Journal of Proceedings. vii
position of the flower as contrasted with that of the Pimpernel, in which
a pair of flowers appear in the axils of a pair of leaves. Sometimes it
happens, as in one of the specimens I send you, that the uppermost pair
of leaves is divided by an internode which becomes a peduncle opposite a
leaf, and bearing a small leaf immediately below the flower, or it may be
blended with the calyx. If the peduncle of the vine be truly terminal, so
is this ; and I venture respectfully to invite the attention of Essex botanists
to it."
Prof. Boulger remarked that Essex was very fortunate in possessing so
careful, accurate, and painstaking an observer as Mr. Gibbs. He referred
to a small work by Mr. Gibbs, a copy of which was in the Club's library
—'A First Catechism of Botany'—as an admirable little book ; it was
not only very amusing, but was full of sound information, and based
largely on personal observation.
"The History of Botanical Investigation in Essex" — by Professor
G. S. Boulger, F.L.S., F.G.S., Part. I.—Gerarde, Parkinson, Dale, and
others to the time of Bay, was then read by the author.
In proposing a cordial vote of thanks for the paper, the President
observed that Prof. Boulger had gone into the records of the county of
Essex so fully, and had devoted so much time to the subject, that they
could hardly be too grateful to him. [Applause]. The facts which he
had brought forward went to show that the county was most intimately
connected with the rise and progress of British Botany, and he was sure
all the members would look forward with great interest to the future
portions of the paper.
Votes of thanks to the authors of the various papers read were carried
by acclamation.
The usual conversazione followed, at which Mr. C. B. Sworder, Mr.
Oldham, and Mr. English exhibited specimens.
Saturday, April 1st, 1882.—A Visit to South Kensington.
On this Saturday afternoon the Club varied its usual programme, and
the members, instead of travelling into the wilds of Essex, or losing
themselves in the leafy recesses of Epping Forest, journeyed to South
Kensington, and met at three o'clock in the magnificent Central Hall of
the New Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road. The meeting was
held on the invitation of Prof. Richard Owen, CB., F.R.S., who had very
kindly offered to conduct the Club over the recently re-arranged geological
collections. The party numbered considerably over 100, and included
many of the better-known members of the Society. Admiration was
freely expressed by those who for the first time had an opportunity of
viewing this really noble temple of science. English people are seldom
self-laudatory when speaking of their National Scientific Institutions,