1911 Field Trips
A RESUME OF THE FIELD MEETINGS OF 1911 by THE HONORARY SECRETARY.
Nant y Ffrith 6 May 1911
Away to the south-eastern extremity of the Clwydian range of hills a little stream cuts its course through the extremely picturesque valley of Nant y Ffrith, and serves as a boundary between the counties of Flint and Denbigh at this point. The valley has been aptly named ‘the dingle of the forest.” In many places, and for most of its length, it is thickly wooded, with here and there an occasional glade, where large expanses of Ladies’ mantle, Wood-sage, and other less umbrophilous species occur. Elsewhere the dingle is flanked by precipitous limestone rocks, while swamp and moorland are also represented, close by, and so it is scarcely remarkable that so attractive and varied a locality should be the haunt of many noteworthy plants and animals.
The vegetation of many parts of North Wales is considerably earlier than the flora in the immediate vicinity of Liverpool, and so there is always a decided advantage in holding the initial field meeting of the season in the former district. Accordingly, the first excursion was held at Nant y Ffrith on May 6th, when some forty-two members alighted at the little station of Cefn y Bedd. As with so many Celtic place names this is pregnant with meaning, and takes one far back towards the dawn of the human race. Doubtless some pathetic or tragic circumstance of long ago is responsible for the application of the name, but the chronicle has long lapsed into oblivion, and “the ridge of the grave’’ is all that now remains to commemorate the fact.
Following a pleasant, footpath up the hillside many of the usual Spring flowers were encountered along the sunny hedge banks and lane sides on the way to Ffrith. We observed a large quantity of Sweet Cicely Myrrius odorata on the outskirts of the little hamlet of Cymmau, and a little further on the Bird Cherry Prunus padus was not uncommon in places, but we were just a little too soon to see the flowers at their best. Among the children of the district the flowers are known as “ Wild Lilac.”” At one point some examples of Dog’s Mercury were found, which had both staminate and pistillate flowers on the same plant, an unusual occurrence in this normally diecious species. Nant y Ffrith yielded several noteworthy plants, including Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium alternifolium—a much handsomer species than its commoner opposite-leaved relative— Stinking Hellebore Helleborus foetidus, Jacob's-ladder Polemonium caeruleum, and the Leopard’s Bane Doronicum pardalianches. The two latter, though seen in some quantity, can hardly be regarded as natives here. The limestone cliffs which fringe the Nant in places, afforded a suitable habitat for various calciphilous plants, and the Yew and Spindle Tree were clearly at home hereabouts.
We had intended visiting the caves adjacent to Nant y Ffrith Hall, but on enquiry at the Hall it appeared that the proprietor—after having granted permission to inspect the caves—had thoughtfully gone out and taken a very essential key with him. As time would not permit of our awaiting his return, and having regard to the very hungry condition of certain persons, we left here in duly appreciative mood !
Having strong objections to restricting ourselves to conventional roads and paths, we left the track, and struck up the side of the dingle. After a somewhat steep climb the summit of Gwern Mountain was finally reached. The highest point of Gwern Mountain, and which we ascended, attains an elevation of 1066ft.
This known as Pen Llun y Gwr (= ‘‘the head of the man’s image’’), and doubtless the name refers to some fancied resemblance of the profile when seen from some particular point of view. Most of the eminence consists of millstone grit, or perhaps more precisely, those rocks to which the term Cefn y Fedw Sandstone has been applied. This rests conformably with the limestone which we had already noticed below. A delightful prospect was visible from the summit, but it must be confessed that just a few persons were too anxiously scanning the horizon for an indication of the caravanserai, to allow appreciation of this pleasant spot! The Cowberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea, a small shrub simulating its relative the Bilberry, but with Box-like foliage and red berries, was seen here, and not far away we noticed examples of the Crowberry Empetrum nigrum.
Descending to the valley, the little hamlet of Llanfynydd (“the church of the mountain’’) was reached, and a short climb up the steep lane behind the old church brought us to Ty Uchaf. After a much appreciated tea at this pleasant farm, the return was made by way of Cymmau, and we were soon at our original starting-point.
