220 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
by the waters' edge were found Carex riparia and C. pseudocyparis;
Glyceria declinata was found in open muddy places along the northern
shore, but G. fluitans was more general.
After lunch by the lake, the party divided. Some chose to return to-
wards the village to see the collection of conifers and flowering shrubs
and trees which represent the garden of old Weald Hall; (the hall
was demolished soon after the war). Others walked further north-
eastwards to find a number of other grasses and sedges inhabiting
the drier, gravelly and acid soils which make up most of the eastern
half of the park. Here were found Sieglingia decumbens, Bromus lepi-
dus, Vulpia bromoides, Aira praecox and Agrostis spp. amongst other
grasses, and the sedges Carex ovalis and C. pillulifera.
On the way back, Mr. Saunders, whilst searching one of the damp
flushes which are rather frequent along the lower parts of the little hills
in this part of the park, encountered some excellent material of Isolepis
setacea. This was undoubtedly the most remarkable discovery of the
day.
After an extremely good tea at the Tower Arms, a short meeting was
held under the chairmanship of the President. Dr. Alvin reviewed the
grasses, sedges and rushes found during the day. Mr. Bernard Ward
made some remarks on the flowering plants, drawing attention to
Stellaria alsine found growing by the lake and in damp flushes, and
Hypericum humifusum found in heathy places at the northern end
of the park. Mr. Pettifer who had been recording bryophytes, reported
finding about the same number of mosses as at Hatfield Forest, and
said that there was general similarity between the two lists. Mrs. Board-
man reported the finding of common field mushrooms, oyster mushroom
(Pleurotus ostreatus) and a fine specimen of Jew's ear (Auricularia
auricula-judae. The President remarked on the extreme dearth of
insects, and suggested that the very wet weather of recent days was
probably responsible.
After tea the party dispersed, but a few members went back with
Mr. Saunders to see Isolepis setacea.
VISIT TO DANBURY AND WOODHAM WALTER COMMON
(1021st MEETING)
Saturday, July 19th, 1958
Thirty-one members and friends met at Eves Corner, Danbury,
at 11.15 a.m. The morning was spent on Woodham Walter Com-
mon. Although the weather was sunny, the heavy rains made the going
difficult. After lunch the party split up, the botanists under Bernard Ward
remaining on the Common, while some members led by Mr. and Mrs.
Bartrop visited the grounds of Danbury Palace. A few members went to
Blake's Wood. All met for tea at the Dainties Cafe in Danbury. After tea
Mr. Bernard Ward was elected Chairman of the meeting.