THE YARE VALLEY 



225 



boat used for the conveyance of cattle, horses and carts over 

 the river. It is worked by means of a chain, similar to the 

 one at Horning Ferry, but Reedham Ferry has not such 

 picturesque surroundings as Horning. 



A hundred yards beyond the ferry, on the south bank 

 of the river, is a public-house, where in days gone by 

 large quantities of contraband goods were landed for dis- 

 tribution over the surrounding country. Half an hour spent 

 in the tap -room with a few gratuitous quarts of ale will bring 

 forth curious anecdotes, interesting to those whose tastes lie 

 in that direction. 



Reedham always has been celebrated for its bream fishing, 

 not only on account of the quantity to be caught, but 

 also for their quality and size. Early morning is the best 

 time to fish, also when the heat in the summer is so intense 

 that the shallower waters of the Broads are unproductive. 

 Ledger tackle is generally used on account of the current, 

 which is very strong, except, of course, at the turn of the tide. 



About a mile above the village of Reedham, on the left- 

 hand bank, the visitor will notice a curiously-shaped cross, 

 somewhat after the style of those met with in Ireland, and 

 he will no doubt puzzle his brains to ascertain why such a 

 monument should have been erected in such a bleak and 

 uninviting spot. This landmark is called Hardly Cross, 

 and it defines the boundary of the jurisdiction of the Norwich 

 Corporation and the Great Yarmouth Port and Haven 

 Commissioners. 



At this point the River Chet, a small winding stream 

 communicating with the country town of Loddon, joins the 

 Yare. Although wherries navigate this so-called river, they 

 have difficulty in finding a place where they can turn round 

 before arriving at Loddon should they desire to do so, 

 and if two of them meet, passing would be most awkward, 

 if not impossible. The fishing is not worth mentioning, and 

 the same may be said of the shooting, because the river 

 runs through private grounds and is strictly preserved. 

 The land belongs to the Beauchamp family, on whose estate 



