132 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
cusped, and once had a finial on the top, but is now in a dilapidated con-
dition ; it appears to be of Decorated date."
Owing to some mistake, we were unfortunately unable to enter the
church. By the way, it always strikes the lay mind as singular that some
churches should be kept securely locked up. Judging from experiences in
very many places, the doors may be safely left on latch—a goodly custom to
be followed. A shut-up church is such an anomaly in a Christian laud ! and,
further, is a grave detriment and grievous discouragement to those who, like
the present writer, always make for the old ivy-clad church in coming to a
strange village, as presenting in its crumbling walls and antique monuments
the best epitome of the historical associations of the place :—
" I love the ever-open door
That welcomes to the house of God !
I love the wide-spread marble floor,
By every foot in freedom trod ! "
John Kenyon.
Mr. Holmes and Mr. Rous then led the party by an enchanting series of
bye-paths and field-paths, commanding extensive and varied views, and
affording much entertainment in the rich and abundant flora. In one field
the rare and beautiful Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia) was not uncommon.
In another we found plenty of the elegant Quaking-Grass (Briza media), and
plenty of the Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus crista-galli) in seed. The hedgerows
were of a very mixed nature, and the cursory view we had of the country gave
us a high opinion of its richness as a field for botanical exploration. Of the
insects we cannot speak, as there were practically none—we but repeated the
experience that everyone has obtained of this otherwise charming summer—
from some cause, in Essex, at least, during the summer, insects are unusually
scarce. At Rayleigh village, at the invitation of the Rector, we visited the
Church (Holy Trinity), which is of flint and stone, and chiefly Perpendicular.
There is a grand Tudor porch, partly ivy-clad. In the south-chapel is a fine
Decorated carved altar-tomb of the 14th century. The Rector also con-
ducted the party over his pretty garden, in which are some very fine trees.
Tea was taken at the "Crown Hotel," Rayleigh, and an Ordinary
Meeting (the 169th) was afterwards held, Prof. R. Meldola, F.R.S.,
Vice-President, in the chair.
The following were elected members of the Club ;—
Miss M. E. Atkins, West Ham High School; Mr. Gerald Buxton, J.P.,
Birch Hall, Theydon Bois ; Rev. W. Claxton, M.A., The Vicarage, Navestock ;
Mr. Dennis Coales, King's Head Hill, Chingford ; Mr. Cecil Schwartz, Ivy
House, Woodford Green ; Mr. S. Arthur Sewell, F.R.H.S., F.R.G.S., Maple-
stead, Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill; Dr. H. C. Sorby, LL.D., F.R.S.,
F.L.S., &c., Broomfield, Sheffield ; Mr. H. B. Yerburgh, Bramston, Epping.
Prof. Meldola announced the fact that the bronze Statue to the late Sir
Richard Owen, F.R.S., who had been one of the Hon. Members of the Club,
had been placed in the Hall of the Natural History Museum. The Club had
been one of the subscribers to the Fund (see "Notes").
Prof. Meldola also announced that the Countess of Warwick had invited
the Club to Easton Lodge on July 21st.
Mr. Cole exhibited living larvae of the Coast Lackey Moth (Clisiocampa
castrensis), and made some remarks on the habits of the moth and its
occurrence on the East Coast (see "Notes").