COAL UNDER SOUTH-EASTERN ENGLAND. 213
On the resumption of the voyage, the first object to attract notice was the
growth of Mimulus luteus, L., on the banks of the river. The appearance was
remarkable ; the botanists had been told by the Secretary that the plant was
spreading, but they appeared scarcely prepared for the glorious edge of gold
given to the river margins for a considerable distance. No one could thoroughly
appreciate this except from a barge, or boat, in mid-stream.
During the afternoon occasion was taken by Mr. W. Cole to give a demonstra-
tion on some curious points connected with the life-histories of various aquatic
insects which occur in the river, his explanations being illustrated by specimens.
An account of the aquatic insects noticed on this and other occasions is deferred
until another occasion, when the list may be more complete.
Mr. Paulson also gave an exposition of the plants collected.
Tea was served on board, accompanied by a plentiful supply of strawberries,
from Mr. J. B. Clark's Fruit Farm at Braughing, Herts.
The last halt, just above Cheshunt, gave an opportunity for searching the
meadows and ditches in the neighbourhood for plants and shells.
Amongst many commoner Mollusca, Mr. Webb secured specimens of Helix
arbustorum and Vertigo pygmaea.
A complete list of the plants observed could not be easily made on such
an excursion, where the experts were fully employed in naming and answering the
questions of inquirers, but those who took an active part in collecting had a most
favourable opportunity of seeing the typical plants of a riverside flora in June,
The following plants were exhibited on deck during the afternoon, in addition to
those mentioned above : Malva rotundifolia, L. ; Malva sylvestris, L.; Nastur-
tium amphibium, R. Br. ; Epilobium parviflorum, Schreb ; Symphytum officinale, L. ;
Myosotis palustris, Relh. ; Veronica anagallis-aqualica, L. ; Scutellaria galericulata,
L. ; Iris pseudacorus, L. ; Phalaris arundinacea, L ; Deschampsia caespitosa, Beauv.;
Briza media, L. ; Glyceria aquatica, Sm. ; Glyceria fluitans, R. Br., and Scirpus
lacustris.
Major Flower was heartily cheered when he left the barge, and acknowledg-
ment was made of the services of the other Conductors, to whose exertions a most
pleasant and profitable day was so largely due. The voyage terminated at
Waltham, whence, after a visit to the Abbey, some of the members took train
to town, and others drove back to Loughton, Chingford, and Buckhurst Hill.
COAL UNDER SOUTH-EASTERN ENGLAND.
BORINGS IN SEARCH OF COAL IN SUFFOLK AND ESSEX.
THE following notes are in continuation of the reports by Mr. T.
V. Holmes, F.G.S., and Mr. W. Whitaker, F.R.S., published
in The Essex Naturalist, vol. viii., pp. 142-150, and may be taken
as bringing our information on the subject up to the date of publica-
tion (October, 1896). Further particulars will be given as the work
at Weeley, Essex, proceeds.