Journal of Proceedings. xvii
Britons against the Romans, The party was soon encamped within
the ramparts of their sylvan fortress, and Mr. Cowper briefly pointed
out and explained the leading features and probable intention of this
interesting monument of an ancient race. But no lingering could be
allowed at the spot, interesting as it is to the lover of history and
legend, and the members left it with less regret, inasmuch as they
were promised a Field Meeting for the special purpose of examining
the Forest earthworks. So "Forward!" was the word of command ;
and Little and Great Monk's Woods were soon reached. Perhaps no
more charming spots than these could be chosen by anyone desiring
to see Epping Forest at its best. Monk's Woods are hidden in the
midst of the Forest, silent and secluded. The ground surface possesses
considerable natural advantages. It is modestly undulating, and in
places much broken where some tiny rivulets traverse it, running
in picturesque curves through the shady thickets. The trees, un-
scathed by "lopper" or ''topper," at least in recent times, are
very types of sylvan vigour, and spread around their graceful
boughs with all the wild freedom of Nature. The stroller may
here find bits of woodland beauty recalling New Forest itself—
giant Beeches guarding vistas of speckled light and shade, with
foregrounds of richly branched and tangled Brambles, graceful
Bracken ferns, verdant mossed patches, and waving grass and
rush. It is a true piece of natural woodland, teeming with objects
of wonder and delight for all who have eyes to see, aye, and ears to
hear, for the spot abounds in birds and curious forest animals. Many
members of the party were soon busy with the flowers and insects,
mosses and ferns, which inhabit this delightful spot. There was the
Red Rattle (Pedicularis sylvatica), a white variety of which occurred
not uncommonly; the pretty and changeable Milk-wort (Polygalia) in
all shades of colour—white, blue, and pink. The Bracken ferns were
just unfolding their fronds, and gave fair promise of coming luxu-
riance. The Needle-whin (Genista anglica), one of the prettiest of
woodland plants, nestled amongst the Ling in the openings, where the
little white flowers of the Heath Galium (G. saxatile) contrasted well
with the bright yellow blossoms of two species of Potentilla (tormentilla
et reptans); whilst in "shadiest covert hid," the plainer Cow-wheat
(Melampyrum) bordered the woodland paths. In the streams the
bright blue blossoms of the Brook-lime were to be found, and by the
brook-side the delicate Yellow Pimpernell (Lysimachia nemorum), the
variety flexuosa of the Hairy Bitter Cress (Cardamine hirsuta) and two
or three species of Viola. The entomologists were not very fortunate;
the weather was possibly not favourable for delicate moths—they
had betaken themselves to the welcome shelter of the leafy boughs and
sedge. However, several species were noticed—the Beech Hook-tip
moth (Drepana unguicula), and the pretty Geometrid Ephyra trilinearia,
2