REPORTS OF MEETINGS
225
ing the meeting at the conclusion of tea, the President called upon Mr. Ross
to give an account of the Mycetozoa. He and Mr. Bernard Ward had
concentrated on this family during the day and had collected 26 species.
Other members had brought in a number of gatherings, amongst which was
one further species, making a total of 27 for the day. Mr. Ross considered
this total satisfactory in view of the dry conditions prevailing. Notable
among the species were late developments of Comatricha typhoides.
The President then gave a short survey of the results of the day's
collecting.
Dr. Gregory had sent a message expressing his regret that he was unable
to be present, and during the meeting a telegram arrived from Mr. and
Mrs. S. Boardman—it read, "Mycological Greetings".
After the President's talk, the members spent some further time in
studying displayed and named species, and all too soon it was time to
disperse for the homeward journey.
Ordinary Meeting (967th Meeting)
SATURDAY, 24 OCTOBER, 1953
This meeting was held at West Ham College of Technology at 3 p.m. The
attendance was 38. In the absence of the President, and there being no
Vice-President present, Mr. Bernard T. Ward was elected Chairman for
the meeting.
The name of one candidate for election to membership of the Club was
read.
The Chairman called attention to the winter survey of oiled birds being
organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. It was requested
that any member who could assist in this survey should do so. Forms on
which reports should be made were available.
Mr. Bartrop, on behalf of Miss Burrage, read some notes on the caves
at Leseaux, France, and showed a series of photographs of the remarkable
wall-paintings in the caves. The caves were discovered in 1920, following
the uprooting of a fir tree in a storm. The paintings, which have been
preserved in excellent condition by a transparent mineral deposit, have been
computed to be some 30,000 years old.
Mr. Bartrop also showed a (Pembroke) sheet of the new 7th series of
1in. Ordnance Map. He called attention to the several improvements since
the previous edition, and said that he understood that the sheets covering
our own county would be issued soon.
He also showed a trap for small mammals developed by the Bureau of
Animal Population.
Mr. Paul Smart showed specimens of butterflies. They included a worn
specimen of the Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) taken by him in Epping
Forest during the Fungus Foray on 11th October, 1953. As far as could be
ascertained at present, this is the first Essex record since for over 50 years.
This interesting record was commented upon by Mr. E. F. Williams and
Mr. Pratt. The latter called attention to the fact that this butterfly was
spreading eastwards both in Kent and Hertfordshire, and suggested that
members should keep a look-out for further Essex specimens.
Mr. E. F. Williams showed a live female Praying Mantis from Southern
France. The insect had laid a batch of eggs while in captivity, and seemed
to be doing very well on a diet of stick insects.
He also exhibited a remarkable aberration of the Small Tortoiseshell
butterfly (Aglais urticae) taken near Saffron Walden by Mr. R. H. Mays
(see page 209).
He further showed cocoons of the Sallow Kitten moth (Cerura furcula
Clerck) on sallow twigs from his garden at Warley Lea (see page 209).