Wnolljope naturalists' JfMir Club. 



TTTHE fourth field meeting of the Woolhope Club for the present year was held 

 J_ at Leominster, on Thursday, 22nd August, for an exploration of the ancient 

 British Camp of Croft Ambery. Amongst those present were the Rev. H. 

 W. Phillott, M.A. (President), Mr. H. C. Beddoe, Mr. H. L. Briihl, Dr. Chapman, 

 Rev. G. H. Clay, Mr. T.Curley, Rev. F. T. Havergal, Mr. J. HuUah, Mr. T. C. 

 Paris, Mr. W. A. Swinburne, Mr. Theo. Lane, (Secretary). 



The members left Barr's Court Station at 9.15 a.m., when on reaching 

 Leominster they found a carriage in readiness to convey them to Croft Ambery. 

 On arriving at the Park gates, leading to Croft Castle, they were met by the Rev. 

 J. Edwards, rector of Croft, who kindly conducted the members through the 

 charming grounds of Croft Castle. The celebrated grove of sweet chestnut 

 trees was visited, and the trees measured,* — and admired as they ever must 

 and will be by lovers of trees. The church was visited and its interesting 

 monuments examined, one of them to Sir W. Croft, killed in a skirmish during 

 the CivU War. The avenue leading to the Castle, vrith its grand old oaks, 

 fine chestnuts, and taU elms, was also noticed ; and the approach to the camp 

 made by keeping on the high ground of the park. Here the business of the 

 club was transacted, and the members afterwards wandered about the camp 

 examining its situation and mode of construction, admiring the splendid scenery 

 — the celebrated triple " lover's oak," the beech and other noble trees. The return 

 was made through the dingle,[and here a'variety of ferns was found, growing in 

 great profusion and perfection. Besides the more ordinary ferns the following 

 kinds were growing in abundance : Asplcnuim Trich(yinanes,AthyriuinFilixfcemina, 

 Blechnum Borcalc, and Lastrea Oreopteris. Here also are some magnificent larch 

 trees, and a remarkably fine catalpa. Tlie members were then insidiously beguiled 

 to the rectory, where a very kind reception and a refreshing cup of tea awaited 

 them. They then returned by carriage to Leominster, and dined at the Royal Oak. 

 After dimier a very interesting paper was read by the President on " The Cedar 

 Tree, "and another by Mr. Swinburne on " Remarkable Trees in the neighbourhood 

 of London," and both of them were duly acknowledged by votes of thanks from 

 the members present. 



The meeting was not numerously attended, but aU who had the good fortune 

 to be there will retain pleasant memories of a very enjoyable walk throiigh some of 

 the finest scenery of Herefordshire. 



*For measurements see line 5 of the Post Prandial Postcript to the following paper by Mr. W, 

 A Swinburne. 



