FIELD MEETINGS 1913
A RESUME OF THE FIELD MEETINGS OF 1913.
(Summary of a paper by Mr. A. A. Dallman, F.C.S.)
Loggerheads 3 May 1913
The inaugural field meeting was arranged for May 3rd, at the Leete, but owing to heavy rain, the majority of members decided to forego the excursion. A small party, however, proceeded, and after numerous discomforts, reached the ‘‘Loggerheads.”” Down the Leete, Toothwort Lathraea squamaria was abundant and flowering profusely.
Herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia also occurred, some variation in the number of leaf-like bracts being noted. Other species observed included Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon subsp. montanum, Rue-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites and, with the latter on limestone, was Hairy Rock-cress Arabis hirsuta. Lichens and Bryophyta were unusually conspicuous on the rocks and walls. At Cilcain we observed Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata and the White Dead-nettle Lamium album. Time would not permit of visiting the station where Fritillary Fritillaria meleagris had been recently discovered in some quantity by two members, a find of particular interest and an addition to the flora of Wales. It is usually found in moist meadows and grows abundantly near Oxford, between Mortlake and Kew. The pendulous solitary flowers resemble tulips, to which the Fritillary is merely related, but the colour is unique amongst indigenous plants. The curious marking with dull purple is recognised in the specific name ‘Meleagris’’—a guinea hen.
Gerard terms it the ‘‘ Turkie or Ginny-hen floure.” The name “ Fritillus “ is the classical term for a dice-box, and, according to some, refers to the resemblance between the chequered sepals and petals, and a chessboard. Occasionally albinos occur, but these are rare. The Snake’s Head is not known to set seed in North Wales.
Hale Point 24 May 1913
Hale Point was visited on May 24th, by way of Hale, which claims celebrity through its ancient charter. The body of the church dates from the 18th century, but the tower is of greater antiquity. Here too is a beautiful example of an ancient lych-gate. The littoral flora proved uninteresting, and few Phanerogamia were in bloom. A number of arenicolous species were seen, such as Sand Sedge Carex arenaria, Buckshorn Plantain Plantago coronopus, Sea Sandwort Honckenya peploides, and Hairy Sedge Carex hirta. There was no sign of Allium scorodoprasum (Sand Garlic) which was found at Speke in 1850, as recorded in Dickinson’s Flora of Liverpool. Dr. J. W. Ellis informs me that he has seen it still growing in this old station within the last three years.
Continuing up the river bank English Scurvygrass Cochlearia anglica, Sea-milkwort
Lysimachia maritima (= Glaux maritima), and Common Saltmarsh-grass Puccinellia maritima (= Sclerochloa maritima) were noted. Several shrubs of Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus (= Rhamnus frangula) were seen in a hedge, relics, probably, of the old-time mossland.
Helsby and Alvanley 14 June 1913
The third field meeting was held at Helsby and Alvanley, on June 14th. On arrival at Helsby the members were met by Mr. J, N. Harnaman, of Alvanley, whose extensive knowledge of the local flora was placed at the party’s disposal. Common Meadow-rue Thalictrum flavum was noted in the ditches, and the neighbouring ground afforded a habitat for alien plants, including Hoary Cress Lepidium draba, Eastern Rocket Sisymbrium orientale, and Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum). Stone Parsley Sison amomum was noted, representing the northern limit of its range on the western side of Britain. Greater Bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris was seen on the way to Abbot’s Clough and, in Moor’s Wood, Water Avens Geum rivale was observed in company with Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris. Several examples of Moonwort Botrychium lunaria were also seen. This species resembles the Adder’s Tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum and Royal Fern Osmunda regalis in having the sori borne on a sporangiophore. Shepherd's Cress Teesdalia nudicaulis was also met with, and conjured up associations of an old Yorkshire botanist—Robert Teesdale—to whom it forms an apt memorial. An exhibition of children’s nature-study- work in the Alvanley School was the centre of much interest, as this institution, under the influence of Mr. Harnaman, led the way thirty years ago in adopting this subject. After tea, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Vicar—the Rev. F. S. C. Crane— and to Mr. and Mrs. Harnaman for their hospitable welcome. The xerophilous flora of Helsby Hill afforded further variety, and amongst the species observed, were Bird's-foot Ornithopus perpusillus, Silver Hair-grass Aira caryophyllea, Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella, Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus and Climbing Corydalis Ceratocapnos claviculata (= Corydalis claviculata).
