162 . THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 
LOCALITIES FOR BEGINNERS. 
No. I.—WANSTEAD FLATS. 
By Joun T. CarrineTon. 
From time to time I am consulted by young entomologists 
where to go to collect insects, and especially where near London. 
It has frequently suggested itself to me that a series of short 
articles upon the localities most easily reached, and in a short 
time, will not only be of use to those who are now commencing 
the study of Entomology, but may possibly be the means of - 
inducing others to join the army of fly-catchers. Although the 
whole of these may not become great entomologists in the proper 
sense, it cannot be doubted that it will do good in taking them 
from the hurry and bustle of our great city to the purer air of the 
fields, woods, and moors. If this series should be honoured in a 
perusal by the more advanced entomologist, he must remember 
that for him they are not written. Nevertheless, if in reading he 
is recalled to happy memories of his early collecting days, I shall 
have added another pleasure to my already pleasant labour. If 
errors from time to time creep in, I must apologise in anticipa- 
tion, for my own daily occupation is such that I cannot now get 
so many opportunities for field work as I would wish. I shall 
have, therefore, to depend much on notes given by friends, and 
those who more intimately know the various localities. 
One of the nearest localities to London is Wanstead Flats. 
This district is a portion of the once great forest of Epping. 
Though now no longer so extensive, enough remains of E;pping 
Forest to enable the entomologist to get many a day’s ramble 
each season. ‘There are several ways of going to Wanstead 
Flats, but we need only describe two. One is by the way of 
Forest Gate Station on the Great Eastern Railway, to which 
trains leave Liverpool Street Station every half hour. On 
uriving at Forest Gate Station it is well to ask for the “ Eagle 
and Child” inn, passing which the road will bring the traveller 
in less than half an hour to the “Flats.” Another way is by 
train from Liverpool Street Station, as before, to Wood Street 
Station, Walthamstow; Wood Street is not more than six miles 
from London. Leaving the station turn to the left, when either 
road past the “ Plow” inn (which is close to the station) will lead 
