THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
177
out on an early-Spring ramble through Epping Forest in search of natural
objects, the route chosen being by way of Strawberry Hill and Fairmead
to Highbeach. Special attention was paid to aquatic life, both plant and
animal, and a list of 27 birds, either heard or seen, was compiled during
the ramble, a not unsatisfactory total when one remembers that the spring
migrants were not yet returned. One member of the party had, it is true,
heard the Chiff Chaff on his way to the "meet," but this earliest arrival,
was not again heard during the day.
But few flowers were as yet in evidence, only 16 being recorded ;
among those noted were Coltsfoot, Butcher's Broom, Lesser Celandine,
Hornbeam catkins, Salix caprea, ♂ and ♀ catkins, Salix cinerea, and
Alder ♂ and ♀ catkins. Prunus domestica Linn, was noticed (two or
three small trees) growing on the open forest, on land formerly included in
the fields attached to the demolished Fairmead Lodge.
In some private grounds the "rosy plumelets" of the Larch were seen
and admired.
Various minute freshwater organisms, such as species of the ento-
mostracans Cyclops, Daphnia, gnat larvae, larvae of May Fly, the water
mite Arrenurus, etc., were fished for in the Strawberry Hill pond ; and
a larger "find" was a recently dead 16-in. Pike (Esox lucius), on which
an inquest was held, but an open verdict of "found drowned" had to
be given.
Mrs. J. Boake, a new member of the Club, had kindly offered hospi-
tality to the party, at her residence, "Highstanding." Much regret was
felt, therefore, when, on arrival there, the visitors learned that their hostess
had been taken ill and was confined to her room. In her enforced absence,
Mrs. Boake's brother, Mr. Vaughan Thomas, received the party, which
now numbered 37, and our friend Miss Hibbert Ware, by request, de-
putized for our hostess and did the honours of the establishment.
The gardens, including the beautiful water-and-rock garden, were
inspected, and small groups of visitors were, in turn, treated to an exhibi-
tion of the marvellous confidence inspired by Mrs. Boake in her feathered
friends, for whom bounteous food is constantly provided and who, in return,
fearlessly come to the open window of the dining room to greet their
benefactress. A large oak, within twenty feet of the window, which,
besides possessing natural holes, has been furnished with nesting-boxes
and food supplies in the form of cocoanuts, swarmed with birds, including
Nuthatches, Great, Cole and Blue Tits, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Robins
and, of course, House Sparrows. One Robin, especially, which is accus-
tomed to take mealworms from Mrs. Boake's very lips, ventured inside
the room and snatched, after some hesitation, one of these dainties from
the outstretched hand of the writer.
Tea was taken in the conservatory, following which, a message from
our hostess was announced expressing her sorrow at not being able to
join us, and in return the warm thanks of the party, coupled with its deep
regret at her illness, was conveyed to Mrs. Boake.
Subsequently, a short visit was paid, by invitation of Mr. James Die-
trichsen, who had joined the party, to his neighbouring garden at "The
Pollards," which had already been visited last spring by the Club. Thanks
were warmly accorded to Mr. Dietrichsen for this second opportunity of
seeing his delightful estate, and the party took its leave at about 6 o'clock.