2 CO 
NATURE NOTES 
the hill flourished, till in the time of the Wars of the Roses it was a place of some 
importance. To understand the history of the ancient ground, the party walked 
round the old site. From there the route lay by the banks of the Ver to St. 
Michael’s Church to inspect the monument to Lord Bacon, the ancient pulpit with 
the iron stand for the hour glass, and the curious picture, in the vestry, of the pas- 
sage of souls. A little further on the guide pointed out a ploughed field as the site 
of an old Roman theatre. When opened up about thirty years ago, it was found 
to be a very fine and almost perfect specimen of Roman work, but it has since 
been covered in. Full of historical interest and of striking archteological records, 
it is seldom that a Saturday afternoon ramble has afforded more valuable and 
interesting information. 
August 8. — This was a go-as-you-please ramble over the downs and fields 
near Coulsdon Station. These uncultivated slopes proved rich in botanical interest. 
Clumps of golden ragwort, some of them measuring four feet in height, mingled 
with the lavender blossom of Scabiosa arveusis , and the redder-tinted sweet 
marjoram in profuse and picturesque wealth. Lowlier, on the ground, were the 
basil thyme, wild lh)me, bartsia, eye-bright and Iady’s-fingets. By the htdge- 
side wild basil (Clinopodium vit/gare), Phyteuma orbiculare, Gentiana amarella , 
and the two “ hardheads,” Centaurea Scabiosa and C. nigra bloomed in abun- 
dance. Above trailed the creamy blossoms of Clematis Vilalba , and the reddening 
berries of Viburnum Lantana. Near by were noticed the beautiful pale lilac 
flowers and glaucous foliage of the opium poppy, Malva moschata , the crown of 
all our wild mallows, the pretty little vervain, the teazle and the wild mignonette. 
The downs also yielded their own tribute. Squinancy-wort and Lintim calhar- 
ticum in flower, and Spiraa Filifendula in seed only. A number of nests were 
examined, especially one that had been appropriated and added to by a dormouse. 
Eighteen members of the Field Club joined the ramble during the afternoon. 
FORTHCOMING RAMBLES. 
September 5. — Chipstead and Banstead Downs. Meet at Chipstead. Charing 
Cross 2.6, London Bridge 2. 15, East Croydon 2.36, I’urley 2.44. Teaat Banstead. 
Return from Cheam. Conductor to be provided by Mr. Edward A. Martin, F. G.S. 
September 12. — Winchmore Hill and District. Trains from Broad Street 2.40, 
Moorgate 2.27, King’s Cross 2.32; enquire if necessary to change at Finsbury 
Park : fares is. 4d. Guide, Mr. Oliver G. Pike. 
September 19. — F.pping Forest. Meet at Chingford ; cheap return tickets, 
is. Train, Liverpool Street 2.23. Tea at High Beach. Guides, Mr. and Mrs. 
Douglas Wilson. 
September 26. — Oxted to Marden Park and Caterham Valley. Take single 
tickets to Oxted by 2.30 from Victoria (L.B. and S.C.), or 2.25 from London 
Bridge. Assemble at Oxted 3.30. Tea at Railway Hotel, Caterham Valley. 
Return from Caterham Station. Conductor, Professor Boulger. 
These finish the Field Club weekly rambles for 1903 ; but it is hoped that we 
may join in the Essex Fungus Foray in October, and there is a possibility of a 
visit to Waltham Abbey in the same month. 
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