THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 115
EXCURSION TO AMERSHAM AND CHALFONT ST. GILES,
BUCKS. (450th MEETING).
SATURDAY, 19TH JUNE 1915.
The main object of this field-meeting was to study the Botany of a
tract of chalk country in the time of orchids and, incidentally, to visit
several places of literary interest. The conductors were Mr. Robert
Paulson, F.L.S., and Mr. Percy Thompson.
Members travelled by a through train from Liverpool Street Station
(Metropolitan Railway), arriving at Amersham at 11.30 o'clock.
On leaving Amersham Station, the party walked through the Rectory
Wood (where earlier in the season the rare Crucifer, Dentaria bulbifera,
covers the ground in abundance) to Amersham town, where the old 17th
Century Market Hall and Grammar School were admired.
From Amersham, the party continued by paths uphill to Coleshill (560
feet above sea level), whence (the day being clear) extensive views were
obtained, embracing Harrow Church, the Crystal Palace and Windsor
Castle. Here, in the garden of the Parsonage, by kind permission of the
Rev. C. Walker, Waller's Oak, a giant of over 30 feet girth, was inspected.
The poet Waller (1606-1687) is stated to have been born in the adjacent
farmhouse, Stock Place, and to have composed his poems while sitting
beneath the venerable oak, which, even in his day, must have been a large
tree.
From Coleshill, the walk was resumed by field-paths, and over open
chalk downs, and by bye-lanes to Chalfont St. Giles, botanizing en route.
At Chalfont, an inspection was made of Milton's Cottage, which was
occupied by the poet during the Great Plague, from July 1665 onward.
In it., he finished "Paradise Lost" and commenced "Paradise Regained."
The Cottage, the great show-object of the village, is now happily public
property, vested in trustees, and is used as a local museum, especially for
exhibits relating to the poet and his time.
Chalfont Church, which presents many points of architectural interest,
including a very quaint lych-gate, was also visited.
Tea was taken at 5 o'clock at the "Merlin's Cave" Inn, on the village
green. In the pleasant meadows immediately behind the inn, a combat
between Royalists and Roundheads took place during the great Civil
War. Cannon balls, found imbedded in the roof of the neighbouring
church, are preserved in Milton's Cottage.
Afterwards, a formal Meeting (the 450th), for the proposal and election
of New Members and other business, was held, when the following new
members were elected:—Mr. John Seabrook, 56, Durham Road, Manor
Park, Essex, E., and Mr. Henry Burrows, Hillside, Lawford, Essex.
From Chalfont, the party walked through the meadows beside the
Misbourne and by road to Chalfont Road Station; whence London was
reached. The total walking distance was about 81/2 miles, mostly over
hilly country.
VISIT TO THE SOUTH LONDON BOTANICAL INSTITUTE
AND TO THE CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN
(451st MEETING).
SATURDAY, 17TH JULY 1915.
This meeting was planned to afford an opportunity of inspecting