K. J. McEnnes, in Gleanings In Natural History, in the Warminster Miscellany, 1 July 1862, takes the reader on a nature walk:
“Crossing the fields at Bugley we enter the bye lane [Half Lane] by the Blue Ball and steer for Norridge Wood, the scene at once changes, the Geological formation is a total change from that we have just passed, this being on the Clay, and vegetation to a great extent is equally varied . . . “
He goes on to describe the Meadow Cranes-bill or geranium, the spindle tree whose wood is in general request by watch and clockmakers for cleaning the pinion holes, and he also mentions sedge, wild Valerian, Herb Bennet, Butterfly Orchids, Ramsons, and Birds Foot Trefoil. He concludes by mentioning the delightful fragrance of the beans in an adjoining field.