FIELD MEETINGS 1915
Ledsham and Mollington SATURDAY, 15th MAY
Under the leadership of Miss K. White, a visit was paid to the district between Ledsham and Mollington, and the finds included Green-winged Orchid Anacamptis morio (= Orchis morio), Heath Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza maculata (= O. maculata), Cowslip Primula veris, Goldilocks Buttercup Ranunculus auricomus, and Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum. In the ponds were visible the blossoms of Common Water-crowfoot Ranunculus aquatilis (= R. heterophyllus). The only species of mosses noted were Common Pottia Tortula truncata (= Pottia truncata), Common Smoothcap or Catherine’s Moss Atrichum undulatum (= Catharinea undulata), Green-tufted Stubble-moss Weissia controversa (= Weisia viridula), Green Yoke-moss Zygodon viridissimus (saxicole), Blunt-bud Thread-moss Pohlia bulbifera (= Webera annotina, var. bulbifera), Common Feathermoss Kindbergia praelonga (= Eurynchium praelongum), Rough-stalked Feather-moss Brachythecium rutabulum, Velvet Feather-moss Brachytheciastrum velutinum (= Brachythecium velutinum), Creeping Feather-moss Amblystegium serpens, and Great Scented Liverwort Conocephalum conicum (= Conocephalus conicus). The lichens were Cladonia pyxidata, C. fimbriata, var. exigua, Parmelia saxatilis, Lecanora varia, L. conizaeoides, Black Shields Tephromela atra var. atra (= L. atra), Candelariella vitellina (= Xanthoria vitellina), Caloplaca citrina (= X. citrina), and Diploicia canescens (= Lecidea canescens). The fungi observed were St. George's Mushroom Calocybe gambosa (= Tricholoma gambosa), Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare, and Bleach Cup Disciotis venosa (= Peziza reticulata).
Leasowe and Meols SATURDAY, 5th JUNE
The Society journeyed to Leasowe and Meols under the guidance of Mr. W. R. Sibbald. Buttonweed Cotula coronopifolia was apparently spreading, and a sedge, probably Lesser Pond-sedge Carex acutiformis, was abundant. Numerous examples of Adder's-tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum were noted, and Fat Duckweed Lemna gibba with Common Duckweed L. minor. The following were also recorded : - Water Dock Rumex hydrolapathum, Round-leaved Mint Mentha suaveolens or False Apple Mint Mentha suaveolens x longifolia = M. x rotundifolia (= M. rotundifolia)?, Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum umbellatum, and Lepidium latifolium, the Dittander or Broad-leaved Pepperwort, a new station in the Liverpool area.
Kirkby and Simonswood SATURDAY, 26th JUNE
Mr. W. G. Travis led a small party to Kirkby and Simonswood. Squirreltail Fescue Vulpia bromoides (= Festuca sciuroides) was noted on stone walls, and Scented Mayweed Matricaria chamomilla in the cornfields. The Comfrey was seen in waste corners.
Other species observed were:- Henbit Dead-nettle Lamium amplexicaule, Wall Barley Hordeum murinum, Birch Betula (= Betula alba), Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile, Heath Wood-rush Luzula multiflora, Heather Calluna vulgaris and Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea. The moss was mainly covered with Common Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium, Silver Birch Betula pendula (= Betula verrucosa) and Downy Birch Betula pubescens (= B. tomentosa). On the southern portion occur birch, Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris (=Scotch Fir), Mountain Ash, with huge masses of Rhododendrons. Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus (= Rhamnus frangula), Aspen Populus tremula, Raspberry Rubus idaeus, and Blackberry Rubus plicatus were found on the peaty ditchbanks, and Sheep's-bit Jasione montana, Rough Hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, and Early Hair-grass Aira praecox on the sandy peat. By the side of Simonswood Brook, Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata was gathered. Dr. Ellis identified the following microfungi :- Puccinia punctiformis (= Puccinia suaveolens), P. arrhenatheri, Ustilago tritici, Pseudovalsella thelebola (= Melanconis thelebola) (on alder), Melancontum bicolor (on birch), Diplodina salicis, and also a Cytospora, on the Virginia Creeper.
