THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
255
may spread themselves or even become dominant in certain localities. This last
effect may be seen in Epping Forest in the great increase of birch trees in late
years.
Mr. W. Cole gave a demonstration of the two kinds of oak-galls, which were
to be observed so plentifully on the trees. One was the well-known "oak-apple ''
(Teras terminalis), the sexual generation of the root-gall Biorhiza aptera, found
in the winter on the rootlets of the oak. The other was the currant-gall on the
catkins (Spathegaster baccarum), the sexual gall of the oak-spangle found on the
under side of the leaves from July to September. Mr. Cole gave a sketch of the
life-histories of these, and the extraordinary dimorphism or "alternation of
generations," which are so well illustrated by the two dual species of Cynipidae
under consideration, (The reader is referred to Mr. Lewis' paper in volumes
XII. and XIII. of the Essex Naturalist.)
Tea was taken in a tent, erected in Monk Wood by the kind permission of
Mr. McKenzie, the Superintendent of the Forest, and afterwards the 246th
Ordinary Meeting was held under the chairmanship of the President.
New Members.—Mr. F. McArthur Moir (Indian Forest Service), Deoban,
Lexden Road, Colchester, and Mr. George Cross, Lee Wick, St. Osyth, were
elected members.
Mr. Skan then continued his remarks on certain curious structures in plants
having an oecological bearing. On the motion of the President a cordial vote of
thanks was passed to him for his services at the meeting.
After some formal business and the announcement of the meeting of the
Photographic Survey of the Club at Colchester on June 23rd, the members
strolled through the woods to Loughton.
INSPECTION OF HAINHAULT FOREST.
Saturday, June 9TH, 1906.
This meeting took place under very favourable conditions. The forest was
entered by the road from Hainhault station. At the gate of the woods the parly
was met by Mr. Francis Dent, who very kindly acted as Conductor during the
afternoon. Great regret was expressed at the absence of Mr. E. N. Buxton, who
was unavoidably summoned to town for business connected with the Education
Committee. Much interesting inhumation as to the work being carried out was
given by Head-keeper Jones, who takes much care of the developing plantations.
Demonstrations were given in various parts of the recovered lands by Mr.
Dent, and also by Mr. T. S. Dymond, F.I.C., F.C.S., who had advised Mr.
Buxton during the operations of laying down the land for grass, etc.
Everyone was pleased to notice the marked improvement since the visit last
year, but several members were somewhat surprised at finding cattle roaming over
all the lands, plantations as well as the open. It is obvious that a natural wood-
land can never grow while this system obtains. Our member, Mr. McArthur
Moir, late of the Imperial Indian Forest Service, and Mr. W. Cole, from his
knowledge of what has happened in Epping Forest, were very emphatic in their
condemnation of the policy apparently being pursued in this regard.
Tea was taken in a tent erected on Cabin Hill, by kind permission of the
London County Council. Afterwards an Ordinary Meeting (the 247th) was
held, Mr. Miller Christy, F.L.S., President, in the chair.