REPORTS OF MEETINGS
55
species of plants observed were Melilot (Melilotus altissima Thuill.), Sub-
terranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), Crimson Vetchling (Lathyrus
Nissolia L.), Yellow Stonecrop (Sedum acre L.), Mare's-tail (Hippuris vulgaris
L.), Shrubby Sea Blite (Suaeda fruticosa Forsk.), and Sea Arrow-grass
(Triglochin maritima L.). A variety of Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris L.), found by
Mr. H. J. Hastings, had an abnormally long and compact inflorescence with
bright rose-pink flowers instead of violet.
Of the Melilot Gerard's Herbal, 1597, contains the remark "No part of the
world doth enjoy so great plenty thereof as England doth and especially
Essex".
Latton Park and Mark Bushes (937th Meeting)
SATURDAY, 21 JULY 1951
Thirty-six members met at 11 a.m. at the Bull and Horseshoe Inn on the
Harlow road for a visit to the estate of Godfrey Arkwright, Esq. The meeting
was arranged by the Harlow and District Field Club and the party was led by
Mr. H. G. Mace, who is the Chairman of that club.
After crossing a field where a large number of pottery fragments were seen
the members entered the woods and wandered at will. Here a picnic lunch was
enjoyed and soon after the party was joined by other members of the Harlow
Club. The fine still warm day encouraged the appearance of many butterflies
including several examples of the attractive White Admiral.
The great heat was conducive to the serene contemplation of nature—"a
pleasing land of drowsyhead it was"—rather than the vigorous pursuit of rare
species. Nevertheless, the botanists amassed a record of over 150 species of
plants.
Tea was enjoyed at the "King's Head" in Potter Street village. After the
meal a short formal meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. S. Waller was held
and the following were elected to membership of the Club:
Miss V. E. Clarke, of 50 Bartlow Gardens, Romford.
Miss Winifred Marsh, of 91 Poppleton Road, Leytonstone, E.11.
Master F. W. Glassborow (junior member), of 13 Forest Approach,
Woodford Green.
Mr. Waller then expressed the thanks of the members to the Harlow and
District Field Club for a most interesting day and hoped that this would be the
forerunner of other such joint meetings.
Mr. Howard writes: The ground covered by the Club at this meeting con-
sisted largely of woodland, but some arable land was traversed, the species
observed were therefore generally characteristic of such terrain. Particularly
striking and pleasing was the great abundance and luxuriance of the Centaury
(Centaurium umbellatum Gilib.) in the woodland. The attractive climber,
Traveller's Joy (Clematis Vitalba L.) was seen well in flower, also three species
of St. John's Wort (Hypericum). The Spindle Tree (Evonymus europaeus L.)
was in evidence, also Ox-tongue (Picris echioides L.), Eyebright (Euphrasia
officinalis L.), Small Nettle (Urtica urens L.), Gipsy-wort (Lycopus europaeus
L.) and Great Reed Mace (Typha latifolia L.).
Stour Valley (938th Meeting)
SATURDAY, 11 AUGUST 1951
A new rendezvous, Wanstead Station, was the departure place at 9.45 a.m.
for a drive to the Stour Valley. The majority of the party began the journey
together. A few, including the leader, Mr. W. B. Broughton, fully harnessed
with his equipment for the hunt, were netted en route and the residue joined
up at the final destination, making, in all, a total of thirty-seven members and
guests.
A novel and very instructive feature of the journey was that taken by the