122 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
was held. The Chairman's first pleasant duty was to express thanks to
Dr. Clifford for the immense trouble which he had taken to make the after-
noon's journey so very enjoyable and withal so highly instructive. To these
thanks Dr. Clifford replied in characteristic, modest fashion.
The names of candidates for membership were then read, and the follow-
ing was elected to membership of the Club : —
Mr. J. M. Branson, b.sc, f.g.s., of 62, Third Avenue, Chelmsford.
Various members were then asked to comment on the observations of the
day, and these duties were carried out by Miss Johnson for the flowering
plants. Mr. Pratt for the birds and Mr. Williams for the Lepidoptera,
while Mr. Waller spoke of the geology.
The butterflies and moths seen included Chalk-hill Blue, Small Skipper,
Essex Skipper, Ringlet, Black-neck moth, Six-spot Burnet, Garden Tiger
and Clouded Border.
Mr. Howard reports that a total of one hundred and forty-four species
of flowering plants was recorded during this meeting, which covered an
extensive area where calcareous soil predominated; most of the flora observed
was therefore characteristic of such country. The district perambulated
included a few localities in Cambridgeshire. Interesting species seen within
the Essex boundary included: Parsnep (Pastinaca sativa L.), Marjoram
(Origanum vulgare L.), Good King Henry (Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus
L.). Bladder Campion (Silene Cucubalus Wibel.), Black Mullein (Ver-
bascum nigrum L.'). Vervain (Verbena officinalis Ij.). Twayblade
(Listera ovata (L.) R.Br.), Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia L.), Rock Rose
(Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Mill.), Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia
conopsea (L.) R.Br.). Clustered Bellflower (Campanula glomerata L.) and
Clary (Salvia Verbenaca L.).
Visit to Maldon (951st Meeting)
SATURDAY, 16 AUGUST, 1952
A party of fifty-three members met at the Blue Boar Inn, where they
were joined by the President, who was to conduct the day's meeting. Mr.
Harley explained the timber structure of this ancient hostelry, part of which
dates from the early loth century, as evidenced by the ogee-shaped door-
heads in the former screen of the south wing.
After about half-an-hour the parly was carried by coach and cars to
Beeleigh Abbey, where Mr. Foyle personally showed his treasures of house
and books. The President called attention to two late mediaeval graffiti
on a capital of the 13th century calefactory or warming room of the Premon-
stratensian canons and also to the interesting "dog-legged" staircase of
the early 16th century, built, apparently, with triangular-sectioned blocks
of timber, which led from what is now the library to the former Prior's
room above.
Thence, the party moved to Mundon Creek for lunch and a brief study
of the flora of the saltings. The President gave a short address on some
historical aspects of Maldon, including a short account of the Battle of
Maldon, which took place in 991 at the nearby Northey Island Hard.
After returning to the town by way of Mundon Church (now very much
decayed internally), the members visited the ruined Leper Hospital of St.
Giles (founded by King Henry II) and in the intervals of the now frequent
showers, gained the shelter of the King's Head Inn for tea. After the meal
a formal meeting was held with the President in the chair. The following
were elected to membership of the Club: —
Miss Doreen Hobbs, of 20, Tanza Road, Hampstead. N.W.3.
Miss Kathleen M. Morrison and
Miss Nora M. Morrison, both of 85, Kings Avenue, Woodford Green.
Miss Lilian Nagle, of 52, Tresham Avenue, Hackney, E.9.
Mr. Terence J. Devonnport (Junior Member), of 69, Essex Road,
Barking.