“Sefton Coast” SATURDAY, JULY 10th
Mr. J. A. Wheldon acted as leader to an excursion in which representatives of Blackburn and Southport Societies participated. Owing to the backward season only occasional blooms of Grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia palustris, var. condensata, and Round-leaved Wintergreen Pyrola rotundifolia, var. maritima were visible. Other species noted were: - Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris, Dune Helleborine Epipactis dunensis (= E. viridiflora), Common Twayblade Neottia ovata (= Listera ovata), Early Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata (= Orchis incarnata), Early Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata (= O. latifolia)- presumably two subspecies coccinea and incarnata?, Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (=Erythraea centaurium), Seaside Centaury Centaurium littorale (= E . littoralis), Yellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata (= Chlora perfoliata), Yellow Bird's-nest Hypopitys monotropa (= Hypopitys glabra), Lesser Water-plantain Baldellia ranunculoides (= Alisma ranunculoides), Lesser Burdock Arctium minus (= A. minor), Ploughman's-spikenard Inula conyzae, and Eastern Balsam-poplar Populus balsamifera. The latter is an excellent sand-binder, its numerous shoots enabling it to cover a wide area.
Woodvale, Ainsdale and Freshfield SATURDAY, 14th AUGUST.
Messrs. J. A. Wheldon and W. G. Travis acted as leaders to a large party who followed the inland route to Woodvale, returning by field tracks through Ainsdale to Freshfield. Mingling with the ordinary meadow plants were Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Sand Sedge Carex arenaria, Common Eyebright Euphrasia nemorosa (= E. curta), Lesser Hawkbit
Leontodon saxatilis (= L. nudicaule), Creeping Willow Salix repens, and Umbellate Hawkweed Hieracium umbellatum, var. dunense. In a lane near Freshfield Creeping Bellflower Campanula rapunculoides was noticed as a garden escape, and Teaplant Lycium chinense was seen in the hedges. Other aliens were Milk Thistle Silybum marianum near Ainsdale, and Rough Comfrey Symphytum asperum near Woodvale. The sandy fields first traversed yielded Field Pansy Viola arvensis (= V. obtusifolia and V. agrestis and V. segetalis). Other agrestal weeds found in these sandy tracts were Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis, var. glabrescens, Corn Spurrey Spergula arvensis, Common Restharrow Ononis repens, Common Stork's-bill Erodium cicutarium, Smooth Hawk's-beard Crepis capillaris, Bifid Hemp-nettle Galeopsis bifida, Large-flowered Hemp-nettle G. speciosa, and Pale Persicaria Persicaria lapathifolia (= Polygonum lapathifolium). By the lanes were seen Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris (= Ranunculus boreanus), Bird Cherry Prunus padus (probably planted), Lindley’s Bramble Rubus lindleianus, Rubus nemoralis (= R. selmeri), R. dumetorum ?, Rubus polyanthemus (= R. pulcherrimus), Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa ssp. sylvestris, Wild Carrot Daucus carota ssp. carota, Heath Groundsel Senecio sylvaticus, Creeping Thistle Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense (= Cnicus arvensis) (flore albo- white form), Umbellate Hawkweed Hieracium umbellatum, var. linarifolium, Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium, Bay Willow Salix pentandra, Crack Willow S. fragilis, Osier S. viminalis, White Willow S. alba, Purple Willow S. purpurea, Grey Willow S. cinerea, and the hybrid Broad-leaved Osier Salix viminalis × caprea = S. smithiana. On dry cops were Sand Sedge Carex arenaria, var. remota. By a ditch near Ainsdale Small Sweet-grass Glyceria declinata was noticed.
