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THE ESSEX NATURALIST
offer his particular thanks to Dr. Rudge for the vade-mecum which he
distributed to the party and for his use of map references, a practice which
could well be extended.
Fungus Foray in Epping Forest (953rd Meeting)
SUNDAY, 19 OCTOBER, 1952
Following last year's successful experiment, the members were divided
into two parties, one of which started from Chingford station under the
guidance of Mr. Bernard Ward and the other from Theydon Bois station
led by Mr. Pratt.
The day was very overcast and rain was falling when the parties started
off at 11 a.m. Although rain continued until after lunch, all the members
were dressed in appropriate fashion for such a day, and collecting was
steadily carried on as they made their way through the Forest.
After lunch the rain ceased for a time, and the autumnal beauty of the
woods could be enjoyed in greater comfort. Several people thought that
they had never seen the Forest more lovely in spite of the lack of sunshine.
Leaf fall was already far advanced this year, and as a consequence many
of the smaller terrestrial species of fungi were difficult to find.
Both parties converged upon the King's Oak Hotel, High Beach, at
3.30 p.m., and a number of baskets heavily laden with specimens were
brought in for the attention of the referees. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Boardman
had once again set out the tables in readiness to receive the named speci-
mens. Professor Ingold, Dr. Gregory and Mrs. Boardman were busily
occupied in determining the specimens for about an hour before tea was
ready, and during this time members had an opportunity of discussing their
finds and comparing them with those laid out on the tables under the
systematically arranged labels.
Fifty members, the majority of whom had braved the weather for the
full day in the Forest, sat down to the very welcome tea, and when the
meal had been completed, Mr. Dyce was elected Chairman for the formal
meeting which ensued. The following were elected to membership of the
Club: —
Mrs. Avril Lloyd, of "Wellesley", Third Avenue. Frinton.
Miss Bertha Speakman, of 75, Hollywood Way, Woodford Green.
Mr. J. T. Friedlein, of White House Farm, North Fambridge.
Mr. E. H. J. Oxenham, of 472, Upper Brentwood Road. Romford.
The Chairman then expressed the thanks of the members to Mrs.
Boardman, Professor Ingold and Doctor Gregory for their expert services
in naming the specimens and helping members generally. Dr. Gregory
replied for the visitors and said that both he and Professor Ingold were
very glad to have had the opportunity of once again attending the Club's
Fungus Foray. He said that fungi were not plenteous this year, no species
of Hygrophorus had been collected, but Armillaria mellea had occurred in
a variety of forms. Cortinarius sanguineus, not usually very common, had
been found. Of Amanita, phalloides had not appeared, muscaria and mappa
were in plenty and one specimen only of rubescens was found.
Mr. Ross spoke of the Mycetozoa. He said that six species had been
brought in, including Stemonitis fusca (in mouldy condition), which was not
a bad total considering the uncomfortable collecting conditions and a season
which was generally a poor one.
Ordinary Meeting (954th Meeting)
SATURDAY, 25 OCTOBER, 1952
This meeting was held in the West Ham Municipal College at 3 p.m.,
with the President. Mr. Laurence S. Harley, in the chair. Fifty members
and friends attended.