THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
273
natural aspect very different from their appearance a generation ago. A
doubtful innovation is the recent planting of isolated birch trees on the
open land, which (if the experience of Epping Forest is any guide) will,
by their enormous production of their winged seeds, develop an over-
growth of young birches which, in the course of years, will alter for the
worse the present delightful aspect of downlike scrub.
The party traversed the more open Forest as far as Cabin Hill, then
turned into the thicker woodlands, and filially reached Lambourne End,
where, at just before 5 o'clock, tea was taken in the Forest Cafe. The
President, on behalf of the party, expressed regret at Mr. Salmon's
absence through indisposition, and thanked Mr. Thompson for deputising
for him.
During the ramble but few wild flowers were noted, the season being
a late one. Wood Sorrell was unfolding its delicate white blossoms,
Lesser Celandine, Gorse, Greater Stitchwort, Viola Reichenbachiana,
Ground Ivy and Luzula campestris were seen, and the frequent occurrence
of the dwarf gorse, Ulex nanus, not yet in flower, was noted.
No migrant-birds were yet returned: indeed, the constant loud droning
of aeroplanes passing overhead from or to a nearby aerodrome made it
difficult to hear any bird-notes; but missel thrush, great tit, jay, long-tailed
tit and yellowhammer were noted.
The Spring-preferring myxomycete, Reticularia Lycoperdon, was
observed on a tree-trunk; and Mr. Main demonstrated the presence of
the larvae of the beetles, Nebria brevicollis and Geotrupes typhoeus, in their
burrows in compact ground.
VISIT TO FAULKBOURNE AND WHITE NOTLEY
(805th MEETING).
SATURDAY, 6TH MAY, 1939.
A district not previously visited by the Club was selected for this
Maytime excursion, and provided a most interesting day's experience.
Travelling down from town by way of Brentwood, Chelmsford and
Witham, a party of 45 members reached Faulkbourne Hall, after a short
cross-country ramble, at about noon, and were most hospitably welcomed
by its chatelaine, Mrs. Christopher Parker, who favoured her guests with
an interesting historical account of her noble dwelling and its many owners
from Domesday times onward. A detailed inspection of the mansion,
and of its lovely grounds, was made under the personal guidance of our
hostess, and lunch was taken in the garden. Altogether, some 21/2 hours
were spent in this delightful spot.
Faulkbourne Hall dates back, in its oldest portion, to the early 15th
century, its E. front, at first timber-framed, being rebuilt in brick about
the year 1449, and the N. front, with the massive Tower at the N.E. angle,
being added round about 1404. Later additions of the 17th century
(including the fine main staircase) have produced a charmingly picturesque
building. A delightful feature is the 15th century stair turret in the Tower,
an excellent example of a brick newel stair which attracted general
admiration. Many of the visitors climbed this stair for the sake of the