PREFACE.
The present volume completes the Old Series of the 'Trans-
actions' and 'Proceedings' of the Essex Field Club, bringing
up the reports to January 29th, 1887, after which date 'The
Essex Naturalist' (the present organ of the Club) was com-
menced.
The Club was founded on January 10th, 1880, and its first
publication was the Inaugural Address delivered by Mr. R.
Meldola, on February 28th, 1880. This was published as a
distinct pamphlet, and it also formed pp. 1-20 of Volume I. of
'The Transactions of the Epping Forest and County of Essex
Naturalists' Field Club,' of which Part I. appeared in Septem-
ber, 1880, and the following parts at irregular intervals. With
Volume III. the shorter title of 'The Transactions of the Essex
Field Club' was adopted, in accordance with the change in the
title of the Club. In the first three volumes, the 'Transac-
tions' and 'Proceedings' had but one title-page, although
with distinct pagination ; but, in order to facilitate editing, it
was resolved to separate them, and Volume IV. of the 'Trans-
actions' and the present volume of 'Proceedings' were so
issued. In January, 1887, however, the publications were finally
combined in 'The Essex Naturalist.' the scope of which was
indicated in a note inserted in Volume IV. of the 'Trans-
actions.'
Owing to various circumstances, pages lxxxi. and onward of
the present volume were not actually published until 1892, and
consequently in compiling them the Editor has frequently
been enabled to make reference to papers, etc., issued after the
dates of the particular meetings reported.