Journal of Proceedings. xi
slate-coloured bed, decomposed Septaria were found. An animated
debate was raised as to whether the clays belonged to the basement beds
of the Lower Bagshot or the upper beds of the London Clay, together
with their relation to the sands previously seen on the other side of the
brook.* Going through the Oak-hill Enclosure, where the rhododendrons,
planted many years ago, have produced an abundance of seedlings, a route
was taken through "Hang-boy" Slade to Great and Little Monk Woods,
many questions of geological and botanical interest being started during
the ramble, and a final halt was made at the "Wake Arms," where tea was
served. At its conclusion the President, after a few words relating to this
being the first Field Meeting of the year, referred to the recent death of
Mr. Charles Darwin. He said :—Our own Club and British science in
general has sustained a very heavy loss—in fact the heaviest loss which
British science could possibly have sustained—by the death of our
honorary member, Charles Darwin ; and this being the first meeting held
since that calamity, I think it only just to allude to it in a few words. I
shall have somewhat more to say about the noble life of that illustrious
naturalist when we meet next Saturday. In the meantime I just pay this
small tribute of respect to the memory of a man who was certainly
England's greatest thinker, the man who has stamped this age with a line
of thought which will run through all future ages. I think I am perfectly
justified in mentioning the circumstance now, because Mr. Darwin him-
self took always the very liveliest interest in our proceedings, and I have
many letters from him at home in which he congratulates me on the
success which seemed to be attending our Field Club.
Mr. Andrew Johnston said it was very gratifying to remember that
the very first thing which occurred to him as Treasurer was to receive
a cheque from Mr. Darwin for the Forest Camps Exploration Fund
(1882).
Starting again, a pleasant walk through the Forest, turning aside by
* Mr. N. F. Robarts, F.G.S., to whom the Editor is indebted for the above geological
sketch, has given the results of his investigations at Oak-hill Quarry in a short paper
which will appear in a future part of the ' Transactions.' In passing it may be well to
call the attention of well-wishers of the Forest to the fact that Oak-hill Enclosure is
private property, and is now put up for sale. We understand that negotiations have from
time to time been attempted to acquire it for the Forest, but some details as to cost have
prevented the Conservators from buying it hitherto, although they are fully impressed
with its importance. Anyone who will glance at the map, or better, will visit a very
delightful spot, will recognise the immense importance to the public of this piece of 10 or
12 acres. To build over it would utterly destroy the natural repose of the pretty They-
don Woods, and we most ardently hope that means may be found by which this nook
could be retained for the Forest, of which it is naturally an integral portion. Surely,
if the Corporation of the City of London does not see its way to buy the land, it would
only he a graceful thing in a few of the many thousands who have benefited by its noble
efforts in the cause of open spaces to subscribe the comparatively small sum demanded,
and present "Oak-hill Enclosure" as a good-will offering to the Conservators for the
benefit of the public, and so save the Forest from a well-nigh irreparable injury and loss.
Verbum sat sapienti.—Ed.