SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 199 
7s. 6d. ; Mrs. Farquharson of Houghton, los. 6d. ; Mrs. Richmond, "j%. 6d. ; 
Rev. E. F. Russell, 7s. 6d. ; Mrs. and Miss Brooinhead Colton-Fox, 2is. 
FIELD CLUB RAMBLES. 
August 30. — Rickniansworth district. Although it had been expected that 
both the holiday season and the inconstant weather would tell against a full 
attendance, yet twenty-five ramblers put themselves under the guidance of Mr. 
and Mrs. Douglas Wilson, and took part in an excursion which proved to be one 
of the most enjoyable of the year. The path first followed was across Rickmans- 
worth Park, an enclosure studded with fine timber, where especially noteworthy 
were the Spanish chestnuts, beeches and limes ; among the last-named being one 
magnificent specimen, whose spreading arms covered a wide expanse of ground. 
A hasty shower drove the visitors to shelter under some of these trees, and 
during the wait the opportunity was afforded of observing the ground thistle 
(Ciiiats acaulis) which showed in fair abundance, and of hearing from the guides 
some interesting and informative details of the estate and neighbourhood. Then 
W.1S traversed the valley of the Chess, and exquisite were the views from time to 
time of wooded hills and old world cottages at their base. On the surface of the 
stream surrounding objects doubled themselves when the fitful light allowed ; 
the deeper waters of a pool disclosed a shoal of very fine trout, and the banks 
were fringed for some distance with the bright flowers of Mimulus Laugsdorjjfii. 
In the fields patches of wild thyme and red bartsia suggested heather, while here 
and there ragworts were ablaze. Conspicuous, too, was one of the mulleins 
( Verbasaim nigrum) contrasting its yellow bloom with purple staminal hairs. A 
wasps’ nest commanded some respectful attention, but the visitors evinced no 
disposition to come to close quarters. Over the hedges white bryony was climb- 
ing, and covering them in places was traveller’s joy. On the line of route ashes 
were numerous, some of them heavy with keys. After a pause for refreshment 
in Sarratt Vale the hill was climbed to ancient Chenies, but unfortunately the 
closing in of evening prevented an inspection of the quaint village. Of birds only 
a few were noted. Robins appeared to have re>ura;d their song ; there were wood 
|)igeons away in the woods repealing their cooing cry, “ Don’t scold so, Sukey ” ; 
some butcher birds on the hedge, and swallows overhead sweeping, turning and 
chattering as if in consultation about their approaching journey over sea. During 
the walk hearty thanks were voted to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson for their very 
effective guidance. 
September 6 . — Hatfield and neighbourhood. A most beautiful day in this 
dismal summer of 1902, enabled the Selbornians taking part in this ramble to 
spend a very pleasant afternoon. Owing to the landlord of the “ Bull,” Stan- 
borough, being unable to cater for tea, and there being no other “ house of refuge ” 
on the proposed route of Mr. E. A. Nash, that gentleman entrusted the duties of 
leadership to Mr. W. Percival Westell, M.B.O.U. High roads are distasteful at 
all times, but on this occasion the high road had to be followed for some little 
distance to enable the party to participate in a delightful ramble across Brocket 
Hall Park, the seat of Lord Mount Stephen. The view from the bridge was 
much admired, with the River Lea below, its banks beautifully fringed with rushes, 
the park containing many fine trees, and the river teeming with wild duck, moor- 
hens, coots and other water-fowl. Tea was partaken of at the “ Wagoners,” 
on the Welwyn Road, and after a vote of thanks had been passed to Mr. Westell 
for stepping into the unfortunate breach and arranging the ramble at very short 
notice, the ramblers dispersed, some taking the train from Ayot to Hatfield, on 
their way back to London, and the remainder walked through Sherard’s Wood 
and across the fields to Hatfield, to catch a later train. 
September is w hat may perhaps be termed the field naturalist’s “ .Silly 
Season,” and nothing of any rare nature was observed, but Richard Jefferies loved 
common things, the old-loved spots, or even the coloured yellow-hammer sing, 
sing, singing ; and Selbornians, too, can and do appreciate Nature, even when 
rambling amongst her more common treasures. 
We understand, however, since writing the above, that the venerable Mr. 
Peter Hastia found during the ramble Potentilla argentea and Verbascum 
virgatum, neither of which can be said to be common. 
j tgSeptember 13. — Some eighteen members of the Field Club mustered for the 
