230
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
semilacerum) was derived from a similar 'acuto-serratum' form. If the
frond of the latter is observed closely, several of the 'serrations' are seen
to be slightly larger than their neighbours. These, under skilled culture,
can be induced to develop into 'pinnules' in some cases, when the
resemblance to 'semilacerum' is evident. Conversely, a 'semilacerum,'
poorly treated, may deteriorate to an 'acuto serratum' form, which
suggests that the lush growth may owe much to the Irish climate.
"One note of warning may be sounded. In the past, botanists have
frequently named such variants as this, when found abroad, as distinct
species. Thus, a fern from British Columbia, almost identical with such
'acutum' vars. of P. vulgare, is known to Kew as Polypodium glycyrrhiza
(D. C. Eaton, Amer. jour. Science, 1856). Hooker called it P. vulgare var.
occidentale, and he was a very good judge of ferns. Apparently the only
difference that glycyrrhiza shows from our vulgare acutum forms is 'an
almost invisible pubescence' (Dr. Stansfield, F.L.S., in British Fern
Gazette, Nov. 1924). This causes Dr. Stansfield to regard it as a variety
'of a geographical sub-species (distinguished by the velvety surface)
which is the western representative of our P. vulgare.'
"These remarks are made advisedly, because there has been a tendency
to award specific rank to a number of varieties of our British species. The
well-known instance of the beautiful Welsh Polypody (P. vulgare var.
cambricum) will suffice as an example. This was named as a species by
Linnaeus himself, and long known as P. cambricum. It has never produced
spores, and is now regarded as a barren, plumose variety of vulgare."
The Hon. Secretary exhibited a series of eight cases containing manu-
script notes, accompanied by illustrative maps and photographs, descrip-
tive of the development of Buckhurst Hill from the time when it first be-
came a separate ecclesiastical parish in 1838 up to the present time. This
valuable record of the modern history of a community which to-day
numbers over 5,000 inhabitants is due to the energy of a former member
of the Club, Mr. Ernest Linder, who has generously presented the entire
compilation to the Club's Stratford Museum. The earlier history of the
district, when it was but a thinly populated hamlet of Chigwell parish,
is related; its more modern growth is traced, step by step, by full accounts
of its public buildings, churches, chapels, schools, hospital, post office,
etc., and the development of its various estates for building sites is traced
by plans and photographs. Mr. Linder has succeeded in getting hold
of early photographs of buildings since demolished, in illustration of his
theme, which makes the collection of the first importance and value.
Photographic facsimilies of more than 20 pages of the Vestry Accounts of
Chigwell for the years 1789-1805 and of the Vestry Minutes for 1801, are
other interesting features; and photographs of now deceased eminent
local personages, which include a former president of the Club, Mr. David
Howard, who was the first chairman of the first U.D. Council of Buckhurst
Hill, elected in 1895, are also given.
Epping Forest forms the subject of one entire case, and among other
matter in this connection an account of the Willingales of Loughton is
furnished.
The collection also contains matter not strictly limited to Buckhurst
Hill, illustrating changes in social customs; a series of coloured plates of