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Founded April 4th, 1868

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| GENERAL NOTES

Since the publication of the last
Transactions in 1949-50, several changes have
taken place in the Society.

Owing to iliness, Mr. A.M. Morley was obliged
to resign the Presidency, to everyone's regret.
The Society owes him a very great debt, for when
Mr. John Walton retired from the Secretaryship for
reasons of health, after 25 years of devoted
service, Mr. Morley's enthusiasm and wide knowledge
were of inestimable value to a new and inex~
perienced secretary who was also a stranger to
Folkestone.

Our next President, Mrs John Walton was a
very popular choice, since she continued the
"Walton tradition". She was the Society's first
woman President. Under her energetic leadership
a number of young people took an increasing
interest in natural history and a Cadet Branch
was instituted, at an annual subscription of 2s.6d.
for persons under 16. Visitingbotanists to the
district are readily given the benefit of her
advice, and it was during her Presidency that the
"List of Wild Flowers, Ferns and Mosses of
Folkestone and District" was published. This was
based on the work of the late Mr. G.C. Walton,F.L.S.,

and most of the cost of production was borne by
her and Mr. Walton. Most unfortunately, her term
of office was cut short by the continued ill
health of Mr. Walton and her consequent occupation
with domestic duties, and her resignation was a
great disappointment.

The Society is fortunate in having as her
successor, Mr. TW. Birch who has already given
much of his time as a committee member and Vice-
President, and whose enthusiasm and experience are

Beatty 2 appreciated. We welcome him as our new
resident.

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THE PHOSPHATE DEPOSITS OF FOLKESTONE
R. Casey, F.G.S.

Phosphorus, an essential element of living
matter, is present in the earth's crust mainly in
the form of calcium phosphate... It is a primary
constituent of apatite and some rarer minerals like
turquoise and monazite, Deposits rich in phosphate,
known as phosphorite, are found in the sedimentary
rocks either as continuous sheets or in the form of
detached nodules or concretions,

Small quantities of detrital monazite occur in
the East Cliff sands and in the Lenham Beds at
Paddlesworth; but the principal sources of inorganic
phosphorus in the Folkestone area are the deposits
of nodular phosphorite in the Gault and Lower
Greensand formations, Both the Sandgate and
Folkestone divisions of the Lower Greensand have a
basement bed rich in phosphorite: the junction of
the Lower Greensand and the Gault is marked by an
important concentration of phospherite nodules:
while in the Gault itself phosphorite is present in
numerous seams and in scattered nodules and frequently
forms the infilling matter of fossils. Nodules are
also found in the Hythe division of the Lower
Greensand and in the Lower Chalk,

Great interest attaches to these beds of
phosphorite nodules since thnre is little doubt that
they represent long periods of time and that they
were formed during intervals when the flow of
sediment to the sea-floor was greatly reduced or was
at a standstill. They are thus condensed deposits
which in other areas may be represented by considersble
thicknesses of strata. Commonly they are associated
with marine transgressions and with gaps in the
geological succession. Often these beds are highly
fossiliferous, for with suspension of normal

=
deposition the sea-floor may become a graveyard
wherein are concentrated the shells and skeletons of
dead organisms, Enclosed in a sarcophagus of
phosphate the fossil has enhanced chances of preser-
vation. In loosely compacted strata fossils are often
dissolved away, and the occurrence of phosphorite
beds in such strata may alone provide the means of
working out the life sequence, which in turn gives

the key to the dating and correlating of the rocks,

Investigation of the madern sea-—floor shows that
deposits of nodular phosphorite are especially
characteristic of the continental borders of the great
ocean basins and that they occur in the greatest
abundance where currents of different temperature and
salinity intermingle. The chemical processes leading
to the formation of phosphorite nodules, however, are
not fully understood. Phosphorus liberated by
weathering of the rocks on land finds its way in
selution to the sea, Here it is taken cut of solution
largely by organic agencies, vertebrates, brachiopods,
erustacea and other forms of life contributing to
this work. With death and decay of the organisms
phosphorus is again released and under conditions of
normal sedimentation is dispersed throughout the
accumulating detritus, Pauses in sedimentation permit
phosphoric enrichment of bottom waters, and chemieal
interaction, in which ammonia is thought to play a
part, may produce phosphatic compounds in the form of
a gelatinous precipitate, which on hardening cements
patches of the sea-floor and the debris thereon,

The Lower Greensand and Gault formations were
laid down in fairly shallow water on a subsiding sea-
floor, There were, however periodic halts in the
subsidence of the sea-floor and in the deposition of
sediment, while the rate of accumulation of organic
decomposition products was presumably undiminished,
These missing or epitomised chapters in the
sedimentary record are today marked by beds of
phosphorite nodules.

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The phosphatic basement-—bed of the Sandgate
Beds is “no Longer visible in situ at Polkeseame,
though loose blocks trom this Ded Litter the. gore
West Of the old Victoria Pier, The base 02 eae
Folkestone Beds is now similarly concealed, but was
exposed during the construction of the promesage at
Bast Clitr in 1946. “It cComs(sts-of A Wed (62 soem -
about a foot thick, crowded with pebbles and
phosphatic material, At the bottom of the Bed are
spherical concretions of brown sandy phosphorite
impregnated with iron. They occur up to “Sie Anenes
in diameter and each is a little compendium of
fossil mollusca, In the up»ver half of the’ ped are
numerous irregularly shaped lumps of black
phosvhorite many of which are casts of ammonites
and other fossils. Some are phosphate encrustations
around: bryozodn colonies, Phosphatiged loge ter
wood,- teeth and. bones of fishes and Tréepti@esw are
found loose in the sand. That these nodules must
have lain for a long time unburied on the sea-floor
is shown by their coating of attached oysters
bryozoa and “annelids, ~“This bed’ is Tr very ieee
occurrence and traced inland from Foikestone it
passes into normal uncondensed sediment. At
Brabourne it’ is replaced by about 110 feet of sandy
deposits, which emphasises its concentrated tauure
and the long period of time necessary: ior its
formation.

