30 
The theory then is that the tektites originated on the Moon by the act of 
some other body striking the lunar surface and causing particles to fly off at a 
tangent. Whether or not this theory is correct only time can show. Perhaps 
when man is able to explore the Moon at first hand we may have the answer. 
The full list of lectures and field meetings sponsored by this section can be 
seen in another part of this edition, but lectures by two visiting speakers merit 
special mention. 
Professor J. G. Hawkes of Birmingham University gave a most interesting 
talk on the Flora of Mexico of which he has made a special study, particularly 
with regard to the origin of our common potato, whose wild ancestors are to be 
found there. In the course of his explorations. Professor Hawkes also saw many 
ancient buildings, some half buried in vegetation, and he interspersed slides of 
these among the flower slides, so that the lecture had a most varied interest. 
Mr. W. A. Cadman, Deputy Surveyor of the New Forest, also gave us a most 
informative afternoon when he came to describe to us the organisation and 
management of the New Forest. He explained that the title "Deputy Surveyor'" 
dated from shortly after 1066 when a Deputy Surveyor for each forest area in 
Britain was appointed; of these only two now remain and they are directly 
responsible to the reigning monarch as there is no longer a General Surveyor. 
We also heard about the upkeep of the Forest, the area which could be planted 
annually by the Forestry Department, the controlled burning of gorse to provide 
grazing areas for the commoners' ponies and the new controls necessitated by the 
great number of people who could now visit even remote areas by car. The 
amount of litter deposited by these visitors is enormous and its collection and 
removal has added vastly to the costs of administration; fire hazards have increased 
too, again raising the cost of precautions. 
We are greatly indebted to these two gentlemen and all our other lecturers 
for giving up their time to provide us with such interesting meetings. 
Mrs. M. P. Yule is still busy working on the collection of material for the 
new Flora of Hampshire which, she reports, is nearing completion. Plans for the 
compilation of the book and arrangements for its publication are now in hand; it 
is hoped to publish it in the early 70*s. 
This section suffered a great loss early in 1968 by the death of Mrs. Winifred 
Boyd Watt who had always been such an enthusiastic member. During our visit 
to Selborne we were delighted to find a memorial to her at 'The Wakes', home 
of Gilbert White. 
Mr. V. H. Pickering, m.b.m.s., once again led the autumn Fungus Foray, 
showing nearly a hundred different specimens and providing much valuable 
information. We hope he will long continue his leadership. This autumn seems 
to have been particularly favourable for the development of the Earth Star, 
Geastrum triplex, which has been reported a number of times. 
I am very pleased to report that Miss S. Haines has consented to assist me 
by undertaking the organisation of the summer programme of Field Meetings. 
This will relieve me of a considerable amount of work and enable me to continue 
as Chairman of the Section for a little longer, if this is the general wish. We are 
most grateful to Miss Haines for her offer of help. 
PLANT NOTES 
Lathraea clandestina. This very attractive parasitic plant has been reported 
this year from Broadstone. It is an alien, but is constantly appearing in new parts. 
Its striking lavender colour and complete lack of foliage makes it easy to identify. 
It is parasitic on the roots of willows and poplars. 
The following are reported from the Field Meetings this year: Pulmonaria 
longifolia in great profusion along the banks of the old railway between Burley 
and Holmsley. The Selborne area provided : Turritis Glabra — a species which is 
rare in the South-West, Vaccinium oxycoccus, Blackstonia perfoliata, Gentianella 
anglice, Ornithogallum umbellatum, Arum italicum, a number of orchids, includ- 
ing Cephalanthera damasonium, Herminium monorchis, Gymnadenia conopsea, 
Ophrys irtsectif"ra, Orchis mascula and Dactylorchis fuchsii. South Trigon Estate 
provided Osmunda regalis and Aconitum anglicum. 
