THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 33
entitled "Some Biological Notes on Dragon-flies," which he illustrated
by a large series of lantern-photographs taken by himself, showing various
details of the anatomy and development of these insects. A discussion
followed, in which the President and others took part, and the thanks of
the meeting were warmly accorded to the author for his paper.
(665TH ORDINARY MEETING).
Saturday, 25TH January, 1930.
This meeting was held as usual in the Physics Lecture Theatre of the
Municipal College, Romford Road, Stratford, with the President, Mr. D. J.
Scourfield, I.S.O., F.L.S., etc., in the chair. 71 members and visitors were
present.
Mr. Louis Smith, of 93, High Road, South Woodford, E.18, was elected
a member of the Club.
Miss G. Lister exhibited and described a gall-growth on twigs of
Birch, caused by an ascomycetous fungus, Exoascus turgidus.
Mr. Mothersole exhibited a complete sloughed skin of a small Grass
Snake, and presented same to the Club's museum, on behalf of Mr. George
Hearn, of Chelmsford.
Mr. Todd showed several excellent examples of forgeries of neolithic
implements, purchased at an "antique" shop in Leyton. He also
exhibited, under a microscope, the tail-plume of a Dragon-fly.
The Curator showed a series of 38 photographs and prints of Wanstead
from the Club's Pictorial Survey collection.
The President exhibited living specimens of Paramecium aurelia
under a microscope, and described this infusorian by means of a lantern-
diagram.
Mr. Arthur L. Leach, F.G.S., then gave a lecture on "Brittany and its
Megalithic Remains," which he illustrated by a fine series of lantern
photographs. At the conclusion of the lecture a discussion took place
in which Miss Lister, Messrs. Warren, Paulson, Thorrington, Scourfield
and Thompson joined: and the lecturer replied to several questions.
A hearty vote of thanks was accorded, by acclamation, to Mr. Leach
for a most fascinating lecture.
VISIT TO THE BRITISH MUSEUM—NATURAL
HISTORY, (666th MEETING).
Saturday, 8th February, 1930.
A small party of twenty-two members responded to an invitation
from Mr. J. Ramsbottom, O.B.E., F.L.S., etc., the newly appointed
Keeper of Botany at the Natural History Museum, to inspect the Depart-
ment under his charge on the above afternoon.
Assembled at the entrance to the Botanical Gallery at 2 o'clock,
the visitors were met by Mr. Ramsbottom and taken into the Keeper's
Private Room, where he gave a brief sketch of the origin of the Botanical
Department from Sir Joseph Banks' collection and exhibited portraits of
various of his predecessors in the Botanical Keepership, from Robert
Brown, the first Keeper, down to Dr. Rendle, who has just retired.
Mr. Ramsbottom mentioned that the table which he uses to-day is
C