for its presence there, hut even if the habit of this
annual species may sometimes be biennial, how did
these particular plants bridge the full two year
gap since 1971? What conditions decide that
germination should be delayed? There was ample
robust seed, and some of it I distributed at the
original site. If this stranger to Essex can hold
its own over five years, albeit tenuously, one is
led to hope that it may be persuaded that it is
welcome for as many summers as it may care to stay.
Perhaps 1974 will be another of them. There is
certainly no reason why not, for this striking plant
is at home in arable country. Roger Butcher's
illustration of it is taken from a Suffolk specimen.
The question finally poses itself from the angle -
how has this quite widespread though rather
infrequent arable plant, managed to avoid the farming
county of Essex over the years until the present time?
ARTISTS. Several Museums are willing to put up small
wall displays about the Club. For this we need
drawings, sketches, cartoons, etc. of members doing
things and of wildlife - if you can help, then contact
one of the Editors. Similarly we need an artist to
design the cover of the Autumn Bulletin!
Harvest Mouse Survey for the Mammal Society.
Stephen Harris of the Zoology Dept. Royal Holloway
College, Englefield Green, Surrey, would like
records of Harvest Mice from Essex. If you have
ever seen them or their characteristic nests would
you please write and let him know.
Maplin Rally.
Several members joined the anti-Maplin Airport
Rally of the Defenders of Essex from Southend to
High Beach. Linda, Michael and Mrs. Jean Daniels were
in particularly good voice with cries of 'we say no
to Maplin' all along the route'.
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