On the heath-land were recorded:- Plaited-leaved Bramble Rubus plicatus, Rubus nemoralis (= R. selmeri), White-spiked Bramble R. leucostachys, Rosebay Willowherb Chamaenerion angustifolium (= Epilobium angustifolium), Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis (= Scabiosa succisa), Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, with both pink and white flowers, Common Centaury Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (= Erythraea centaurium) (flore albo – white form), Harebell Campanula rotundifolia, Lesser Skullcap Scutellaria minor, and Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata (= Lastrea aristata). It was interesting to observe that large areas of this peaty ground were dominated sometimes by Heather Calluna, and in other places by Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix or Soft-rush Juncus effusus. One patch formed a blue-grey streak of colour from the abundance of Purple Moor-grass Molinia cerulea.
In the deep ditches were Celery-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus, Bog Stitchwort Stellaria alsine (= Stellaria uliginosa), Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus (= Lotus uliginosus), Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre (fruit), Spiked Water-milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum, Common Water-starworts Callitriche stagnalis, Purple-loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, Short-fruited Willowherb E. obscurum, Marsh Willowherb E. palustre, Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Fool's-water-cress Helosciadium nodiflorum (= Apium nodiflorum), Fine-leaved Water-dropwort Oenanthe aquatica (= O. phellandrium), Hemlock Water-dropwort O. crocata, Marsh Bedstraw Galium palustre, Common Valerian Valeriana officinalis (= Valeriana sambucifolia), Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, Nodding Bur-marigold Bidens cernua, vars; radiata and minima, Tanacetum (rare), Water-violet Hottonia palustris, Tufted Forget-me-not Myosotis laxa ssp. cespitosa (= Myosotis cespitosa), Speedwell Veronica anagallis (the true plant with pale flowers), Water Mint Mentha aquatica (= M. hirsuta), Gypsywort Lycopus europeaus, Golden Dock Rumex maritimus (= R. maritima), Clustered Dock R. conglomeratus, Wood Dock R, sanguineus, var. viridis, Water Dock R. hydrolapathum, Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Bulrush Typha latifolia, Unbranched Bur-reed Sparganium emersum (= S. simplex), Branched Bur-reed S. erectum, var. microcarpum, Sparganium erectum subsp. neglectum (= S. neglectum), Common Duckweed Lemna minor, Fat Duckweed L. gibba, Ivy-leaved Duckweed L. trisulca, Water-plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica, Narrow-leaved Water-plantain Alisma lanceolatum (= A. lanceolata). Broad-leaved Pondweed Potamogeton natans, Grey Club-rush Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (= Scirpus tabernaemontani), Bottle Sedge Carex rostrata (= Carex inflata), Cyperus Sedge C. pseudocyperus, Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans, Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile (=E. limosum) and Marsh Horsetail E. palustre.
Between Ainsdale and Freshfield were Perforate St John's-wort Hypericum perforatum, Rubus bracteatus, Lesser Burdock Arctium minus, and Asparagus officinalis.
On the stonework of a culvert near Freshfield, Lichen Stonewall Rim Lichen or Chewing Gum Lichen Protoparmeliopsis muralis (= Squamaria saxicola) was seen fruiting freely, and on a ridge near Woodvale were noticed Common Orange or Common Sunburst Lichen Xanthoria parietina (= Physcia parietina), Xanthoria elegans (= Placodium dissidens) (the only known South Lancashire station), and Caloplaca pyracea (= Callopisma pyracea). Other lichens seen were Lecanora varia, and Placynthiella uliginosa (= Lecidea uliginosa).
Delamere Forest SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11th
Myr. Joseph Thompson, F.L.S., of Chester, led a large party through the Delamere Forest, passing Eddisbury Hill, the once impregnable enclosure of Ethelfleda, “the wisest lady in England, an heroic princess.”’ Amongst Calluna were several examples of var. pubescens, Koch, distinguishable by its hoary appearance.
