xxiv Journal of Proceedings.
blade"), Erica tetralix ("Bell-heath"), Pendicularis sylvatica ("Red-rattle"),
&c., &c. ; and Mr. English several species of Fungi, including Polyporus
sulphureus, Marasmius urens (poisonous), &c; also an example of the rare
sub-genus Eccilia of Argaricus gathered at the last Field Meeting and
preserved by his well known process.
Saturday, July 3rd, 1880.—Field Meeting.
"A Field Meeting will be held on Saturday, July 3rd, 1880, for the
purpose of a thorough investigation of the Ancient Earthworks of Am-
bresbury Banks and at Loughton." So ran the circular, which, sent
to all members of our Club, had induced nearly fifty enthusiasts to
brave the perils of the storm, and take the 2.13 train from Fenchurch
Street to Theydon Bois. As the train paused at the several stations to
take up some courageous and resolute members, and to set down some
timorous and vacillating ones, the greetings and opinions on the
weather exchanged from the carriage windows were the reverse of
assuring—the rain was simply pouring down, and the sky burdened
with dense masses of cloud and vapour sufficient to strike terror into
the heart of the most hardened forester. Sometimes, however, fortune
favours the brave. At Theydon Bois the rain soon ceased, the sun
shone out brightly, and some hopeful ones even predicted a fine after-
noon. Alas! again had we to lament, with Dr. Cooke, the "vanity of
human wishes"—but more of the weather anon.
In spite of untoward circumstances our party was a goodly one. Our
learned archaeological conductor, Major-General Pitt-Rivers, F.R.S.,
Vice-President of the Anthropological Institute (better known, to those
who have examined his magnificent anthropological collections lately
shown at the Bethnal Green Museum, by his former cognomen,
Colonel Lane Fox), and his colleague, Mr. W. L. Distant, Director of
the same Institute, were present. Also Mr. B. H. Cowper, so well-
known from his discovery of the Loughton Camp and his various
papers thereon. Professor Boulger, F.L.S., F.G.S., represented the
claims of botanical science; and last, but not least, our good friend
Mr. Walker, F.G.S., gave us the benefit of his company and kindly
aid. Of course our President was at his post; and no less than eight
of our lady members and friends donned "waterproofs" and umbrellas,
boldly facing the fortunes of the day. Captain Alex. McKenzie (Super-
intendent of the Forest) courteously placed the services of the head-
keeper, Mr. Luffman, at our disposal, and a start was soon made
through the woods to Ambresbury Banks ; Mr. W. C. Barnes and Mr.
J. Eliot Howard, F.R.S., kindly giving carriage accommodation to
some of the party. The Forest was in places very wet, and it required