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and which absorbed the whole of the rainfall of the
winter season, and lost nothing in the summer
season, and as the water came out gradually the
stream was well maintained during all parts of the
year, varying from the flood time in winter to the
summer season. But the case was different in
the region of the broads, which were filled during
the winter season, but which dwindled down very
considerably in the summer, consequently it was
necessary to conserve the water which the broads
received during the winter for use in the summer,
and the peculiar circumstances of this conserva-
tion were these : The broads delivered their weater
so as to allow only a small difference of level be-
tween summer and winter. in [[Ormsby]] broad
there was usually not much more of available
difference than from three feet to three feet six
inches, and the result was that although the area
of the broad, was about 500 acres, the evaporation
which took place mainly in the summer months would
of itself take off two feet of the water supply of a mil-
lion gallons per day, and if exted over much more
than the four months during which the small
streams flowing into the broad supplied almost
nothing, the supply of a million gallons a day would
take off the remainder of the water. In 1864, about
three feet six inches of water was lost from that
broad time between February and September, although
at that time only 300,000 gallons of water per diem
was being delivered to [[Yarmouth]]. During the late
drought he had had the yield of waters inmany
large reservoirs and rivers in different parts of the
Kingdom measured, and the general result was taht
mountain areas of large extent and hard ground
did not discharge more than a quarter of a cubic
foot per second for every thousand acres, while
from clay grounds the quantity was less than a
twentieth part of a cubic foot per second for every
thousand acres. The utilization of the broads in
the manner mentioned by Mr. [[Grantham]] was some-
what difficult. The broads were generally in the
neighbourhood of the low-lying lands, and if, in order
to increase the area, the surface of the water were
to be raised by artificial means, a large quantity of
the low-lying ground would be swamped, while an
increased surface of water would be exposed to the
effects of evaporation. On the other hand, if, for
the purpose of improving the land adjacent, the
water of the broads was run off, there would be an
insufficient water supply, and in some cases the
broads would be almost dried up. Again, the water
so drawn off would, if long exposed to the action of
the sun, become loaded with deleterious organic
matter which would permeate the whole mass.
This vegetable matter was found extremely difficult
to deal with in reservoirs, and not only rendered
enormous filter beds necessary, but make it requi-
site in some cases that they should be cleaned
every two or three days. As the water became
shallower, the quantity of organic matter would in-
crease, and the towns deriving their supply there-
from would suffer considerably, because the organic
matter always communicated its peculiar flavour to
the water, in proportion to its amount. As to
the question of irrigation, he believed that the
waters of the broads would be invaluable if the pro-
prietors of the adjacent lands would raise it by
pumping, and distribute it over those lands. Mr.
[[Grantham]] had stated that sometimes the rainfall of
[[Norfolk]] was reduced to sixteen inches per annum ;
it was also a fact that in [[Lincolnshire]] it had some-
times been as low as fourteen inches. This was a
serious consideration in regard to the draining off
of the water of the broads, or the extensive use of
it in irrigation. He believed that certain of the
broads might be dealt with in the way proposed by
Mr. [[Grantham]], but at the same time he did not
think that those in the neighbourhood of large
towns could be usefully dealt with.

Mr. [[THOROLD]] stated that [[Beydon]] had filled up
three or four feet within the last forty years, and
the great question which arose in respect of that
piece of water was whether it could not be deepened
so as to improve the navigation.

Mr. [[CLOWES]] was of opinion that if the water of the
boards were got rid of, it would have the effect of
greatly improving the adjacent land by drainage.

General [[COTTON]] was under the impression that
the experiments of Mr. [[Hawkesley]] had hardly given
a just estimate of the evaporation from the broads;
for he had found in [[India]] that the evaporation
was nothing like so great as that stated to have
taken place in [[Norfolk]].

Mr. [[HAWKESLEY]] said the ascertained evapora-
tion of one large sheet of water in [[India]] was from
six to eight feet per annum, but the general aver-
age of evaporation in that country was from
seventy-two to ninety-six inches.

Mr. [[J. F. BATEMAN]] said it had been ascertained
by Dr. [[Dalton]] that the average evaporation in this
country was from twenty-seven to thirty-five
inches.

Mr. [[T. WEBSTER]] said there could be no doubt that
there were ample means of ascertaining the amount
of evaporation, which was almost entirely con-
trolled by the condition of the vapour atmosphere
above the surface.

Mr. [[BATEMAN]] said he had known of cases in
which snow had evaporated considerably during
the prevalence of frosty weather, when it could not
be melted by reduced temperature.

After some further conversation on the question
of evaporation,

Mr. [[GRANTHAM]] having briefly replied,

The PRESIDENT stated that the height of the
tide at [[Yarmouth]] bridge had been reduced from
five feet to three feet, but he though the deepening
of [[Breydon]] would greatly increase the present rise,

[center column]

although it might do some injury to the river
above, unless care was taken by the construction of
a lock or weirs to prevent it. If this were done a
much better outlet would be given to the port of
[[Yarmouth]], more water would be available for irri-
gation, and the navigation might be considerably
improved.