Hall Road 20 June 1913
An evening meeting was arranged for June 20th, at Hall Road, under the leadership of Mr. J. A. Wheldon, F.L.S., but botanising was hindered by rain. Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum) was growing in quantity near the station and, amongst the plants noticed in flower, were Knotted Pearlwort Sagina nodosa, Blue Fleabane Erigeron acris, Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum officinale, Burnet Rose Rosa spinosissima, Field Gentian Gentiana campestris, Portland Spurge Euphorbia portlandica, Early Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata (= Orchis incarnata), Common Spotted-orchid
Dactylorhiza fuchsii (= Orchis maculata ?), and Common Twayblade Neottia ovata (= Listera ovata). Lyme-grass Leymus arenarius (= Elymus arenarius) was also flowering, and could readily be distinguished by its strongly glaucous and ribbed leaves. We saw no trace of the peculiar maritime variety of Round-leaved Wintergreen Pyrola rotundifolia.
Overton and Erbistock 28 June 1913
On June 28th, Overton and Erbistock were visited, in conjunction with the Chester Society of Natural Science. The flora of the Shell Brook, which separates the counties of Flint and Shropshire, was investigated, and the west bank of the picturesque dingle. Common Gromwell Lithospermum officinale was seen in some quantity along the Shropshire side. A distinct calciphilous element was noticeable, as shown by the occurrence of Dogwood Cornus sanguinea, Field Maple Acer campestre, Spindle Euonymus europaeus, and Quaking-grass Briza media. Overton Church and its fine yews— one of the Seven Wonders of Wales—were visited, and, although scarcely equal to the trees at Gresford, the largest example had a circumference of 17 feet 10 inches, at a height of four feet above the ground. Yellow Corydalis Pseudofumaria lutea (= Corydalis lutea) was seen naturalised near the ferry, and Blood-drop-emlets Erythranthe lutea (= Mimulus luteus), originally introduced from Chile, was flourishing in several stations. The Yellow Balsam or Small Balsam Impatiens parviflora was still growing in the wood, and Teasel Dipsacus fullonum was noted in the valley below Overton Cemetery.
Woodvale and Halsall 26 July 1913
Woodvale and Halsall were visited on July 26th, under the leadership of the President:—Mr. W. T. Haydon, F.L.S. The Bog-myrtle Myrica gale was breast-high, forming a miniature forest, while Water Dock Rumex hydrolapathum was seen at its best. A careful search for Royal Fern Osmunda regalis was unrewarded, although formerly a common species in this locality. Country-folk bringing butter to St. Helens and Liverpool markets used to line their baskets with the fronds. Amongst the ditch vegetation were three species of Duckweed— Lemna minor, L. gibba, and L. trisulca (Common, Fat and Ivy-leaved) . Fine-leaved Water-dropwort Oenanthe aquatica (= Oenanthe phellandrium) was plentiful, and Tubular Water-dropwort O. fistulosa was also in bloom. Aquatic and sub-Aquatic species noted were Whorl-grass Catabrosa aquatica, Greater Spearwort Ranunculus lingua, Mare's-tail Hippuris vulgaris, Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus, Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata, Unbranched Bur-reed Sparganium emersum (= Sparganium simplex), Canadian Waterweed Elodea canadensis, Purple-loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Blue Water-speedwell Veronica anagallis-aquatica (= Veronica anagallis) and Marsh Speedwell V. scutellata. On an enclosed part of the mossland were Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea, Heather Calluna vulgaris, Rubus nemoralis (= R. selmeri), and Rubus polyanthemus (= R. pulcherrimus),. The latter bramble had broad ovate leaves of a deeper green than R. selmeri. Much interest was aroused by a most unusual form of R. selmeri, to which Mr. Wheldon directed attention. This was a striking instance, in which the sepals of the normal flower had reverted to ordinary leaves. So complete was the transition in some examples that the place of the sepals was taken by large ternate leaves which completely agreed: with the normal foliage. A micro-fungus, seen in abundance on the Tormentil, was identified by the President as Peronospora potentillae. In the lane near the station were visible Hare's-foot Clover Trifolium arvense, Hop Trefoil Trifolium campestre (= T. procumbens), Bugloss Lycopsis arvensis (= Anchusa arvensis), Common Stork's-bill Erodium cicutarium, and Sand Sedge Carex arenaria. A large patch of Rough Comfrey Symphytum asperum (= S. asperrimum) was identified by Messrs. Wheldon and Travis and was an addition to our local flora. A further addition was made near Woodvale station where White Stonecrop Sedum album was noted, apparently wild.
