222 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
Carboniferous period and then went on to describe the appearance and the
characteristics of each of the fourteen British species of frogs, newts, lizards
and snakes. He illustrated his most interesting remarks with living examples
of several species and preserved examples of the remainder.
His lecture terminated with a series of excellent photographic lantern
slides by Dr. Smith of the animals which he had described. Questions,
which showed the great interest aroused by the talk, were then put by several
members and answered by the lecturer.
On the motion of the President the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Leutscher
were accorded by enthusiastic applause.
Visit to the London Zoological Gardens (899th Meeting)
SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH, 1949
Fourteen members assembled at the Main Gate of the Gardens at 10.30
a.m. where they were met, in the unfortunate absence through indisposition
of their host, Mr. E. F. Williams, F.R.E.S., F.Z.S., by his brother and his
son.
After the Reptile House had been visited the visitors were, of course,
interested in the larger and more famous animals in the collection but particu-
lar attention was paid to the British mammals. A keeper demonstrated the
remarkable docility of the female Foxes by playing with them in their cages
and close interest was taken in a specimen of the Marten which is one of our
rarest animals. Some of the large Fruit Bats were tame enough to allow
detailed study of the characteristics of this order of animals and a very pretty
albino specimen of the Grey Squirrel was admired.
A series of cages containing specimens of the eight British Corvidae—
Raven, Hooded Crow, Carrion-Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay and
Chough—provided a fine opportunity of getting to know these birds better
and special note was taken of the distinguishing characters of those which
might be confused in the field.
At mid-day the members repaired to the restaurants for lunch which,
by the kindness of our host, was taken by a majority of those present in the
Fellows' Restaurant. Here some considerable time was spent over an ex-
cellent meal in very comfortable conditions.
In the afternoon visits were paid to the always popular Monkey House
and to the Sea Lions' Pond at feeding time. Considerable time was spent
at the aviaries where chief interest was directed to distinguishing the various
British species of gulls, game birds and owls. The sub-songs of Missel-
Thrush and Blackbird in captivity were noted; the weather, which was
chilly and gusty, being no doubt responsible for the absence of the full song
of these birds.
A good proportion of the members remained in the Gardens for tea and
then visited the range of bird houses and aviaries where a number of our
waders were studied. Turnstone, Common Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Grey
Plover, Lapwing, Oyster-Catcher and Avocet were noted among many other
interesting birds. The day's visit was terminated about 5.30 p.m. when the
remaining visitors set out across Regent's Park on their homeward journey.
Annual General Meeting (900th Meeting)
SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH, 1949
This meeting was held at the West Ham Municipal College at 3 p.m.
with the President, Dr. Frank W. Jane, in the chair. Thirty-seven members
and visitors attended.
The following were elected to membership of the Club :