Of especial interest is the seam of phospaerite
at the top of the Folkectone Beds. This isi
Mammillatum Bed, so called because of the abundance
in Lt OL the ammonite DPouvitterceras mann yiawae,
This 1s one of the most widespread phosphate
horizons in Europe and marks an important phase of
inhibited deposition, It is distributed -rivateeerocs
south-east Hngland, around the northern rim of tHe
Paris Basin and is found in the basin of the Rhone.
At Folkestone it appears hich up in the clitf @erem
St. Peter's Church and above the East Cliff sands.

a ee

Due to a gentle north-north-easterly dip of the strata
Gt declines gradually to the shore and may be followed
on the southern side of Hast Wear Bay as a seaweed
eovered reef before it is lost beneath the tide mark,
its outcrop runs through Folkestone to Cheriton and
Newington and a small outlier caps the sandpit just
above Sandling Junction Station. The bed is about a
foot thick, full of small phosphorite nodules, and
Seeoera rich fossil.fauna,, mainly in the form of casts,
Split open, the nodules exhibit a dark brown groundmass
Erudded with sand grains, small pebbles and particles of
the green mineral glauconite, a frequent associate of
phosphate. So close is the agreement between the
Betrica! matter in the nodules.and that of the bed in
which they lie that it is obvious that the nodules are
merely phosphate-cemented portions of the original sea-
me LOOM ¢

About two feet above the Mammillatum Bed is the
DbuLphur Band, the bottom bed of the Gault also crowded
With phosphorite nodules. These are.mostly veined and
encrusted with iron pyrites, the decomposition of which
gives rise to a yellowish efflorescence from which the
Mead takes its name. It is present over a wide area in
the Folkestone neighbourhood and forms a hard ledge in
Hast Wear Bay. Next in succession above the Sulphur
Band is a thin seam of green sandy clay containing
mumerous phosphatic septaria which fly to pieces when
tapped with the hammer, These are apparently lumps of
phosphatized mud which have shrunk in volume during
BensoOlidation, leaving a space in the centre from which
eens radiate, The cracks may be filled with selenite,
a glassy form of gypsum, or with gleaming iron pyrites.

Immediately overlying this green sandy bed is yet
pnother seam of phosphorite nodules, This is in the
zone of Hoplites dentatus and almost every nodule
Pmeroses or iS a cast of .the..zone fossil or an allied
epecies of ammonite. A rich harvest. will reward the
collector who visits East Wear Bay after a storm has
Scoured the sand from the outcrop of this bed.

eee,

Thin seams of phosphorite nodules occur at
intervals throughout the succeeding 120 feet of Gault
clay, but they are of inconsiderable thickness, The
most important is that at the junction of the Lower and
Upper Gault, Another bed, some 19 feet above the base
of the formation not infrequently yields phosphatized
carapaces of crabs, These nodules from the main mass
of the Gault are generally buff or grey in colour and
are distinguishable from those in the Lower Greensand
and the basal sandy beds of the Gault by their
freedom from included sand grains and glauconite.

Phosvhorite is of economic value since it can be
converted into soluble superphosphate for use in
agriculture as a fertilizer. From about 1856 to 1880
there was a great demand for English phosphates and
phosphorite nodules were cug in many places. A
phosphate works was once established at Cheriton,

Here the Mammillatum Bed and the overlying Sulvhur Band
were exploited. The nodules were extracted by means
of wide trenches the two phosphate seams being dug
out and washed. Scattered nodules were picked out by
hand. The washing was effected in circular frames
through which a constant stream of water was running,
the nodules being kept in motion by travelling rakes,
When washed the nodules were sifted and then carefully
picked: over by boys for removal of pyrites before
being carted off to the manufacturer, For conversion
to superphosphate the nodules were ground to powder
and then treated with sulphuric acid at high
temperature,

The demand for phosphate stimulated exploration
in other countries and the introduction of foreigh
phosphates brought an end to the industry in England.
~The Cheriton works was closed in 1876. The old
workings were still visible up to 1939, but were filled
in during the construction of Harcourt School.

Othe ee

No analytical study of the Folkestone phosphates
has been made, though isolated nodules have been
found cn analysis to contain from 5 to 52 per cent
of calcium phosphate. In common with most sedimentary
phosphate, these nodules are rich in flucrine and in
some cases radio-active elements are also present.
fate is probably connected with long exposure of the
moomles on the sea-floor, iInfiritesimal quantities of
uranium and other radio-active elements: are present
in sé€a water and phosphate is believed to have the
property of absorbing these elements, Phosvhorite
nodules from the Mammillatum Bed, at the junction of
[ee Gault and Lower Greensand are. among the most
radio-active sedimentary rocks in the British Isles,

MONOGRAPH OF THES AMMONOIDEA OF THE LOW&R GRAENSAND

A monograph of the ammonoidea of the Lower
fet-toord formation, Dased largely cn material from the
Folkestone and Hythe areas, is in preparation by
Mr. Re Casey. Members of the Society who possess
Specimens of ammonites from the Lower Greensand or who
have information concerning the whereabouts of such
Specimens are asked to contact Mr. Casey at the
Geological Survey and Museum, Exhibition Read,

London, S.W.e/.

CAG Re
WEATHER AND PLANT OBSERVATIONS

Since the last issue of the Transactions,
with the weather report for 1949, some curious
weather conditions have been experienced.

