H1CKLING DISTRICT 191 



shooting and fishing on this water, as well as other broads in 

 East Anglia, would have been free to all comers/as they doubt- 

 less were some years ago. 



Going back only twenty years, we find there were very 

 few villages in Broadland that did not possess several profes- 

 sional sportsmen who derived their living from the fish and 

 fowl they obtained with their nets and guns, but now one 

 rarely meets with one of these old-day sportsmen ; in fact, it is 

 doubtful if there exists a man in Broadland who obtains his 

 living solely by this means. 



For small boats Hickling Broad is a beautiful; sailing 

 ground, although it is not patronised so much as one would 

 think, A very amusing incident happened during a recent 

 regatta. It was blowing a stiff breeze at the time, and 

 one of the small balanced lug-sail boats upset, throwing its 

 occupants into the water. Before the crew could recover 

 themselves the boat drifted away beyond their reach, and they 

 were left standing on a hard bottom up to their 

 armpits in water. As they were unable to swim they did 

 not feel inclined to follow their boat, but were content to re- 

 main on terra firma until rescued by another boat. 



In the winter time this broad is one of the first to freeze 

 and excellent skating is afforded. Not only is ordinary skat- 

 ing indulged in, but a square sail, about six feet by three feet, is 

 brought into use, with the assistance of which the skater can 

 navigate the broad with remarkable ease. Should a breeze be 

 blowing he will in all probability travel at a greater speed than 

 he desires, but it is excellent sport, and well worthy of a trial. 



Ice boats, too, find favour at Hickling, where there is 

 ample scope to indulge in the exciting sport of ice yachting. 

 November is the month for snipe, and the shooting round 

 Hickling Broad is always good. Some of the largest bags of 

 snipe in Norfolk have been obtained here. 



To moor to one of the small islands before mentioned and 

 explore the many bays and ramifications of this water, to 

 visit the village, neighbouring local celebrities and places of 

 interest, is well worthy of the time expended. 



