62 



BIKDS OP NORFOLK. 



boundary of the jurisdiction of Norwich and Yarmouth), 

 that these birds will be found most abundant, includ- 

 ing, of course, the " Broad " waters of Surlingham 

 and Rockland. And it is in these localities that my 

 own observation of their habits has been chiefly made, 

 whilst gleanuig at the same time many interesting facts 

 from the experience of two intelligent marshmen, James 

 Rich and John Trett, of Surlingham, who, for the last 

 half century, have gained a livuig upon these broads, and 

 for almost as long a period have had the care of swans. 

 Of the five and twenty pairs which nest annually 

 in the vicinity of the Yare between Thorpe and 

 Reedham, each will be found to have its prescribed 

 limits within which no rivals are admitted without a 

 challenge; and, as is the case with the robins in our 

 gardens and shrubberies, any infringement of such rights 

 of boundary leads to instant expulsion or a fierce fight 

 between the males. Frequent contentions also take 

 place in spring, between the male swans, as soon as 

 pairing commences. One bird, seizing the other by the 

 neck with its bill, and having thus got its opponent's 

 head into " chancery," pummels him with the stump 

 of his pinioned wing, and as both rise and fall in their 

 struggles, they become enveloj)ed in the spray thrown 

 up by the rapid beating of their quills on the water. 

 The victor invariably celebrates his triumph by loud 

 notes of satisfaction, and first flapping his great wings, 

 as he poises himself for a second almost erect in the 

 water, sails back to his mate, every feather bristling 

 •with excitement, and every action of his graceful neck 



Foundry Bridge, Norwich, to inspect the banks and staithes 

 within the civic boundaries ; and, on arriving at the confluence 

 of the Chet, a time-honoured proclamation is read by the Sheriif, 

 or Sheriff elect (there being now only one), from the steps of 

 Hardley Cross. By a recent Act the jurisdiction, at the present 

 time, extends to the " Dickey works" at the entrance of Breydou 

 water. 



