S EL BORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 
1/9 
gourds, and Squirting cucumlters, which were allowed to exhibit their curious 
characteristics ; while some of the party learned for the first time that the young 
fig is a hollow (lower-head. Few more pleasant afternoons have been spent than 
those which it has been the lot of the “ Field Club ” to pass at “ 1 he Grove,” 
by the kindness of Mrs. Brightwen. 
ynty 2 . — Delightful scenery, pleasant weather, and the kindest hospitality 
characterised this excursion. On arrival at Nul field, the visitors, who num- 
bered over forty, were met by their host, Mr. W. II. Maw, F.R..\.S., and in 
carriages he was good enough to provide they proceeded direct to his residence 
at Ouiwood, some three or four miles away. The drive was through a lovely 
country, that wound between green fields bounded by hedgerows luxuriant with 
wild roses, elder, honeysuckle, and other flowers. 
Under Mr. Maw’s genial guidance a walk was taken round the west of the 
hill, whence were disclosed charming views in all directions. Amongst the 
rinds were white and red foxgloves. Orchis maatlala, Habenaria bifolia, Uyperi- 
cutn piiUhrum, and hiunifusiim, and different species of rushes and grasses. 
Others of the party passed part of the time safely navigating the miniature lake 
in Mr. Maw’s grounds. Tea was served in the orchard attached to the residence, 
and among those assisting the host and his daughters to minister to the Sel- 
bornians’ needs were the vicar of Outwood and his family. On the conclusion of 
a most refreshing repast the heartiest thanks were accorded to Mr. Maw for his 
hospitalitv, upon the motion of Mr. H. I’lowman, F'.S. A., seconded by Mr. 
James Walker. In the course of a brief reply Mr. Maw remarked “that he was 
himself the happiest member present.” 
On Outwood Common stand two picturesque windmills, reminiscent of old 
time, the vanes of which were beating the air. One is over 200 and the other 
over too years old. These mills are still in working order, and have been 
owned by the same families respectively during several generations. In the 
case of the smaller the whole structure turns itself to the wind about a huge 
wooden axis, on which is cut the year of erection, but in the case of the larger 
it is only the top of the mill that revolves. Without these antiquarian landmarks 
Outwood would hardly be itself, and long may they remain to answer to the 
breeze. 
But, staunch supporter of the Selborne Society as he is, it is perhaps in the 
astronomical world that Mr. Maw is best known. All the members of the 
British Astronomical Association know him as their Treasurer and as a past- 
President of that body. His observatory stood invitingly open, and under the 
pitch-pine dome is housed an eight-inch refractor by Cooke, a name that is a 
guarantee of good workmanship. The mount is equatorial, so that an operator, 
after reference to the tables and adjusting his circles, can pick up an object 
either by night or day, if the sky be clear. Once in the field of view, a driving 
clock, the speed of which can be regulated, moves the tube and so enables the 
observer to follow planet or star without the frequent screwings incidental to 
altazimuth telescopes. It is to double-star work that Mr. Maw has mainly 
devoted himself, and he gave to the visitors a lucid explanation of his system 
for computing orbits, as well as other interesting details of his vigils of years. 
We regret that by an accident Mr. Maw’s name was incorrectly given in the 
July number of the l\Iagazine. 
fuly gih . — The ramble to West Drayton and Iver Water Splash is now an 
annual institution, and once more, by the kind permission of the Thorney Weir 
Fishing Club, Mr. Wilfred Mark Webb was able to conduct some five-and-twenty 
members of the Society and their friends through the Water Meadows to Iver. 
Fresh-water mollusca, which are usually studied on this ramble, were not forth- 
coming in any great quantity, possibly owing to the heat of the day acting upon 
the energy of the conductor ; but he was able to demonstrate among other 
things the peculiar movements of the bifid stigma of the large Mimulus which, 
introduced from Alaska, now grows by many of our streams. Among other 
botanical finds was another escape in the shape of a balsam, Impaliens biflora, 
and some fine specimens of the Reed-mace. Before taking tea at the Swan 
Inn, Iver, a visit was made to the Church, where a stone coffin, the Norman 
font hewn from a mass of Purbeck marble, and almost unique (there is one 
other at Winchester Cathedral), not to mention the well-preserved brasses 
and curious tomb of a lady who was once buried prematurely and had a 
narrow escape, created much interest. A section of the party, including the 
