190
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Sison Amomum, Silaus flavescens, Menyanthes trifoliata, Allium vineale (in fr.)
and Eriophorum polystaehion.
BOTANICAL RAMBLE IN THE UPSHIRE NEIGHBOURHOOD
(828th MEETING).
SATURDAY, 22nd AUGUST, 1942.
A party of members," wel foure and twentie in a companye of sondry folk,"
assembled before the "Wake Arms" Inn in Epping Forest at 11 o'clock, intent
on botanical research. The route chosen covered diverse types of ground,
woodland and open country, and, as anticipated, yielded a mixed flora
characteristic of such varied character : forest land, lanes and field-paths alike
contributed their quota to the 140 species of wild plants actually noted in flower
on the occasion. These included such interesting forms as Iilium usitatissimum.
Ononis spinosa, Agrimonia Eupatoria, Sison Amomum, Angelica sylvestris, Scabiosa
Succisa, Inula dysenterica, Bidens tripartita, Achillea Ptarmica, Senecio viscosus,
S. erucaefolius, Sonchus arvensis, Erica Tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Myosotis
arvensis, Galeopsis Tetrahit, Anagallis arvensis, Sparganum ramosum and last
but not least, Drosera rotundifolia. A mixed bag and a good one !
En route, the pleasing little church of St. Thomas, at Upshire, built in 1902
as a Buxton memorial, was visited : it was noted, with regret, that the pecuniary
resources of a small rural village does not apparently suffice to maintain this
charming little building in adequate external repair.
Tea was taken on the return to the "Wake Arms" at 4.30 o'clock, following
which at a short formal meeting with Mr. D. J. Scourfield, I.S.O., in the chair",
a nomination for membership of the Club was read and future proposed meetings
announced.
FOREST RAMBLE (829th MEETING).
SATURDAY, 17TH OCTOBER, 1942.
A botanical ramble in the Chingford district of Epping Forest, under the
guidance of Mr. Joseph Ross, was enjoyed by twenty-three members on this date,
in dull but dry weather. Autumn tints were still to come, the foliage yet retaining
the greenery of summer ; a few of the commoner wild plants were seen in late
flower, Ranunculus Flammula, Potentilla tormentilla, Lychnis diurna. Scabiosa
Succisa, Bidens cernua, Achillea Millefolium, Calluna vulgaris, and Polygonum
Hydropiper remaining to remind one of former floral wealth. Our guide led
the party to the spot where, growing in profusion, Potentilla (Comarum) palustris.
a rarity in Epping Forest, was recorded by him in his recent articles on the less
common local plants : and a fruiting bush of Spindle Tree, the poet's "fruit
which in our winter woodland looks a flower," was a welcome sight in a tangled
thicket. One well-grown Wild Service Tree was noted, and a bush of Butcher's
Broom, not of course now in flower, was observed.
Of Cryptogamic plants, two extensive growths of Broad Buckler Fern (Lastrea
dilatata) of all sizes, including tiny prothalli, were a surprising feature : and
Male Fern (L. Filix-mas) was also seen.
Agaric fungi, visually so much in evidence at this season, were almost entirely
absent, doubtless owing to the dry cold summer and the as yet infrequent autumn
rains : Boletus chrysenteron, Stropharia aeruginosa, Russula emetica and a species
of Amanita being the only forms noted.
Myxomycetes, on the other hand, were frequent, well over a dozen species
being recorded. Riccia fluitans was seen growing in a swamp.
A non-botanical find was a beautiful caterpillar of the Pale Tussock moth
(Dasychira pudibunda), the "Hop Dog" of Kentish hop-fields.
Tea was taken at 4 o'clock at The Links Cafe in Chingford town, after which
the party dispersed.
5 Ante, p. 165.