xiv Journal of Proceedings.
" Three species of Acer are now (28th April) in bloom in this neighbour-
hood :—A. platanoides, A. pseudo-platanus, and what I take to be a
rather precocious variety of A. campestre. In A. platanoides and A.
campestre the inflorescence is definite, and in its order of expansion
corymbose as distinguished from centrifugal. In A. pseudo-platanus it
seems to be formed on the same type, but a raceme of lateral flowers is
developed on the central peduncle above the branches, which branch again.
The central axis is normally terminated by a flower, which, however, is
occasionally abortive, and only the lateral flowers of the raceme give
origin to fruits, the others dropping. These particulars I have observed
myself, but do not remember to have read of them."
The Secretary stated that nearly all the species in Mr. Gibbs' list had
previously been recorded in Gibson's 'Flora of Essex,' but the President
remarked that it was nevertheless always interesting to have a confirma-
tion of the recorded species by a competent observer.
The Secretary announced that he had received a paper "On the Pro-
tection of Wild Animals and Birds" from Mr. Harting to be appended to
the proposed memorial, to which he was receiving signatures almost daily.
He also stated that he was much grieved to notice the previous day that
deep drainage had commenced on Wanstead Flats, near Whipps Cross,
and that many ponds valuable to the microscopist and general naturalist
were being destroyed. After considerable discussion of the subject, Mr.
Cole moved that a deputation from the Society should be empowered to
confer with the Verderers on the matter, and that in the meantime a
letter should be sent to them calling attention to the changes being made
in the Forest, and asking them to use their influence to check the same
until at least the public had expressed its opinion. This proposal was
seconded by Mr. Hutchinson, and carried unanimously.
Mr. N. F. Robarts exhibited a flint "flake" with four "facets," found
by himself in the brick-field at "Woodredon Hill," Epping Forest, about
a foot below the surface, having been probably ploughed in from above or
buried by worms. He also exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Daw, a flint celt,
of which the following description has been kindly written by Mr. Worth-
ington Smith. Mr. Daw has generously presented the Club with the
accompanying woodcut, drawn and engraved by Mr. Smith :—
Chipped Celt found at Enfield.
The flint celt, chisel, or gouge here illustrated was found by a workman
at Bycullah Park Estate, Enfield, in surface-soil from beneath the roots
of a tree. The instrument is now in the possession of George H. Daw,
Esq. It is 43/8 in. long, 21/8 in. wide at its broadest part, and weighs a little
more than three ounces. It is made from a large flake of pale liver-
coloured flint, none of the original crust of the stone being exhibited. A
considerable part of the plain surface of the original flake—the side on
which the bulb of percussion once was—is very distinct on the concave
side. The instrument was originally chipped all over with great neatness
and precision, and the broad cutting edge at length carefully ground on
both sides. There is little or no trace of grinding or polishing at the
smaller end.