202 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
because it is decidedly better, after making a little headway, to confine one-
self for certain periods to particular groups of plants, the Umbelliferae not
presenting the difficulties of Grasses, Sedges, Roses, Brambles, and Willows,
yet require a fair amount of attention if we would know them well.
Then followed :
Description of a typical plant.
Distribution of Umbellifers.
Number of British Genera and Species.
The minute structure and development of flower.
Insect visitors, pollination.
The fruit, minute structure of, as an aid to classification.
Seed distribution.
The whole illustrated by Herbarium specimens and micro-preparations of
fruits.
Mr. Paulson concluded with a few remarks upon some of the more inter-
esting Essex species of the Order. As regards Essex Umbellifera one cannot
omit to mention the Genus Bupleurum. Of the four species of this genus
found in Great Britain, three are found among Essex plants. Bupleurum
tenuissimum, L., is a characteristic plant along many of the sea-walls of the
county, notably at Burnham-on-Crouch. Then there is :
B. fulcatum, L., found between Ongar and Chelmsford, and B. rotundifolium,
L , in many cornfields.
Coriandrum occurs occasionally in fields about Burnham-on-Crouch, as well as
at its old station.
Torilis infesta, Curtis, is quite a weed in some of the cornfields in the
Forest area.
In Gibson's "Flora of Essex," 28 Genera and 47 species of Umbelliferae are
recorded, and we may at least claim for the Forest 27 species actually existing at
the present time.
Both Mr. Paulson and the Secretary explained the object of the Demonstration
as being the first of a series which the Council had sanctioned, with the object of
rendering the Field Meetings more interesting and instructive. It was pointed
out that one of the main objects of the Club is the encouragement of what
used to be termed "Natural History," and, in fulfilment of that object, an
endeavour would be made to provide practical demonstration in the field on branches
of Natural History and Geology, supplemented by expositions at the meeting-
place at the end of the ramble. In some cases the Demonstrations on any
particular subject would extend over two or more meetings.
Members were particularly requested to observe that these proposed demon-
strations would not interfere with the ordinary features of the Field Meetings, but
would be in addition thereto. They will, it was hoped, afford that practical
information and hints for field-work which so many members have desired to
receive. It was anticipated that some members would thus be encouraged to
collect for the Club's Museums ; but a serious word of caution must be given — "do
not collect unless you have a real object in so doing."
Mr. Cole, in making these announcements on behalf of the Council, trusted that
in thus endeavouring to meet a general desire they would be encouraged, by full