180 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
stonework so as to reproduce the tower as nearly as possible in its details and
dimensions. This tower is very similar to that of Great St. Mary's, Cambridge,
and may have been constructed originally by the same builders ; it forms a
striking feature in the landscape and especially so when seen from Shortgroves
Park.
Quitting the church, the ramble was continued along the lanes and across the
fields to Quendon Hall. Although there were gleams of bright sunshine the
weather was very cold, with a keen north wind blowing, bringing snow storms at
intervals. No plants were in blossom, with the exception of a few primroses in
sheltered nooks here and there, and of course insects were absent. In the hedge-
rows Mr. Crouch and others found a few Helices :—Helix aspersa, H. nemoralis,
H, hortensis, H. rufescens (deep reddish-brown in colour), H. rotundata, H.
hispida and H. cantiana. Also Hyalinia (Zonites) cellaria, and some glassy shells
of Vitrina pellucida.
In the park we were met by our kind host, Col. A. M. Cranmer-Byng, and a
very pleasant stroll was taken in the finely wooded domain. The herd of deer was
much admired ; it was stated to have been maintained in the park for over 200
years. A buck and doe in the herd are pure white. Some of the trees in the park
are very fine ; two oaks were measured, one was 17 feet 3 inches, and the other 20
feet 2 inches in girth about 3 feet from the ground. Col. Cranmer-Byng pointed
out a tumulus in the park, which appears to be well worthy of careful examina-
tion, and some very curious depressions or pits, which occasionally make their
appearance in the fields without warning, and are consequently dangerous. Some
discussion took place as to their nature, whether natural swallow-holes in the
chalk, or whether they owe their origin to excavations of the nature of Dene-holes.
The hope was expressed that some investigations might be carried out in order to
solve the question.
Quendon Hall is of considerable antiquity. Although portions have been
pulled down and altered, it still has a striking appearance. The present south
front is pretty well known to be the work of Wyatt, but it is not in character with
the original design of the mansion. A long and wide gallery on the chamber
floor extends the whole length of the hall front, west to east, and the rooms
entered from this gallery have glazed double doors of Georgian character. The
hall contains much fine oak panelling, old china, and good paintings, including a
portrait of Archbishop Cranmer, by Holbein. At the back of the house is a mag-
nificent avenue of limes.
At the mansion the party (a large one) received a most cordial welcome from
Colonel and Mrs. Cranmer-Byng and members of the family, who did all in their
power to make the visit a pleasant one. Luncheon was served in the fine dining
hall, and, although owing to want of time the Ordinary Meeting intended to have
been held in the hall was postponed until evening, on the motion of Mr. Fitch, as
President, a most hearty vote of thanks was passed to our kind host and hostess
by acclamation. Col. Cranmer-Byng replied, and shortly afterwards the party
left for a walk to Rickling for the purpose of seeing the very interesting church
(All Saints) principally of very early date (parts being supposed to be Saxon) but
which is of mixed styles, having experienced many alterations and additions. The
Rood-screen is of late "first-pointed" style of very good detail. The pulpit dates
from pre-reformation periods ; the chancel has a oaken roof, and there is a modern
reredos both of fine Flemish work. On the quoins about the chancel and on its
priest's south-doorway are incised mediaeval scrolls and lettering, also a curious