THE WAVENEY VALLEY 211 



practically nil, on account of the large revenue obtained from 

 the marshes belonging to the town. 



Above bridges the river narrows considerably, the rands 

 by degrees disappear, and the banks become firmer the further 

 we proceed. 



A few miles up Dunborough Woods are passed, and 

 Geldestori Lock, which is a charming place to stay at for a few 

 days' quiet enjoyment, is reached. 



The river water is so clear that everything on the bottom can 

 be seen, whilst to laze on the bank, smoking, watching the 

 fish swimming in and out of the forest of aquatic vegetation, 

 and hoping that they will be attracted by the dainty lure 

 provided for their special edification, is a pastime which, to 

 the worried business man, should offer a paradise of 

 contentment. 



When the coming mists arise and the cattle are heard low- 

 ing o'er the lee it is pleasant to drop into the old-fashioned 

 kitchen of the Lock House and yarn with the lock keeper. 

 It is a post which for years has been handed down from 

 father to son, and it carries with it many of the cares of the 

 upper Waveney navigation. The present family are men 

 slow of speech and good listeners, but, draw them out, they 

 will arouse your interest and tell much that is curious and 

 instructive. With pride the head of the family will take you 

 to his inner parlour, which is kept more for appearances than 

 use, where he will exhibit the perch of 5 Ibs. 2 ozs. taken by 

 one of his own name from the depths of the sluice pool, the 

 2J Ib. lampreys and the 14J Ib. trout, all of which have been 

 caught in the same place. He will tell you of gigantic eels, 

 pike and bream, and narrate tale after tale concerning fish 

 and fishing that will at once stamp him as a worthy candidate 

 for the honours of any Piscatorial Society. They must be 

 heard to be believed. 



A few yards beyond the lock one cannot fail to notice the 

 puzzle stone, which some intelligent governing body is ap- 

 parently responsible for. It is a source of much curiosity, and 

 many a bet is wagered upon its meaning. It is a square block 



