54 Proceedings. 



top of the cliffs, and several squalls of rain could be seen a 

 little distance out at sea ; but though one of these skirted 

 within two or three hundred yards of us, we happily escaped 

 further rain. For several miles the walk along the edge of 

 the cliffs is a constant succession of ups and downs, and along 

 most of that distance the cliffs rise as a sheer perpendicular 

 wall from the edge of the sea. The most interesting j)lant 

 found during the walk was the rare ErijtJircfia capitata, var. 

 /3. sphfErocephala, specimens of which were gathered in two 

 localities. To all outward appearance this species exactly 

 resembles a dwarf form of the common Centaury (E. Cen- 

 taurium). It may, however, at once be distinguished from 

 this latter by having the stamens inserted on the receptacle, 

 instead of at the mouth of the corolla. The only other locality 

 known in this country is on the Freshwater Cliffs, Isle of 

 Wight. About three miles before Seaford is reached the cliffs 

 descend to the Cuckmere Eiver, which has to be crossed by a 

 boat. Ascending on the other side, the walk is continued 

 along the cliffs for the remainder of the way. A rare 

 umbelliferous plant, Seseli Lihanotis, used to gi'ow on the 

 slope above the Cuckmere, but is probably eradicated, as no 

 trace of it could be seen in the position described. Some fine 

 specimens of Henbane {Hi/oscynums niger) were found in this 

 part of the walk. A large number of Wheatears were seen in 

 the course of the day, and a few Herring Gulls. 



September 14. — An afternoon excursion. Some of the 

 members started early, taking the train to Chilworth. PoUj- 

 f/onum dumetorum was found in the steep lane from the station 

 up on to Blackheath, festooning the hedges. From Black- 

 heath, Ewhurst Mill was seen in the distance, the country 

 between being undulating and for the most part covered with 

 Pine-woods. Squirrels and Green Woodpeckers were in 

 plenty, Pine-trees being their favourite resort. Patches of 

 Rosebay Willowherb grew here and there on the dry sandy 

 heath. The path then led to Farley Green. Overhead the 

 Chaftinches were in full song. The forest land here is inter- 

 sected by numerous valleys ; up one of these, which led 

 towards Ewhurst Mill, the party went. The boggy pieces of 



