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THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
and pp. 245—247). The details of the scheme of re-afforestation were also
explained in a paper, "A New Forest of Waltham," in the same volume,
ante pp. 25—29.
At the former meetings some elements of uncertainty existed concerning the
acquisition of the lands, but on the present occasion this had passed away, and
the visitors rambled through the Forest filled with the inspiriting thought that
they were traversing the grandest addition to our open spaces since the rescue of
the Epping woodlands.
Quite a large number of members and friends attended the meeting, reaching
the ground from the new Grange Hill Station, and assembling at the entrance to
the Recreation Ground at Chigwell Row, this ground being a portion of the old
forest. In the pond here the botanists were astonished to find abundance of an
American aquatic plant, Azolla, floating in the water (see report of meeting on
November 26th). Whilst traversing this ground one could not but be struck with
the abundance of the dwarf furze (Ulex minus), which is by no means a common
plant in the Epping Forest district.
At a point on the road leading to Romford, about 300 yards below Chigwell
Church, the party entered the gate to the woodland known as "Ethelstone's
Forest," and here Mr. Buxton took the conductorship. The ramble covered the
whole extent of Lambourne Forest, making for Cabin Hill, and then across the
newly recovered land of Foxborough's Farm, now being replanted under Mr.
Buxton's advice and superintendence. In the woods the most noticeable plants
were the handsome Wood-Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides) and the edible
"Earth-nut," Conopodium denudatum (=Bunium flexuosum, With.) which were
in great plenty in many places.
At the replanted grounds Mr. Buxton gave some informal demonstrations, and
we were favoured with the company of Prof. W. R. Fisher, of Cooper's Hill, one
of the great authorities on Forestry, and of Mr. J. Groves, F.L.S., the well-known
British botanist. The following observations are compiled from Mr. Buxton's
and Prof. Fisher's notes :—
The London County Council is in possession of the forestal part of the
Hainhault lands, including that portion lying within Chigwell parish, now for the
first time thrown open to the public. Foxburrows Farm and Colonel Lockwood's
arable land, comprising about 550 acres, hitherto under the plough, will not be
ready for public use for at least a year. The London County Council have
entrusted to Mr. Buxton the task of laying down this arable land in grass, and
planting or sowing portions to produce thickets. About 400 acres have already-
been sown with grass, which in most cases is doing exceedingly well. From 60
to 70 acres, comprised in about twenty-five patches of various sizes, have been
sown with forest seeds or planted with oak, hornbeam, birch, holly, maple, ash,
whitethorn, blackthorn, bramble, dog-rose, brake-fern, broom, gorse and crab.
These patches, which are naturally disposed on the slopes of the higher ground,
appear to be making good progress. It will be noticed that nothing is admitted
but trees or bushes indigenous to the forest.
Mr. Buxton explained that his aim was not to reproduce a wood all over this
land, but rather an upland down with scattered thickets on it, as is the case with
so many commons in the home counties. It is hoped that these thickets, which
are at present necessarily protected, may ultimately be thrown open.
In his observations, Professor Fisher was of opinion that there would not be
much difficulty with wooded portions of the area. They consist of dense masses