148 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
October, as representing the Club, and a wreath had been sent as a mark of
respect on behalf of the Council and members.
Prof. Charles Stewart, F.R.S., who died on September 27th, 1907, had long
been one of the Honorary Members of the Club, and his loss would be greatly
regretted by all. As Curator of the Royal College of Surgeons he had occupied
a distinguished position in the scientific world.
Human Skull from Laindon.—Dr. Sailer, F.G.S., exhibited and described
a large portion of a human skull which he had obtained from the pit at One
Tree Hill, Laindon Hills, Essex, under the circumstances described in the report
of the meeting on July 13th last (ante p. 146). Dr. Salter had placed the
specimen in the Museum of the Club. Some remarks on the specimen were
made by Mr. E. T. Newton, F.R.S.
Serotine Bat at Loughton.—The Hon. Secretary exhibited a specimen of
the Serotine Bat (Vesperugo serotinus), found with others at Loughton by Mr. G.
Dent (ante. p 96), who had very kindly presented it to the Museum, Previously
only two or three examples of the bat had been found in Essex, but judging from
Mr. Dent's observations, the species had probably been overlooked, and it might
be more common than had been supposed.
Little Owl at Lexden.—Mr. Cole also exhibited a specimen of the Little
Owl (Athene noctua) from Lexden, near Colchester, which had been obtained
for the Museum. Only one specimen of this bird had previously been reeorded
for Essex.
Mr. Christy referred to the fact that the late Lord Lilford about 1889
succeeded in establishing this bird at Lilford, Northamptonshire. During the
next few years specimens were recorded in various parts of Bedfordshire, and
subsequently in other localities.1 In the spring of 1907 it was known to breed in
Hertfordshire ou two occasions2, and Mr. Ellison remarked that the various
recorded observations pointed to "the permanent establishment of the Little
Owl as a resident species in Hertfordshire, as in Bedfordshire and Northampton-
shire." Mr. Christy remarked that it was possible that the Lexden bird was au
incomer into Essex from Hertfordshire.
Mr. W. Cole regretted this practice of the introduction of species of birds,
insects, and plants from abroad into England, as tending to confuse or altogether
destroy the value of observations connected with the natural distribution of
animals and plants. The Little Owl had occurred in Essex in 1865, long before
Lord Lilford's experiment, but in future all records of the appearance of the
bird would be discredited, and ascribed to descendants of the Northamptonshire
aliens. In a county like Essex, with its extensive sea-board and proximity to
the continent, and in the line of migration, many very important observations
might be made, but the artificial introduction of species would render such
researches abortive.
Large Pike from Birch Hall.—The Secretary also exhibited the large
pike from the lake at Birch Hall, which had been presented "in the flesh" by
the Right Hon. James Round (ante, p. 46).
Mammoth Bones at Bradfield.—Mr. Christy exhibited on behalf of Mr.
W. B. Nichols, of Stour Lodge, Bradfield, a few bones of mammoth which were
1 See paper by Mr. J. Steele-Elliott, Zoologist, Vol. xi. (4th Ser.), p. 384 (1907).
2 Mr. Allen Ellison, Ibid., p. 430.