THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 15
Leaving the road, the party followed up by the dry bed of the Slade
to a small clay waste. Here the open flora and the gradual invasion of
woodland grasses was pointed out, together with the dwarfing influence
of the clay upon plants of Taraxacum, Dipsacus, etc. On fields, outside
the waste, the Green-winged Orchid (Orchis morio) and the Adder's-tongue
(Ophioglossum vulgatum) were obtained.
By the courtesy of Mr. Medcalf, the party then inspected the fine old
Essex hall of St. Aylott's, once the property of the Abbey of Walden.
The remarkable Tudor woodwork was inspected under the guidance of
Miss Medcalf, who had also for inspection a curious example of Phyllody
in the common cowslip (Primula veris); all the flowers of one plant being
transformed into green structures of more or less leaf-like character. St.
Aylott's, like Tiptofts and other halls on the Boulder-clay, is surrounded
by a moat, which probably served rather as a water-supply than as a
defence.
Leaving St. Aylott's, the party drove through Lewer's End to Tiptofts,
another moated hall, where the party divided, one contingent entering
ths house to inspect the unique oak arcading which still remains in the
kitchen, the other going to examine a fine exposure of Boulder-clay,
worked by the Saffron Walden Cement Company. The section, some 30
feet high, is the best in the district. Boulders of red-chalk, Septaria from
the Oxford-clay with included fossils, such as Gryphea, Belemnites and
Ammonites, were obtained.
Thence the party proceeded to Crownley wood, passing the
new Daffodil Farm of Messrs. Engleman. By the courtesy of the shooting
tenant, Mr. W. J. Bruty. the woods were entered; the aim of the meeting
had been to inspect the oxlip (Primula elatior) when in full flower, but
owing to the early season most of the blooms had passed their prime.
Mr. Miller Christy here gave a short account of the Oxlip-area. The
Spring Orchid (Orchis mascula), Tway-blade, Paris quadrifolia and hybrid
Geum rivale and urbanum were noticed. A single plant of the rare hy-
brid Primula elatior X veris was also found.
Leaving the woods, a drive of five miles brought the party to Thaxted.
The fine old 15th Century Church (St. John Baptist) was visited. A
letter from the vicar, the Rev. Conrad Noel, who was unfortunately
prevented by indisposition from personally receiving the party, as had
been hoped, was read, and the party examined the fine 14th century
pillars, the font cover, carving, etc., which adorn the church. Leaving
the church, an excellent meat tea was served in the garden of the En-
terprise temperance hotel, and afterwards a vote of thanks was passed
at the suggestion of the President, Mr. S. Hazzledine Warren, F.G.S.,
to the organisers of the excursion.
The ancient Moot Hall (time of James I.) was then visited. After
noting the covered market below and the great fire hook suspended from
the roof, the upper stories were inspected. A visit was then paid to Clay-
pits Farm. On the way, an ancient timber and plaster house in the main
street was noticed. Beneath the oriel windows of the first floor are carvings
of the arms of Edward IV., with a lion and bull as supporters.
In a field on Clay-pits Farm, the probable site of a Roman Villa was
surveyed. Some four years ago the Friends' School Archaeological Society