2
EDITORIAL
PERCY THOMPSON relinquished his work as editor of the
Essex Naturalist on the completion of Volume XXVII.
He had held this office for 27 years, and a perusal of the volumes
issued during this period gives the best idea of the amount of
work which has gone into their preparation and of the successful
manner in which the task has been accomplished.
It is to be deplored that the last years of his editorship should
have been years of international upheaval, when, with the
absence of many officers and members of the Club, Mr. Thompson
carried out the full duties of Secretary and Treasurer as well.
It is fitting that this new volume should begin with an expression
of appreciation of these services, while it is also a matter for
congratulation that the Club retains the services of Mr. Thompson
as its secretary and curator.
The task of maintaining the standard of the Essex Naturalist
is no light one, and it can only be accomplished with the active
co-operation of members. Papers on relevant subjects are not
the only material required, for not the least useful part of a
county journal is the recording of observations of local interest :
the editors hope that members will submit notes on all such
matters for publication in the Essex Naturalist.
The Frontispiece
Our Frontispiece is a reminder of the beauties still remaining
to us on the very outskirts of Epping Forest. In close proximity
to heavily populated areas, such glades suffer much wear and
tear by reason of their great popularity as a place of recreation
for people of London. It behoves us all to help all we can in
preserving their amenities.