SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 
1 19 
gorse, it makes a perfect bird sanctuary, where nests are almost impregnable. 
The rich chorus of a thousand blended notes told that the birds were alive to 
this. Blackbirds and Thrushes led the music, but amid the tangle of song 
could be distinguished the note of the Robin and Wren, the Chiffchaff, Lesser 
Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chaffinch and Garden Warbler. During a wait caused 
by a shower just as tea was over, Mr. Avenell very kindly read a short paper 
on the history of King’s Langley and the neighbourhood. Afterwards, the 
sky having resumed its pleasant aspect, the ramblers started homewards. Later, 
the voices of the Nightingale, the Cuckoo, and the Green Woodpecker were 
also heard. A grass field we passed was noticeably traced all over with sinuous 
lines of brown herbage. The mystery was explained when some frightened 
Field Voles darted into their holes. The ground was quite spongy and per- 
fectly riddled with their burrows, and the grass in consequence almost entirely 
ruined. A marvellous sunset crowned the day. Facing us, the sky in the east 
was grey and sombre, and the contrast on looking backwards was very striking. 
Above the western earth-line, and barring the horizon, rose deep purple clouds 
edged with brilliant crimson. Above these, far up to the zenith towered cloud 
mountains flanked with pavilions and battlements and towers of gold, amethyst 
and amber, shading off into pale sea green and delicate rose-pink. 
Saturday , May 5.— A party of forty-six members and friends met at Chingford 
to walk to High Beach, under the guidance of Mr. C. H. Cox, B.Sc., of Totten- 
ham Junior Branch. Before starting on the walk proper a visit was paid to the 
Museum of the Essex Field Club, which is close to the station and is free to the 
public. Here, although only a very short time was available, it was quite clear 
that the Club is doing excellent work, the exhibits being of such a character as 
greatly to enhance the interest of a tramp through the Forest. On leaving the 
Museum the route taken lay past the Connaught Water and thence by a circuitous 
walk to the “ Robin Hood,” where tea was provided. After tea a move was 
made towards the King’s Oak, where the party split into two divisions, one led 
by Mr. Cox along the west side of the Forest to catch an early train from 
Chingford, the other guided by Mr. Hornblower, following the same route at a 
more leisurely pace. This latter party was rewarded by seeing a Cuckoo at very 
close quarters. 
Saturday , May 12. — A party of twenty-five assembled at Edgeware Station 
for a ramble — for the greater part of the way by footpaths and green lanes — 
through Edgeware, Elstree and Mill Hill. The first halt was made at the 
parish church of Little Stanmore ( alias Whitchurch), noted for the organ on 
which Handel played, and for its fine frescoes, the work of the F'rench 
artists, Verrio and Laguerre, which entirely cover the ceiling and walls. The 
organ case is the work of Grinling Gibbons. The tower is Gothic in style, 
and dates from the time of Henry VIII., but the body of the church was rebuilt 
in 1715. In the churchyard lies buried William Powell, the “ Harmonious 
Blacksmith,” his tombstone being ornamented by an anvil, a hammer, and some 
musical notes. As the ramble continued, glimpses were obtained through the 
trees of Canon’s House, formerly the residence of Handel’s friend and patron, the 
Duke of Chandos. After tea at Elstree the party wended its way via Edgeware- 
bury to Mill Hill, which was not, however, reached until well after darkness 
had set in, owing to the irresistible attraction afforded by several Nightingales in 
full song. 
FORTHCOMING EVENTS. 
Council and Committee Meetings. 
Tuesday , June 12. — Council Meeting at 5.30 p.m. 
Monday , June 18. — Publications Committee at 5.30 p.m. 
Excursions. 
Central Body. 
Saturday , June 2. — No ramble, on account of the Whitsuntide holiday. 
Saturday , June 9. — Roundabout and Petts Wood. Trains leave Victoria 
(S.E. Ry.) at 2.20, Holborn Viaduct at 2.25, and St. Paul’s at 2.27 p.m. Take 
return tickets to Bickley, 2s. from Victoria, is. Sd. from Holborn. Meet outside 
Bickley Station at 3.5 p.m. Tea at Dabner’s, Foots Cray Common. After tea 
a visit will be paid to Chislehurst Caves. Return from either Bickley or 
