole pointed out the remarkable
"bee-like" appearance of the fly, as suggesting a case of mimicry.
Flint Implements from Braintree and Mammalian Bones from
Clacton—The Rev. J. W. Kenworthy sent for exhibition a small collection of
flint implements from Braintree, including three which he was inclined to think
were earlier than the usual Thames and Ouse well-formed implements Also a
small lot of Mammalian bones from the submerged forest at Clacton.
Mr. Whitaker, F.R.S,, pointed out that the beds at Clacton were quite
distinct from those known to Geologists as "Forest Beds," (See Geol. Mug'-,
Vol. v , p. 214, and Geol. and Arch. of Walton Naze and Clacton, by H. Stopes,
F.G.S., and W. H. Dalton, F.G.S.).
Hairy-armed Bat in Essex.—Mr. Cole exhibited a specimen of Vesperugo
leisleri, which had been detected amongst skins of bats, presented by Mr.
Reginald Christy. See "Notes."
Skomer Vole.—Mr. Cole also exhibited a skin of this vole (Microtus
orcadensis), which had been given to him by the describer, Mr. J. G. Millais,
F.Z.S.
The President made some remarks upon the exhibits, and referred to the
doubtful position of the Skomer Vole as a distinct species.
Mr. W. M. Webb, F.L.S., however, said that he had had an opportunity of
observing the Skomer Vole in captivity, and from its general appearance and
habits he was disposed to consider it entitled to rank as a species.
On the motion of the President cordial votes of thanks were accorded to the
exhibitors.