1950 and 1951 were chiefly notable for
phenomenal rainfall and sunless conditions,with severe
gales at times when serious damage was done and the
sea wall breached at Dymchurch, troops being sent to
help with repairse

Folkestone was fortunate in escaping extremes,
especially the heavy snowstorms that blocked many
roads and cut off villages near Ashford and Dovere
A late fall on April 26th 1950 brought down telegraph
wires and did great damage to trees in leaf,
especially Silver Birches. There were many thunder=
storms in 1950, and one in particular ended with a
Sinister floodlit effect with Lightninge shooting
through a rainbow against deep black cloudse It was
a good Orchid year, Poppies were particularly abun-=
dant, many fields being scarlet squares. Wild
Candytuft (Iberis amara) occurred in several places,
and throughout the district there were quantities of
the ‘giant Cotton Thistle (Onopordon acanthium).

1951 was a depressingly wet year, with a very
late spring, due to. exeeptionally wet conditions.
ven wecds did not grow. Our first botanical walk
was held on April 26th, and it was so cold and bleak
and the vegetation so backward that it might have —
been mid-February - except for two swallows circling
round a horse pond. Chalk hill and pasture Orchids
were scarce, which seems to indicate that prolonged
rainfall in winter may inhibit growth as much as will
frost and drought. Marsh Orchids (Orchis latifolia),
however, were exceptionally fine as might be expected,
and later some fine specimens of Violet Hellebotine

- 9 -

(Spipactis violacea) were found near Hougham. 47though
1951 was unusually sunless with the temperature lower
than average, it was remarkably constant throughout
Summer and Autumn without the sudden hot spells and cold
snaps that often occur after midsummer. as a result sub-
tropical plants flowered freely, including many that
ordinarily are shy in bloominge

Several curious items were noted:=-

The perfume of scented plants was intensified. Roses,
mock wild and cultivated were particularly fine and
bloomed lavishly. Large patches of Milk Thistle (Carduus
marianus) grew on the chalk escarpment above the Canal
Bank at Hythe. iiasses of Liverwort (Marchantia
polymorpha) appeared on the burnt out bog on Hothfield
Common. Double Sea Campion was found at Dungeness, and
double Chamomile at Biggins Wood. Bell Heather (Erica
cinerea) was fully out on September 26th in Sandling
Park, when Ling (Calluna vulgaris) was over - usually
Beil Heather is over first. In the same place were oak
Sppics as big as marbles, on the leaves.

Pneecontrast to 1951 and in spite .of a blizzard and
Seep snow in March, 1952 had an early spring. By April
26th bluebells, and cowslips and green winged orchis
(Orchis morio) were in full bloom. Beds of Wallflowers
and Tulips were fully out; Horse Chestnut blooms and
Apple Blossom were open. Strangely, Bee Orchids (Ophrys
apifera) were few and late, but the rare Late Spider
Orchids (Ophrys aranifera) were early and abundant. In
June Sea Heath (Frankenia laevis) and Golden Samphire
(Inula crithmoides) were in bloom; usually these do not
flower until late July and August. The summer was fine
and hot; corn was ripening by the end of June and there
was a drought in many places. Ina dried up pond Water
Crowfoot (Ranunculas aquatilis Var). assumed the habit
of a land plant, the foliage leaves being suppressed and
the much divided submerged leaves being held upright

- 10 —

and crowded together, giving a tufted effect; an
interesting adaptation to adverse conditions.
The weather broke in August, with rain and
disastrous floods culminating in the tragedy at
Lynmouth. The Wild Flower collection, which is
the responsibility of the Society, continues to
attract considerable interest at the Museum,
especially with Teachers and North Country
visitors.

VERA F.P. DAY.

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UNCOMMON LEPIDOPTERA AND DIPTSRA NOTED IN
0-52

FOLKESTONE BETWREN 1

PAINTED LADY - Vanessa cardui (Butterfly)

Appeared in large numbers in South of ingland,
imeduding Folkestone, in March 1952. So early an invasion
hw] Without parallel. One taken in Folkestone on March 3rd
meegcars tO have been the second to’ be seen in “this country
this year.

GREAT PROMINENT —- Notodonta Anceps (Moth)

There are only two records for this district, one
near Aldington in 1937 and one taken in Folkestone by
fee Riddell in 1952.

NON PROMINENT ~ Notodonta Dromedarius (Moth)

‘There are only two records for this district. One was
taken in the Warren by Colonel Love in 193/ and one in
Folkestone in 1952.

LARGE FOOTMAN - Lithosia quadra (Moth)

Occasionally appears in Kent as an immigrant and was
recorded in Folkestone more than 50 years ago. Last year
a good many were seen in the County, of which two were in
Folkestone and one at Dungeness.

RED=-NUCKi3D FOOTMAN —- Atolmis rubricollis

Has not been recorded from this district in the last
50 years until this year when one was taken by Dr. Riddell.

~SYC.MORE DAGGER - apatala acevis Moth)

toate mMoLh 1S. mentioned. in. the, oid. Folkestone. lists,

but has not been recorded here for many years. This year
two have been taken in Folkestone at night.

ee HO
TRUS LOVER'S KNOT - Lycophatia raria (Moth).

One was taken in Folkestone in 1951.. There is
no previous record in this district and as its’ food
plant is heather one would not expect to find it here. |

THE VARIED CORONST ~ Hadena Compta (Moth)

Almost unknown in this County till Mr. Youden
discovered it in Dover in 1948. It has since
penetrated to Folkestone where one was taken in
1951 and a fsecond, by. Dr... Riddell, in gs20

DARK SPECT:CLE - Abrostola triplasia (Moth)

This is not a rare moth but is not recorded
in any local list. Dr. Riddell took two in fag.

