ITS FLOWERING PLANTS.
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named is uncommon, and if I mentioned its
locality it might be exterminated; but as it does
not flower here I trust it may be spared.
The plants which may be described as most
characteristic of the Forest are the common brake
fern, which is universal; the common polypody
fern, which grows in the crowns of the pollard
tree; the gorse; the petty whin; and the ling or
heather, which cover the drier parts; the orchis,
of which more than one variety may be found
beyond High Beach; and the ground ivy on the
clay soil. The aquatic vegetation is a distinct
feature, rich in deep greens and graceful forms.
Of the water plants the common water-dock is
one of the handsomest; the two kinds of bulrush,
one tall and very slender, the other bolder in
character; the water-lilies; the Carices or water-
grasses ; the sweet-scented rush, with which in
ancient times the Monastery floor was strewn; the
water-violet; the ranunculus ; and the mare's tail,
are all full of beauty and character. But the
real show is afforded by the masses of the com-
monest and most familiar flowers, each in their
season, and especially of the flowering bushes.
Thus in March we have the primrose, though
unfortunately the stock of these has been sadly
diminished by being dug up in bushels to be sold
in London; in April the blue bells and white
wood anemone, which may be gathered in
quantity in the Walthamstow Forest, at the
Cuckoo Pits, between Chingford and High Beach,
and elsewhere; in May the hawthorn, crab
apple, and gorse; in June the wild rose, water
forget-me-not, and many others; in July the
honeysuckle and tall flowering grasses, and in