218 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
to prevent plucking, and suggested the scheduling of certain
large areas to be maintained in their present condition by careful
control.
Mr. T. Sheppard gave an account of the effect of urban expan-
sion on the fauna and flora of East Yorkshire, and also referred
to what was being done by the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union to
protect the birds on Spurn Point. Prof. Vaughan Cornish and
other speakers also laid stress upon what might be done by local
Societies. They should consider themselves custodians of the
natural features of their respective districts and endeavour by
every means in their power to counteract the effects of the ever
increasing advance of the town into the country.
There was one other subject brought before the delegates
which, although of very little general interest, is undoubtedly
of great importance. It dealt with the Durability of Paper for
Scientific Publications, and was brought forward by Dr. F. A.
Bather and Mr. Norman Parley, the object being to enlist the
co-operation of all publishing Societies in ensuring that their
future publications should be printed on one of the "grade papers"
recently recommended by the Library Association. It appears
that it is now possible to obtain these durable papers at prices
no higher than those ruling for average printing papers, but that
unless a steady demand for such papers is promoted the present
makers may not continue to produce them. The matter is one
which will, of course, receive the careful consideration of our
Secretary and Editor.
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB—REPORTS OF
MEETINGS.
VISIT TO HIGHBEACH AND UPSHIRE (686th MEETING).
SATURDAY, 18TH APRIL, 1931.
Dwellers in the Epping Forest district awoke this morning to find
an inch of snow lying everywhere ; while a bitterly cold wind from the
north brought fresh snow-blizzards from time to time during the morning,
with melting intervals of sunshine. Altogether a most unfavourable
outlook for a prospective six-mile walk through the Forest and country-
side. Yet, when zero-hour struck at 1.37 p.m., some forty-five members,
out of fifty-five who had sent in their names, duly reported at Loughton
railway-station, prepared to face whatever fate had in store for them in
the matter of discomfort. Nor had they long to wait, for, while passing
through Loughton towards the Forest, a fierce hailstorm met them, which