50 
SATURDAY, JUNE 1s1, 1907. 
[From Brighton Herald, June 8th. | 
TILGATE FOREST AND* BALCOMBE, 
The members had a rather strange experience at this 
excursion. While everywhere else was steady rain and some- 
times heavy thunderstorms, the party escaped almost scot-free. 
There was one heavy shower, which set in just as the forest was 
entered at the corner near Worth; but after a short wait under 
thick foliage the way was pursued, and after the sticky, clay 
patch about the brickfield had been crossed the perfectly dry 
ground of the iron-sand was reached. Just now the verdure of 
the forest is seen in all its glory. Mr. Henry Davey guided the 
party through the tracks, and down the descent to the brook (one’ 
of the sources of the Mole), which proved more troublesome 
than usual; and the opposite slope was very boggy in places. 
The big double tree has been visited on previous occasions ; and 
this time it had been determined to take precise photographic 
records. This should have been done some years since, as the 
junction has much changed and decayed. It is satisfactory to 
know that the photographs taken by Mr. Russell-Davies have 
proved perfectly successful. Leaving the forest through another 
disagreeable clayey patch, the party crossed the Forest Ridge ; 
and a hearty tea at Balcombe revived drooping energies. Only 
a few stayed to make the usual visit to the mineral spring and 
lake ; but they were well rewarded; and another smart shower 
fell just when they were under the thickest shelter. Wonderfully 
beautiful is all this part of Sussex. 
