SESSION 1895-96. xxxi 



tliickncss and great extent having been removed by subaerial 

 denudation. One of the Tring Keservoirs, the feeders of the 

 (Jraiid Junction Canal, was distinctly seen. The River Thame, 

 a tributary of the higher waters of the Thames, also takes its rise 

 amongst these reservoirs, or from spiings which feed them. 



Descending the hill to Aldbury, tea was partaken of at the 

 "Greyhound," which has changed hands since it was last visited 

 by the Society, with the result that prices have gone up a little, 

 but this is only what may be expected when a pretty and 

 interesting spot gets to be better known and more frequently 

 visited. 



On the way back to Tring Station a detour was made on to the 

 slopes of Aldbury Owers, and the pasque-flower. Anemone pulsatilla, 

 or Pulsatilla vulgaris as it is now more correctly but less elegantly 

 called, was found to be in full flower. This pretty little plant 

 only occui's on chalk downs, and nowhere else in Hertfordshire 

 except on the Barton Hills. It was in order to see this plant in 

 flower that this meeting was arranged to be so early in the year. 



Field Meeting, 9th May, 1896. 

 KEW GARDENS. 



A rather larger party than that which visited Aldbury, chiefly 

 consisting of members from Watford and St. Albans, assembled at 

 the principal entrance to Kew Gardens at about half-past three, 

 most of the number having come via Willesden to Kew Bridge 

 Station, crossing the Thames by the pictui'esque stone bridge which 

 is soon to be replaced by one of iron. 



The highly-heated glass houses devoted to the culture of tropical 

 ferns, orchids, and cactuses were flrst visited, but in going through 

 them the party became divided, and the following only refers to 

 the small section of members with whom the writer wandered 

 through the gardens. 



In the Rock Gardens "we" were met by the Director, Mr. 

 Thistleton Dyer, and although he could only spare a short time 

 with us, this very interesting part of the Garclens was rendered 

 still more interesting by his presence and remarks. The plants are 

 chiefly Alpine, and include various species of dwarf Phlox, such 

 as subulata and its varieties, of Aubrieta, Lithospermum, Geicm, 

 Ahjssum, Trillium, Ranunculus, and Primula, including the little 

 Japanese variety, and many other early-flowering plants then just 

 in perfection, making the scene a gay one. In the water-lily 

 house the large blue and white blossoms of the lilies were seen 

 floating on the siu-face of the water. The great palm-house and 

 other glass houses were also visited. 



Some time was then spent in the Museums, the Museum of 

 Economic Botany being specially interesting. Straw-plaiting is 

 here illustrated by specimens from Hertfordshire. The " ]S'orth " 

 (xallery also proved very attractive. Miss North's beautiful paintings 