SUSSiX EMERALD - Thalera fimbrialis (Moth)

The first British specimen was taken at East—
bourne in 1902. Only three other specimens were
known until Mr. Youden and I discovered a small
colony in this district in 1950. It was stili there
in 1951. |

WHITE-BANDED CARPET - Buphyia luctuata (Moth)

First taken in North Kent in 1927 and a
second in Essex that year. Two were taken in Sussex
in 1950 and ®veral in Kent in 1951, including one
at Folkestone. .

THE YARROW PUG - Hupithecia millefoliata (Moth)

First identified as a British species in 197.
In 1950 larvae were found in Folkestone, and on
Romney Marsh in 1951 a moth was taken at Dungeness
and three in Folkestone. So far two moths have been
taken here in 1952.

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LONDON BRINDLED BEAUTY - Lycia Lirtaria (Moth

This well known London moth has apparently never been
recorded from the Holkestone-Romney Marsh district until
this year, though it appeared near Ashford in 1950 ana
1951. In april 1952 about 20 were taken in Folkestone by
* Dr. Riddell and me.

WOOD LEOPARD - Zeuzera Brina

Not recorded in Folkestone in many years until 1951
when it came to light. Half a dozen came to light in 1952.

BEAUTIFUL TWIST — Bulia formusana (Moth)

Discovered in Surrey in 1945. Two in Folkestone 1951.

PIERCE'S MARBLE - Bactra scirpicolana (Moth)

Discovered in Hast Anglia in 1934. One at Dungeness
1950.

V4ALUCELLa ZONARIA (Fly) |

This large Hover-fly was until recently regarded as a
great rarity. It is now established on the South coast,
but is still regarded as rare. One was brought to the
Folkestone Museum.

fieMe Morley.

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INSECTS FOUND IN A LOCAL JOIN#R'S WORKSHOP

The following are. two reports on insects sent
to the British Museum:-

"The insect sent for identification is the
larvae (immature form) of a spscies of foreign bug
Ss to the family fee subfamily

Emesinae.

It is impossible to identify the immature form

exactly, but your speciman belongs to the genus
Stenolaemus, which is widespread throughout the
world. These bugs are said to be associated with
spiders, and are usually found in places where there
are plenty of spiders’ webs. They probably feed on

insects entangled in deserted spider webs. The
full grown inscet is about an inch to an inch and

a half long, has.very long thin legs and antennae.
The front legs are modified’ for -sraspirne the pres
and are usually ce ieee a each with a row of strong
Spines.

W.E. China, Sc.D., Deputy Keeper."

Mr. Duffy, a specialist on Cerambycid larvae
States: that.the larvae is a species of Leptura,
probably cither L.eSanguinea, Obliterata, or
Propinqua, these species being inseparable in the
larval state. He would be very grateful for live
jarmvac for rearince.

CeM.F. von Hayeke -
Regarding the first letter:—

The immature form of the Stenolaemus looked
like a very small stick insect, so Small, that 7
had to use a microscope to see it properly. It is
found in the order Hemipterae, suborder Heteropherae.
There may bevabout LO,Q000 "(species -in this suborder

ae heen

mecording to K.P. Pascoe, F.Le5., in his Zoological
Classification, |

I took this insect as it was walking on Douglas Fir,
Pseudotsuga Taxifolia (Poir) Rehder from Canada, In this
Same species of timber, I found the Leptura boring, of the
Second report, which is found in the order Coleoptera and
= one of the Longicornia. -As Pascoe fives the number of
described species in this group of Long-horned Beetles as
8,000, one can well see the difficulty of identification.

The grub is long and narrow, broadest at the head
end, slightly flattencd from above downwards, shiny white,
except at the head end, where it becomes amberish. There
are three pairs of minute legs which can easily be over-
looked. The mandibles are very large, sickle shaped and
very dark brown. The burrows made by the boring grub in
ihe agry coniferous wood are large, broad and rather flat
and packed lightly with fine powder.

Pmounervor the ,Cerambycidse beetle, which } often
S-c in the imago form, is the beautiful Wasp Beetle,
Clytus Arietis L. brownish black, with yellow markings
in the form of bands and lines, dangerous looking as it
Someeten taken for a wasp on account of its colouring,
but may be handled with safety in spite of its
frigntening appearance. The larvae is to be found in
dead timber,

One day I took the Common Furniture Beetle, Anobium
Punctatum De Geer, and another one of the Powder-post
Beetle, Lyctus Parallelopipedus Melsheimer, both on the
Wing. The latter species I also took as it was walking
on Parona Pine, Araucaria Augustifolia (Bertol) O.Kuntze.

P,. Coveney.

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Datura stramonium and Cichorium intybus

The Thorn Apple, Datura stramonium (Solanaceae)
occurs from time to time in the Folkestone district,
and last year Miss D. Long was asked by a farmer to
identify a number that appeared among Kale in a field
near Postling. It has creamy white trumpet shaped
flowers and large coarsely toothed triangular leaves;
it grows about 18 ins. to 2 ft. high. It bears very
prickly seed pods about the size of Horse Chestnut
burrs, each case containing about 200 seeds, black
when ripe. The secds are very poisonous; from the
seeds and leaves is extracted a drug, used in cures
for asthma and rheumatism.

Cichorium intybus - (Compositae) - The wild
chicory plant was found growing inthe gardens on the
Leas, opposite Clifton Gardens, just after the last
World War, near the site of the great coastal guns
that were placed on the Leas in those days. The
flowers are a lovely bright shade of blue and were
much admired by passers-by. The writer was told
that in the old days these plants were found
growing on the side of the old Cow Path leading
down to the Lower Road.

(N.B. This beautiful plant is becoming
rare. It iS a native of chalk districts.
From the above note it scems likely
that it may reappear on its former
sites when they have ceased to be
cultivated).

