REPORT OF THE FIELD CLUB 
23 
been done to Thoreau in the article referred to, where Lowell’s 
ill-natured and often-refuted criticism seems to have been taken 
for granted throughout. 
Henry S. Salt. 
REPORT OF THE FIELD CLUB FOR 1899. 
N presenting their Report for 1899 Committee of the 
Field Club are pleased to be able to state that, owing 
to unexpected assistance from members and friends in 
the way of arranging and conducting Saturday after- 
noon rambles, twenty-two walks were successfully carried out 
during the past season. It will be remembered that in 1898 it 
was not found possible to arrange for more than alternate weeks, 
and the Committee were fearful lest such a course would have 
to be taken again, when this unlooked-for help enabled the Club 
to start again in the right direction. 
The first ramble of the season was conducted by Mr. E. A. 
Martin, F.G.S., on April 15. Croham Hurst was the destina- 
tion, and the party of twelve members was increased to sixty by 
the addition of members of the Croydon Labour Church, the 
Co-operative Society, and the Croham Hurst Preservation Com- 
mittee, of which latter Mr. Martin is the Honorary Secretary. 
Arrived at their goal, the guide gave a short address on the 
reasons why the Hurst should be retained by the people for 
their use, and the many beauties of and around the place. The 
excursion to Greenstead on April 29, under the leadership of 
Mr. S. Austin, was most enjoyable. The church was the chief 
object of interest, and Mr. Austin read a paper dealing with its 
history and method of construction, which was much appre- 
ciated. The building is, he told us, quite unique in this country, 
being the only dated piece of Saxon or pre-Conquest wood-work 
that remains. On May 6 a large party travelled to Gomshall, 
well knowing from experience that the treat in store for them 
would amply repay the fatigue of the journey. Mr. Harrison 
led the way over a carefully chosen route through that most 
picturesque part of Surrey. At West Hackhurst, Miss Forster, 
the Hon. Secretary of the Abinger and Shere branch of the 
Society, very kindly provided tea for the party. 
Professor Boulger, on May 13, conducted from Oxshott to 
Esher the largest party that attended on any one occasion. 
Crossing Fair Mile Heath, where a good distant view of the 
gorge of the Mole was obtained, the fir woods were entered. 
The young foliage of beech and chestnut above and the blech- 
num fronds and tufts of the silvery moss {Leucobyyum) under 
foot here attracted attention. At Black Pond the brilliant 
orange aquatic fungus [Mitrula paludosa) and the sundew were 
observed. 