Weaver Valley 10 June
The Weaver Valley was next visited on June 10th, when a small party crossed the Mersey and alighted at Frodsham. The route lay along the marshland and intersecting ditches, which extend from Frodsham to Helsby, and, as we anticipated, the locality afforded quite an interesting vegetation, aquatic species of course being well represented. The ditches were perhaps unusually shallow, but nevertheless a number of noteworthy plants were seen. Rumex hydrolapathum (the Water Dock), our largest species, was conspicuous by its prominent foliage. The so-called Water Violet Hottonia palustris was new to several. The flowers are dimorphous, as in the case of its familiar relative, the Primrose. In the Liverpool area the Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia is rarely found, but on this occasion the characteristic foliage was seen in some amount in several of the ditches. Water Whorl Grass Catabrosa aquatica was abundant in a ditch near Frodsham Station.
The various Lemnae were much in evidence, and all our native species of Duckweeds--L. minor, L. gibba, L. trisulca, and L. polyrrhiza (Common, Fat, Ivy-leaved and Greater Duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza ) were seen. These ditches are the haunt of a great variety of plants and animals, and the locality appeared especially rich in insect life. A species of Dropwort, Tubular Water-dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa, was infected with the larvae of some insect which we were unable to identify at the time. The Black Headed (Reed) Bunting was a frequent bird on this marshland, and one member accidentally stumbled across a nest and eggs, which were situated in a low bush. An old farmer was very curious to know the use to which we proposed to apply our “ Pennies’’—this apparently being the descriptive local name for the Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae which he noticed us collecting from the ditches. The effect of the answer that: - “ It might be employed for demonstrating cyclosis in the epidermal cells of the staminal filaments ”’ was perhaps even more curious !
After tea had been obtained at Frodsham, the hill behind the village was visited. Some sandstone caves and crevices in the neighbourhood are the haunt of the so-called “ phosphorescent moss” Luminous Moss Schistostega pennata (= S. osmundacea), but time would not allow of a visit to the spot. The vegetation of the hill was of a markedly xerophytic type, and afforded a study in local ecology. Bracken, Bilberry, and the grass Wavy Hair-grass Avenella flexuosa (= Deschampsia flexuosa) were quite the dominant species.
Less abundantly distributed, although still plentiful, were Calluna, Erica cinerea, Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella, Tormentil Potentilla erecta (= P. tormentilla), and Furze (Gorse). Here there might also be noticed the Rowan, Broom, Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile, the moss, Silky Forklet-moss Dicranella heteromalla, and a Bramble, which Mr. J. A. Wheldon identified as Rubus dasyphyllus.
Delamere Area 1 July
The third field meeting was held on July 1st in conjunction with the Chester Society of Natural Science, and the area chosen for investigation included Delamere, Flaxmere, and Hatchmere.
Although comparatively close to Liverpool, Delamere Forest is only accessible by a somewhat circuitous journey, the orthodox route being by way of Manchester. On this occasion we travelled to Chester, crossed the city to Northgate Station, and continued the journey to Delamere Station, and found that this mode of approach afforded a considerable economy of time. Leaving Delamere Station, under the guidance of Mr. J. Southworth, we were soon following a picturesque road through the Forest, and Flaxmere was presently reached.
These Cheshire meres are delightful spots, and full of interest to all Nature lovers. To many of us this was quite new ground, and quite unlike anything in the immediate vicinity of Liverpool. From the ecological point of view the Forest is of special interest, and affords some useful studies in the evolution and characteristics of various plant associations, and of marsh and bog plants more particularly. Flaxmere is now an extensive swamp, studded with small pools and occasional ditches, and the Mere proper is apparently a thing of the past. The gradual drying up of the Mere has proceeded to such an extent that one may now safely walk over the former bed of the lake. Among the many noteworthy bog plants seen here were the fragrant Bog Myrtle—sweetly reminiscent of happy days amid the wild uplands of Ireland, Scotland, and Snowdonia—Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre (= Potentilla comarum), Bog-rosemary or Marsh Andromeda Andromeda polifolia, Cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos, Bog Asphodel, and numerous other species of similar proclivities. Floating about in small pit holes were masses of Lesser Bladderwort Utricularia minor, a familiar insectivorous species, but a plant rarely seen around Liverpool. All three of our British Sundews--Drosera rotundifolia, D. intermedia, and D. anglica (Round-leaved, Oblong-leaved and Great Sundew) - were seen hereabouts, but Drosera anglica, which is our rarest species, was only found in small amount, and appears to be gradually decreasing in this station. A bramble which was growing in fair quantity close to this mere proved to be Rubus sprengelii. Crawling over the heather we noticed numbers of large conspicuously-coloured caterpillars, which proved to be the larvae of the Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia (=carpini)), a somewhat uncommon insect.
