FIELD MEETINGS 1916
Bromborough SATURDAY, 16th APRIL 1916
At Bromborough, from whence, under the leadership of Miss K. White, the way lay over field-paths and through woods to Eastham Village. Owing to the lateness of the spring only a small number of flowering plants were observed. Goat Willow Salix caprea was blooming freely near Bromborough, both the pistillate and staminate forms being noticeable. On a wall near Eastham Ferry Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine hirsuta was seen flowering. The woods afforded little of note and very few trees were in leaf, although Rowan Sorbus aucuparia (= Pyrus aucuparia) was green and its flowers visible. A visit was paid to the churchyard where a famous yew tree is said to have attained the age of two thousand years. On the journey to Bromborough Red Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum, Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea, Common Chickweed S. media, Wild Pansy Viola tricolor, and Ivy-leaved Speedwell Veronica hederifolia were observed in flower. Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris and Hairy Wood-rush L. pilosa were abundant. Tufted Thread-moss Bryum caespiticium, Large White-moss Leucobryum glaucum, Endive Pellia Pellia endiviifolia (= P. fabbroniana ), Creeping Fingerwort Lepidozia reptans, and the lichens Diploicia canescens (= Buellia canescens), Candelariella vitellina and Parmelia saxatilis were also noted.
Hoylake to Moreton SATURDAY, 20th MAY 1916
Leader—Mr W. R. Sibbald
Owing to the floods, the walk from Hoylake to Thurstaston was abandoned and the party explored the area between Hoylake and Moreton. Near the Hoylake gas-works Weld Reseda luteola and Soapwort Saponaria officinalis were observed, and at Meols Green-winged Orchid Anacamptis morio (= Orchis morio), Rue-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites, Common Cornsalad Valerianella locusta (= V. olitoria) and Spring Vetch Vicia lathyroides. Other species recorded were Common Storksbill Erodium cicutarium, Shining Crane's-bill Geranium lucidum and Smith's Pepperwort Lepidium heterophyllum (= L. smithii).
Acton Bridge to Bostock and Brocklehurst SATURDAY, 3rd JUNE 1916
Leaders—Miss E. Warhurst L.L.A. and Mr Whitehead
A pleasant walk through part of the Earl of Ellesmere’s estate alongside the river gave opportunities for gathering a large variety of woodland species amongst which, however, nothing of striking rarity was found. Bostock Hall grounds, which Captain Hayhurst had kindly granted permission to visit, contained many choice flowers, and amongst the fine trees was a patriarchal beech, the trunk of which measured 25 feet in circumference. Two of the branches were naturally grafted or inarched.
Freshfield and Ainsdale SATURDAY, 17th JUNE 1916
Leader—Mr W. G. Travis.
The object of the meeting was to illustrate the paper given by the leader, on ‘‘The Development of Sand-dune Vegetation’ (vide Lancashire and Cheshire Naturalist, May-July 1916), and on this occasion additional explanations were given in the course of short field-talks.
Oxton, Prenton and Landican WEDNESDAY, 5th JULY 1916
Leader—Miss E. Warhurst, L.L.A.
An evening ramble was taken from Oxton through Prenton to Landican, the records taken being confirmations of previous ones.
Kirkby SATURDAY, 8th JULY 1916
Leader—Mr W. G. Travis.
On the route to Kirkby Moss were noted Scented Mayweed Matricaria chamomilla, and its alien congener, Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea (= M. suaveolens), Fool's Parsley Aethusa cynapium, Corn Spurrey Spergularia arvensis, Fumitories Fumaria spp., White Dead-nettle Lamium album , Cut-leaved Dead-nettle Lamium hybridum (= L. purpureum var. incisum = L. incisum), Green Field-speedwell Veronica agrestis, Barren Brome Anisantha sterilis (= Bromus sterilis), Smooth Brome Bromus racemosus (= Bromus hordeaceus var. glabrescens = B. mollis var. glabrescens, Squirreltail Fescue Vulpia bromoides (= Festuca bromoides = F. sciuroides) and in the vicinity of houses, Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale, var. patens.
Approaching the peat-moss, some sand-loving species were observed, such as Sheep's-bit Jasione montana and Sand Spurrey Spergularia rubra. Along the ditches occurred Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus (= Rhamnus frangula), small specimens of Sorbus aucuparia (= Pyrus aucuparia), as well as Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur (=Q. pedunculata, Silver Birch B. pendula (=Betula alba), Holly Ilex aquifolium and Raspberry Rubus idaeus. The unreclaimed peat-moss showed Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea, Hare's-tail Cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum, with Heather Calluna vulgaris, Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix, Floating Hook-moss Warnstorfia fluitans (= Hypnum fluitans) and Red-neck Forklet-moss Dicranella cerviculata fruiting freely.
