110
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
(thymiaria), Metrocampa margaritaria, Camptogramma bilineata, Lomaspilis
marginata, Scopuria ambigualis, etc. In the marshy hollows, the only Crambus
taken was the common pascuellus. Of noteworthy species, perhaps the most
striking observation was the abundance of the Plume, Oxyptilus teucrii, among
the wood-sage, which was growing in profusion. The Geometrid moth, Eupis
teria obliterata, (heparata), was beaten from the alders, and a freshly-emerged
. Phorodesma bajularia taken. Of Pyrales, Perinephele lancealis and Eleulea
verbascalis were netted, the latter being quite common. Rhodophaea consociella
and one worn specimen of Pechypogon barbalis complete the list. The district
in good weather should furnish most interesting species, and it is proposed to
work it on a future occasion, as it seems practically unexplored from the
entomological point of view."
The wood was left at its eastern end, and the grounds of Ramsden Hall were
traversed, passing the mansion, to the spacious summer-house, where the company
was most kindly received by Mr. and Mrs. Bacon. The summer-house overlooks
the beautiful garden and grounds. The fine collection of roses was much
admired, and a long time was spent here.
After tea a very hearty vote of thanks was passed to our kind host and
hostess, on the proposal of the President, seconded by Professor Meldola, and
suitably acknowledged by Mr. Bacon.
Afterwards, with our host as conductor, "Forty Acres Wood" was visited.
Here is an abundant growth of chestnuts, and an opportunity was afforded for a
demonstration of the interesting handicraft of hurdle-making, which is carried on
somewhat extensively here. The "Wild Garden" established in this wood by
our host was highly appreciated. Many plants not often seen were here
growing in luxuriance, and experiments were being made in growing the early-
flowering Rhododendrons. Mr. Bacon was indefatigable in explaining the
various operations of the wood and his plans for the extension and improvement
of his wild-garden. In this wood were noticed Pedicularis sylvatica, Melampyrum
pratense, Scutellaria minor, and the grass, Agrostis canina. The Scuteilaria
minor is not often seen in a ramble in Essex.
On taking leave of our host, the party walked by the lane through the woods
to Bishop's Farm, the house of our excellent guide, Mr. W. W. Bull, where
everyone received a most kind and hospitable reception from him and the
members of his family. Mr. Bull was full of local information. He led the way
to Bishop's Wood, where he showed the abundant evidences of ancient
occupation in the artificial trenches, etc., still in evidence. He also pointed out
the many varietal growths of the Common Bracken found in this wood, and said
that about 14 species of ferns had been found in the neighbourhood. In the lane
and wood, Mr. Turner gathered Melica uniflora, Poa nemoralis, Hieracium
boreale, and the aquatic Hippuris vulgaris (or Marestail), one of our very rare
Essex plants. Two Fungi were specially noticed, the evil-smelling Phallus
impudicus and Boletus flavius.
The rain again came down heavily, and the members of the company were
glad to avail themselves of the shelter of the traps, which conveyed them back to
Billericay Station.
The Club was greatly indebted to Mr. Bull and Mr. Dymond for the great
assistance rendered in the arrangement of the meeting. The district is evidently
a most attractive one to the naturalist, and it is to be hoped that other visits may
be arranged, and that the weather will then be more genial.