The Fungi recorded were less numerous than was expected owing to the continued dry weather, but the list was a creditable one, including: --Stereum hirsutum, Silver Leaf Disease Chondrostereum purpureum (= S. vorticosum), Bleeding Oak Crust Stereum gausapatum (= S. spadicium), Bleeding Conifer Crust Stereum sanguinolentum, Wet Rot Wet Rot Coniophora puteana (C. incrustans), Toothed Crust Basidioradulum radula (= Radulum fragineum), Purplepore Bracket Trichaptum abietinum (= Polystictus abietinus), Turkeytail Trametes versicolor (= Polystictus versicolor), Yellow Stagshorn Calocera viscosa, Common Earthball Scleroderma citrinum (= S. vulgare), Birch Polypore Fomitopsis betulina (= Polyporus betulinus), Polyporus fibula?, Wood Hedgehog Hydnum repandum, Yellow Cobweb Phlebiella vaga (= Phlebia vaga), Blusher Amanita rubescens, Grisette A. vaginata, A. solitaria, Deathcap A. phalloides, Fenugreek Milkcap Lactarius helvus (= L. tomentosus), Rufous Milkcap L. rufus, Ugly Milkcap Lactarius (Piper) turpis, Tacked Milkcap L. (Piper) trivialis, Blackening Brittlegill Russula nigricans, R. sanguinea, Bloody Brittlegill Russula sanguinaria (= R. rosacea), Primrose Brittlegill R. sardonia, R. rubra, Fragile Brittlegill R. fragilis, R. chamoaleontina, R. lutea, Shaggy Parasol Chlorophyllum rhacodes (= Lepiota procera), Slender Parasol Macrolepiota mastoidea (= L. gracilenta), Larch Bolete Suillus grevillei (= Boletus flavus), Bovine Bolete Suillus bovinus (= B. bovinus), Bay Bolete B. badius, Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum (= B. scaber), Chestnut Bolete Gyroporus castaneus (= B. castaneus)?, and Spotted Toughshank Rhodocollybia maculata (= Collybia maculata).
On the way to Mouldsworth station Knotgrass Rust Uromyces polygoni-avicularis (= Uromyces polygoni) was seen on Knotgrass, where the teleutospores (teliospores) formed chocolate-coloured masses.
Ledsham and Mollington SATURDAY, 15th MAY
Under the leadership of Miss K. White, a visit was paid to the district between Ledsham and Mollington, and the finds included Green-winged Orchid Anacamptis morio (= Orchis morio), Heath Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza maculata (= O. maculata), Cowslip Primula veris, Goldilocks Buttercup Ranunculus auricomus, and Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum. In the ponds were visible the blossoms of Common Water-crowfoot Ranunculus aquatilis (= R. heterophyllus). The only species of mosses noted were Common Pottia Tortula truncata (= Pottia truncata), Common Smoothcap or Catherine’s Moss Atrichum undulatum (= Catharinea undulata), Green-tufted Stubble-moss Weissia controversa (= Weisia viridula), Green Yoke-moss Zygodon viridissimus (saxicole), Blunt-bud Thread-moss Pohlia bulbifera (= Webera annotina, var. bulbifera), Common Feathermoss Kindbergia praelonga (= Eurynchium praelongum), Rough-stalked Feather-moss Brachythecium rutabulum, Velvet Feather-moss Brachytheciastrum velutinum (= Brachythecium velutinum), Creeping Feather-moss Amblystegium serpens, and Great Scented Liverwort Conocephalum conicum (= Conocephalus conicus). The lichens were Cladonia pyxidata, C. fimbriata, var. exigua, Parmelia saxatilis, Lecanora varia, L. conizaeoides, Black Shields Tephromela atra var. atra (= L. atra), Candelariella vitellina (= Xanthoria vitellina), Caloplaca citrina (= X. citrina), and Diploicia canescens (= Lecidea canescens). The fungi observed were St. George's Mushroom Calocybe gambosa (= Tricholoma gambosa), Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare, and Bleach Cup Disciotis venosa (= Peziza reticulata).
