THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
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Tower arch; this dates from the 15th century; the beautiful cusped
head of the doorway at the top of the rood-stair is an unusual elaboration
In the tower is, still in situ, the front cross-beam of a former ringers'
gallery with Jacobaean carving.
The handsome W. tower (15th century) was ascended by some of the
visitors and commands a fine view for miles in all directions.
After thanks had been given to Mr. Howe for his guidance, the party
proceeded to the nearby rectory, where, by kindness of Canon A. C.
Sowter and Mrs. Sowter, lunch was taken in the tree-surrounded garden
and tea hospitably dispensed by our host and hostess. Due acknowledg-
ment having been made for this kindly and most welcome hospitality, the
visitors availed themselves of the service of a bus to take them to Fountain
Lane, Hockley, from whence a ramble of some 21/2 miles by fieldpaths was
entered upon and botanical collecting permitted; in spite of the lateness
of the season a goodly number of plants remained in flower, and a total of
92 was recorded, including Solidago Virgaurea, Saturata Acinos, Helminthia
echioides and Erythroea Centaurium. Mention must be made of some
luxuriant tufts of Wall-Rue Fern (Asplenium ruta-muraria) growing upon
an altar-tomb in Rayleigh churchyard.
The parish church of St. Peter, Hockley, was then visited and here
the vicar, the Rev. M. B. Morgan, welcomed the party and described the
fabric. The 13th century nave arcade is an outstanding feature of this
little church, together with the large octagonal font, with arcaded sides of
Purbeck marble. The 14th century W. tower is curiously octagonal in
its upper portion: the ogee-headed W. doorway is unusual.
After thanking Mr. Morgan for his interesting remarks, a short walk
brought the party to the Bull Inn, where, by previous arrangement, a
number of members of the South Essex Natural History Society, under
the conduct of Dr. Stovin, joined us and a ramble through the beautiful
Hockley Woods entered upon. Here, further spoils awaited the botanists,
and a living Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) was captured and curiously
examined. At 5 o'clock a gipsy-tea was prepared for the entire party
in a glade in the woods and heartily enjoyed. The single shower of the
day came too late seriously to discomfort us, although it sufficed to shorten
the proceedings. The Hon. Secretary expressed, in the name of the Club,
our appreciation of the co-operation of the local Society with us in the
joint ramble and of the arrangements made for tea, and Dr. Stovin hoped
that the present occasion would be only the first of many joint-meetings
of the two Societies. Leaves were then taken, and the train to Town from
Hockley station caught at 5.44 o'clock, thus ending a day full of pleasant
memories.
FUNGUS FORAY (780TH MEETING).
SATURDAY, 16TH OCTOBER, 1937.
Our annual Fungus Foray was this year held under most favourable
conditions of weather, a bright sunny day, a cloudless sky, and with the
woodlands arrayed in their autumn livery of glorious reds and browns.
Probably not fewer than 150 persons took part in the foray, and of these