The flora of Hatchmere, which adjoins Flaxmere, is in some contrast to that of the latter, for Hatchmere is a typical mere with an attractive marginal vegetation Ranunculus lingua (The Greater Spearwort), the largest British member of its genus, was seen here, but the flowers were not yet quite out. The Butterwort ( Pinguicula ) grows by Hatchmere, but is absent from Flaxmere ; on the other hand, the Drosera were apparently unrepresented about Hatchmere. The large Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) kept company with the Prickly Twig Rush or Great Fen-sedge Cladium mariscus, and here, too, were the sedges Bottle Sedge Carex rostrata (= C. ampullacea) and Greater Tussock-sedge C. paniculata, the last forming typical tussocks. After tea, the return journey was made by attractive by-roads and paths to Mouldsworth Station. The roadsides of the “‘Forest’’ yielded quite a moorland type of vegetation, and included such components as Calluna, Erica cinerea, Bilberry, Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile, Tormentil Potentilla erecta (= P. tormentilla), Mat-grass Nardus stricta, Wavy Hair-grass Avenella flexuosa (= Deschampsia flexuosa), and Slender St John's-wort Hypericum pulchrum.
A sand pit which was encountered on the way to the station yielded some examples of Carline Thistle, a variety (subglabrum) of the Houndstongue, and Heath Groundsel Senecio sylvaticus. A patch of that peculiar fern, the Adderstongue (Ophioglossum) was found on the roadside at one point, and the Sweet Violet, a rare plant in Cheshire, was seen near Mouldsworth. A curious form of the common Thistle Cirsium arvense was found by Miss L. R. Cooke. This plant differed from the normal form in having broader and almost glabrous leaves, which were nearly devoid of prickles, and was evidently the form or variety which has been termed mite. It was significant that this departure from the type was growing in a wet situation. While waiting for the train at Mouldsworth Station several members explored the adjoining railway embankment and siding. A number of waifs and strays were seen here, and included such suspicious plants as Eastern Rocket Sisymbrium orientale, Chicory, Viper's-bugloss Echium vulgare, and Field Pepperwort Lepidium campestre.
Rufford 22 July
There was only a small attendance of members on July 22nd— probably owing to the holiday season—when the fourth field meeting was held at Rufford. This district is an excellent locality for studying marsh vegetation, and at one time much of it formed a portion of the large area of more or less impassable swamp which extended over a considerable part of South Lancashire. At the present time most of the district is under cultivation, and the greater part of the old mossland has been drained and reclaimed. Here and there, however, are patches of the former swamp, and these, together with numerous ditches, still serve as fastnesses wherein many members of the ancient marsh flora still linger comparatively undisturbed, save perhaps for the occasional raid of some wandering botanist!
The present occasion was extremely favourable for our purpose, as, owing to the drought, many marsh plants were readily accessible, but which otherwise would have been quite unapproachable.
Attention was chiefly devoted to the strip of swamp which skirts the railway, and which yielded a rich flora. The dense vegetation here afforded an ideal home for many marsh-loving birds, and the Coot, Moorhen, and various other aquatic species were often seen. The common Reed Mace (or Bulrush) Typha latifolia was quite a predominant plant, and here and there were masses of its rarer relative Typha angustifolia, readily recognised, even at a distance, by its narrower foliage and more graceful habit. These two plants are popularly known as ‘‘ Bulrushes,”” and the fruiting stems are often used as ornaments, and sold for this purpose. The true Bulrush (Scirpus lacustris) is, however, a very distinct plant. We found the closely allied species Scirpus tabernaemontani, but this is scarcely as imposing a plant as Scirpus lacustris, which sometimes attains a height of eight or nine feet.