Leasowe and Meols SATURDAY, 5th JUNE
The Society journeyed to Leasowe and Meols under the guidance of Mr. W. R. Sibbald. Buttonweed Cotula coronopifolia was apparently spreading, and a sedge, probably Lesser Pond-sedge Carex acutiformis, was abundant. Numerous examples of Adder's-tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum were noted, and Fat Duckweed Lemna gibba with Common Duckweed L. minor. The following were also recorded : - Water Dock Rumex hydrolapathum, Round-leaved Mint Mentha suaveolens or False Apple Mint Mentha suaveolens x longifolia = M. x rotundifolia (= M. rotundifolia)?, Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum umbellatum, and Lepidium latifolium, the Dittander or Broad-leaved Pepperwort, a new station in the Liverpool area.
Kirkby and Simonswood SATURDAY, 26th JUNE
Mr. W. G. Travis led a small party to Kirkby and Simonswood. Squirreltail Fescue Vulpia bromoides (= Festuca sciuroides) was noted on stone walls, and Scented Mayweed Matricaria chamomilla in the cornfields. The Comfrey was seen in waste corners.
Other species observed were:- Henbit Dead-nettle Lamium amplexicaule, Wall Barley Hordeum murinum, Birch Betula (= Betula alba), Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile, Heath Wood-rush Luzula multiflora, Heather Calluna vulgaris and Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea. The moss was mainly covered with Common Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium, Silver Birch Betula pendula (= Betula verrucosa) and Downy Birch Betula pubescens (= B. tomentosa). On the southern portion occur birch, Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris (=Scotch Fir), Mountain Ash, with huge masses of Rhododendrons. Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus (= Rhamnus frangula), Aspen Populus tremula, Raspberry Rubus idaeus, and Blackberry Rubus plicatus were found on the peaty ditchbanks, and Sheep's-bit Jasione montana, Rough Hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, and Early Hair-grass Aira praecox on the sandy peat. By the side of Simonswood Brook, Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata was gathered. Dr. Ellis identified the following microfungi :- Puccinia punctiformis (= Puccinia suaveolens), P. arrhenatheri, Ustilago tritici, Pseudovalsella thelebola (= Melanconis thelebola) (on alder), Melancontum bicolor (on birch), Diplodina salicis, and also a Cytospora, on the Virginia Creeper.
“Sefton Coast” SATURDAY, JULY 10th
Mr. J. A. Wheldon acted as leader to an excursion in which representatives of Blackburn and Southport Societies participated. Owing to the backward season only occasional blooms of Grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia palustris, var. condensata, and Round-leaved Wintergreen Pyrola rotundifolia, var. maritima were visible. Other species noted were: - Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris, Dune Helleborine Epipactis dunensis (= E. viridiflora), Common Twayblade Neottia ovata (= Listera ovata), Early Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata (= Orchis incarnata), Early Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza incarnata (= O. latifolia)- presumably two subspecies coccinea and incarnata?, Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (=Erythraea centaurium), Seaside Centaury Centaurium littorale (= E . littoralis), Yellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata (= Chlora perfoliata), Yellow Bird's-nest Hypopitys monotropa (= Hypopitys glabra), Lesser Water-plantain Baldellia ranunculoides (= Alisma ranunculoides), Lesser Burdock Arctium minus (= A. minor), Ploughman's-spikenard Inula conyzae, and Eastern Balsam-poplar Populus balsamifera. The latter is an excellent sand-binder, its numerous shoots enabling it to cover a wide area.
Woodvale, Ainsdale and Freshfield SATURDAY, 14th AUGUST.
