THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
247
corresponding changes of the flora. Such sweeping changes cannot
have been local ; they must have affected wide areas."
A full list of the fossil remains found is given in the Report,
which is well illustrated by a map and two sections. The most
important section is one along the line of borings, the position of
each boring and the relations of the old silted-up channel of the
brickyard to the Boulder Clay being clearly shown. An appendix
gives details of the strata found in the twenty boreholes. In short,
the Committee in general, and Mr. Clement Reid in particular, are
to be congratulated on the thoroughly satisfactory way in which their
work has been done, and on the clear and decided conclusions
resulting from their labours. T. V. Holmes.
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
Field Meeting and 163RD Ordinary Meeting.
Saturday, October 31st, 1896.
Conductors—E. N. Buxton, Esq. (Verderer of Epping Forest) ; Prof. G. S.
Boulger, F.L.S., F.G.S.; and the Hon. Secretaries.
THIS was the first meeting since the summer, as the continued wet weather
during September and the greater part of October had prevented the
fixing of any outdoor gatherings. Even the Annual Fungus Meeting had been
postponed, waiting for better times, and was announced as intended to be held
in November. Fortunately the weather for the last two weeks in October showed
signs of improvement, and we, on the present occasion, were refreshed and
delighted with a really pleasant autumn afternoon.
The meeting was planned to afford members and others an opportunity of
viewing some of the best parts of the Forest in its autumnal dress, and judging
the effect of some of the forestal operations of the Conservators. Mr. Buxton
kindly undertook to conduct the party, and, at the several points of interest, to
demonstrate and explain the objects, nature, and ultimate effect of the work that
had been done in recent years.
The assembly was called at two o'clock at Epping Station, and the route in
its general direction was from Epping, across Bell Common (where Mr. Buxton
met the party), into Epping Thicks by the eastern side of Ambresbury Banks.
About this part several welcome views of the deer were obtained, and the sight of a
couple of bucks fighting, with interlocked antlers, was the occasion of much
interest.
A subject of frequent inquiry and remark was the astonishing number of
"Oak Spangles" (the galls of Neuroterus lenticularis) on the leaves left on the
trees and fallen to the ground. In very many instances the entire under-surfaces
of the leaves were completely hidden by the spangles, and the ground under the
oaks was covered with the galls fallen off the leaves. The pretty "silky button"
galls of N. numismalis were also numerous.