A VISIT TO THE [[NORFOLK]] BROADS.

I MADE illusion in [italics] The Field [end italics] of the 6th instant to a certain broad in
[[Norfolk]], from which not only heavy bags of perch and roach were
being made, but the individual size and weight of both these fish were
far above the general average of the waters of that county. These
remarks brought a kind of invitation from my friend the Rev. [Reverend] [[I. W. Mil-
lard]] [Millard], an enthusiastic angler, asking me to join him at [[Norwich]], and
after dinner we chartered a trap to carry us to the nearest inn, about a
mile and a half from the broad.

The course we drove was some seven miles by the [[North Walsham]] and
[[Cromer-road]], an undulating and well-wooded district, on which some-
what extensive views may be obtained of the surrounding country, as
well as landmarks upon the coast, particularly the seat of Mr [[J.
B. Petre]] and the tower in [[Gunton Park]], the domain of [[Lord
Suffield]], and the tower at [[Westwick]]. There are several places
deserving of notice during this short jaunt, which is often done on
foot by the local anglers. There is the site of [[Beeston Hall]] on our
left, with its pretty park, the property of the [[Micklethwaites]], and
on the right the park of [[Sprowston]], over which the eye rests upon the
stubby furze-clothed wastes of [[Rackheath]]; and within the touch of our
whip a magnificent old lime-tree in the fullest health and vigour, with
eleven stems branching out but a few feet from the ground, and said to
have been planted by one of the [[Corbets]], the regicides. We have passed
the ancient holstery, the [[Blue Boar]], at which there is still to be heard
the sound of the horn, and the ostlers are busy with a few four-horse
coaches which run on this road ; but we missed its signboard, which once
told us its proprietor was "licensed to sell spiritous liquors." This
reminds me of a sign that was used to swing triumphantly not many miles
from this, called the "Bird in the Hand," under which was first painted,

A bird in the hand far better 'tis
Than two that in the bushes is.

But this not being considered a compliment to the disciples of [[Lindley
Murray]], was removed for the following :

A bird in the hand is better far
Than two that in the bushes are.

Not to be outdone, the host of the [[Dun Cow]], not far off, after giving the
[[Warwickshire]] legend, added,

Walk in, gentlemen, and you'll find
The [[Dun Cow]]'s milk is to your mind.

We next pass the well-known [[Colebrookdale Gates]], which were among
the attractions of the [[Exhibition of 1851]], and were purchased by [[Sir
Henry Stracy]] for £450. We likewise get a peeop of [[Wroxham]] and [[Hoveton]]
on our right, and those of [[Belaugh]] and [[Bridge Broad]] on our left. The
bridge (so scarce a feature over the [[Norfolk]] rivers) is now directly
before us, and we turn in to the [[King's Head]] yard, host [[James Jimpson]],
locality [[Hoveton]].

This house is very much altered for the better since I was last in this
neighbourhood, some fire or more roomy and lofty sleeping apartments
having been added. The provender was liberal in its supply, well
cooked, and somewhat tastefully served. The garden and orchard of
the [[King's Head]] touches the river's side, where there is a staith or
wharf for landing, and boathouses for proper shelter of the craft. We
found a couple of pretty yachts moored off this.

Up at half past five, we were soon on board, and my clerical friend
took up the oars while I noted the passing landscape, which here, on the
banks of the [[Bure]], is particularly pleasing. We passed an old hut
amongst the reeds on our left, used by a fisherman at those times when
the eels are running to the sea, an dwhich are here intercepted in their
passage by a peculiarly formed bag net fixed low in the water, and com-
pletely across the stream. I am told there are but two of these stations
between this and [[Yarmouth]]- a distance which must be considerable, as
the [[Bure]] is a winding river almost the whole of its course. The fisher-
men assure me that few or no other fish are taken by this means, but it
is difficult to reconcile this statement with the fact that the samemen
can supply the [[Yarmouth]] and other markets with a variety of fresh-
water fish ; while the remarkably small size of the jack which are caught
by angling in the [[Bure]] would point to some cause far beyond the length
of a legitimate rod and line. If you speak with the seriousness to these
men upon the subject, they will tell you that the paucity of fish of the
pike kind is due to the bow nets set by the wealthy proprietors of the
broads at the narrow entrance from and to the river.