Fornalls Green, Meols WEDNESDAY, 19th JULY 1916
The opportunity was taken to study mainly the sub-aquatic species which grow luxuriantly in this area. Bulrush Typha latifolia, Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus, Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum (= S. ramosum), Unbranched Bur-reed Sparganium emersum (= S. simplex) were gathered, and Mare's-tail Hippuris vulgaris and Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria occurred in small quantity. In addition, the following species were recorded :- Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (= Erythraea centaurium), Yellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata, and Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata.
Sealand Nurseries SATURDAY, 19th AUGUST 1916
Leader—Mr E. Horton
The meeting was chiefly devoted to an inspection of the horticultural products of this extensive nursery, the herbaceous plants and rose-gardens occupying the most attention.
Ainsdale THURSDAY, 31st AUGUST 1916
An evening ramble to this well-worked area was specially directed to the study of dune-flora, but no fresh records were added.
Hoylake, Thurstaston and West Kirby SATURDAY, 9th SEPTEMBER 1916
Leader—Mr W. R. Sibbald
The route followed led by field-paths from Hoylake station to China Plate Farm, thence by Hill Bark grounds to Thurstaston Common, returning by lanes to West Kirby. The following species were recorded: - Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, with aborted inflorescence presumably by a gall, False Fox-sedge Carex otrubae (seems more likely than True Fox-sedge Carex vulpina ?), Blue Fleabane Erigeron acris (= Erigeron acre), Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre (= Potentilla palustris), Bird Cherry Prunus padus, Rubus affinis, Giant Blackberry Rubus armeniacus (= R. discolor), Dewberry R. caesius, Rubus polyanthemus (= R. pulcherrimus), Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus (= Silaus pratensis), Stone Parsley Sison amomum, and Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum). The following lichens were also noted on rocks and walls: - Melanelixia fuliginosa (= Parmelia fuliginosa), P. omphalodes, Xanthoria parietina, Lecanora sulphurea. On earth, Placynthiella uliginosa (= Lecidea uliginosa), Trapeliopsis granulosa (= L. granulosa), Cladonia pyxidata, and C. cervicornis.
Bromborough SATURDAY, 16th APRIL 1916
At Bromborough, from whence, under the leadership of Miss K. White, the way lay over field-paths and through woods to Eastham Village. Owing to the lateness of the spring only a small number of flowering plants were observed. Goat Willow Salix caprea was blooming freely near Bromborough, both the pistillate and staminate forms being noticeable. On a wall near Eastham Ferry Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine hirsuta was seen flowering. The woods afforded little of note and very few trees were in leaf, although Rowan Sorbus aucuparia (= Pyrus aucuparia) was green and its flowers visible. A visit was paid to the churchyard where a famous yew tree is said to have attained the age of two thousand years. On the journey to Bromborough Red Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum, Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea, Common Chickweed S. media, Wild Pansy Viola tricolor, and Ivy-leaved Speedwell Veronica hederifolia were observed in flower. Field Wood-rush Luzula campestris and Hairy Wood-rush L. pilosa were abundant. Tufted Thread-moss Bryum caespiticium, Large White-moss Leucobryum glaucum, Endive Pellia Pellia endiviifolia (= P. fabbroniana ), Creeping Fingerwort Lepidozia reptans, and the lichens Diploicia canescens (= Buellia canescens), Candelariella vitellina and Parmelia saxatilis were also noted.
Hoylake to Moreton SATURDAY, 20th MAY 1916
Leader—Mr W. R. Sibbald
Owing to the floods, the walk from Hoylake to Thurstaston was abandoned and the party explored the area between Hoylake and Moreton. Near the Hoylake gas-works Weld Reseda luteola and Soapwort Saponaria officinalis were observed, and at Meols Green-winged Orchid Anacamptis morio (= Orchis morio), Rue-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites, Common Cornsalad Valerianella locusta (= V. olitoria) and Spring Vetch Vicia lathyroides. Other species recorded were Common Storksbill Erodium cicutarium, Shining Crane's-bill Geranium lucidum and Smith's Pepperwort Lepidium heterophyllum (= L. smithii).
Acton Bridge to Bostock and Brocklehurst SATURDAY, 3rd JUNE 1916
Leaders—Miss E. Warhurst L.L.A. and Mr Whitehead
A pleasant walk through part of the Earl of Ellesmere’s estate alongside the river gave opportunities for gathering a large variety of woodland species amongst which, however, nothing of striking rarity was found. Bostock Hall grounds, which Captain Hayhurst had kindly granted permission to visit, contained many choice flowers, and amongst the fine trees was a patriarchal beech, the trunk of which measured 25 feet in circumference. Two of the branches were naturally grafted or inarched.