W. Copeland.

hse ge
SUBDA MARITIMA REPORTED FROM SANDGATE

A specimen of Sueda Maritima was brought to
the Library by Mr. A.W. Fynmore, who records that
one plant was found in 1951; this was allowed to
seed and the following summer many seedlings grew
up. This seems to be its first appearance in
Sandgate.

pueda maritima, the Sea Blite, belongs to
chenopodiacea, to which a number of seaside plants
melons. It is a typical salt marsh plant, low
growing and much branched, with a wiry framework
and thick, narrow succulent leaves. The whole plant
hes a reddish tinge, often deepening to an
Mm@oracocive dark crimson in-late autumn. It is
Beet Or biennial in habit; the flowers are
inconspicuous.

Salt marsh plants are not common in the
Folkestone district.- A few species are established
on Romney Marsh at the entrance to the sluices where
the tidal waters are admitted and others have
eppeared in. several places on Hythe Ranges and
elsewhere, where shallow pools of brackish water
have collected, but Sueda maritima has not been
reported from these sites though it is a very
common salt marsh plant.

It is abundant at Sandwich and also grows at
the Midrips, Dungeness. It seems probably that the
seed was seaborne from Sandwich during the violent
storms that did so much damage to the seafront at
Sandgate. VERA BP... WAY «

SALVIA PRATENSIS — MEADOW SAGE

Salvia Pratensis - meadow sage, a rare plant of
southern England with large blue flowers 1 inch long.
One plant with many blossoms was blooming in the
garden of my house for three weeks in 1951. It has

Moc reappeared in 1952.
W ° if ° HO DGE 3 .

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THE DUSKY REDSHANK - TRINGA ERYTHROPUS

The Common Redshank is well known to all who are
interested in birds. The Dusky Redshank is more
rarely seen, coming as a passage migrant in Spring
and Autumn, frequently by itself, or with only a few
of its own species. In Kent - I have seen it’ twice.

On August 18th, 1951 I crept up the bank
overlooking the wader pool between Stodmarsh and
Grove. Ferry. It was full of waders -. Green Sandpipers,
Lapwings and a magnificent reddish Black-tailed Godwit.
Obviously keeping company with the Godwit was a
smaller wader, slightly larger than a Common Redshank,
with lanky legs which showed up to perfection when it
scratched its face with one of its claws. Its legs,
one could see, were a darker red than the orange-red
of the Common Redshank. The bill too was a little
longer and was blackish with just a trace of red
colour at the base of the lower mandible. The upper
parts were dark grey. The underparts were lighter
grey. The dark grey wings were flecked and spotted
with white, and there were dark grey bars on the
Flanks. It was a Dusky or Spotted Redshank.

Something startled the birds and they all rose.
The Dusky Redshank secondaries were lighter than the
rest of the wing, but there was no definite white wine
bar as in the Common Redshank. Its call too was
distinctive ~ a two-note "tchueet".

This uncommon wader nests in the northern coun-
tries of Europe and spends the Winter in southern
Europe, passing along our east coast aS a passage
migrant in Spring and sutumn.

In breeding plumage it is a beautiful dark, dusky
grey, spotted and barred with white. It is said to
choose, when possible, a burnt patch of ground in the
forest for its nest, where the sitting bird would be
almost invisible. In Autumn and Winter it-loses its
dark smoke grey colour and becomes more like the Common
Redshank - greyish brown with lighter underparts.

H. ROWLAND.

ac teras

_ Barn Owl (Tyto-alba - alba) attacking Rook
Corvus Frugilegus Frugilesus

At 10 psem. on January 22nd, 1952.a Barn. Owl
(Male) was observed in Alkham Valley flying low
eione the hedges of a corn-field, approaching a
flock of Rooks which were feeding amongst the
stubble. On noticing the Owl the Rooks sounded a
Wee Ool,alam and rose from the fTicld, a few flying
towards the Owl, which continued unperturbed. Then
one Rook backed up by others flying overhead,
swooped to attack the owl which then returned to
Heoroosu nearby. I have not seen a similar
Pectuent recorded before but have seen rooks
moppans. the smaller diurnal birds of prey.

Wa) Hib DoSwls & Pe BORLEY.

Marsh Harrier in S.HK. Kent. (Stodmarsh).
(Circus aeruginosus )

On Thursday August 24rd, 1951, a large Marsh
Harrier was seen on the outskirts of a marsh at
Canterbury. The bird flew near us for about 10 to
12 minutes and the yellow colourins to the head
was plainly visible, also black primaries.
Evidently the bird was a first year female. The
Marsh Harrier appeared several times during the
Gay. Other interesting birds noted were,
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes) and Nuthatch (Sina
Europaeu Affinis).

Wo BIbLS Dus. Ms
MR. & MRS. S. CHAVES.

= 20)

Early Nesting of House Sparrow (Passer
Domesticus) and presence of Long
Bared and Short Eared Owls

(Asia Otus Otus - ASio Flammeus Flammeus)

About January lst 1951, a cock and hen House

. Sparrow were seen carrying nest building material in
the engine room of the pumping Station at Lower
Standen. In the afternoon, using binoculars, they
were seen to be repairing the last year's nest in the
roof. This work went on for a few days and later the
birds ceased to carry material. By January 29th, ‘1951,
the hen was incubating five eggs. I had been keeping
a note on nest sanitation by sweeping up the ejected
faeces at three hourly intervals but my temporary
absence disturbed this. On returning on Peprusry 2.
I again inspected the nest and found five. young Dues.
This nest was shown to Mr. Hughes of London Natural
History Society and Mr. W.S. Nevin of Hythe, who had
been watching three Long Zared Owls nearby in

Alkham Valley. I have now located four pairs of

Long Eared Owls also two pairs of Short Eared Owls.