Llyn Geirionydd and Trefriw
The concluding meeting of the season was held at Llyn Geirionydd and Trefriw. Passing Gwydir House, the ancient seat of the Wynne family, the party crossed into Caernarvonshire, and many charming views of the Conway Valley were obtained. The very local Alpine Penny-cress Noccaea caerulescens (= Thlaspi alpestre) -was found in some quantity, and Rubus anglo-saeonicus (?) was noticed in the woods. Water-purslane Lythrum portula (= Peplis portula) was plentiful on the margin of an artificial lake. Near Llanrhychwyn the Ivy-leaved Bellflower Wahlenbergia hederacea was noticed in company with Grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia palustris. The party continued over-the rocky extremity of Mynydd Deulyn to Llyn Crafnant, and hereabouts the Bog-myrtle Myrica gale and three species of insectivorous plants were gathered. Traveller's-joy Clematis vitalba and the form of Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense, named setosum were found on the way to the station.
A RESUME OF THE FIELD MEETINGS OF 1913.
(Summary of a paper by Mr. A. A. Dallman, F.C.S.)
Loggerheads 3 May 1913
The inaugural field meeting was arranged for May 3rd, at the Leete, but owing to heavy rain, the majority of members decided to forego the excursion. A small party, however, proceeded, and after numerous discomforts, reached the ‘‘Loggerheads.”” Down the Leete, Toothwort Lathraea squamaria was abundant and flowering profusely.
Herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia also occurred, some variation in the number of leaf-like bracts being noted. Other species observed included Yellow Archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon subsp. montanum, Rue-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites and, with the latter on limestone, was Hairy Rock-cress Arabis hirsuta. Lichens and Bryophyta were unusually conspicuous on the rocks and walls. At Cilcain we observed Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata and the White Dead-nettle Lamium album. Time would not permit of visiting the station where Fritillary Fritillaria meleagris had been recently discovered in some quantity by two members, a find of particular interest and an addition to the flora of Wales. It is usually found in moist meadows and grows abundantly near Oxford, between Mortlake and Kew. The pendulous solitary flowers resemble tulips, to which the Fritillary is merely related, but the colour is unique amongst indigenous plants. The curious marking with dull purple is recognised in the specific name ‘Meleagris’’—a guinea hen.
Gerard terms it the ‘‘ Turkie or Ginny-hen floure.” The name “ Fritillus “ is the classical term for a dice-box, and, according to some, refers to the resemblance between the chequered sepals and petals, and a chessboard. Occasionally albinos occur, but these are rare. The Snake’s Head is not known to set seed in North Wales.
Hale Point 24 May 1913
Hale Point was visited on May 24th, by way of Hale, which claims celebrity through its ancient charter. The body of the church dates from the 18th century, but the tower is of greater antiquity. Here too is a beautiful example of an ancient lych-gate. The littoral flora proved uninteresting, and few Phanerogamia were in bloom. A number of arenicolous species were seen, such as Sand Sedge Carex arenaria, Buckshorn Plantain Plantago coronopus, Sea Sandwort Honckenya peploides, and Hairy Sedge Carex hirta. There was no sign of Allium scorodoprasum (Sand Garlic) which was found at Speke in 1850, as recorded in Dickinson’s Flora of Liverpool. Dr. J. W. Ellis informs me that he has seen it still growing in this old station within the last three years.
