220 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
were fully cultivated; a period delaying the further clearing of
forested areas. We may agree with Collingwood that finally
the Roman Era passed away and "the peasant population
remained, standing very much where it had always stood."
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB—REPORTS OF
MEETINGS.
ORDINARY MEETING (796th MEETING).
SATURDAY, 29TH OCTOBER, 1938.
This Meeting was held at 3 o'clock on the above date in the Physics
Lecture Theatre of the Municipal College, Romford Road, Stratford,
with the President, Dr. J. Ramsbottom, O.B.E., President L.S., etc.,
in the chair. Forty members attended.
Before commencing the business of the Meeting the President referred
to the recent decease of the son of our Royal Patron. The Hon. Secretary
read the following letter which had been sent to the Duke of Connaught
on behalf of the Club:—
"14th September, 1938.
"To H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, K.G., etc.
"May it please Your Royal Highness,
"On behalf of the members of this Club, of which Your Royal
"Highness has been Patron for over 58 years, we venture with deep
"respect to offer our sincerest sympathy with Your Royal Highness
"in the death of H.R.H. Prince Arthur, and to beg you to accept
"the expression of our constant and sympathetic interest in all that
"concerns Your Royal Highness.
"We beg to remain, Sir,
"Your Royal Highness's obedient servants,
(signed) "John Ramsbottom, President.
"Percy Thompson, Hon. Secretary."
The following reply had been received:—
"Bagshot Park, Surrey.
"September 19th.
"Dear Sir,
"I am desired by His Royal Highness to thank you so very much for
"your kind letter of sympathy in his great sorrow.
"The Duke would be so pleased if you would kindly convey to the
"Members his heartfelt thanks for their kind expression of sympathy."
"I am, sir,
"Your obedient servant,
(signed) "Charles S. Price-Davies, Colonel.
"Equerry."
The President congratulated the members on being able to hold that
meeting in view of the recent national crisis.