Ws Sieln i Doris

a

ez

ENE os remees
EXCURSIONS

imcdoor and outdoor Sctivities constitute the
nrogramme of the Natural History Society and among
the latter are the summer excursions, In plenning
ieee et. orts. are made to cater for all scientific
interests and to link them with the beauty of the
Jandscane.

Peo the farst excursion was to Uceds
teatle., We noticed that the stream formed a
Matural moat and as we gazed at the machicolated
Darbican, realized the recertion an unwelcome guest
mero receive, “Space forbids mention of incidents
Pennected with the Castle for they would constitute
meee te, pert, O1 Hnvlish history from the l2th to the
mae Centuries.

ie witot > Lo sOrdwicn once the important part
Ot Canterbury, brought to mind the slow but sure
Metis OF Nature, the rise and fall of cities.
meee on toe banks of the Stour stands the Moat Hald,
only large enough to accommodate about thirty
eo le. In this Hall are stored the records of the
Sen end relics of the past such as the ducking

ecool,

The last excursion of the year was to West

Hougham where the blue Hydrangeas provided a sheer

delight and feast of beauty to botanists and to
amateurs.

One point almost forgotten. Stops were made
for refreshments which all appreciated.

Three excursions were organised for the summer
me O52, ) Tae pepe, a Visit to Pivington Flax

Mmevilis, dealt with industry.- On arrival we were met

by the Manager welcomed and given over to an able
guide with whom we »assed from the yard, through

ao PD ten

rooms and sheds, listening to explanations and
watching the various processes. through which thei fee
passes. And in conclusion all senjoyee the excel a.
tea served in ithe canteen.

: Interesting and.instructive was, the vislt to ihe
Kent. Farm institute at Borden. Aiter_a dplive tieouen
delightful scenery,. we reached, the, institute, aa
were welcomed by Mr. Hart, the Princinal.

First tea was. served .~and aiter Mra Hert. fete we,
the studies carried on at the Institute and the
conditions under which student farmers are trained,
The talk finished, all boarded the ecoaches and. fam
our host, journeyed to Grove End Farm, the scence.
practical farming. . The white bull tied in his fem
pave us a casual glance pigs of afl asé6s and eee
prunted welcomes, cattle grazed in tlelegs. wee ;
numbers of fowls of ditferent breeds Were a iy1e
their lives. under ideal conditions. ~ AG eutestagaaae
feature was the kindly and sympathetic abtitude oF
Me. Hart to. these aunp creatures.

Soon after 5 p.m. one day im early“septeuse.
two coaches sped through the charming scenery of tHe
Alkham Valley to Whitfield where members met the
Vicar, the Rev. Howard—Brown and his sister, “fie
former was, for years, a very active member of our
committee.

On reaching St,. Peter".s, the- Vicar Save 4 meen
interesting talk on the history of the Church, siege.
priceless records of the past amd drew attention te
all items of, interesin

Time passed quickly and we were forced to take
our way to St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe whére the party
was met by the Rector the Rev. Richards who s>r0ke -
to us ofthe past.,..of’ the bombing and (pie
restoration of the Church, not yet finished,

——

5
;
;

_ 25. —

TheyRev. Richards showed us around and
especially drew attention to the columns on which
fee seracpcchings, A cross, a ship and lettering
were clearly visible on one. These marks showed
St. Margaret's was visited by sailors, who before
Pemre tOolsea, implored the eternal Father to grant
them protection in danger's hour and the Church
toesbiess thelr voyage.

AoJs WRICHT ,.P .2.G.S.

meee ae :

Balance brought forward 29 “30 2
Profit from Excursions 18 13 9
Sale of old periodicals 17. 10 -
Special subscriptions - Mrs. Day 5 3 -
Members! subscriptions 63 13 2
Sundry donations 8 -

pep [a

LOR
EXPENDITURE 1951-1952

‘Lecturers fees and out of pocket
| expenses

Cine expenses and manipulation of
slides

sCarriage on booklets sold
|Flower Show expenses

|Affiliation to Scientific Society
printing and stationery

| Posters

Postages telenhones - all sections
| Hire of room and gratuities

| Insurance

_Conversazione expenses 1951

t! tf 1952
Bank charges
Cash at Bank in hand

| cue S. qd
| bow we be
6 ane. 6
| a ae oe ee
ut 16 =
H 6
55 5 4b
5 16 =
15 hy a
hy Lae: -

1 2
10 Stitt
12 Ly) 6
10 6
| ont daa! th
| 132 i

Wed. WHITE (Hon, Treasurer)
R. MOAT (Hon. Auditor).

AIKEN, Mrs.
ALLISON, Mr.

y Mrs.
ANDREWS, Mr. E.
BALL, Miss M.Re
BARTELOUS, Miss
BERCH, “Mr Te We

(Mo Sees ie mde.
BIRCH, Mra.
BARD 2 Mes.
BRITTEN, Mrs.

BRITTAIN, Miss
BRICKENDEN, Mrs. E.

BOSTOCK, Mr. Hed.

BOWLES, Mr. HF.

BROWN, Rev.J noward
(B.Sc.)

BUSBRIDGE, Mr. WH.

CASEY, Mr. R.
(Life member)
HP. Geos}
CAMPBELL, ColsP.
CLARKE, Mr. N.J.
CLOUGH, Mr. A.
COLLINS, Miss
COMYNS, Col. K.

