6
A set of bronze medals issued by the City Corporation to
commemorate various local events is exhibited in a special case;
among them is the medal which was struck to commemorate the
opening of Epping Forest by Queen Victoria in 1882.
Examples of the invitation cards sent out by the City Cor-
poration on various occasions connected with the Forest are shown,
including a beautifully designed card of invitation to the ceremony
of the opening of Epping Forest by Queen Victoria on May 6th,
1882, which was issued to the founder of the Essex Field Club.
A small reproduction of a signed photograph of Queen
Victoria is exhibited and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth.
Also on the walls are several antlers and heads of the dark
Forest fallow deer, which are a distinct breed from the light dappled
herds seen in private parks, and of the Red Deer, which no longer
exists in the Forest; there is also a young fawn of the Roe deer,
which also has left the Forest, and a specimen of the Badger, which
now again, after reintroduction, flourishes in the more secluded
parts.
Illustrations of the characteristic trees and shrubs of the
Forest, such as birch, hornbeam, beech, oak, maple, holly, buckthorn,
wild service, gorse and dogwood, are shown, and include the twigs,
leaves, fruits, and polished specimens of the timber of each.
A specially attractive exhibit to visitors consists of living
specimens of the wild flowers and fruits of the Forest; this exhibit
is maintained throughout the year by fresh supplies each week.
Some cases of the Fish met with in the ponds and streams of
the district are on the staircase walls.
THE UPPER ROOM.
Suspended from the roof is a pair of early 17th century oil-
paintings of unknown origin, representing full-length portraits of
Stuart personages who are believed to have been connected
with the Boothby family, owners of the old mansion on Friday Hill,
Chingford, in which Charles II., according to local tradition,
knighted the loin of beef.