Messrs. J. A. Wheldon and W. G. Travis acted as leaders to a large party who followed the inland route to Woodvale, returning by field tracks through Ainsdale to Freshfield. Mingling with the ordinary meadow plants were Red Fescue Festuca rubra, Sand Sedge Carex arenaria, Common Eyebright Euphrasia nemorosa (= E. curta), Lesser Hawkbit
Leontodon saxatilis (= L. nudicaule), Creeping Willow Salix repens, and Umbellate Hawkweed Hieracium umbellatum, var. dunense. In a lane near Freshfield Creeping Bellflower Campanula rapunculoides was noticed as a garden escape, and Teaplant Lycium chinense was seen in the hedges. Other aliens were Milk Thistle Silybum marianum near Ainsdale, and Rough Comfrey Symphytum asperum near Woodvale. The sandy fields first traversed yielded Field Pansy Viola arvensis (= V. obtusifolia and V. agrestis and V. segetalis). Other agrestal weeds found in these sandy tracts were Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis, var. glabrescens, Corn Spurrey Spergula arvensis, Common Restharrow Ononis repens, Common Stork's-bill Erodium cicutarium, Smooth Hawk's-beard Crepis capillaris, Bifid Hemp-nettle Galeopsis bifida, Large-flowered Hemp-nettle G. speciosa, and Pale Persicaria Persicaria lapathifolia (= Polygonum lapathifolium). By the lanes were seen Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris (= Ranunculus boreanus), Bird Cherry Prunus padus (probably planted), Lindley’s Bramble Rubus lindleianus, Rubus nemoralis (= R. selmeri), R. dumetorum ?, Rubus polyanthemus (= R. pulcherrimus), Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa ssp. sylvestris, Wild Carrot Daucus carota ssp. carota, Heath Groundsel Senecio sylvaticus, Creeping Thistle Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense (= Cnicus arvensis) (flore albo- white form), Umbellate Hawkweed Hieracium umbellatum, var. linarifolium, Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium, Bay Willow Salix pentandra, Crack Willow S. fragilis, Osier S. viminalis, White Willow S. alba, Purple Willow S. purpurea, Grey Willow S. cinerea, and the hybrid Broad-leaved Osier Salix viminalis × caprea = S. smithiana. On dry cops were Sand Sedge Carex arenaria, var. remota. By a ditch near Ainsdale Small Sweet-grass Glyceria declinata was noticed.
On the heath-land were recorded:- Plaited-leaved Bramble Rubus plicatus, Rubus nemoralis (= R. selmeri), White-spiked Bramble R. leucostachys, Rosebay Willowherb Chamaenerion angustifolium (= Epilobium angustifolium), Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis (= Scabiosa succisa), Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, with both pink and white flowers, Common Centaury Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (= Erythraea centaurium) (flore albo – white form), Harebell Campanula rotundifolia, Lesser Skullcap Scutellaria minor, and Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata (= Lastrea aristata). It was interesting to observe that large areas of this peaty ground were dominated sometimes by Heather Calluna, and in other places by Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix or Soft-rush Juncus effusus. One patch formed a blue-grey streak of colour from the abundance of Purple Moor-grass Molinia cerulea.
In the deep ditches were Celery-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus, Bog Stitchwort Stellaria alsine (= Stellaria uliginosa), Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus (= Lotus uliginosus), Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre (fruit), Spiked Water-milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum, Common Water-starworts Callitriche stagnalis, Purple-loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, Short-fruited Willowherb E. obscurum, Marsh Willowherb E. palustre, Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Fool's-water-cress Helosciadium nodiflorum (= Apium nodiflorum), Fine-leaved Water-dropwort Oenanthe aquatica (= O. phellandrium), Hemlock Water-dropwort O. crocata, Marsh Bedstraw Galium palustre, Common Valerian Valeriana officinalis (= Valeriana sambucifolia), Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica, Nodding Bur-marigold Bidens cernua, vars; radiata and minima, Tanacetum (rare), Water-violet Hottonia palustris, Tufted Forget-me-not Myosotis laxa ssp. cespitosa (= Myosotis cespitosa), Speedwell Veronica anagallis (the true plant with pale flowers), Water Mint Mentha aquatica (= M. hirsuta), Gypsywort Lycopus europeaus, Golden Dock Rumex maritimus (= R. maritima), Clustered Dock R. conglomeratus, Wood Dock R, sanguineus, var. viridis, Water Dock R. hydrolapathum, Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Bulrush Typha latifolia, Unbranched Bur-reed Sparganium emersum (= S. simplex), Branched Bur-reed S. erectum, var. microcarpum, Sparganium erectum subsp. neglectum (= S. neglectum), Common Duckweed Lemna minor, Fat Duckweed L. gibba, Ivy-leaved Duckweed L. trisulca, Water-plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica, Narrow-leaved Water-plantain Alisma lanceolatum (= A. lanceolata). Broad-leaved Pondweed Potamogeton natans, Grey Club-rush Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (= Scirpus tabernaemontani), Bottle Sedge Carex rostrata (= Carex inflata), Cyperus Sedge C. pseudocyperus, Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans, Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile (=E. limosum) and Marsh Horsetail E. palustre.
