THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
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Mersea. These included some wedge-shaped pieces of pottery almost exactly
similar to those used at the Doulton Works at the present day, and some
"shovel-handle" shaped pieces of baked clay which further confirm the theory
that the mounds mark the site of pottery works. There were also numerous
pieces of finished pottery, some plain, some ornamented, showing by their form
that the potter's wheel had been in use.
Dr. Henry Laver believed the "red hills" to be of much greater antiquity
than was generally supposed, and mentioned that Celtic, pottery had been dug out
of one at Mersea. He pointed out that a complete knowledge of these
mysterious remains was impossible until a thorough investigation of them had
taken place, and suggested that application might be made to the British Associa-
tion for a grant to help the work of exploration.
Mr. T. V. Holmes, Mr. C. E. Benham, and other members took part in the
discussion. A few fragments of pottery were found, probably brought up to the
surface by the rabbits, but time did not permit of any actual excavation work.
On returning to the Virley "White Hart" the brake was again occupied,
and the return journey was accomplished through Layer Breton and Birch,
where the party were most hospitably received by Mr. Douglass Hound and by
the Right Hon. James Round, M.P. (an original member of the Club), at the
Hall, where the magnificent Wellingtonia, the vineries, and other objects of
interest in the grounds were pointed out by Mr. Round. The old church ruin
near the Hall was also visited, after which Mr. Round hospitably provided tea,
which was a welcome refreshment for the visitors, on behalf of whom the
President of the Club gracefully thanked the right hon. member.
The return train to London at 6.52 was duly reached, and so ended yet
another very successful field-meeting in the Colchester district.
VISIT TO LAMBOURNE FOREST.
Saturday, June 6th, 1903.
The object of the meeting was to explore the Lambourne Forest, which
forms an important part of Mr. Buxton's scheme for the re-afforestation of
Hainhault. The visit last year, on June 14th, was marred by bad weather, and
it was thought that the Members would be glad of an opportunity of inspecting
at least a portion of the lands which are now practically secured and which will
form such a grand addition to our natural open spaces. A sketch of the work of
restoration was given in the April part of the Essex Naturalist (ante pp.
25-29.)
The party assembled at the Grange Hill Station on the new railway from
Woodford to Ilford, at about three o'clock. The walk was up Grange Hill to
Chigwell Row, and across the Recreation Ground to that part of the recovered
lands marked on the sketch-map as the "54 acres "field. Here the Forest
keeper met the party, and shortly afterwards Mr. E. N. Buxton, who had come
up specially from the educational meeting at Colchester to Romford, and cycled
thence to the rendezvous to act as "Conductor," where his company was heartily
welcomed.
A very pretty rambling route was then followed through the older woodlands
to Cabin Plain, and so on to the open lands of Fox Burrows Farm. Here Mr.