Here, too, were the Giant (or Water) Dock Rumex hydrolapathum, Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus, Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Moneywort (or Creeping-Jenny) Lysimachia nummularia, and the two Dropworts Tubular Water-dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa, and Fine-leaved Water-dropwort Oenanthe aquatica (= O. phellandrium). The Water Violet (Hottonia) was also found, but we were too late for the flowers. The Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre (= Potentilla comarum) was quite abundant, and there was a profusion of the strawberry-like “fruits.” As in its relative the Strawberry, the receptacle enlarges after fertilization, and results in the achenes being elevated upon the prominent floral disc. These prominent fruits bore a tantalizing resemblance to a Strawberry, but a somewhat scientific member of the party, who tasted one, reported that these delusive structures were comparatively dry and spongy and quite inedible!
The Liverpool and Lancaster Canal was next visited. The Yellow Water Lily was flowering in great abundance, and the blossoms swarmed with small pollen-devouring beetles, which doubtless play an important role in this case. The Great (or Yellow) Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris was also found here, and other plants of the canal were Gipsywort (Lycopus), Skullcap (Scutellaria), the ubiquitous Elodea (canadensis), and a rather ornamental grass Tall Fescue Schedonorus arundinaceus (= Festuca arundinacea).
Freshfield 31 July
The Lancashire sand dunes were visited on the evening of July 31st, when a small party travelled to Freshfield. As this locality will be familiar to most members, and as we have previously held field meetings here, it is scarcely necessary to say much concerning the present occasion. The various Orchids were quite over, but the familiar Wintergreen Pyrola rotundifolia ssp. (=var.) maritima was seen at its best. The Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides, which has been largely planted in one place, seemed quite at home, and bore an abundance of berries. A considerable area of the inland side of the sand dunes has been planted with Corsican Pine Pinus nigra ssp. laricio (=Pinus maritima), apparently with a view to reclaiming this region, and the experiment appears to be succeeding. On the sand dunes along parts of the French coast this tree has been largely employed for a similar purpose. Several examples of the little Natterjack Toad were seen in the slacks, and as we returned to the station a Nightjar was seen flying in the twilight and busily engaged in capturing various winged insects.
Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr 2 September
The concluding excursion took the form of a whole-day field meeting, and one of the most remote spots in North Wales was chosen for the purpose. The locality in question rejoices in the name of Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, which is equivalent to ‘ The Church of St. Michael in the Glen of Myfyr.”” This picturesque spot is situated on the banks of the Alwen, far from any railway station, and the little valley, which is surrounded by steep hills and wild moorland, is visited by very few travellers. Only a few members caught the train for Corwen on September 2nd, as, owing to the dislocation of the service resulting from the railway strike, travelling was in a very uncertain state. On arrival at Corwen, very much behind time, the only train for Derwen had departed, and so the party had to charter a wagonette, and Derwen was eventually reached. After several miles’ walk over the primitive moorland roads the party at last arrived at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr some four hours late. As a result, little time remained for botanising, and soon after tea had been obtained we had to commence the return journey to Derwen. Under the circumstances comparatively little botanical work was accomplished. The Saw-wort Serratula tinctoria was seen in abundance on the bank of the Alwen, just above the inn, and the Peppermint was growing not far away. The handsome Melancholy Thistle Cirsium heterophyllum occurred higher up the valley, and the dainty little Ivy-Leaved Bellflower Wahlenbergia hederacea also occurred hereabouts.
It was nearly dark when Derwen was reached, and there was no opportunity for inspecting the quaint church and the famous Derwen Cross, which is probably one of the best preserved old churchyard crosses to be found in North Wales. We all regretted that our time for investigating this delightful district was altogether insufficient, and so we came away hoping that perhaps at some future date, when railway strikes were things of the past, it might be possible to make a renewed acquaintance under more congenial conditions.
