226 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
interesting specimens for students of aquatic biology and a fine clump of
Cowslips tempted the photographers to get out their cameras before packs
were resumed for the afternoon walk.
The way led through Parson's Spring across the road into Birch Spring ;
here the song of the Nightingale was heard and a hawk which was watched
soaring high overhead was considered to be a Buzzard, probably on passage
to the breeding grounds in the north. One or two Swallows were also seen
perching on the chimneys of farm buildings. It was apparent that they were
resting after their recent immigration.
Monks and Barrows Farm was next visited and here, by the courtesy of
the farmer, Mr. Bacon, members were enabled to inspect Bedemans Berg.
This interesting relic, its name signifying "Place of a Man of Prayer," now
consists only of a piece of wall containing Roman tiles, though the con-
figuration of the ground nearby speaks eloquently of the bygone gardens and
fishponds of the monastery which once stood there. The spring which
probably determined the site of the foundation still provides good pure
water for the farmhouse and dairy. An account of this settlement by Mrs.
A. Christy is to be found in Essex Review, Vols. 17 and 18.
The party then passed by Mill Green to the Woolpack Inn at Fryerning
where a good tea was thoroughly enjoyed. After the meal Mr. S. Waller
was elected to the chair and a formal meeting was held.
Miss K. M. Ford, of 23, Studley Drive, Ilford, was elected to membership
of the Club.
A short account of the birds seen during the day was given by Mr. Bernard
Ward, Miss Grace Hilbert spoke of the flowers and Mr. Pratt of the butter-
flies. A total of forty-seven flowering plants was recorded by Miss Hilbert,
these including the following trees and shrubs in flower : Furze (Ulex euro-
paeus), Common Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa),
Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Oak (Quercus robur), and Common
Birch (Betula alba).
The birds included the following summer visitors : Tree-Pipit, Chiffchaff,
Willow-Warbler, Whitethroat, Nightingale, Swallow, House-Martin and
Cuckoo.
The meeting was brought to a close with a vote of thanks to Mr. and
Mrs. Richard Ward for arranging such an enjoyable ramble and the party
set off for home, two members essaying the seven and a half mile walk back
to Ongar while the remainder chose the less arduous walk to Ingatestone
where buses were boarded for Brentwood and London.
Visit to the Epping Forest Museum and ramble in Epping Forest (904th
Meeting)
SATURDAY, MAY 7TH, 1949
Members met at the Epping Forest Museum, Chingford, and the Museum
was inspected under the guidance of the Hon. Curator, Mr. Bernard T.
Ward. The excellent display, arranged by Mr. J. Ross, of living plants of
the Forest was greatly admired. Some of the bird specimens need attention
and the Curator explained that this was gradually being rectified but his
time was limited and skilled help was always welcome. A section from a
sycamore tree affected by the fungus recently discovered by Mr. S. Waller
was shown and described by the discoverer. The visit to the old building
was much enjoyed and all were agreed that the place looked as though it was
being well cared for by those with its welfare at heart.
At 11.30 a.m. the party left for Bury Wood to inspect the lopping which
is being carried out here. The area will be of interest for ecological study
and it will be worth watching the effect on the growth of holly. After lunch