Freshfield and Ainsdale SATURDAY, 17th JUNE 1916
Leader—Mr W. G. Travis.
The object of the meeting was to illustrate the paper given by the leader, on ‘‘The Development of Sand-dune Vegetation’ (vide Lancashire and Cheshire Naturalist, May-July 1916), and on this occasion additional explanations were given in the course of short field-talks.
Oxton, Prenton and Landican WEDNESDAY, 5th JULY 1916
Leader—Miss E. Warhurst, L.L.A.
An evening ramble was taken from Oxton through Prenton to Landican, the records taken being confirmations of previous ones.
Kirkby SATURDAY, 8th JULY 1916
Leader—Mr W. G. Travis.
On the route to Kirkby Moss were noted Scented Mayweed Matricaria chamomilla, and its alien congener, Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea (= M. suaveolens), Fool's Parsley Aethusa cynapium, Corn Spurrey Spergularia arvensis, Fumitories Fumaria spp., White Dead-nettle Lamium album , Cut-leaved Dead-nettle Lamium hybridum (= L. purpureum var. incisum = L. incisum), Green Field-speedwell Veronica agrestis, Barren Brome Anisantha sterilis (= Bromus sterilis), Smooth Brome Bromus racemosus (= Bromus hordeaceus var. glabrescens = B. mollis var. glabrescens, Squirreltail Fescue Vulpia bromoides (= Festuca bromoides = F. sciuroides) and in the vicinity of houses, Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale, var. patens.
Approaching the peat-moss, some sand-loving species were observed, such as Sheep's-bit Jasione montana and Sand Spurrey Spergularia rubra. Along the ditches occurred Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus (= Rhamnus frangula), small specimens of Sorbus aucuparia (= Pyrus aucuparia), as well as Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur (=Q. pedunculata, Silver Birch B. pendula (=Betula alba), Holly Ilex aquifolium and Raspberry Rubus idaeus. The unreclaimed peat-moss showed Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea, Hare's-tail Cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum, with Heather Calluna vulgaris, Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix, Floating Hook-moss Warnstorfia fluitans (= Hypnum fluitans) and Red-neck Forklet-moss Dicranella cerviculata fruiting freely.
Fornalls Green, Meols WEDNESDAY, 19th JULY 1916
The opportunity was taken to study mainly the sub-aquatic species which grow luxuriantly in this area. Bulrush Typha latifolia, Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus, Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum (= S. ramosum), Unbranched Bur-reed Sparganium emersum (= S. simplex) were gathered, and Mare's-tail Hippuris vulgaris and Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria occurred in small quantity. In addition, the following species were recorded :- Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (= Erythraea centaurium), Yellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata, and Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata.
Sealand Nurseries SATURDAY, 19th AUGUST 1916
Leader—Mr E. Horton
The meeting was chiefly devoted to an inspection of the horticultural products of this extensive nursery, the herbaceous plants and rose-gardens occupying the most attention.
Ainsdale THURSDAY, 31st AUGUST 1916
An evening ramble to this well-worked area was specially directed to the study of dune-flora, but no fresh records were added.
Hoylake, Thurstaston and West Kirby SATURDAY, 9th SEPTEMBER 1916
Leader—Mr W. R. Sibbald
The route followed led by field-paths from Hoylake station to China Plate Farm, thence by Hill Bark grounds to Thurstaston Common, returning by lanes to West Kirby. The following species were recorded: - Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica, with aborted inflorescence presumably by a gall, False Fox-sedge Carex otrubae (seems more likely than True Fox-sedge Carex vulpina ?), Blue Fleabane Erigeron acris (= Erigeron acre), Marsh Cinquefoil Comarum palustre (= Potentilla palustris), Bird Cherry Prunus padus, Rubus affinis, Giant Blackberry Rubus armeniacus (= R. discolor), Dewberry R. caesius, Rubus polyanthemus (= R. pulcherrimus), Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus (= Silaus pratensis), Stone Parsley Sison amomum, and Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum). The following lichens were also noted on rocks and walls: - Melanelixia fuliginosa (= Parmelia fuliginosa), P. omphalodes, Xanthoria parietina, Lecanora sulphurea. On earth, Placynthiella uliginosa (= Lecidea uliginosa), Trapeliopsis granulosa (= L. granulosa), Cladonia pyxidata, and C. cervicornis.