2 2 A REPORT ON THE FLOWERING PLANTS
blade about nine inches long, and one in thickness, and rounded at
the end; the opposite end or handle terminating with a circular
knob, like an ordinary poker. They were so much corroded that it
was difficult to come to a correct conclusion as to their original thick-
ness; but they had no indication of ever having been sharp at the
sides or at the point." We understand that these weapons are now
in the Essex and Chelmsford Museum.—Ed.]
A REPORT ON THE FLOWERING PLANTS
GROWING IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF
COLCHESTER.
BY J. C. SHENSTONE, F.R.M.S.
More than twenty years have passed since the publication of
Gibson's "Flora of Essex"—a period sufficiently long to allow of
changes in the vegetation of the county. Many of Gibson's plants
have been lost sight of, and others, previously overlooked, have been
found. I therefore venture to place before the Members of the
Essex Field Club some notes on the botanical work accomplished
in one important district of the county in recent years.
I regret that I am able to devote but little time to my favourite
pursuit, and the following notes are, therefore, far from complete;
but I thought it best to submit them to the Club as a record
of my work so far, and, as opportunity occurs, to extend them
hereafter.
Reference to Professor Boulger's map of his proposed division of
Esssex into floral districts (Trans. Essex F. Club, vol. ii., plate vi.)
will show that Colchester is conveniently placed for the study of the
eastern portions of the districts 5 and 6; and if a line be drawn
through those districts from Bures to Mark's Hall, the parts of the
county in which my work has been done will be included in the
eastern areas of the above districts. I have naturally worked the
immediate neighbourhood of the town most thoroughly, but in the
case of a few rare plants I have recorded habitats situated beyond
the above defined boundaries.
Gibson's "Flora" is taken as the basis of my work, and I have
frequently been much struck by its accuracy and completeness. I