l68 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.—REPORTS OF MEETINGS.
De Winton's Mouse at Lexden.—Mr. Cole also exhibited two specimens
of the Yellow-necked Mouse (Mus sylvaticus-wintoni) from Lexden, near Col-
chester.
Essex Birds.—Mr. Cole also exhibited (1) ths Red-throated Diver (Colymbus
septentrionalis) ; (2) the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) ; and (3) the
Guillemot (Lomvia troile), all from the estuary of the Thames, off Southend,
These were all presented in the flesh to the Museum by Mr. Sherrin, of Southend.
Deep Boring at Ilford Gas Company's Works.—Mr. Walter Crouch,
F.Z.S., detailed some observations made at this boring. The notes were of a
preliminary nature, but Mr. Crouch promised more definite information later.
A discussion took place in which the President, Mr. T. V. Holmes, F.G.S.,
Professor Meldola, F.R.S., Mr. John Spiller, F.I.C, Mr. E. T. Newton, F.R.S.,
Mr. Reader and others took part, and Mr. Crouch replied.
Large Bone of a Whale at Mountnessing, Essex.—Mr. Christy
exhibited, by the aid of the lantern, a photograph of a large bone which had for
many years reclined beside the font in Mountnessing Church. He had submitted
the photograph and a description of the bone to Mr. E. T. Newton, F.R.S.,
who was present. It had been put down in the Guide-books as an Elephant's or
Mammoth's bone, but Mr. Newton was of opinion that it had belonged to a
Whale—probably the rib of a Sperm Whale [Physeter) or to a Rorqual
(Balaenoptera), perhaps brought as an offering from some whaling ship in the
Thames.1
Bone "Needle."—Mr. H. Mothersole exhibited a curious object resembling
a bone "needle," which had been found in an excavation at Chelmsford. Mr.
F. W. Reader made some remarks on this specimen, but these are reserved
until a figure and further details can be given.
Remarks by the President, and Paper on Salt-making in Essex.—
Before reading his paper the President made a few general observations on the
work of the Club. He considered that they continued fully to justify their
existence as a county society ; the work done, and progress made during the past
year had been very considerable. The Essex Museum of Natural History was
developing rapidly, and he particularly called attention to the growing collection
of British Mammals, which when completed, would be a very remarkable feature,
and one indeed almost unique among the local museums of this country".
Under Mr. T. W. Reader's skilful and persevering efforts our library is being
rapidly put into order, and promises to become of considerable importance as a
collection of books relating to our special subjects.
The papers and lectures have been as numerous as usual, and although some
of them have been of a general nature, there is no fear of the supply of original
papers relating to the natural history and archaeology of Essex falling short.
One very important matter which is now engaging the attention of friends of
the Club is the necessity of gaining new members. To our great regret many
old and esteemed members have died within the last few years, and it is a prime
necessity that their vacant places should be filled up by persons taking an equally
warm interest in the Society. It is to be hoped that the recently-established
Year Book, although a somewhat costly item, will aid in attracting members,
1 In the Strand Magazine for May, 1906. is a photograph of a similar rib, still to be seen
in St. Mary's Redcliffe Church, Bristol. Legend has it that this is a rib cf the celebrated
Dun Cow, which supplied all the parish with her milk in the days long ago.