64
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
that on their leaving he presented them with specimens of
implements and flakes from his own collection. The minute
book gravely records that at the next ensuing meeting of the
little Club these presentations were honourably divided among
the four members, "the same being agreeable to each."
During the next few months William H. Smith, as spokesman
for the Club, gave several lectures on the prehistory of their
neighbourhood to various local working-men's clubs. In
September of the same year (1883) a fifth member, William J.
Swain, a young man of about 18, son of William Swain, and a
machine-minder by trade, was admitted to membership.
In June of the following year (1884) the minutes of the
"Canning Town Field Club" record that it was "proposed
by Mr. W. Swain junr., seconded by Mr. P. Thornhill, and passed
unanimously that the Club be photographed in a group. Mr.
Smith commissioned to make enquiries as to price, &c."
Accordingly, on Sunday, July 13th, the photograph was duly
taken, and is now reproduced (Plate VIII.).
Sunday, September 21, 1884, was a red-letter day in the
annals. The Club was invited to visit Benjamin Harrison at
Ightham, in Kent. The account of this expedition, as given in
the minutes of the Club, is so quaintly written that I quote it
in full :—
" Sunday Sept 21. 1884."
" By previous arrangement with Mr. Benjamin Harrison,
Ightham, Kent, the club paid a visit to that gentleman. The
party took train from Cannon St. direct to Sevenoaks where
quite unexpectedly they met a venerable gentleman who knowing
through Mr. Harrison that a day's excursion had been planned,
took an interest in waiting for the arrival of our club at the
railway station. He very kindly offered to drive us to Ightham
in a fly, the favor was declined, he then took us through his
grounds, Merle Wood, Sevenoaks, and after some pleasant
conversation on geology directed us to Crown Point where it
was arranged we should meet Mr. Harrison. On being asked
the favor of his name he said that since he was fond of Chips
(meaning flint flakes) and that he was an old chap—we might
call him 'Chip Chap' he then asked the favor of our company
to tea at the close of the day, to which we consented, and made
our way to Crown Point where we met Mr. Harrison who imme-