Purchas and Mr. Lingwood, then departed on an exploration of the vales of the 

 Monnow and the Dwr, in the district of Rowlstone, Abbey Dore, Ewias Harold, 

 and Kenderchurch, &c. ; while the larger part of the party chose for the scene 

 of a mixed botanical and geological ramble the valley of Kentchnrch, Garway 

 Hill, and Grosmont. 



Passing along meadows dotted with orange flowers of the Hypochoeris radicata 

 and the deep blue spikes of the Prunella, and fragrant with the perfume of the 

 Plantago, the larger party of the members made their way by the footpath to 

 Grosmont mill. In the coppice and hedge-rows on the way the elegant blossoms 

 of the spreading bell-flower Campanula patula a characteristic plant of the district, 

 and the noble Meadow Cranesbill which grows luxuriantly in the rich warm valley 

 of the Monnow, attracted attention. 



Crossing that river by the stout old bridge of the 14th century, which is 

 associated by tradition with the mighty wizsurd, " John o' Kent " or " Gwent," 

 the party proceeded up the beautiful bowered lane, between hedges purple with the 

 Vicia Cracca, passing the Church and Court of Kentchurch, and making their way 

 to the sandstone quarries on the slopes of Garway hill. Thence they mounted to 

 the summit of the hill ; and there, as they rested from the fatigues of the ascent, 

 enjoyed for a while the glorious panoramic view, embracing at a glance all Here- 

 fordshire, with portions of the counties of Worcester, Salop, Radnor, Brecon, 

 Monmouth, and Gloucester, the blue hills of Wiltshire closing in the view to the 

 S.W. 



Shortly before 2 p.m. the party left the peak of Garway, and made their way 

 down towards the Cornstone and other quarries situated in the woods of Kent- 

 church. On the way down the steep, they noticed the great profusion wherewith 

 the beautiful mountain fern, Aspidium Oreopteris, clothes the mountain sides, as if 

 to shelter the abundance of Hare-bells (Campanula rotundifoUa), Hawk's-beard 

 (Crepis virens) and Tormentilla vulgaris. It was noticed, however, as remarkable, 

 that not a single plant of the Sheep's-bit, Jasione montana, so common upon lofty 

 hills in other parts of the district, was observed throughout the day. 



On reaching one of the quarries the Geologists were interested in discovering, 

 on a piece of Old Red Sandstone, a remarkable impression of vegetation — 

 apparently the stem of a tree. At the same spot, the Botanists were gratified to 

 find the somewhat rjure and very pretty little orchideous plant called Lady's- 

 tresses, Spiranthes autunmalis. Among the Cornstones very many remains more 

 or less perfect of the Cephalaspis, the shield-headed fish of the Old Red Seas, were 

 foiind. In threading the by-paths of the woods towards the river bank one of 

 the botanists wi? fortunate enough to light upon a plant of the broadleaved 

 Helleborine, Epipactis latifolia, in full flower. 



Having crossed the Monnow by the picturesque but shaky footbridge, the 

 party directed their steps towards Grosmont. The examination of the majestic 

 old Cast I.J, with its massive semi-circular keep, and the beautiful tall chimney of 

 its banqueting hall, occupied a pleasant half hour. The party subsequently visited 

 the interesting old Church, the beautiful chancel of which — along with the Castle, 