A RESUME OF THE FIELD MEETINGS OF 1911 by THE HONORARY SECRETARY.
Nant y Ffrith 6 May 1911
Away to the south-eastern extremity of the Clwydian range of hills a little stream cuts its course through the extremely picturesque valley of Nant y Ffrith, and serves as a boundary between the counties of Flint and Denbigh at this point. The valley has been aptly named ‘the dingle of the forest.” In many places, and for most of its length, it is thickly wooded, with here and there an occasional glade, where large expanses of Ladies’ mantle, Wood-sage, and other less umbrophilous species occur. Elsewhere the dingle is flanked by precipitous limestone rocks, while swamp and moorland are also represented, close by, and so it is scarcely remarkable that so attractive and varied a locality should be the haunt of many noteworthy plants and animals.
The vegetation of many parts of North Wales is considerably earlier than the flora in the immediate vicinity of Liverpool, and so there is always a decided advantage in holding the initial field meeting of the season in the former district. Accordingly, the first excursion was held at Nant y Ffrith on May 6th, when some forty-two members alighted at the little station of Cefn y Bedd. As with so many Celtic place names this is pregnant with meaning, and takes one far back towards the dawn of the human race. Doubtless some pathetic or tragic circumstance of long ago is responsible for the application of the name, but the chronicle has long lapsed into oblivion, and “the ridge of the grave’’ is all that now remains to commemorate the fact.
Following a pleasant, footpath up the hillside many of the usual Spring flowers were encountered along the sunny hedge banks and lane sides on the way to Ffrith. We observed a large quantity of Sweet Cicely Myrrius odorata on the outskirts of the little hamlet of Cymmau, and a little further on the Bird Cherry Prunus padus was not uncommon in places, but we were just a little too soon to see the flowers at their best. Among the children of the district the flowers are known as “ Wild Lilac.”” At one point some examples of Dog’s Mercury were found, which had both staminate and pistillate flowers on the same plant, an unusual occurrence in this normally diecious species. Nant y Ffrith yielded several noteworthy plants, including Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium alternifolium—a much handsomer species than its commoner opposite-leaved relative— Stinking Hellebore Helleborus foetidus, Jacob's-ladder Polemonium caeruleum, and the Leopard’s Bane Doronicum pardalianches. The two latter, though seen in some quantity, can hardly be regarded as natives here. The limestone cliffs which fringe the Nant in places, afforded a suitable habitat for various calciphilous plants, and the Yew and Spindle Tree were clearly at home hereabouts.
We had intended visiting the caves adjacent to Nant y Ffrith Hall, but on enquiry at the Hall it appeared that the proprietor—after having granted permission to inspect the caves—had thoughtfully gone out and taken a very essential key with him. As time would not permit of our awaiting his return, and having regard to the very hungry condition of certain persons, we left here in duly appreciative mood !
Having strong objections to restricting ourselves to conventional roads and paths, we left the track, and struck up the side of the dingle. After a somewhat steep climb the summit of Gwern Mountain was finally reached. The highest point of Gwern Mountain, and which we ascended, attains an elevation of 1066ft.
This known as Pen Llun y Gwr (= ‘‘the head of the man’s image’’), and doubtless the name refers to some fancied resemblance of the profile when seen from some particular point of view. Most of the eminence consists of millstone grit, or perhaps more precisely, those rocks to which the term Cefn y Fedw Sandstone has been applied. This rests conformably with the limestone which we had already noticed below. A delightful prospect was visible from the summit, but it must be confessed that just a few persons were too anxiously scanning the horizon for an indication of the caravanserai, to allow appreciation of this pleasant spot! The Cowberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea, a small shrub simulating its relative the Bilberry, but with Box-like foliage and red berries, was seen here, and not far away we noticed examples of the Crowberry Empetrum nigrum.
Descending to the valley, the little hamlet of Llanfynydd (“the church of the mountain’’) was reached, and a short climb up the steep lane behind the old church brought us to Ty Uchaf. After a much appreciated tea at this pleasant farm, the return was made by way of Cymmau, and we were soon at our original starting-point.
