THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
105
At the gravel pit, which now extends over an acre, the sections were examined,
and a paper read by Mr. Monckton, "On the Gravels near Barkingside, Wanstead,
and Walthamstow," treating on River-gravel in general, and these and similar
deposits, which had been carefully noted both by Mr. Monckton and Mr. T. V.
Holmes, F.G.S. (Mr. Monckton's paper is printed in the present number, pp. 115-
120.) Time, however, would not allow of a visit to the latter sections. The gravel-pit
on the south side of Wanstead Park forms part of the parish sewage farm. These
sections of gravel and sand lie much lower, and a quantity of London Clay occurs.
On this ground the new Cottage Hospital for Wanstead Parish is now
being erected.
Mr. Crouch remarked that the greater part of the gravel and sand had been
excavated during the past few years, for the construction of the roads and
buildings of the new Middlesex Lunatic Asylum at Claybury, about two miles
away. A note of this was given by Mr. Crouch, at the Field Meeting in Hainault
Forest, in 1891 (vide Essex Naturalist, vol. v., p. 184), and the Asylum was
opened on 17th June last. He also pointed out the spot where, during the
excavations, a quantity of old pottery and other remains had been found, which
he would exhibit and remark upon at the evening meeting (see below).
A few words on the parish were also given by the Rev. W. S. Lach-Szyrma .
the vicar.
The members then passed into the garden at Carswell, where the members
had an opportunity of examining the fine pair of Pallas's sand grouse (Syrrhaptes
paradoxus), shot there out of a covey of sixteen in June, 1888, during the
extraordinary irruption of these rare and singular birds (see Essex Naturalist
for 1888, vol. ii., p. 63). Here also Mr. Hatton had provided some light refreshment,
in the shape of wine and fruit and biscuits, which proved exceedingly welcome,
owing to the intense heat of the day ; and for this, and permission to visit the
pit, a vote of thanks was duly passed on the motion of Professor Meldola.
After a rest the walk was continued up the downs, where other good views
were seen over Wanstead Park, Ilford, Shooter's Hill, etc. Not far off is the
curious triangular tower, erected by Sir Charles Raymond, of Valentines, in 1765,
as a mausoleum, but never consecrated. For years it was called "Raymond's
Folly," but is now generally known as Ilford Castle. It stands on the old
estate of Highlands. The roof is now in bad condition, and scarcely safe for a
party to ascend.
The return to Wanstead was made by field-path and road, past the Rectory
to Little Blake Hall, where by the kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton-
Barnes, the usual high tea was served on the lawn, under the shelter of the
fine trees.
The aviaries here, containing a large number of peacocks (including specimens
of the white variety), golden pheasants, foxes, monkeys, etc., claimed a great
deal of attention. Amongst the trees, many of which are lofty and well grown,
perhaps the most noticeable is a good specimen of the Gingko or maidenhair
tree (Salisburia adiantifolia). This tree is not often seen, though one, which
many years ago grew close to Ham House, may still be seen in West Ham Park.
An Ordinary Meeting of the Club (the 140th) was subsequently held in the
drawing-room, Prof. R. Meldola, F.R.S. (Vice-President), in the chair.
The following were elected Members of the Club :—Messrs. H. Havelock
Brown, M.B., and Joseph Wheatley and Miss E. M. Bruton.