2. PGi
LIST OF MEMBERS
Avoca

64 Coolinge Road

5 Hebena Villas, Seabroek. Byte

-O Castie Bill Avenue
14 ORTOP Ii 6 OR Oae

! '! 'f

82 Cheriton Road

Toma, Old. Dover Roads

Cape l—le-Ferne

c/o The Le Neve Studios;
Pleydell Gardens

25 The Crescent, Chartham
Ny. Canterbury

Alicome, Pelham Gardens

21 Varnes 72080

Whitfield Reetors, Nel eevrer

Gresham, Brabourne Park Road,
Sevenoaks
Geological Survey Museum,
ExXhipivienm Read,
Southe Kensi neton,) Sse wee
Flatuwe0/, Majestic tee.
L/ St. #rancis Roa
45 Cheriton Gardens
7h Broadmead Road
South Winds, Bailsdown Road,

(MeAe,M.D.(Cantab.)) Seabrook, Hythe

COOPM RS Mike Gaels
COPELAND, Mr. We
COVENIY, Mr. Ee
W Mrse
GRAIG REV = Jit.

DAY, Miss Vera
(HeDele een oe

10 Wingate Road

2/ Connaught Road

6 Woodfield Avenue

tt v? "7

5 Westbourne Mansions,
Sandgate Road

18 Wear Bay Crescent

St.Mary's Bay, New Romney
Robin Hood Cottage, Nortio Elham,
i Ks Nr.Canterbury

DAY, Miss D.
DAY, Mrs.
DAVIDSON, Mr.
De WORMS, Dr. C.G.K.
DREW, Mr.
DREW, Mrs.
DUBOIS, Madame L,
PIPPIN LteCol.C.A.
feces? RE.S.)
DUNK, Mr. J.
ELLIS.,Miss
FAWTHROP,
FELLOWS ,
(M.P.S.
FLUKE, Capt. W.G.
mers SiO, )
FRETWELL, Miss
FUNNELL, "Miss Le
FYNMORE, Mr. A.H.W.
GAMBLE, Miss
GASKELL, Mrs.
GASKELL, Miss
GILES, Mr. F.
SIGLIATT,” Miss Ff,
(F.R.E.S
GOODBORN, Mr. C.W.
SO5NOLD, Mr. FLT.”

Mr. MW.
Miss G.

GOSNOLD, Mrs.

GOWER, Miss N,.
GREEN, Miss K.Ee
GRIMWOOD, Miss

(Life member)
GROVER, Miss O.
ee Miss J.
HARRIS, Mrse

(Life "member )

2f -

18 Wear Bay Crescent

" '?

49 Brockman Road

Three Oakes, Shores Road,
Horsell, woking,

16 Cherry Garden Lane

ft

27 HBarl's ne
Pickersden, Brook, Ashford
Coolinge Road
Broadfield Road

Radnor Park Road
Broadmead Road

Cheriton Gardens
29 Wear Bay Crescent

2a London Road, Hythe
119 Sandgate Road

Bernhurst, Sellindge, Nr. Hythe.
ip —— Boa

vf

"Gable", Winchelsea; Sussex.

25 Manor Road

62 Mead Road
Whate Horse; hidd,

heiers

Hawkinge

Otiey, White Horse Hild,
Hawkinge

49 Wear Bay Road

h2 Bournemouth Road

Municipal High School.for Soniye
Doncaster.

238 The Bayle

¢{ Albert Lane, Hythe

14 Manor Road, Deal

8 Wear Bay Crescent

a ee

HALL, Miss . Ely House, The Leas

HALL, Miss W.G. 76 Bouverie Road West

HALL, Mr. Beds - Wear Bay Road

HALL, Mrs. E.S. is se "

HALLS, Miss J. 24 Cheriton Gardens

HALL, Miss M.V. 18 Abbott Road

HAMMOND, Mr. 32 Julina Road

HARDY. Capt. Ax Sandling Park, Nr. Hythe
HANMAN, Mrs. Rest-a-While, Old Dover Road,

Capel--le-Ferne
HARVEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL Cheriton Road

HERON, Mr. Re ai Se ——

HERON, Mrs.

Gunns “Mr. W (DIS) Ne Kings Road Cheriton
HILL, Mrs. Seabreeze, Sandgate Hiil
HODGES, Miss ii Radnor Bridge Road
HALLIDAY, Mr. T. 170A Sandgate Road
HALLIVELL, Miss 19E Clifton Crescent
HOGBEN, Miss F. Bouverie Road West

HOGBEN, Miss L.

HORE Mrs. Rig lh Marine Terrace
HOSKING, Mr. BeJ.We 79 Dolphias Road
HOWARD, Mr. A.W. 6 Granville Rd. E., Sandgate
HUNT, Miss G. 5 Westbourne Mansions,
Sandgate Road
ILLING, Miss E.G. 87 Shorneliffe Crescent
JACKSON, Cant. Middle Parm House,codford St.Mary's,
[CUBE atte) Warminster, Wilts.
(Life member)
JARVIS, Miss 67 Stanley Road, Cheriton
LATTER, Mr. 7 Bournemouth Gardens
LAVER Ys Witt. Ja. Greenbraes, 449 Folkestone Road,
Dover
LEACH, “Rev. Welt Ghrast) ‘Church Vicarape,
(M.Ae) Manor Road ;
LONG, Miss D. Little Madekin, Denton,Canterbury
LOVETT, Miss H. Flat 3, 36 Bouverie Road West
LOVETT, Miss E. " "
LOWTHIAN, Mrs. Flat 12B, Greystones,

Clifton Crescent
LUMMUS, Miss 29 Alder Road

McCLIMENT, Mrs.
MARE, Miss de la

MERRYVEATHER, Mr.G.

