302
THE ESSEX NATURALIST
The President then described a valuable addition to the Museum in the
form of a number of cases of birds bequeathed by Miss G. Lister. These
were on view in the Museum today, and it would be seen that the birds were
beautifully mounted and in perfect condition. The cases needed a little
attention, and this work was being undertaken by Mr. Syms, with the help
of volunteers amongst the members.
The following were elected to membership :
Mrs. Stuart Boardman, of 109, Monkhams Avenue, Woodford Green.
Mr. R. H. S. Fox, of 44, Monkhams Avenue, Woodford Green.
Miss Sylvia Canetti (junior member), of 66, Dalkeith Road, Ilford.
Mr. Ross reported on the Mycetozoa for 1949-50. The abnormal
rainfall of October had to wipe out the effects of summer drought in order to
restore conditions favourable to the growth of these organisms. Up to the
present time, forty-nine species had been recorded, the shortage being mainly
of summer species. He showed and described specimens of nineteen species.
Mrs. R. Ward said that Miss Grace Hilbert had sent sprays of Petasites
fragrans from Norfolk. They had been placed in the vases on the refectory
tables where members would be able to enjoy these much appreciated winter
flowers.
Miss Greaves showed, from the Pictorial Survey, a selection of pictures
showing some Essex waterways.
Mr. Waller showed photographs from the Rothamsted Experimental
Station of spores of the new fungus on Sycamore. They were an example
of the tremedous magnification achieved by the electron microscope. He
stated that a research worker had been appointed by the Forestry Com-
mission to carry on the investigation of this fungus.
Mr. Henry B. Rowntree, B.Sc, A.M.I.C.E., then read his paper on "The
Control of Rivers" (see p. 255).
He described some of the many difficulties which are met with in the work,
and the methods adopted to carry it out to the best advantage of the com-
munity. The lecture was illustrated by photographs from various books
which were shown by the episcope.
On the conclusion of the paper, the lecturer was accorded a hearty vote
of thanks on the motion of the President.
Ordinary Meeting (917th Meeting
SATURDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 1950
This meeting was held at the West Ham Municipal College, with the Presi-
dent, Mr. Laurence S. Harley, in the chair. Forty members and friends
attended.
The following were elected to membership :
Mr. R. McIver Paton, of 63, Second Avenue, Chelmsford.
Mr. Clare Dudley Putnam, (junior member), of Davenants, Sible Heding-
ham.
Mr. Fred J. Speakman, of 22, Fernhill Court, Hempstead Road, Wal-
thamstow, E.17.
Miss Constance Hornby, and
Miss Ursula Hornby, of 53, Langley Drive, Wanstead, E.11.
The President then announced that nominations were due at this meeting
for officers for the year commencing March 1950, and for three vacancies
on the Council.
The Council's nominations were as follows, and it was open to any member
io nominate any other member for any of the offices or vacancies.
As members of Council: Miss Elsa Hilbert, Mr. W. B. Broughton, B.Sc,
and Mr. E. F. Williams, F.R.E.S., F.Z.S.