Journal of Proceedings.
cxxxv
Deneholes of Hangman's Wood, of which we have heard the particulars
from our future President, Mr. Holmes ; nor can I omit to mention the
recent issue of his sumptuously beautiful guide to Epping Forest by our
Vice-President, Mr. E. North Buxton.
I think we may especially congratulate ourselves on the move we
partially effected into these more commodious premises, and also on two
important excursions made during the year into the more distant corners
of the county, that to Saffron Walden at Easter, and that to Colchester
in August. Several other localities suggest themselves for similar visits,
such as Southend, Rochford, Maldon, Braintree, Romford, or Brent-
wood, by which we may hope to demonstrate visibly to the residents
our interest in the county as a whole, and to enlist their assistance in
our work. I am myself peculiarly interested in this portion of our
operations, feeling, as I do, the immense importance to the progress of
science, even in her most wide and ambitious generalisations, of minutely
accurate local or topographical work, whether it be in the distribution
of atmospheric and subterranean temperatures, of barometric pressure,
of rainfall, of gravels or other superficial deposits, or of mere varieties
of plants or of animals, of flint implements or of earthworks. One of
the main functions of a local society must always be this work of
cataloguing, which, though it may seem commonplace, and a mere matter
of routine, is none the less useful, nay essential, to science. At the same
time, in order that they may approach completeness, it is inexpedient that
such local catalogues should be in any way hurried, so that I hope none
of our members will be surprised that we do not venture all at once to
issue a county fauna or flora, or a meteorological or anthropological
directory. Knowing, as I do, that your Council has fully in view the
many channels into which our abundant scientific energy can be directed
in the future, I will not delay longer on the affairs of the Club, except
to tender you my most sincere thanks for the honour you have done me
in twice electing me to this Chair, and for your kind forbearance and
support to me whilst occupying it; to specially thank the officers for
their assistance to me ; and to congratulate the Club on having secured
as their future President an eminent geologist and archaeologist, who
has shown himself so devoted to our interests as has my friend, Mr. T. V.
Holmes.
[The remainder of Prof. Boulger's Address was devoted to the con-
sideration of " The Life and Work of John Ray, and their Relation to the
Progress of Science," printed in vol. iv. Transactions E. F. 0., pp.
171-188.]
Mr. Meldola, in an eulogistic speech, moved " That the best thanks of
the Club be given to Prof. Boulger for his Address, and that the Mem-
bers and Council desire to put upon record their appreciation of the
services rendered by the retiring President to the Club in various ways
during the past two years."
This was seconded by Mr. T. V. Holmes, and carried by acclamation.
Prof. Boulger returned thanks.
Mr. White proposed, and Mr. F. H. Varley seconded, a vote of
thanks to the Officers, which was carried unanimously.
Mr. Cole and Mr. Lockyer acknowledged these courtesies.
Thanks were also given to the Auditors, Dr. Cory and Mr. R. Letch-
ford, and to Captain J. Lee, the Collector.
The usual conversazione concluded the meeting.