18 ESSEX FIELD CLUB YEARBOOK, 1908.
etc. Very many members could help in these departments, and the
Council hope that a generous and systematic response will be made to
the Curator's appeal, printed more than once on the wrapper of the Essex
Naturalist.
The Council desires again to express hearty appreciation of the aid
which the Municipal Technical Education Committee of West Ham
affords to the work in the Museum. In a few years' time, thanks to the
generous assistance given, the Museum bids fair to become the most
complete of its kind existing near London.
Publications.—Three parts of the Essex Naturalist were issued, and
the fourth part belonging to the year appeared early in 1907. The Council
is indebted to Mr. Francis W. Reader for the blocks illustrating his paper
on the "Pile-dwelling Site at Skitt's Hill"; to Mr. Chalkley Gould for
a contribution towards the cost of the blocks for his paper on "Straw-
Plaiting "; and to our President for furnishing the Map and other illus-
trations in his paper on "Salt-making in Essex."
The second volume of the Yearbook was duly published, containing
(among other illustrations) a portrait of our first President, Prof. R.
Meldola, F.R.S. It is intended to continue these portraits of Club
officials in future volumes. The Yearbook is, of course, a serious item
in our expenditure, but the Council thinks that its usefulness fully justifies
the expenditure.
Membership.—The plan for increasing the number of members out-
lined in the last Annual Report was carried out in the autumn. A State-
ment entitled The Essex Field Club: What it is; what it has done (1880-
1906) and what it wishes io do, was prepared by the President and Secre-
tary. Accompanied by a special letter, signed by the President, Treasurer,
and Secretary, about 500 copies have been sent to persons resident in the
County, asking them to join the Club as members. As a result, about
20 sent in their names and it is anticipated that others will follow. A
copy of the Statement has also been sent to every member of the Club,
asking each to obtain a recruit. The result will be anticipated eagerly,
as the great need of the Club is a steady influx of good and stable
members.
Financial.—Mr. Howard's Statement is printed on page 19. It will
be seen that part of the deficit on the General Account has been paid off,
and this will be still further reduced as the subscriptions of the recently-
elected new members are received. The items of expenditure for printing
the Yearbook and appealing for new members will not be so heavy in
future years.
President.—The Council had very great pleasure in recommending
the re-election of Mr. Christy as President. Mr. Christy has shown
during his years of office, and by excellent work since he joined the Club
as an Original Member in 1880, how sincerely he has the welfare of the
Club at heart.