SESSION 1898-99. Iv 



attention and abundance of water with whicli they arc provided. 

 There are several rare species and strikinj? varieties. 



A walk was then taken tlirougli ^larford to the Devil's Dyke, 

 which was traced for some distance southwards from the valley 

 of the Lea. Opinion Avas divided as to the origin of this narrow 

 glade, some members thinking it to be a Celtic tribal boundary, 

 while the Director ventured the suggestion that as it slopes 

 gradually downwards to the ford over the Lea, it might have been 

 cut merely for a roadway or for an opening to drain the land, for 

 a considerable tract of whicli it appears to form an outlet for any 

 water which might accumulate. That it was not intended for 

 defensive purposes appears to be shown by the earth from it not 

 being heaped up on one side only, which is usually the case in 

 such earthworks. It is more likelj' that it was a tribal boundary, 

 for it now forms part of the boundary between the parishes of 

 Sandridge and Wheathampstead, and between the Hundreds of 

 Cassio and Dacorum. 



The " slad " or moat, another earthwork now filled with water, 

 which lies a short distance to the east, was then visited, the farm- 

 buildings of Lower Beech Hyde being passed on the way. This 

 faiTu and Upper Beech Hyde probably derived their names fi'om 

 these excavations, and not from the beech-tree, for the word 

 " beach " was formerly used not only for the sea-shore but for any 

 bank. This is the origin of the name "Beech Bottom," and it 

 may be that that old earthwork had some connection with the 

 "Wheathampstead Devil's Dyke, for this is but one of many such 

 dykes, which, when superstition prevailed and faith was strong, 

 were ascribed to his Satanic majesty. 



Ending the discussion upon the origin of these and other similar 

 earthworks without arriving at any definite conclusion, the party 

 proceeded to Coleman Green, where was seen the chimney of the 

 old cottage in which John Biinyan used to stay, and in which it 

 is said that he preached. JS^othing now remains of the three 

 cottages which formerly stood on this spot but this picturesque 

 ivy-covered chimney-stack, to which a commemorative slab has 

 been attached. A pleasant walk down the old road to Cromer 

 Hyde was then taken, and tea was partaken of in the orchard 

 of the village inn. After tea some members cycled round, and 

 others walked across, the park and gardens of Brocket Hall, by 

 kind permission of Lord Mount Stephen, to Waterend House. 

 This is an old gabled mansion, now used as a farmhouse, which 

 tradition assigns as the birthplace of the famous and beautiful 

 Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. There is nothing of interest in it 

 now except the long room at the top, which once extended from 

 one end of the house to the other, but it is a picturesque old red 

 brick and tiled structure well worth seeing. 



Here the party dispersed, a few walking to Ayot Station and 

 the majority cycling by way of Lemsford to their respective 

 destinations. 