Between Ainsdale and Freshfield were Perforate St John's-wort Hypericum perforatum, Rubus bracteatus, Lesser Burdock Arctium minus, and Asparagus officinalis.
On the stonework of a culvert near Freshfield, Lichen Stonewall Rim Lichen or Chewing Gum Lichen Protoparmeliopsis muralis (= Squamaria saxicola) was seen fruiting freely, and on a ridge near Woodvale were noticed Common Orange or Common Sunburst Lichen Xanthoria parietina (= Physcia parietina), Xanthoria elegans (= Placodium dissidens) (the only known South Lancashire station), and Caloplaca pyracea (= Callopisma pyracea). Other lichens seen were Lecanora varia, and Placynthiella uliginosa (= Lecidea uliginosa).
Delamere Forest SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11th
Myr. Joseph Thompson, F.L.S., of Chester, led a large party through the Delamere Forest, passing Eddisbury Hill, the once impregnable enclosure of Ethelfleda, “the wisest lady in England, an heroic princess.”’ Amongst Calluna were several examples of var. pubescens, Koch, distinguishable by its hoary appearance.
The Fungi recorded were less numerous than was expected owing to the continued dry weather, but the list was a creditable one, including: --Stereum hirsutum, Silver Leaf Disease Chondrostereum purpureum (= S. vorticosum), Bleeding Oak Crust Stereum gausapatum (= S. spadicium), Bleeding Conifer Crust Stereum sanguinolentum, Wet Rot Wet Rot Coniophora puteana (C. incrustans), Toothed Crust Basidioradulum radula (= Radulum fragineum), Purplepore Bracket Trichaptum abietinum (= Polystictus abietinus), Turkeytail Trametes versicolor (= Polystictus versicolor), Yellow Stagshorn Calocera viscosa, Common Earthball Scleroderma citrinum (= S. vulgare), Birch Polypore Fomitopsis betulina (= Polyporus betulinus), Polyporus fibula?, Wood Hedgehog Hydnum repandum, Yellow Cobweb Phlebiella vaga (= Phlebia vaga), Blusher Amanita rubescens, Grisette A. vaginata, A. solitaria, Deathcap A. phalloides, Fenugreek Milkcap Lactarius helvus (= L. tomentosus), Rufous Milkcap L. rufus, Ugly Milkcap Lactarius (Piper) turpis, Tacked Milkcap L. (Piper) trivialis, Blackening Brittlegill Russula nigricans, R. sanguinea, Bloody Brittlegill Russula sanguinaria (= R. rosacea), Primrose Brittlegill R. sardonia, R. rubra, Fragile Brittlegill R. fragilis, R. chamoaleontina, R. lutea, Shaggy Parasol Chlorophyllum rhacodes (= Lepiota procera), Slender Parasol Macrolepiota mastoidea (= L. gracilenta), Larch Bolete Suillus grevillei (= Boletus flavus), Bovine Bolete Suillus bovinus (= B. bovinus), Bay Bolete B. badius, Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum scabrum (= B. scaber), Chestnut Bolete Gyroporus castaneus (= B. castaneus)?, and Spotted Toughshank Rhodocollybia maculata (= Collybia maculata).
On the way to Mouldsworth station Knotgrass Rust Uromyces polygoni-avicularis (= Uromyces polygoni) was seen on Knotgrass, where the teleutospores (teliospores) formed chocolate-coloured masses.