[[Wroxham Broad]], to which we are bound, has, or rather did have, two
narrow necks as entrances from the main stream. We find, however,
when we get to the upper one, that it has been lcosed by piles driven in
its bed. This, it would seem, has been done more than once ; but when
chains and other impediments to the passage have been fixed they
have regularly been removed by the yachtsmen, who contest the right.
Be this as it may, we had to pull some distance down the river to obtain
access to the broad, where we found certainly much more room for the
purpose than would exist at the other place in the absence of obstruc-
tions. To those who associate a [[Norfolk]] broad with banks of desolation
and margins only of reeds, the first and sudden view of [[Wroxham]], as they
get at once into it, will be as startling as it is charming. Its sides are
covered with fine timber trees of various kinds, with here and there some
lovely breaks and vistas, and the general outline of the foliage extremely
varied and picturesque. In all this broad is about six furlongs from end
to end, and averages two furlongs in width. There is nothing straight
or formal about its character, nor indeed could the hand of the landscape
survey or improve it in any respect. It follows in most part the contour
of the main stream, and differs from other [[Norfolk]] broads in another
respect besides its really beautiful setting- in that of its greater pro-
portionate body of water ; for, while most of these curious lakes are not
more than four to six feet in almost uniform depth, [[Wroxham]] has
places which can afford even twelve feet. There is one objection, however, to
[[Wroxham]] as an angling water- that is when the wind is in the
south or south-west a little sea is the consequence, and there is a great
difficulty in obtaining smooth water for float fishing ; but to this the
natives appear to have become familiar, and they have adapted themselves,
as will be shown, to the exigencies of their situation.

I have used the word lake here, but [[Murray]] says, "these broads are
distinct from lakes, which are receptacles of water from one or more
streams, with their outlets usually larger than their inlet ; and from
lagoons or pools lying near rivers, and formed by their overflowing."
All of these forms are found in the district, with the term "broad" indis-
criminately applied to them. The flat surface of the valleys (for the
country generally is by no means so, as the sinuous course of the rivers
partly proves), and consequent sluggish current of its streams, are among
the causes which gave rise to the broads, which are such a marked feature
of this county.

We found a couple of yachts moored on one side of the broad, in both
of which were parties doing an aquatic camping out, and from one of
these a shot was occasionally heard as a wild duck ventured somewhat
too close to the craft. Besides wild duck, which did not seem to quit the
water, there were heron, divers, teal, moorhen, dabchicks, and the irre-
pressible swans. My friend likewise saw an osprey rise from the water

[right column]

with a fish in its claws, which it [dropped?]
upon seeing us. It is here the great [lo?]
is attended by immense numbers of [p?]
with the river yachts and their [snow?]
has several giften pencils.

But to our fishing. We were moored [?]
the wind as we could get. I was [inde?]
tackle, as I wished to see the [manner?]
the natives. My rod was a short [Farlo?]
its strike, and with a tight gut line, [qu?]
depth of some seven feet we went to [we?]
our ground bait simply bran and [?]
were at least an inch out of [water?]
had therefore three more [shot?]
properly river-Lea character. Bu[?]
Firstly, the roughness of the [water?]
next, when an actual bite [occurred?]
from this act of emersion. I there[?]
what would come of it, and saw t[?]
bites, any and all of which a Lond[?]
passed by until the entire inch of [?]
water for a second or two, when th[?]
confess that the notion of fishing w[?]
gorge and run away with it in a m[?]
of fishing with a worm was really [?]
to believe that this bite must h[?]
deceived. Then I wisely adopted t[?]
these most old and simple unsophis[?]
enough and old enough to know b[?]
some distance, but that when they [?]
ness I had either to use the disgor[?]
the hook from far below their [throat?]
that I had been prepared with a [?]
slightly above the surface of the [?]
to ride on the wave without being [?]
every indication, have killed five t[?]
we had filled about three-fourths
at an early hour in the afternoon. [?]
here termed "haughty weather" - [?]
We did not, however, get any of the [?]
wards - our heaviest being 1lb [one pound]. [?]
gentles, but found they only secu[?]
worms were equally useless. [[Jack]] [?]
not try for them, and we did not [?]
occasionally beautiful rudd - or ro[?]
scarlet livery, presented itself.

It must be understood that the [?]
but there is no difficulty whateve[?]
fish from Mr. [[R. Blake Humphrey]] [?]
Barber - the two former being ow[?]
Hospital, [[Norwich]], which owns th[?]
lord of the [[King's Head]], can do [?]
stone of handsome reach is a co[?]
sometimes coming and returning [?]
already said that the pike are s[?]
trary, are very plentiful at 1 1/2 lb. [pounds] [?]
four and a half pounders are ra[?]
from [[Wroxham]] during the last fe[?]
[[Norman]] of [[Collingwood House]], [?]
year 1832, I believe was caught b[?]
for them is near the summer-ho[?]
staith. Mrs [[Jimpson]]'s mode of [?]
them, skin and scales together.

The boats used here by the an[?]
is the usual charge, are Janu[?]
They have a cranky look, but th[?]
upon the water, allowing of cha[?]
if not greater firmness than our [?]
heavy and most clumsy, and of [?]
matter of some consequence wit[?]
the [[King's Head]] who will pro[?]
particular water upon which I [?]
angler will not fail of hearing of [?]
hood. A killer or keller (a shall[?]
ground bait, if not already prepa[?]

There is a coach passing th[?]
coming and going alternate d[?]
called "creeping jennies," ple[?]
quently to and fro, which pe[?]
and taking this really pleasan[?]
see the churches, all of which [?]
months will see a railway op[?]
having it in hand. This rail [?]
[[Hoveton]], [[Aylsham]], and North [?]
waters almost at present unk[?]
present exploring.

1873.