THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
FOUNDED JANUARY 10th, 1880.
Patron:
H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT AND STRATHEARN, K.G.
(Ranger of Epping Forest.)
President:
Edward A. Fitch, C.C, F.L.S., F.E.S., F.R.M.S.
Vice-Presidents:
Professor G S. Boulger, F.L.S., F.G.S.
E. N. Buxton, C.A., J.P., D.L., &c.
Walter Crouch, F.Z.S.
T. V. Holmes, F.G.S., M.A.I.
Henry Laver, M.R.C.S., F.S.A., F.L.S.
Professor R. Meldola, F.R.S., F.C.S , F.R.A.S., F.E.S., &c.
Right Hon. Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S., D.L., &c.
This Association, the only Scientific Society of like aims in Essex, was
founded for the study and investigation of the Natural History, Geology, and Pre-
historic Archeology of the County ; the publication of the results of such investi-
gations ; the formation of a Library of local and scientific works ; the formation
of a Museum to illustrate the natural productions of Essex ; and generally to aid
in the dissemination of practical knowledge of Natural Science and Antiquities.
A further very important object of the Society is to promote a reverence for the
natural features of the County, its Flora and Fauna, its numerous pre-historic
remains and other monuments, and to incite a desire to protect them from wanton
spoliation and injury.
The Ordinary (Scientific) Meetings are held about once a month
during the autumn, winter, and early spring, and in connection with these occa-
sional " Winter Meetings " are held in the larger towns in Essex—the after-
noons being devoted to an examination of the Museums, antiquities, and other
objects of interest, while in the evenings Ordinary Meetings of the Club will be
held for the reading of papers, notes, &c, and the exhibition of specimens,
especially such as may be of local interest.
Field Meetings are arranged during the summer months, and held in
various parts of the county, and elsewhere, for out-door observation under the
guidance of experienced Naturalists, Geologists, and Archaeologists. Other
Meetings of the National Museums, Lectures, &c, are arranged from time to
time.
In organising the Essex Field Club the main desire of the Founder was to
establish an Association which should be both popular and scientific, and which
should represent, from the point of view of its foundation, the whole County of
Essex ; to form a central body to which communications and specimens relating
to Essex and general Natural History, &c, might be sent for at least careful
consideration and discussion, so that the publications of the Society should in