THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
21
Assembled at Grange Hill station at 2.13 o'clock, the party proceeded
along the road to the so-called Recreation Ground at Chigwell Row ; here
a halt was called to inspect the Azolla which has invariably been found in
this one pond for the past twenty years, and which on the present occasion
was seen to be in amazing quantity, in view of the early date, a broad
salmon-pink band, several feet in width, of its massed fronds encircling
the entire pond. The dwarf furze (Ulex nanus) was pointed out, growing
on the recreation ground, but not yet in flower, and the differences between
it and the larger, ordinary Gorse (Ulex europaeus), which was noticed in
abundant flower on the Bagshot Sand of the higher grounds, were discussed.
At the gate opening on to the Forest, Mr. Evan Jones, the Officer-in-
Charge of Hainault Forest, met the party, and conducted the visitors
over a circular tour of some five miles in length, during which he pointed
out some of the many improvements which had been carried out during
the twenty years or more since the Forest was acquired for the public by
the late Mr. E. N. Buxton, and himself placed in charge of its development
from arable land to open Forest. Unfortunately, the hazy atmosphere
veiled the fine distant views which are usually obtained from the hills in
all directions.
No returning bird-migrants were as yet to be seen or heard, but Song
Thrush, Missel Thrush, Blackbird and Skylark were heard, and Jays and
Tits seen, and Rooks were noticed to be busy at their nests. Hazel and
Sallow catkins were found.
A contemplated visit to the Badger colony which is now established
in the wooded part of the Forest, had to be cut out of the ramble owing to
lack of time.
Tea was taken at 5 o'clock at "The Retreat," Chigwell Row.
In proposing the cordial thanks of the party to Mr. Evan Jones for his
leadership during the afternoon, the President referred to previous visits
made by the Club to Hainault, and to the satisfactory way in which Mr.
Jones has re-established natural conditions in the re-afforested area.
Owing to the very early date, but few signs of re-awakening animal or
plant life had been noted, but a most enjoyable ramble over the glorious
downlands of the open part of the Forest had been afforded. He also
thanked Mr. Nicholson for his conductorship, and expressed the regret
of the party that Miss G. Lister, who was to have been our other conductor
on this occasion, was unable to be with us, owing to slight indisposition.
The return walk to Grange Hill Station was made in time to catch
home-bound trains at about 6.40 o'clock.
ORDINARY MEETING AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
(578th and 579th MEETINGS),
SATURDAY, 29TH MARCH, 1924.
The above Meetings were held in the Physical Lecture Theatre of the
Municipal College, Romford Road, Stratford, at 3 o'clock on the above
afternoon, Dr. A. Smith Woodward, F.R.S., etc., President, in the chair.
Thirty-seven members were present, the small attendance being due to
the tram and 'bus strike, which rendered travelling difficult.