MIDLAND UNION OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES. 147 
Botanical. 
It is proposed to make the Botanical Excursion to Nuneaton, 
Hartsliill Hayes, Oldbury Fort, Merevale and Bentley Parks. This 
is a rich botanical district, as well as very attractive for its scenery 
and interesting from an archaeological and literary point of view. 
The rare Vicia sylvatica has occurred in this district only of 
Warwickshire. Nuneaton contains the scene of “Janet’s Repent¬ 
ance,” and many other places described by George Eliot are in the 
immediate neighbourhood. Oldbury Fort was the castra (Estiva, or 
summer camp of the Romans, connected with the neighbouring 
station of Manduessedum, now Mancetter. From the camp there 
is, on a clear day, a splendid and far-reaching view over the wide 
plain of Leicestershire to the hills of Charnwood Forest; it is said 
that forty churches are embraced within the prospect. The summit 
of Oldburv Fort is within two views of the sea ; from it is visible 
Bardon Hill in Leicestershire, from which in turn Boston Steeple 
can be seen. 
Michael Drayton, the author of “ Poly-olbion,” was born at 
Hartsliill; few people now read his great poem, in which Warwick¬ 
shire is described as 
“ That Shire which wee the hart of England well may call.” 
The party will travel to Nuneaton Station, in company with the 
Geological Section, starting at 11.5 a.in., after the arrival of trains 
from other Midland towns. They will then drive to Hartsliill, and, 
after exploring Hartsliill Hayes and Oldbury Fort (by the kind 
permission of Mr. Green and Mr. Cox), will be conveyed to Bentley 
Park. By the kind permission of Mrs. Dngdale, they will walk 
through this extensive park, and through the beautiful Merevale 
Park, where several large pools, affording a happy hunting-ground 
for the microscopist, will be visited. The party will then drive 
back to Nuneaton in time to catch the 5.51 train to Birmingham, 
arriving at 6.30; but those who wish may return at 7.44 p.m. 
Luncheon and tea will be provided at the Newdegate Arms, 
Nuneaton. Walking distance under four miles. Leader, Mr. 
W. B. Grove, M.A. 
July, 1893. 
