COUNTESS OF WARWICK'S RECEPTION. 179
The flora of this part of the forest appeared to be exceeding rich and
varied, but the Conductor's urgent whistle prevented any real collecting
being done. Everyone was charmed with the rich expanse of the growth of
one or two species of St. John's Wort (Hypericum). Orchis pyramidalis was
seen, and Cynoglossum was again much in evidence (see a short list of the
Forest plants at p. 222 of vol. iv., E.N.)
Leaving the Forest, the party drove to Easton Lodge, through Takeley-
street on the Roman-road ("Stane-street") from Colchester to St. Albans.
The fine avenue through which the long road runs from the park gates to the
house was greatly admired. The park is beautiful, with fine trees, great herds
of deer, myriads of rabbits, and abundance of birds. Turning a bend, the
visitors found themselves in front of the house, a building of much dignity
and beauty. It was built in 1595 in the Elizabethan style. In 1847 a large
portion of the centre of the mansion was destroyed by fire, but was afterwards
rebuilt at a cost of £10,000. At the east end is a chapel built by William,
Lord Maynard, in 1621. The house contains some good portraits of the
lords of Easton, painting of Charles I. by Vandyke, and others by Sir Joshua
Reynolds, Sc. The views from the mansion are very fine, and the park
comprises 1,200 acres, containing a beautiful lake and some grand timber.
The church, probably a 13th century structure, stands in the park, and
contains some notable monuments, e.g. Sir Henry Maynard (1610), secretary
to Lord Burleigh ; Isabella of York and her husband, Henry Bourchier, Earl
of Essex (1483). Also a brass of Robert Fyn, a priest, in his vestments,
(1420). Roman remains have been found in the neighbourhood.
The party of nearly five score guests were welcomed with graceful
cordiality by Lady Warwick in the gardens at the north side of the house.
A sumptuous luncheon was served in a large marquee erected in the grounds.
Lady Warwick presided at the repast, and at the conclusion the President
and Professor Meldola appropriately acknowledged the hospital reception of
the Club. The Countess of Warwick expressed her pleasure at seeing the
party and her regret that Lord Warwick was away from home and therefore
unable to welcome the guests. She hoped that the members would make the
best use of their time in the grounds during their stay, and invited those
interested in education to accompany her in the afternoon on a visit to her
Technical School at Bigods farm.
On the lawn on the north side of the mansion—a lawn from which a
commanding prospect delighted the eye, the splendid woodland scenery of
the Chelmer Valley stretching away far into the. hazy distance where the
slender spire of Thaxted Church (the "Cathedral of Essex") could just be
seen peering over the distant trees—was a charming and spacious tent, beside
which a stately cedar of Lebanon kept guard. In this drawing-room tent the
company assembled, and there the 171st Ordinary Meeting of the Club was
held, the Countess being present with Lady Margery Neville during the
proceedings.
The President (Mr. David Howard) occupied the chair. The following
were elected members :—Mr. C. C. Buck, Mr. H. J. Kimble, Mr. Henry
Laming, Mr. Thomas Ryley, Mrs. M. Robinson, and Mr. A. Godfrey Wells.
In a few words the President introduced the subject which had been set
down for the special consideration of the Meeting, viz. :—"The Protection
of our Native Fauna and Flora from the Destruction and Actual
Extermination which now threaten many interesting Species."