will be included in a separate collection), and by large plates of dissections from
Oliver's "Botany" (of which a copy to "cut up"' has been kindly presented by
the publishers, Messrs. Chapman and Hall). Eventually all the Forest plants will
be exhibited in folding frames. The Museum also contains a fine set of the Forest
Rubi or Brambles, presented by Mr. J. T. Powell.
The Insects are so exceedingly numerous (far exceeding all the other Forest
animals and plants put together) that a portion only can be shown until suitable
view, cabinets are obtained. A representative collection of the Lepidoptera is on
and a series of specimens of the Transformations of Insects, an Educational
Set explaining the main characteristics of all the Orders of Insects, and a collection
of Galls are in hand. The specimens are mainly from the collection of Messrs.
W. and B. G. Cole, but valuable aid has been given by Mr. J. A. Clark, Mr.
Oldham, and Mr. Coales.
The Forest Land and Freshwater Shells (Mollusca) are put fully in evidence
in Mr. Walter Crouch's collection, and also by his coloured, drawings of the
minuter forms.
It is intended eventually to exhibit short sets of all the Invertebrate Animals
inhabiting the Forest and the Rivers and Streams of the district.
Turning to the Vertebrate Fauna, the Snakes, Lizards, and Amphibia
will soon be on view. An almost complete collection of the Eggs of Birds known
to nest, or to have nested, on the Forest is shown.* A series of wood-cuts from Mr.
Howard Saunders' "British Birds" of all the species recorded for the district further
illustrates this subject. The Bird collection is very incomplete at present, but some
very interesting specimens of rare Forest Birds are shown, principally lent by Mr.
J. A. Clark, Mr. Crouch, Mr. H. Day, and Mr. Hatton.
But few Mammalia are yet ready for exhibition, but this division will be
taken in hand as soon as possible, and it is also intended to fully illustrate the
interesting dark race of Fallow Deer which have inhabited the Forest from time
immemorial.
On the staircase are shown some useful maps, and various views of the
Forest, geological sections, plans, &c., presented by Mr. H. A. Cole, Mr. T. V.
Holmes, Mr. Winstone, Mr. Stanford, Mr. Waller, the Epping Forest Committee,
and others.
Several of the above series are not yet completed and illustrated,
but by the Spring we hope to have them all in order.
In conclusion we desire to ask for the cordial support of all
interested in the Forest. Every rambler in our delightful woodlands
should feel it his or her duty to aid our Local Forest Museum.
WILLIAM COLE,
November 2nd, 1895.
Hon. Curator.
All inquiries should be addressed to Mr. W. Cole, 7, Knighton
Villas, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.
* This is a representative set compiled from the Club's general collection; and largely
aided by a gift of some hundreds of specimens from Mr. G. E. Vaughan.