156 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.—REPORTS OF MEETINGS.
The Rector replied in a very humorous speech, and alluded with much
feeling to the friendships which had begun at the first field-meeting, and which
had been maintained for a quarter of a century.
The company left by the 5.42 train from Audley End, and the ease with which
the several journeys homewards were made was a demonstration of the
possibilities of holding enjoyable meetings on Bank Holidays.
[It came as a great shock to all who were present, and indeed to all old
members of the Club, to hear of Mr. Barnes' death shortly afterwards.
He was evidently very weak at the meeting, but with his usual spirit and good
nature exerted himself to welcome the Club, and the visit to the Rectory will
long remain a pleasant, if sad, remembrance with many of us.]
SPRING RAMBLE IN EPPING FOREST, AND 239th
ORDINARY MEETING.
Saturday, June 3rd, 1905.
On this afternoon one of the usual spring rambles took place in Epping
Forest. The party assembled at Theydon Bois Station at 3.30 p.m. The route
was over Piercing Hill to the spot formerly known as Blackheath. Here is a
plantation, principally of Larch, Scotch-pine, and Spanish chestnut, planted more
than 20 years ago by the late Major McKenzie, the then Superintendent of the
Forest. Mr. S. A. Skane (assistant in the Herbarium Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew), kindly acted as Botanical Conductor, and made some remarks on the
trees here. Prof. Primrose McConnell also spoke on the growth of these trees,
and on the prospects of Forestry in Essex. The ramble was then continued
through Epping Thicks, and so on to Ambresbury Banks, botanical observation
occupying attention, and Mr. Skan gave many lecturettes on the plants gathered.
Near Ambresbury Banks another detachment of members coming from Chingford
joined the party.
Tea was taken at the "Wake Arms," and afterwards an Ordinary Meeting
(the 239th) was held, Prof. R. Meldola, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the chair.
Mr. George Chambers, 29, Buxton Road, Chingford, was elected a member.
The Chairman congratulated the members on the very pleasant afternoon's
ramble, and at his request Mr. Skan gave an interesting and discursive address,
touching on many botanical problems suggested by the plants gathered. He had
had brought from Kew some specimens presenting special features, and explained
their peculiarities.
Prof. Meldola, during some remarks, exhibited two moths taken that afternoon,
Enclidia mi and Venilia maculata.
The homeward ramble was through Monk's Woods to Loughton, Mr.
Skan's botanical expositions being continued on the way. The weather was
delightful, and rendered the simple forest walk very enjoyable.
Whitsun Monday, Junr 12th, 1905.
An excellent meeting had been planned for this day—to meet at Chelmsford,
explore the Danbury district, and to visit Mr. and Mrs. Briscoe at Little Baddow.
After the issue of the circular the weather broke and continued exceedingly
stormy and unsettled, right up to the day of meeting, Very few names having
been sent in, at the last moment the President and Secretaries decided with
great reluctance to abandon the meeting.