SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 
119 
April 20. — A party of some thirty Selbornians and friends, under the guidance 
of Mr. George Wattsi foregathered at Rickmansworth Station, whence they took 
their way tothe hamlet of Hill End. Tea wastakenat Hareficld Green. Starting 
again, the party reached Ilarefield Church, rich in reminiscences of Elizabeth, 
Milton, and Shakespeare, of Newdigates and Hatchworths, of Swanlands and 
Egertons, and other prominent actors in English history — not forgetting its vicinity 
to Breakspeares, the home of our only English Pope, Adrian IV. — and possessing 
some of the most interesting brasses that this country affords. These latter were 
viewed, and some were rubbed by enthusiasts. A pleasant walk homewards 
across the fields to Xorthwood was somewhat marred by gathering clouds, which 
later on culminated in sharp showers. 
April 27. -Epping Forest. On a promising but cold afternoon, a party of 
Selbornians assembled at Theydon Bois Station. They passed through the 
picturesquely quaint village and by the Green with its fine avenue of elms, entered 
the Forest by Genesis Slade, and then rambled by devious and unfrequented tracks 
to Wormleyton Pits and, vid the Green Ride to Epping Green, seeing on the way 
many interesting birds, including Jays, Wood Pigeons, and several Tits, &c. The 
birds were all singing freely after the recent rain and the whole forest looked 
brilliant in its fresh spring mantle, while the paths were starred in all directions 
with woodsorrel, anemones and wood violets, and the gorse flamed in the bushes. 
An attempt to return through Epping Thicks was frustrated by the weather, 
so the high road was reluctantly resorted to. Arabresbury Banks (the destina- 
tion) was soon reached. This is an ancient camp about whose origin some doubt 
e.vists, the popular notion being that it was formed by Britons and that probably 
on it Eoadicea met her final overthrow by Suetonius. The Essex Field Club, in 
making explorations in 1S81 and 1882, found some flint chips and fragments of 
pottery indicating British origin, but no very approximate date. 
May 4, 1907. — Owing to the most unsettled weather a small parly of ten 
Selbornians only met Mr. W. Percival Westell, F.L.S., at Hill End, near St. 
Albans, but the weather fortunately took a turn for the better, and both 
afternoon and evening were brilliantly fine. The guide pointed out various 
wild plants, birds, and other objects en route, and gave several informal dis- 
sertations to various members of the party on some phases of bird-life. The 
Nightingale and Cuckoo were heard for the first time this year, and the piccolo 
solo of the Willow Wren was to be heard very frequently. The Chiffchaff 
uttered his “ chivy, chavy ” occasionally, and the Chaffinch and many beautiful Song 
Thrushes and Blackbirds were in fine song. A Moorhen was observed strutting 
gaily along near a wood some distance Irom water, a pair of Wild Duck were 
flushed in a clover field, a Wren’s nest cleverly placed on an old cak stump, and 
a Chaffinch's nest deftly hung in the pliant branches of a spruce fir, all engaged 
attention. Several pairs of Partridges were put up, as also Pheasants, Hares, 
and Rabbits. 
Tea was held at the Chequers, Cromer Hyde, and the ramblers then leisurely 
strolled across Brocket Hall Park, the residence of Lord Mountstephen, and 
arrived at Ayot Station at 8.30. Whilst waiting at Ayot, Mr. Poole took the 
opportunity of proposing, and Mr. Nash seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to 
Mr. Westell for acting as guide. 
Saturday, May il. — A very enjoyable ramble was taken by fourteen 
Selbornians, under the guidance of Miss Giberne, over Bookham Common to 
Leatherhead. The day was perfect and the common looked very pretty. After 
a walk of about four miles through fields and by the high road, the party reached 
Leatherhead, where tea awaited them at the Institute. On the Mill Pond just 
outside Leatherhead a pair of Coots had a nest within a few yards of the bank, 
and members were greatly interested in watching the movements of the birds. 
FORTHCOMING EVENTS. 
Council and Committee Meetings. 
Monday, June 17. — Publications Committee at 5.30 p.m. 
Tuesday, June 25.— Council Meeting at 5.30. 
Excursions. 
Saturday, yune 8. — Ox.shott and the Black Pond. Meet at Oxshott Station 
on arrival of train leaving Waterloo (L. & S.W.R.) at 2.15, Clapham Junction 
