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THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
church, where Mrs. Rolt, the tenant, most kindly invited the party to
inspect her house and herself conducted the visitors over the premises.
After expressing its obligations to Mrs. Rolt for her hospitality, the
party crossed to the parish church of All Saints, where the Rector welcomed
it, but regretted that, being a newcomer, he was not in a position to
discuss the history of the church. That he left to Mr. Salmon, who
pointed out the chief points of interest in the fabric, after which time
permitted of a leisurely examination of some of the special features. It
was seen that the 15th century octagonal piers of the south arcade of the
nave presented an interesting series of mason's marks, several forms of
which were noted. The W. Tower was new-built in 1732, of brick with
stone dressings and quoins ; several stones built into the south internal
wall of the Tower were inscribed by local worthies in commemoration
of their share of the work. One such inscription runs —
Solomon Monk and Sarah/
his Wife set me in Morter/
here I may stand when the/
days will be shorter/
May 11th, 1732/
The age of S. Monk their son/
was 2 years and 1/2 when this was done./
Across the village green (Church Green) from the parish church is a
small red brick Congregational Chapel, over the doorway of which is
inscribed :—
"Builded circa 1700
Restored A.D. 1895."
A tiny burial ground in front contains several graves, the oldest
headstone bearing date 1766.
Taking leave of the rector, a start was made at 6.45 o'clock on the
homeward journey, Stratford being reached at 8.30 o'clock.
During the ramble, botanical notes were made by Miss Greaves and
Miss Prince, some 75 species being recorded. The most outstanding
botanical item was the great profusion about Terling of the Meadow
Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata), another notable sight was the carpet of
Bluebells in Sandy Wood, and other interesting records were Caltha
palustris, Chelidonium majus, Erodium cicutarium, Veronica arvensis and
Alchemilla arvensis.
Mr. Ward kept a record of birds seen or heard during the day : his
list totalled 44, which included many of the returned summer migrants,
but did not include the nightingale, which was not in evidence.
VISIT TO COLCHESTER (731ST MEETING).
SATURDAY, 9TH JUNE, 1934.
In response to a very cordial invitation from the Worshipful the Mayor
of Colchester (our member, Mr. Alderman Gurney Benham, J.P., F.S.A.)
for the Club to visit Colchester during his mayoralty, some 45 members
assembled at the Town Hall at 11 o'clock, having travelled down from
Stratford by motor coach, or from various other parts of Essex by car or
train.
The party was received by his Worship in the Mayor's Parlour, being