XXIV INTEODUCTION. 



channels traversing the reed-beds in all directions, or 

 with small reed-locked pools, opening into each other by 

 the narrowest '^gat-ways," offer unquestionably the 

 prettiest and most novel effects. How long, in this 

 utilitarian age, these last strongholds of so many marsh- 

 loving species may still be spared to us, it is hard to 

 speculate, when we consider the marvellous changes 

 effected during the last fifty years in our own and 

 adjoining counties. Whittlesea Mere, which once ex- 

 tended over sixteen hundred acres, with a circumference 

 of not less than nine miles, no longer exists. The 

 railroad and the plough have alike passed over its 

 reclaimed soil ; and the fen districts in the south- 

 western parts of Norfolk, have, of late years, under- 

 gone an exactly similar change. But, independently 

 of reclamation by artificial means, and the gradual 

 substitution of waving corn crops for the swampy 

 growth of reeds and rushes, there are other and 

 natural causes at work, which, unchecked by man, must 

 eventually close up a great many of these Broads. 

 Wherever on the more strictly preserved waters, the 

 reeds and rushes are left uncut to afford better harbour 

 for the fowl, the gradual decay and subsidence of such 

 vegetable matter, added to the rapid growth of the 

 bog-moss and tussucky grasses, quickly chokes up the 

 water-courses, and in an incredibly short space of time 

 affords a footing, firm enough at least for a dog to pass 

 over. At Suriingham, from this very cause, some few 

 channels, which were traversable by boats six or 

 seven years ago, are fast filling up, and there is no 

 doubt that many of the smaller pools, now presenting 

 scarcely more water than a large sized fish-pond, were 

 far more extensive in former times.* It is also supposed 



* The Rev. John Gunn, in his " Geology of Norfolk," published 

 in the third edition of " White's Gazetteer," says — " The discovery 

 of several coins in digging turf in Cat held, near Ludham, the 



