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203

[[Land and Water]]

news from Rivers
to the editor
The Norfolk and Suffolk "Broads." --Sir : Whilst the disciples of old Izaak Walton
are overhauling their tackle and appealing to you for information as to best route to Sweden or Norway or some other cutlandish place for a few days fishing the eastern counties of our own country offer beautiful lakes of fresh water teeming with fish and where good and enjoyable sport may be had either wit fly or bottom lines. The distance from London to Lowestoft or Yarmouth as head-quarters is at most but a four hours ride by rail through agricultural districts by no means
devoid of interest. Some of those "broads" are of great extent containing hundreds of acres of water ; others are not much bigger than fish-ponds. One the writer is the most familiar with he having brrn "raised" close by its borders lies near to Lowestoft
is the one easiest of access and free for rod and line. It is close by Mutford Bridge a little over a mile from Lowestoft and easily reached by trin but if business and thorough enjoyment is desired the best way is to take lodgings near the lake either at the Wherry Inn close by the bridge or at the Lady of the Lake Inn just over the bridge or at one of the numerous cottages in the neighbourhood. Boats may be had from Mr. Isaac Beaumont close by at a moderate charge. In summer and autumn the foliage round the lake is dense and luxuriant a lovely deep green border of reeds and rushes surrounds the water on all sides extending several yards from the shore backed up with lofty trees in some parts in others a mass of low shrubbery intermixed with all kinds of wild flowers and a complete isolation from the outer world is thus gained ; scarcely a sound is heard ; now and then the sudden splash of some greedy pike is heard in chase of young fry or the call of the water-hen for here among the entangled reeds and rushes the various water-fowl make their nests and rear their young in perfect security and the reed-bird's gentle note may be heard--beyond these all is quietness. In the bay at the head of which nestles the dwelling of the author of "The Bible in Spain" Mr. Borrow you may anchor the boat a short distance from the reeds and in peace enjoy the "fragrant weed" and lazily watch your float or ascend the river (which here with
a very slow current leaves the Broad) for a short distance with a boat land upon some firm ground and try its tempting-looking surface with a fly.
A lodging near the lake is recommended for reasons paramount. In the morning the lake cannot be reached early enough by train and at eventide just as the fish
are on the feed the last train for Lowestoft is about due ! The lovers of the rod and line may go farther and fare worse.--Suggate.
July 6, 1872
[Rock & C London N 6347. 1March, 1871.]
["Wherry Inn" Yachting & Fishing Grounds Aulton Broad Lowestoft--picture of]

Auguat 9, 1593. --Izaak Walton born at Stafford. His
love of fishing reflective turn of mind his unambitious
spirit have each contributed a note to his touching
harmony---
I in these flow'ry meads would be ;
These crystal streams should solace me ;
I with my angle would rejoice.
Sit here and see the turtle dove
Court his chaste mate to acts of love.