GIANTS AND PI0MIE8. 



61 



Broad, where we have plenty of room, the Caledonia offers a 

 tow-line to one, and then another ; the last will be first. Mr. 

 Towse, our leader, stands beside the engineer and stoker urging 

 to increasing speed. The most noteworthy spot we come to is 

 St. Benets' Abbey, situated on the left bank of the river, about 

 10 miles from our starting point : "Once upon a time, it must 

 have been a mighty building, covering much ground, as its 

 scattered ruins testify. Now nought reminds us of its founder, 

 aeneible King Canute, ( Vide Canute and his courtiers on the 

 seashore) but a fine archway with some contiguous walls, upon 

 which a windmill has been erected, but which is now itself in 

 ruins, and two massive parallel walls standing about 200 yards 

 to the eastward ; also there are two arched doorways and 

 strong walls in the house by the river side whoso cool recesses 

 speak of ancient days," (C. Davies). This having been duly 

 inspected we return in the same style as before. The mayor's 

 launch only is beyond, and etiquette forbids ; we slacken our 

 speed. •' It is somewhat difficult to analyse the charm which 

 the " Broad " Districts of Norfolk and Suffolk has for those 

 who have once made its acquaintance, in the only way in 

 which an intimate knowledge of it can bo gained. In a 

 journey through it by rail, you see nothing but its flatness I 

 walk along its roads you see the dullest side of it j but take to 

 its water-highways, and the glamour of it steals over yon, if 

 you have aught of the love of nature, the angler, or the artist 

 in you, One reason may be that the rivers are highways. 

 From them you view things as from a different standpoint j 

 along them flows a current of life difliering from that on either 

 rail or road. Houses are few and far between ; within the 

 circle of your sight there is neither house nor man visible. A 

 grey church tower, a windmill, or the dark brown sail of a 

 wherry in the distance breaks the sense of utter loneliness, 

 but the scene is wild enough to enchain the imagination of 

 many. Long miles of sinuous gleapiing river, marshes gay 

 with innumerable flowering plants, white sheets of water 

 bordered with swaying reeds ; yachts or wherries, boats, fish, 

 fowl and rare birds and plants, and exquisite little bits to paint 

 and sketch : iheie are the elements out of which a pleftsant 