Weaver Valley 10 June
The Weaver Valley was next visited on June 10th, when a small party crossed the Mersey and alighted at Frodsham. The route lay along the marshland and intersecting ditches, which extend from Frodsham to Helsby, and, as we anticipated, the locality afforded quite an interesting vegetation, aquatic species of course being well represented. The ditches were perhaps unusually shallow, but nevertheless a number of noteworthy plants were seen. Rumex hydrolapathum (the Water Dock), our largest species, was conspicuous by its prominent foliage. The so-called Water Violet Hottonia palustris was new to several. The flowers are dimorphous, as in the case of its familiar relative, the Primrose. In the Liverpool area the Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia is rarely found, but on this occasion the characteristic foliage was seen in some amount in several of the ditches. Water Whorl Grass Catabrosa aquatica was abundant in a ditch near Frodsham Station.
The various Lemnae were much in evidence, and all our native species of Duckweeds--L. minor, L. gibba, L. trisulca, and L. polyrrhiza (Common, Fat, Ivy-leaved and Greater Duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza ) were seen. These ditches are the haunt of a great variety of plants and animals, and the locality appeared especially rich in insect life. A species of Dropwort, Tubular Water-dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa, was infected with the larvae of some insect which we were unable to identify at the time. The Black Headed (Reed) Bunting was a frequent bird on this marshland, and one member accidentally stumbled across a nest and eggs, which were situated in a low bush. An old farmer was very curious to know the use to which we proposed to apply our “ Pennies’’—this apparently being the descriptive local name for the Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae which he noticed us collecting from the ditches. The effect of the answer that: - “ It might be employed for demonstrating cyclosis in the epidermal cells of the staminal filaments ”’ was perhaps even more curious !
After tea had been obtained at Frodsham, the hill behind the village was visited. Some sandstone caves and crevices in the neighbourhood are the haunt of the so-called “ phosphorescent moss” Luminous Moss Schistostega pennata (= S. osmundacea), but time would not allow of a visit to the spot. The vegetation of the hill was of a markedly xerophytic type, and afforded a study in local ecology. Bracken, Bilberry, and the grass Wavy Hair-grass Avenella flexuosa (= Deschampsia flexuosa) were quite the dominant species.
Less abundantly distributed, although still plentiful, were Calluna, Erica cinerea, Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella, Tormentil Potentilla erecta (= P. tormentilla), and Furze (Gorse). Here there might also be noticed the Rowan, Broom, Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile, the moss, Silky Forklet-moss Dicranella heteromalla, and a Bramble, which Mr. J. A. Wheldon identified as Rubus dasyphyllus.
Delamere Area 1 July
The third field meeting was held on July 1st in conjunction with the Chester Society of Natural Science, and the area chosen for investigation included Delamere, Flaxmere, and Hatchmere.
Although comparatively close to Liverpool, Delamere Forest is only accessible by a somewhat circuitous journey, the orthodox route being by way of Manchester. On this occasion we travelled to Chester, crossed the city to Northgate Station, and continued the journey to Delamere Station, and found that this mode of approach afforded a considerable economy of time. Leaving Delamere Station, under the guidance of Mr. J. Southworth, we were soon following a picturesque road through the Forest, and Flaxmere was presently reached.
These Cheshire meres are delightful spots, and full of interest to all Nature lovers. To many of us this was quite new ground, and quite unlike anything in the immediate vicinity of Liverpool. From the ecological point of view the Forest is of special interest, and affords some useful studies in the evolution and characteristics of various plant associations, and of marsh and bog plants more particularly. Flaxmere is now an extensive swamp, studded with small pools and occasional ditches, and the Mere proper is apparently a thing of the past. The gradual drying up of the Mere has proceeded to such an extent that one may now safely walk over the former bed of the lake. Among the many noteworthy bog plants seen here were the fragrant Bog Myrtle—sweetly reminiscent of happy days amid the wild uplands of Ireland, Scotland, and Snowdonia—Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre (= Potentilla comarum), Bog-rosemary or Marsh Andromeda Andromeda polifolia, Cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos, Bog Asphodel, and numerous other species of similar proclivities. Floating about in small pit holes were masses of Lesser Bladderwort Utricularia minor, a familiar insectivorous species, but a plant rarely seen around Liverpool. All three of our British Sundews--Drosera rotundifolia, D. intermedia, and D. anglica (Round-leaved, Oblong-leaved and Great Sundew) - were seen hereabouts, but Drosera anglica, which is our rarest species, was only found in small amount, and appears to be gradually decreasing in this station. A bramble which was growing in fair quantity close to this mere proved to be Rubus sprengelii. Crawling over the heather we noticed numbers of large conspicuously-coloured caterpillars, which proved to be the larvae of the Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia (=carpini)), a somewhat uncommon insect.
