326 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
As regards the Forest Museum at Chingford, Mr. Brand has been
obliged, owing to removal from the neighbourhood, to resign his curatorial
work there, and Miss Oxley has kindly undertaken the care of the wild-
flower exhibits in succession to Mr. Brand. The best thanks of the Club
are due to both Mr. Brand and Miss Oxley for their services.
Two 64 page parts of the Club's journal have been issued during the
year. The great increase in the cost of printing and postage has led your
Council to consider the advisability of recommending an increase of the
annual subscription from Members, but no proposals are yet ripe to lay before
you.
During last summer your Council took public action with regard
to threatened enclosures of Forest land in the interests of permanent
allotments, by memorialising the City Corporation, as well as by inviting the
co-operation of many kindred scientific societies in protesting against a
contemplated interference with the provisions of the Epping Forest Act
of 1878. Your Council is happy to report that, largely on account of this
action, the enclosures have been abandoned, and the Forest land restored
to its statutory purpose "as an open space for the recreation and enjoy-
ment of the public."
NOTES: ORIGINAL AND SELECTED.
Bittern Shot at Maldon.—The first bittern seen in the Maldon,
Essex, district for 30 years has been shot by a naval officer and presented
to the Maldon Town Council, which will preserve it in the council chamber.
—Daily Mail, May 23, 1921.
Commenting on the above outrage, Mr. "Punch," in his issue of June
8th, 1921, adds "It is hoped that the naval officer also may be stuffed
and kept in an adjoining case." And what are the Maldon authorities
doing to enforce the Wild Birds Protection Acts ?—Ed.
Badgers near Saffron Walden.—During the spring of 1920
a couple of badgers took up their residence in a burrow in a plantation
near the town. They were discovered, dug out and killed. It is a pity
that these shy and inoffensive creatures cannot be left in peace when they
appear in our Essex woodlands. It says much for their shy and noc-
turnal habits that they have managed to escape extinction in the county.—
George Morris, B.Sc.
Mammoth Remains at Little Chesterford.—During the past
two years remains of the Mammoth (Elephas primigenius) have been
obtained in the terrace gravels of the Bordeaux pit. A pelvis of an adult
specimen was uncovered, but was in too fragile a state to be preserved;
a photograph of the bone in situ was obtained. During this spring (1921)
several molar teeth and the fragments of a tusk were obtained.—George
Morris, B.Sc.
Polished Neolithic Celts from Chiswick Hall Farm, Duddenhoe
End.—During the past few years the tenant of this farm has ob-