SELBORNE SOCIETY NOTICES 
179 
powers than the Society’s excursions generally do. After leaving Pinner Station 
(L. & N.W.R.) the route lay for a mile of so across meadows. A little way from 
the path, in a damp corner of an adjacent field, ramson ( Allium ursinum) may be 
found flowering in due season ; while, when the guide prospected the district a 
few weeks ago, Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia ) was shown to him by a local 
resident growing in a neighbouring coppice, access to which at the present time, 
owing to renewal of the fences, is, however, almost completely barred. The 
tree-edged road, rising steeply, was followed to Harrow Weald, whence there 
are retrospects remarkable alike for extent and charm. Skirting Stanmore Com- 
mon, Elstree was soon reached, and here tea was served to the visitors in the 
open at the head of the lake. Then came possibly the most enjoyable part of 
the day, the walk to Stanmore by fieldpaths, nearly hidden in places by long 
grass. After the noise and dust of the high roads, the change was both marked 
and refreshing. 
July 4. — About twenty members of the Field Club met at Epsom Station, and 
under the guidance of Miss Giberne proceeded to ramble by the side of the 
Common to Ashtead Woods, where wild flowers and grasses were growing in 
great abundance. The weather was all that could be desired, and the ramble was 
thoroughly enjoyed. Botanically speaking, this outing proved one of the most 
interesting of the season, very many varieties of the wild flowers being in bloom ; 
one of the most conspicuous being the heath bedstraw, the pretty little while 
flowers of which formed a perfect carpet in many parts. Some of the rarer 
flowers were gathered, amongst which may be mentioned Hypericum humi- 
fusum , Cardiacs pratensis, Tripolitan Jiliforme, Lenina trisulca , and Apium 
inundation. The sweet-scented honeysuckle, ever a joy to lovers of Nature, was 
growing freely in the hedges while the dragon-flies and butterflies were seen to 
advantage and much admired ; as also the many wild birds. A welcome tea was 
provided by Mrs. Fenton at Ashtead, to which ample justice was done. The 
party then separated, some returning to town by early train, whilst others enjoyed 
a further ramble amongst the trees in the woods. 
July 11. — West Drayton and Iver. The party, under the leadership of Mr. 
Wilfred Mark Webb, F.L. S., of Han well, followed the same course as on the two 
previous years that the excursion has been made. Several members of the Ealing 
Microscopical Society availed themselves of the privilege of being present, and 
the Ealing Branch of the Selborne Society was, as is usually the case in all 
matters pertaining to the Association, well to the fore. In all, tw r enty-three were 
present. A start was made along the path to Thorneybroad Fishery, which follows 
the railway embankment. Unfortunately, the railway company had just had all the 
herbage cut and burned, so that on one side there w'as nothing seen but ashes 
and the empty shells of martyred snails. Under the arch that spans the Colne, 
or one of its tributaries, the party passed, pausing to notice the stalactites, which 
are forming on the old portions of the brickwork. Then the walk was continued, 
by permission, along the bank of the pretty stream to the ford or watersplash at 
Iver. Demoiselle dragon-flies w'ere darting about in profusion, and in the canal, 
w'hich was passed, numerous freshwater shells were fished up for examination by 
those members interested in that branch of natural history. Tea was taken at 
the old Swan Inn at Iver, and afterwards the party returned along the other bank 
of the stream, halting while, as in previous years, Mr. Webb gave a short address. 
FORTHCOMING RAMBLES. 
August, 8. — Coulsdon and Farthing Downs. Meet at Coulsdon Station. 
Train leaves Cannon Street at 2.16; Charing Cross 2.6 (change at East Croydon 
or Purley); cheap day tickets, is. 6d. Guide, Mr. Hunt. 
August 15.— Pinner. Ramble through Eastcote to Ruislip, tea at Ruislip; back 
to Northwood by lake and common. Train, Baker Street (Metropolitan) 2.21, 
Swiss Cottage, 2.29. Take return tickets to Pinner. Guide, Mr. C. M. Hailes. 
August 22. — Hanwell to Greenford. Meet at Hanwell Station 2.5. Trains 
from Paddington at 2.35, Ealing 2.51. Tea at Greenford. Guide, Mr. 
Wilfred Mark Webb. 
August 29. — Ramble round Chislehurst. Meet at Bickley Station at 3.15. 
Train, Victoria 2.42, Holborn Viaduct 2.37, St. Paul’s 2.39. Guide, Mr. 
A. B. Wilkinson. 