The flora of Hatchmere, which adjoins Flaxmere, is in some contrast to that of the latter, for Hatchmere is a typical mere with an attractive marginal vegetation Ranunculus lingua (The Greater Spearwort), the largest British member of its genus, was seen here, but the flowers were not yet quite out. The Butterwort ( Pinguicula ) grows by Hatchmere, but is absent from Flaxmere ; on the other hand, the Drosera were apparently unrepresented about Hatchmere. The large Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) kept company with the Prickly Twig Rush or Great Fen-sedge Cladium mariscus, and here, too, were the sedges Bottle Sedge Carex rostrata (= C. ampullacea) and Greater Tussock-sedge C. paniculata, the last forming typical tussocks. After tea, the return journey was made by attractive by-roads and paths to Mouldsworth Station. The roadsides of the “‘Forest’’ yielded quite a moorland type of vegetation, and included such components as Calluna, Erica cinerea, Bilberry, Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile, Tormentil Potentilla erecta (= P. tormentilla), Mat-grass Nardus stricta, Wavy Hair-grass Avenella flexuosa (= Deschampsia flexuosa), and Slender St John's-wort Hypericum pulchrum.
A sand pit which was encountered on the way to the station yielded some examples of Carline Thistle, a variety (subglabrum) of the Houndstongue, and Heath Groundsel Senecio sylvaticus. A patch of that peculiar fern, the Adderstongue (Ophioglossum) was found on the roadside at one point, and the Sweet Violet, a rare plant in Cheshire, was seen near Mouldsworth. A curious form of the common Thistle Cirsium arvense was found by Miss L. R. Cooke. This plant differed from the normal form in having broader and almost glabrous leaves, which were nearly devoid of prickles, and was evidently the form or variety which has been termed mite. It was significant that this departure from the type was growing in a wet situation. While waiting for the train at Mouldsworth Station several members explored the adjoining railway embankment and siding. A number of waifs and strays were seen here, and included such suspicious plants as Eastern Rocket Sisymbrium orientale, Chicory, Viper's-bugloss Echium vulgare, and Field Pepperwort Lepidium campestre.
Rufford 22 July
There was only a small attendance of members on July 22nd— probably owing to the holiday season—when the fourth field meeting was held at Rufford. This district is an excellent locality for studying marsh vegetation, and at one time much of it formed a portion of the large area of more or less impassable swamp which extended over a considerable part of South Lancashire. At the present time most of the district is under cultivation, and the greater part of the old mossland has been drained and reclaimed. Here and there, however, are patches of the former swamp, and these, together with numerous ditches, still serve as fastnesses wherein many members of the ancient marsh flora still linger comparatively undisturbed, save perhaps for the occasional raid of some wandering botanist!
The present occasion was extremely favourable for our purpose, as, owing to the drought, many marsh plants were readily accessible, but which otherwise would have been quite unapproachable.
Attention was chiefly devoted to the strip of swamp which skirts the railway, and which yielded a rich flora. The dense vegetation here afforded an ideal home for many marsh-loving birds, and the Coot, Moorhen, and various other aquatic species were often seen. The common Reed Mace (or Bulrush) Typha latifolia was quite a predominant plant, and here and there were masses of its rarer relative Typha angustifolia, readily recognised, even at a distance, by its narrower foliage and more graceful habit. These two plants are popularly known as ‘‘ Bulrushes,”” and the fruiting stems are often used as ornaments, and sold for this purpose. The true Bulrush (Scirpus lacustris) is, however, a very distinct plant. We found the closely allied species Scirpus tabernaemontani, but this is scarcely as imposing a plant as Scirpus lacustris, which sometimes attains a height of eight or nine feet.
