THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 213
The abnormally dry weather experienced throughout the country
during the past four months, however enjoyable, did not promise a good
season for fungi : the display ultimately made at the headquarters was
consequently in the nature of a surprise to most of the party. Tea was
taken at 5 o'clock, following which a meeting of the Club was held, with
the President in the chair. The conductors were called upon for their
reports upon the day's finds, but the deafening noise of motor-cycles
leaving the Racing Ground opposite the place of meeting made their
speeches almost inaudible and proved an intolerable nuisance to the
assembly.
Mr. Gould was of opinion that the day had yielded a moderately
good collection, though not a large number of species, in spite of the,
for fungi, unfavourable season.
Mr. Pearson gave some figures of previous results of our Fungus
Forays : he said that usually about 130 species of Basidiomycetes were
found each year, the largest yield being 170, and the smallest 102 species.
To-day he had counted go species exhibited on the tables, and probably
more would be added on re-examination of the collections ; considering
the weather, he thought this not a bad total. He was struck by the
occurrence of certain agarics which typically frequented pinewoods ; in
view of the almost total absence of coniferous trees in Epping Forest he
considered this a surprising fact. Panus torulosus was perhaps the most
interesting form found on this occasion.
Mr. Pearson has since reported that 108 Basidiomycetes were noted
during the day, and these included the following new records for Epping
Forest, viz. :—
Collybia ambusta Fr.
Lactarius vietus Fr.
Coprinus lagopides Karst.
Peniophora longispora (Pat.) v. Hoehn et Litsch.
Corticium porosum Berk et Curt.
Corticium niveo-cremeum v. Hoehn et Litsch.
Mr. Ramsbottom gave an interesting account of the types of fungi
met with on Forays, and recommended the collection of the micro-fungi
found on twigs and decaying branches, which were usually overlooked
in the search for the larger and more showy species.
Miss Lister reported a small yield of eleven myxomycetes, most of
them in poor condition, owing to the drought. A Cribraria (C. vulgaris),
usually associated with coniferous wood, was an interesting find.
On the motion of the President, warm thanks were accorded to the
several conductors and referees for their services during the day.
In view of the serious inconvenience and annoyance caused to the
meeting by the Dirt Track Racing, the President, in response to protests
voiced by the unfortunate speakers, moved from the chair the following
resolution :—
" That this Meeting of 120 Members of the Essex Field Club and
allied Societies respectfully urges the Conservators of Epping Forest
to do their utmost to minimise or abolish the intolerable noise created
by Dirt Track Racing at High Beach, which can be heard over a mile
distant, which completely spoils the amenities and tranquility of the