Continuing up the river bank English Scurvygrass Cochlearia anglica, Sea-milkwort
Lysimachia maritima (= Glaux maritima), and Common Saltmarsh-grass Puccinellia maritima (= Sclerochloa maritima) were noted. Several shrubs of Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus (= Rhamnus frangula) were seen in a hedge, relics, probably, of the old-time mossland.
Helsby and Alvanley 14 June 1913
The third field meeting was held at Helsby and Alvanley, on June 14th. On arrival at Helsby the members were met by Mr. J, N. Harnaman, of Alvanley, whose extensive knowledge of the local flora was placed at the party’s disposal. Common Meadow-rue Thalictrum flavum was noted in the ditches, and the neighbouring ground afforded a habitat for alien plants, including Hoary Cress Lepidium draba, Eastern Rocket Sisymbrium orientale, and Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum). Stone Parsley Sison amomum was noted, representing the northern limit of its range on the western side of Britain. Greater Bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris was seen on the way to Abbot’s Clough and, in Moor’s Wood, Water Avens Geum rivale was observed in company with Yellow Loosestrife Lysimachia vulgaris. Several examples of Moonwort Botrychium lunaria were also seen. This species resembles the Adder’s Tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum and Royal Fern Osmunda regalis in having the sori borne on a sporangiophore. Shepherd's Cress Teesdalia nudicaulis was also met with, and conjured up associations of an old Yorkshire botanist—Robert Teesdale—to whom it forms an apt memorial. An exhibition of children’s nature-study- work in the Alvanley School was the centre of much interest, as this institution, under the influence of Mr. Harnaman, led the way thirty years ago in adopting this subject. After tea, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Vicar—the Rev. F. S. C. Crane— and to Mr. and Mrs. Harnaman for their hospitable welcome. The xerophilous flora of Helsby Hill afforded further variety, and amongst the species observed, were Bird's-foot Ornithopus perpusillus, Silver Hair-grass Aira caryophyllea, Sheep's Sorrel Rumex acetosella, Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus and Climbing Corydalis Ceratocapnos claviculata (= Corydalis claviculata).
Hall Road 20 June 1913
An evening meeting was arranged for June 20th, at Hall Road, under the leadership of Mr. J. A. Wheldon, F.L.S., but botanising was hindered by rain. Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum) was growing in quantity near the station and, amongst the plants noticed in flower, were Knotted Pearlwort Sagina nodosa, Blue Fleabane Erigeron acris, Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum officinale, Burnet Rose Rosa spinosissima, Field Gentian Gentiana campestris, Portland Spurge Euphorbia portlandica, Early Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata (= Orchis incarnata), Common Spotted-orchid
Dactylorhiza fuchsii (= Orchis maculata ?), and Common Twayblade Neottia ovata (= Listera ovata). Lyme-grass Leymus arenarius (= Elymus arenarius) was also flowering, and could readily be distinguished by its strongly glaucous and ribbed leaves. We saw no trace of the peculiar maritime variety of Round-leaved Wintergreen Pyrola rotundifolia.
Overton and Erbistock 28 June 1913
On June 28th, Overton and Erbistock were visited, in conjunction with the Chester Society of Natural Science. The flora of the Shell Brook, which separates the counties of Flint and Shropshire, was investigated, and the west bank of the picturesque dingle. Common Gromwell Lithospermum officinale was seen in some quantity along the Shropshire side. A distinct calciphilous element was noticeable, as shown by the occurrence of Dogwood Cornus sanguinea, Field Maple Acer campestre, Spindle Euonymus europaeus, and Quaking-grass Briza media. Overton Church and its fine yews— one of the Seven Wonders of Wales—were visited, and, although scarcely equal to the trees at Gresford, the largest example had a circumference of 17 feet 10 inches, at a height of four feet above the ground. Yellow Corydalis Pseudofumaria lutea (= Corydalis lutea) was seen naturalised near the ferry, and Blood-drop-emlets Erythranthe lutea (= Mimulus luteus), originally introduced from Chile, was flourishing in several stations. The Yellow Balsam or Small Balsam Impatiens parviflora was still growing in the wood, and Teasel Dipsacus fullonum was noted in the valley below Overton Cemetery.
