xxvi Journal of Proceedings.
high ground to the South of the Camp, very grand and impressive
were the atmospheric effects exhibited in the valley stretching below
us to the Kentish Hills on the other side of the Thames. But even our
enthusiasm was soon put to too severe a test, and as the flashes of
lightning increased in number and lurid brilliancy, and the rumbling
thunder of the ever approaching storm became louder and louder, a
general stampede took place. In parties, some in carriages and some
on foot, we made for our promised haven, the "Forest Hotel,"
at Chingford. Some of the number took refuge at the "Robin Hood,"
and secured conveyance from thence. Mr. Barnes and Mr. Distant
felt the effects of one of the electrical discharges as their carriage ran
along the Lower Road. However, all were eventually safely lodged
in the Hotel, and enjoyed the excellent "high tea" provided for us by
the manager, Mr. Jesse. After tea, a move was made to the fine room
known as the Banquetting Hall, where the President expressed the
pleasure he felt at seeing so large a meeting assembled in spite of the
adverse meteorological conditions. It was a very gratifying indication
of the vitality of the Club. He remarked that the early archaeology of
Essex came legitimately within their scope ; and at a very early stage
of the Club's existence he felt that it would be very desirable for it, as
a scientific body, to take up this question of the Forest Earthworks,
with the view of settling, or attempting to settle, their date. He con-
gratulated the Club on its having been able to secure the co-operation
of their eminent conductor, one of the highest authorities in the
kingdom on subjects of that nature, upon whom he would call to
favour the meeting with the benefit of his opinion.
General Pitt-Rivers said that Mr. Meldola had spoken in very
flattering terms of his (the General's) qualifications for the post he had
the honour to occupy that afternoon. He confessed he was somewhat
taken aback at seeing himself announced as conductor of the meeting,
inasmuch as although he had been engaged for many years in studying
ancient camps in many parts of the kingdom, he had not before had
the pleasure of viewing these remains in Epping Forest. However,
they had had the benefit of the best local knowledge as represented in
Mr. Cowper, and the assistance of the very excellent tracings prepared
by Mr. D'Oyley ; these plans formed a great step in advance toward
obtaining a knowledge of the remains. In fact he felt that his office as
conductor was not a case of the blind leading the blind, but rather an
instance of the blind attempting to lead those who could see. He
believed there could be no question that both the remains they had
visited that afternoon were veritable Camps, such as were found in
other parts of the country. He did not himself think there was any
evidence for supposing that either of them were Roman. They might
be of the Roman age, or possibly of more recent date—Saxon or
Danish, or even later in time. Roman Camps are generally rec-