104 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB—REPORTS OF
MEETINGS.
SPRING LANE AND FOREST RAMBLE, AND 273rd
ORDINARY MEETING.
Saturday, 22nd May 1909.
THE weather had at last become genial, and it was feasible to commence the
season's excursions with the usual spring ramble to gather the members
together after a long hibernation. The assembly place at 3 o'clock was Chig-
well Lane Station, and the walk was along lanes and field-paths to Theydon
Bois. The conductors were Mr. R. Paulson, F.R.M.S., the President, and the
Hon. Secretary, while Mr. Shenstone, F.L.S., and Mr. Henry Whitehead
acted as botanical demonstrators. As we passed Loughton Hall, the Rev. J.W.
Maitland invited the party into his. garden, to inspect the fine show of rhodo-
dendrons and azaleas in full blossom.
The main object of the walk was to compare the association of plants in the
hedgerow with that of the skirts of a wood; and for this purpose a halt was 
called at about half-way, so that some of the more striking features of the plants
seen might be pointed out and discussed. Another halt was made for comparing
leaf-mosaics of the trees on the edge of the forest. Further discussion followed
after tea. At one spot near Debden Green, Allium ursinum Linn. was growing
in abundance. This plant is well known on the Waltham side of the forest, but
this locality appeared new to most members present. The following points were
discussed en route: (1) The absence of fruit in the Pile-wort (Ranunculus
ficaria), whilst there were abundance of tubers in the axils of the leaves;
(2) extra floral nectaries, and their purpose, in Viccia sepium; (3) the
imprisonment of small insects in the spathe of Arum maculatum; and (4) the
great preponderance of male floweres of Lychnis diurna at the commencement
of the season.
Many interesting spring flowers were noticed, and several galls were pointed
out and explained. Among the plants attracting particular attention may be
mentioned Ranunculus sceleratus, Viola riviniana, Oxalis acetosella, Genista
anglica, Adoxa moschatellina, and Lamium galeobdolon. The great abundance of
the beautiful Orange-tip Butterfly was a very welcome sight. The Holly-blue
Butterfly (Lycaena argiolus) in some of the lanes was also a subject of admiration.
Tea was taken at Oak Hill Farm, and afterwards an Ordinary Meeting
(the 273rd) was held, Mr. Dymond in the chair.
Major E. Carrick Freeman, M.D., of Colchester, was elected a member.
The President alluded to the absence of the Assistant Hon. Secretary, Mr. B.
G. Cole, who was seriously ill. He was sure that all would sympathise with
him, and he asked Mr. W. Cole to convey to him the best wishes of the
members and the hope that he would soon be restored to health.
Mr. Paulson reported on the observations of the afternoon, and considerable
discussion ensued on points of botanical interest, carried on by Mr. Shenstone,
the President, Mr. Cole, and Mr. Elliott.
Afterwards an incursion was taken in the forest, and the ramble terminated
at Theydon Bois Station. The weather was beautifully fine.