lxxvi Journal of Proceedings.
house at Chignal St. James, where it had lodged. In this the Fly-
catcher built its substantial nest and had two eggs, when on the 25th
some one took them.
Curiously enough, on the second of June, 1882, I found another
Flycatcher's nest built under the same conditions, and within five
yards of the place where the first one had been, only on the opposite
side of the brook. This time the Thrush's nest was built on a low
branch of a chestnut tree, and, it being easily within reach of the
ground, some one seems to have disturbed it, as it was half turned
over. Nevertheless, the Flycatcher had built in it and laid two eggs
before she was again disturbed. I have observed instances among
many species of birds in which the same bird has returned, I believe,
for several years to the same nest or position for nesting, but after an
interval of five years I can hardly believe this bird to be the same as
the first, although the situation of the nest and the nearness to the site
of the former one are very curious circumstances. A similar instance
is recorded in 'Science Gossip' (1876, p. 262) by " H. M. C. A.," of
Barcombe Rectory, who says that a Song Thrush built on a larch bough
and brought up a brood. Looking at the nest a month or so later, it
was found that a Spotted Flycatcher had built her own nest inside it
and had laid four eggs, which were afterwards hatched and the young
reared.
Mr. Lister, F.L.S., said he had little doubt but that a bird he saw
three years ago on Wanstead Park Water was the Black-throated Diver,
and in 1877 he saw a Red-throated Diver in the same place.
Votes of thanks to the several authors having been passed, the usual
conversazione closed the proceedings, at which Mr. C. Oldham exhibited
some fossils from Walton-Naze, Essex; a tooth of Cave-bear from
Minera Lime Rocks, near Wexham, North Wales, and some fossils from
South Carolina.
Saturday, January 26th, 1884. Annual General Meeting.
The Fourth Annual General Meeting was held at the head-quarters at
seven o'clock, the President, Prof. Boulger, in the chair.
The Hon. Secretary read the report of the Council for the year 1883,
and Mr. Johnston (the Hon. Treasurer) read his Statement of Account.
The Report and Statement were unanimously adopted by the meeting,
on the motion of Prof. Boulger, seconded by Mr. F. C. Gould.
The Secretary read the Statement of the receipts and expenditure of
the " Tea Fund," which showed a balance in hand of £1 6s. 3d.
No other candidates having been proposed, the new members of
Council nominated at the last meeting on December 15th (see page lxvii)
were declared to be elected ; and on the ballot being taken, the officers
then nominated were also declared duly and unanimously elected by the
Scrutineers, Dr. Cory and Mr. William White.
The President then read his annual address, which, after referring to
some matters connected with the work of the Club, treated of " The
Influence of Man upon the Flora of Essex" (Trans. vol. iv., p. 1).