BIRD NOTES FROM THE ESSEX COAST
285
An alien clover found at Hockley is Trifolium elegans Savi. Similar to
Trifolium hybridum L. with reddish purple flowers, it is rather striking in
appearance as the name implies.
Melilotus indica All. is found at Pitsea and Eastwood. This plant is a
naturalised alien ; it can be identified by its small yellow flowers and the pods
which are mucronate and netted. When dried, like all the melilots, it gives
off a delightful perfume similar to new-mown hay.
Vicia gracilis Lois., a rather rare plant observed by Gibson in 1860, is still
in the area, although confined to one particular spot. It may be that it is
passed over for the more common V. tetrasperma Moench., from which it
differs in its more robust habit, larger flowers and 5-8-seeded pods (V. tetra-
sperma is only 4-seeded).
I should be glad to hear from any Essex reader about leguminous plants
in the county.
The Deptford Pink in Essex.—For three years in succession two reliable
observers have found the Deptford Pink Dianthus Armeria L. growing on a
piece of common-like ground in the Laindon area. At first there was one
plant, now there are two or three. Miss Johnson and I have seen blooms
from these plants but unfortunately we have not yet been able to see them
growing.
Ethel M. Male.
Plants in the Grays area.—In an account of a visit of members of the
London Natural History Society to the Grays area on 9 September 1949,
Mr. J. E. Lousley (London Naturalist, No. 29, p. 11) lists the following plants
observed. In a chalk pit: Pyrola rotundifolia L., Ophioglossum vulgatum L.,
Pyracantha coccinea Roemer, Blackstonia perfoliata (L.) Huds., Gentiana
axillaris (Schmidt) Rchb., Bunias orientalis L., Lotus tenuis Willd. (a form with
deep red flowers as well as plants with the normal yellow flowers), Poa
compressa L. In a sandy field near by : Medicago varia Martyn. Near the
river : Vitis vinifera L., Euphorbia virgata Waldst and Kit., Bupleurum
tenuissimum L., Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi. In a "most excellent salt
marsh" near Stone Ness : Apium graveolens L., Aster Tripolium L. (both
rayed and var. discoideus Rchb.), Plantago maritima L., Atriplex littoralis L.,
Juncus Gerardi Lois., J. maritimus Lam., Triglochin maritima L., Spartina
Townsendii H. and J. Groves.
BIRD NOTES FROM THE ESSEX COAST
BY M. J. ARDLEY
snow-bunting (Montifringilla nivalis)
Three females at Tollesbury, 28 January 1950
dark-breasted brent goose (Branta bernicla bernicla)
Fifty at Tollesbury mudflats, 28 January 1950; 600 at Tillingham mud-
flats, 25 March 1950.
pale-breasted brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota)
Six at Tillingham mudflats, 25 March 1950.
Sheld-duck (Tadorna tadorna)
Three-hundred at Tillingham mudflats, 25 March 1950.
As in other parts of the English coast, all Essex Sheld-duck leave the
mudflats and saltings in August, when they moult. It is not known where