Woodvale and Halsall 26 July 1913
Woodvale and Halsall were visited on July 26th, under the leadership of the President:—Mr. W. T. Haydon, F.L.S. The Bog-myrtle Myrica gale was breast-high, forming a miniature forest, while Water Dock Rumex hydrolapathum was seen at its best. A careful search for Royal Fern Osmunda regalis was unrewarded, although formerly a common species in this locality. Country-folk bringing butter to St. Helens and Liverpool markets used to line their baskets with the fronds. Amongst the ditch vegetation were three species of Duckweed— Lemna minor, L. gibba, and L. trisulca (Common, Fat and Ivy-leaved) . Fine-leaved Water-dropwort Oenanthe aquatica (= Oenanthe phellandrium) was plentiful, and Tubular Water-dropwort O. fistulosa was also in bloom. Aquatic and sub-Aquatic species noted were Whorl-grass Catabrosa aquatica, Greater Spearwort Ranunculus lingua, Mare's-tail Hippuris vulgaris, Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus, Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata, Unbranched Bur-reed Sparganium emersum (= Sparganium simplex), Canadian Waterweed Elodea canadensis, Purple-loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Blue Water-speedwell Veronica anagallis-aquatica (= Veronica anagallis) and Marsh Speedwell V. scutellata. On an enclosed part of the mossland were Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea, Heather Calluna vulgaris, Rubus nemoralis (= R. selmeri), and Rubus polyanthemus (= R. pulcherrimus),. The latter bramble had broad ovate leaves of a deeper green than R. selmeri. Much interest was aroused by a most unusual form of R. selmeri, to which Mr. Wheldon directed attention. This was a striking instance, in which the sepals of the normal flower had reverted to ordinary leaves. So complete was the transition in some examples that the place of the sepals was taken by large ternate leaves which completely agreed: with the normal foliage. A micro-fungus, seen in abundance on the Tormentil, was identified by the President as Peronospora potentillae. In the lane near the station were visible Hare's-foot Clover Trifolium arvense, Hop Trefoil Trifolium campestre (= T. procumbens), Bugloss Lycopsis arvensis (= Anchusa arvensis), Common Stork's-bill Erodium cicutarium, and Sand Sedge Carex arenaria. A large patch of Rough Comfrey Symphytum asperum (= S. asperrimum) was identified by Messrs. Wheldon and Travis and was an addition to our local flora. A further addition was made near Woodvale station where White Stonecrop Sedum album was noted, apparently wild.
Llyn Geirionydd and Trefriw
The concluding meeting of the season was held at Llyn Geirionydd and Trefriw. Passing Gwydir House, the ancient seat of the Wynne family, the party crossed into Caernarvonshire, and many charming views of the Conway Valley were obtained. The very local Alpine Penny-cress Noccaea caerulescens (= Thlaspi alpestre) -was found in some quantity, and Rubus anglo-saeonicus (?) was noticed in the woods. Water-purslane Lythrum portula (= Peplis portula) was plentiful on the margin of an artificial lake. Near Llanrhychwyn the Ivy-leaved Bellflower Wahlenbergia hederacea was noticed in company with Grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia palustris. The party continued over-the rocky extremity of Mynydd Deulyn to Llyn Crafnant, and hereabouts the Bog-myrtle Myrica gale and three species of insectivorous plants were gathered. Traveller's-joy Clematis vitalba and the form of Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense, named setosum were found on the way to the station.