MOAT; Mr. Re
MORGAN, Miss
MORLEY, Mr. A.M.
fies, iA.)
MORLEY, Miss J.
. MILNER, Mr. HB.
(Life member)
NEVIN, Mr. W.S.
O'BRIEN, Mrs.
ORDE, Miss
PPAGE, Miss H.
PATTERSON, Miss
| PEACH, Mr. Jd.
PERRY, Miss
PreoutPs, Mr. Hl.
forsiPs, Miss

ParEPorTr, Mr. Hw.
POPE, Mr. C.N.
(Life member)
PRUTTON, Mrs.
PREBBLE, Mr. F.
RALPH, Mr. F.H.M.
RALPH, Mrs.
RANSOM, Dr.
Pour, Wr, vv.

RICHARDS, Miss H.eMe

REYNOLDS, Mr.

RICHARDSON, Mr.C.W.

RICHARDSON, Miss G.

PICHARDSON, Miss
ROWLAND, Miss H.M.
SANKEY, Mr. J.
Mree.oc., F.%-Se )
MoALT., Mre KeTe
feet’. Dr. Ee
o.5..0.,.N.D.,

Tare ae eo ea ent
Mg Itt @ Do

a

58 Surrenden Road

Plas, 3, 55) Bard's Avenue
54 Bouverie Road West

20 Walton Gardens

17 Wear Bay Road

9 Radnor Park West

ft vf vf {f

Middlesex

Oakbank, Hythe

9 Seagrave Crescent

Glenlee, Cheriton Gardens
74 Broadmead Road

16 Wear Bay Crescent

Stanley House, Hawkinge
50 Radnor Park Road |

Withenshawe, 5 The Leas

spelocy1 tile... Sanding seed.
Saltwood

iii puektand sivyenue,. Daver

256 Hythe Road, Ashford

Ji Verne head

9 Beachborough Road

48 Bouverie Road West

? "7? wf 7

17 Marten Road

hl Farthingloe Reed, Dover
52 Orchard Ved bey, lrthe
hi Stanbury Crescent
Rederoft, St.Mary's Bay,
New Romney
ivy iecuse
New Romney
13 Cornwallis Avenue

19 Aieer Road

Juniper, Hail, Mickicham,. Dorking

St. Mary's Bay,

5 Wa Line Gardens
puomi, Westwell, Nr, Ashford

SELF, Mr. K.We
SELF, Mrs.
SHACKLOCK, Miss

SHANNON, Mr. C.P.
(lie De ois.)

STAINER, Mr. delle
(Hon, member)

STANFORD, Mrs.

SMITH, Mrs. R.
STANDING, Miss I.M.
STHARS 9 Mr e ite B °

SWAIN, Miss E.

SYMONS, Mrs.
TOKE, Mw Kee
Bee.
Life member
TRANTER, Mr.
WAEDEN, Mr. Eo He
WAGON, Mire ds
Cree F.G.S.)
Life member)
WALTON, Mrs.
RS.)
WALTON, Miss R.

ee ar

West Leas
VW vw?

Hotel Rhodesia,
? ?

Springville, Sandling Road
Saltwood
Selborne Cannongate Road, Hythe

1439 Cheriton Road

Peene House Cottage No.l,
Newington

7 Bournemouth Gardens

5 Hast. Cla ii vai es

West Ho, Westfield Cloge,
Etchimpnr ss

Kingsdown, London Road, River,
Nv. poorer

367 Cheriton Road

156 Sandgate Road

68 Surrenden Road |
29 Castis “Avenue. | Dover
29 Beachborough Road

? t ?

tf " of

WARREN ,Mr.B.C.(7.2.".8.) 3 Augusta Mansions

WHITE, Miss R.

WHITE, Mr. Wad.
WHEELER, Mrs.
WILSON, Miss D.G.
WRIGHT, Miss Awd.
(WOR Co)
WRIGHT, Major A.G.

WRIGHT, Mrs.

4 Castle Court Mansions,

Augusta Gardens
1 Richmond House
10" Turkete!? Road
26 Waterloo Mansions, Dover
92° St. comm” s Street

The Parade

hi Seabrook Vale, .
Hy the

4 Seabrook Vale, Horn Street, .
Hythe,

Horn Streea,

a ae

WOOD, Mr. P.W. 96 Crabble Hill, Dover

WYBORN, Mr. $5 whilip. Road

WYBORN, Mrs. “ i mn

YOUDEN, Mrs. GH. Greenhurst, 63 Salisbury Road,
Dover

CADETS

AUSTEN, Master D. 70 Mead Road

BROWN, Master S. The Water Mill, Hythe
COVENEY, Master R. 6 Woodfield Avenue
COVENEY, Miss K. . M "

BASTWELL. Master B. 24 Calgary Crescent
few, Master J, 1/0 Dolphins Road
GODFREY, Master R. 32 Alexandra Gardens

-GOODMAN, Master P. 56 Mead Road

GREENSTREET, 72 Downs Road A
Mesver P, /
HOPPER, Master P. 117 Downs Road f*
JEFFREY, Master A. 10 Mead Road

MAXTED, Master M. 4 Bradstone Avenue

BOLPE, Master D. 7/7 Downs Road

SYKES, Master R. 151. Dover. Road

TWYMAN, Master Ke Portland House Esplanade,

sandgate
VERNOL, Master Me 159 Dolohins Road

ASSOCIATES

NORMAN, Mr. RK. i Victoria. tvenue, Hythe
ecktVENER, Mr. T. 102 Dolphins Road
STEWART, Mr. De 539 Phillip ‘Road, Cheriton
WILLIAMS, Mre Se DE foro Road, Hythe,

imo sence 2s requested for any errors
or omissions,

‘

~

*

"Principal Officers 1952-53.

President:

gee Bee ie "
Miss A. J. Wright, ERGS, se
22, St. J ohn’s Street, Folkestone :

Hon. Treasurer: < > é
Mr. w. J. White Ba