loo THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 



stonework so as to reproduce the tower as nearly as possible in its details and 

 dimensions. This tower is very similar to that of Great St. Mary's, Cambridge, 

 and may have been construct^ originally by the same builders ; it forms a 

 striking feature in the landscape and especially so when seen from Shortgroves 

 Park. 



Quitting the church, the ramble was continued along the lanes and across the 

 fields to Quendon Hall. Although there were gleams of bright sunshine the 

 weather was very cold, with a keen north wind blowing, bringing snow storms at 

 intervals. No plants were in blossom, with the exception of a few primroses in 

 sheltered nooks here and there, and of course insects were absent. In the hedge- 

 rows Mr. Crouch and others found a few Helices : — Helix aspersa, H. nemoralis, 

 H. kortensis, H. ru/escens (deep reddish-brown in colour), H. rotundata^ H. 

 hispida and H. cantiana. Also Hyalinia {Zonites) cellaria, and some glassy shells 

 of Vitrina pellucida. 



In the park we were met by our kind host, Col. A. M. Cranmer-Byng, and a 

 very pleasant stroll was taken in the finely wooded domain. The herd of deer was 

 much admired ; it was stated to have been maintained in the park for over 200 

 years. A buck and doe in the herd are pure white. Some of the trees in the park 

 are very fine ; two oaks were measured, one was 17 feet 3 inches, and the other 20 

 feet 2 inches in girth about 3 feet from the ground. Col. Cranmer-Byng pointed 

 out a tumulus in the park, which appears to be well worthy of careful examina- 

 tion, and some very curious depressions or pits, which occasionally make their 

 appearance in the fields without warning, and are consequently dangerous. Some 

 discussion took place as to their nature, whether natural swallow-holes in the 

 chalk, or whether they owe their origin to excavations of the nature of Dene-holes. 

 The hope was expressed that some investigations might be carried out in order to 

 solve the question. 



Quendon Hall is of considerable antiquity. Although portions have been 

 pulled down and altereJ, it still has a striking appearance. The present south 

 front is pretty well known to be the work of Wyatt, but it is not in character with 

 the original design of the mansion. A long and wide gallery on the chamber 

 floor extends the whole hngth of the hall front, west to east, and the rooms 

 entered from this gallery have glazed double doors of Georgian character. The 

 hall contains mucn fine oak panelling, old china, and good paintings, including a 

 portrait of Archbishop Cranmer, by Holbein. At the back of the house is a mag- 

 nificent avenue of limes. 



At the mansion the party (a large one) received a most cordial welcome from 

 Colonel and Mrs. Cranmer-Byng and members of the family, who did all in their 

 power to make the visit a pleasant one. Luncheon was served in the fine dining 

 hall, and, although owing to want of time the Ordinary Meeting intended to have 

 been held in the hall was postponed until evening, on the motion of Mr. Fitch, as 

 President, a most hearty vote of thanks was passed to our kind host and hostess 

 by acclamation. Col. Cranmer-Byng replied, and shortly afterwards the party 

 left for a walk to Rickling for the purpose of seeing the very interesting church 

 (All Saints) principally of very early date (parts being supposed to be Saxon) but 

 which is of mixed styles, having experienced many alterations and additions. The 

 Rood-screen is of late " first-pointed " style of very good detail. The pulpit dates 

 from pre-reformation periods ; the chancel has a oaken roof, and there is a modern 

 reredos both of fine Flemish work. On the quoins about the chancel and on its 

 prieit's south-doorway are incised mediaeval scrolls and lettering, also a curious 



