REPORTS OF MEETINGS
233
Mr. S. G. Deed, was very kindly in attendance and he gave an interesting
account of the library and showed some of the more famous books in-
cluding the "vinegar" Bible of 1517, the "breeches" Bible and Walton's
polyglot Bible. All the books here were left to the town of Maldon by Dr
Plume, Archdeacon of Rochester, in 163 ; they are mainly of the fifteenth'
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and almost all retain the original raw
hide bindings. Mr. Harley, from personal knowledge, was able to testify
to the beneficial effect of Mr. Deed's care of the collection during his term of
office and, on leaving, the thanks of all those present were offered to him for
making the visit so enjoyable.
The party then walked by the church of St. Mary and admired the massive
tower with its curious yet somewhat pleasing medley of architectural styles.
The base is Saxon, the upper part of seventeenth century brickwork and the
whole is topped by a timber belfry. The Hythe was found, on this hot
summer day, to be thronged with people enjoying the bathing and other
seaside amenities but a quiet shaded spot was found where members were
able to sit on the grass for a picnic lunch.
When lunch was finished the walk was continued along the sea wall as
far as the causeway leading to Northey Island. Sea Lavender was in full
bloom and the sea birds, including Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed
Gulls, Curlew and Redshank, added much to the interest of the after-
noon.
Tea was taken at the King's Head Hotel and after the meal a short formal
meeting was held with the President in the chair.
Dr. M. L. R. Pettersson, M.A., Ph.D. (Cantab.), of 9, Mellows Road,
Ilford, was elected to membership of the Club.
The President then commented on the three interesting parish churches
of the town and mentioned that had there been time he had intended to show
members the twelfth century St. Giles's Hospital. He then called upon
Mr. E. F. Williams to comment on the insects seen during the day and Mr.
Bernard Ward to speak of the birds; no outstanding records had been made
in either section.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the President for con-
ducting a most enjoyable excursion.
Fungus Foray in Epping Forest (911th Meeting)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, 1949
Nearly forty members and friends assembled at 11 a.m. at Loughton
Garage for this meeting. Heavy footwear and mackintoshes were much
in evidence, for the night had brought heavy rain which had continued
until an hour or so before the time appointed for the meeting.
Good results were not expected, for the driest summer for many years
had been broken a fortnight before by some rain after which came a return to
real "Indian summer" weather. The ground was now bone dry and many
of the Forest ponds were almost empty of water. With such poor prospects
it was gratifying to see such a good attendance and to have the guidance
of three acknowledged expert visitors.
The route followed was by way of Baldwin's Pond into Monk Wood
and progress was slow enough to allow of close searching for the smaller
fungi until, about 12.30 p.m., logs suitable as a venue for the usual alfresco
lunch were found. The sun now appeared and as the ramble was continued
it gradually became obvious that the mackintoshes would not, after all, be
required. Boots, however, were very useful because the baskets could only