THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 125
attention of the members was drawn to this alteration—one of the minor
inconveniences of the War.
Death of Professor Meldola.—The President announced the lamented
death of Professor R. Meldola, F.R.S., D.Sc, LL.D., the first President of the
Club, and one of the Permanent Vice-Presidents. Mr. Warren referred
to the eminent position held by Professor Meldola in the World of Science,
and his great services to the Club since its formation in 1880. He was
sure that the Members would greatly regret his death, and would wish to
record their regret in a most emphatic way.
Mr. W. Cole (who spoke with much emotion) said that the news of Prof.
Meldola's painfully-sudden death on the 16th instant had occasioned
in him the most poignant sorrow, and a deep sense of personal loss, which
was shared with his brother, B. G. Cole, and the other Members of the
family. They were the oldest living friends of Prof. Meldola, his death
closing a friendship of very nearly 50 years. He first met Meldola (he
said) in company with the late W. J. Argent, in a glade in the Woodford
district of Epping Forest, whilst searching for insects. Shortly after,
proposals for the establishment of the Essex Field Club were put forth and
the scheme assumed definite shape. Professor (then Mr.) Meldola
was chosen as the first President. The older members of the Club need
no reminder of the energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm with which he
guided the arduous work of the Club's earlier years. His "Inaugural
Address" will ever be looked upon as a model guide for those seeking to
establish an amateur natural-history society. His subsequent work for
the benefit of the Club can be largely traced in our publications and in the
many movements in which he took part. His eminently-scientific and
logical mind enabled him to impart a high tone to the discussions and
business at the meetings of the Club—a character they have never
lost. Mr. Cole added that it was not for him to speak of the great value
of Prof. Meldola's scientific and educational work, nor of his services to
the nation: that would form no mean record in the mental progress of the
last 40 years. As a distinguished member of the Club, his kindness and help-
fulness in very many of our undertakings was most marked. His memory
would long be cherished amongst us. Mr. Cole suggested that a letter
should be sent to Mrs. Meldola, expressive of the Club's deep sense of
loss, and regret at the death of her distinguished husband, and deep sym-
pathy with her in her affliction.
Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Shenstone spoke most feelingly of the sad event,
and emphasized the loss which British Science and the Club had suffered
thereby. The Secretary was requested to write to this effect to Mrs.
Meldola.
In accordance with these directions, the Secretary afterwards wrote
as follows to Mrs. Meldola :—
29th November 1915.
" Dear Mrs. Meldola,
" At the General Meeting of the Essex Field Club, held on Saturday-
last, I was requested to convey to you the very heartfelt regret of the
Members at the death of Professor Meldola. Prof. Meldola had special
claims on the regard of the members and officers of the Club, not only as
having been the first President, but also because he was always most