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THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Clay, plants of Chalk facies were sought, but, owing presumably to the un-
seasonably cold weather of the year, results were disappointing. A few-
Bee Orchis (Ophrys apifera), Orchis maculata, Chlora perfoliata, Linum cath-
articum, Viburnum lantana and Clematis vitalba were, however, noted, and
Miss Prince who kept a record of the finds, had a total of over 90 phanerogams
actually in flower on her list for the day.
The church of St. Mary at Great Parndon was visited, and here the party
was received by the newly appointed rector, the Rev. Dr. McCrall. The Hon.
Secretary, with the rector's permission, read to the party from Fisher's
Deanery of Harlow, 1922, an account of the fabric, which was then inspected
in detail, the tall panelled stone Font, of late 15th century date, attracting,
special attention.
Tea was served at the Cock Inn at Great Parndon, after which a formal
meeting of the Club was held, with the President. Dr. A. Smith Woodward,
in the chair, when Mr. Loughnan Pendred, of Feltham House, Loughton.
was elected a member, and two nomination forms for membership were read
The President thanked our conductor, Mr. Geoffrey Dent, for his leadership
during the day, and for the arrangements made by him for the comfort of
the party, and Mr. Dent suitably replied.
A three-mile walk back to Roydon station, in time to catch the 7.5 o'clock,
train to London, brought to a close a very enjoyable excursion.
GRASS AND SEDGE FORAY AT SEWARDSTONE.
(56STH MEETING).
SATURDAY, JULY 7TH, 1923.
A field meeting for the especial purpose of studying the grasses and sedges,
of the Forest was organised for this date, and was attended by just thirty
members, under the leadership of Miss G. Lister, F.L.S., Miss A. Hibbert-
Ware, F.L.S., and Miss E. Prince.
Starting from Chingford railway station shortly after 11 o'clock, the
party struck across Chingford Plain into the woodland and speedily became
detached into two portions, one portion emerging from the Forest at Ludgate
Plain and thence proceeding across the fields to Leppitt's Hill, while the other
continued in the thicket until Leppitt's Hill was reached : both parties fore-
gathered for lunch at the "Owl" inn, and joined forces for the afternoon
route along the green lanes and "bridle-paths" which form so charming and
distinctive a feature of this lovely neighbourhood. A small afternoon con-
tingent started from Chingford at about 2.30 o'clock and joined the main
party at the point where Gillwell Lane debouches upon the Sewardstone
road.
Collections were assiduously made throughout the day, in spite of the
intense heat : as a result, some 31 species of grasses were noted in flower,
among the more interesting of which were Alopecurus geniculatus, Avena
flavescens, Festuca elatior, Briza media, Glyceria plicata and Triodia decumbens ;
and seven Carices were noted, viz., Carex glauca, C. ovalis, C. vulgaris, C
hirta, C. divulsa, C. vulpina and C. remota, and also Eleocharis palustris.
The hemlock, Conium maculatum, was seen growing handsomely in its.