Here, too, were the Giant (or Water) Dock Rumex hydrolapathum, Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus, Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Moneywort (or Creeping-Jenny) Lysimachia nummularia, and the two Dropworts Tubular Water-dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa, and Fine-leaved Water-dropwort Oenanthe aquatica (= O. phellandrium). The Water Violet (Hottonia) was also found, but we were too late for the flowers. The Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre (= Potentilla comarum) was quite abundant, and there was a profusion of the strawberry-like “fruits.” As in its relative the Strawberry, the receptacle enlarges after fertilization, and results in the achenes being elevated upon the prominent floral disc. These prominent fruits bore a tantalizing resemblance to a Strawberry, but a somewhat scientific member of the party, who tasted one, reported that these delusive structures were comparatively dry and spongy and quite inedible!
The Liverpool and Lancaster Canal was next visited. The Yellow Water Lily was flowering in great abundance, and the blossoms swarmed with small pollen-devouring beetles, which doubtless play an important role in this case. The Great (or Yellow) Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris was also found here, and other plants of the canal were Gipsywort (Lycopus), Skullcap (Scutellaria), the ubiquitous Elodea (canadensis), and a rather ornamental grass Tall Fescue Schedonorus arundinaceus (= Festuca arundinacea).
Freshfield 31 July
The Lancashire sand dunes were visited on the evening of July 31st, when a small party travelled to Freshfield. As this locality will be familiar to most members, and as we have previously held field meetings here, it is scarcely necessary to say much concerning the present occasion. The various Orchids were quite over, but the familiar Wintergreen Pyrola rotundifolia ssp. (=var.) maritima was seen at its best. The Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides, which has been largely planted in one place, seemed quite at home, and bore an abundance of berries. A considerable area of the inland side of the sand dunes has been planted with Corsican Pine Pinus nigra ssp. laricio (=Pinus maritima), apparently with a view to reclaiming this region, and the experiment appears to be succeeding. On the sand dunes along parts of the French coast this tree has been largely employed for a similar purpose. Several examples of the little Natterjack Toad were seen in the slacks, and as we returned to the station a Nightjar was seen flying in the twilight and busily engaged in capturing various winged insects.
Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr 2 September
The concluding excursion took the form of a whole-day field meeting, and one of the most remote spots in North Wales was chosen for the purpose. The locality in question rejoices in the name of Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, which is equivalent to ‘ The Church of St. Michael in the Glen of Myfyr.”” This picturesque spot is situated on the banks of the Alwen, far from any railway station, and the little valley, which is surrounded by steep hills and wild moorland, is visited by very few travellers. Only a few members caught the train for Corwen on September 2nd, as, owing to the dislocation of the service resulting from the railway strike, travelling was in a very uncertain state. On arrival at Corwen, very much behind time, the only train for Derwen had departed, and so the party had to charter a wagonette, and Derwen was eventually reached. After several miles’ walk over the primitive moorland roads the party at last arrived at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr some four hours late. As a result, little time remained for botanising, and soon after tea had been obtained we had to commence the return journey to Derwen. Under the circumstances comparatively little botanical work was accomplished. The Saw-wort Serratula tinctoria was seen in abundance on the bank of the Alwen, just above the inn, and the Peppermint was growing not far away. The handsome Melancholy Thistle Cirsium heterophyllum occurred higher up the valley, and the dainty little Ivy-Leaved Bellflower Wahlenbergia hederacea also occurred hereabouts.
It was nearly dark when Derwen was reached, and there was no opportunity for inspecting the quaint church and the famous Derwen Cross, which is probably one of the best preserved old churchyard crosses to be found in North Wales. We all regretted that our time for investigating this delightful district was altogether insufficient, and so we came away hoping that perhaps at some future date, when railway strikes were things of the past, it might be possible to make a renewed acquaintance under more congenial conditions.