INTRODUCTION. 5
to believe that the only two stragglers of this species
should have come under one observer's notice. An
interesting paper on the Bats of Epping Forest, by the
late Edward Newman, F.L.S., is reprinted in Essex
Naturalist (vol. ix., pp. 134-138).
No reference will be made in this list to extinct
British Mammals. The number of these which our
present conditions of climate would suit is very small,
and investigations concerning them, however interest-
ing, give little help in determining the geographical
distribution of the Fauna of to-day. It may be
mentioned, however, in passing, that the only extinct
British Mammals of whose existence in Essex we have
any direct proof, are the Wild Swine, the Wolf, and
possibly, the Beaver.
The following interesting historical reference to the
first-named animal, the Wild Boar, was contributed
by Mr. Charles K. Probert, of Newport, Essex, to
The Essex Note-Book and Suffolk Gleaner (Colchester,
Oct. and Nov., 1885, p. 136). His information was
derived from a manuscript among the muniments of
Colne Priory, which contains the following passage :
" The Survaye of the Lordshipps and Manors of
Erles Colne and Colne Priory, parcel of the posses-
sions of Roger Harlakenden, Esq., made in Anno
Dni. 1598, by Israel Amyse, Esq.
" Chalkny Wood conteineth 168a. 3r. 28p. This