liv INTRODUCTION. 



effectually and so unconsciously, except in tlie case of 

 one species — tlie E.ed-legged Partridge (Perdix rufaj — 

 whicli lias been purposely introduced, and the doubtful 

 merits of which, are a warning to those who expect to 

 reap advantage from Acclimatization Societies. 



THE FEN DISTRICT. 



In almost every respect differing from the district 

 last mentioned is that which still remains to be described 

 on the western side of the county. The Fens of Norfolk 

 formerly possessed, in an extreme degree, all the features 

 of that extensive tract of country, which under the name 

 of the " Great Bedford Level," has for years, almost for 

 centuries, been the battle-ground of civil engineers — 

 Englishmen and foreigners — and the same district still 

 presents a good many of its chief peculiarities. Its 

 northern part, the "Marshland" as it is commonly 

 called, was " won from the raging deep" in days almost 

 pre-historic — at least an inspection of its firm sea-banks 

 and "droves" tells the enquirer more respecting it 

 than he can gain by the study of annals or records. 

 Whether the Roman or the Norman laid the foundation 

 of these bulwarks against the ocean matters little now- 

 a-days to the naturalist. Laid they were at a time of 

 which history takes next to no notice, and they still 

 stand. 



The eastern boundary of the ^Ten District" com- 

 mences immediately below the town of Brandon in the 

 low ground through which the Little Ouze winds its 

 way, and rounding the uplands of Hock wold turns 

 northwards towards Methwold, then running up the 

 course of the Wissey, nearly as far as Stoke Ferry, it 

 bends to the westward in the direction of Denver, 

 whence it pursues a comparatively straight course to 

 King's Lynn, being, however, slightly diverted to the 



