ESSEX. 



211 



of the world's commerce is carried on now, and the maritime trade is consequently 

 not of very great importance ; nor is the silk industry in a flourishing condition. 

 The celebrated Colchester oysters are taken in the Colne, and fattened on 

 "layings" at Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea, or carried to the oyster parks of 

 Ostend. Ealstead, on the Upper Colne, has silk and crape mills. 



Sailing along the coast, we pass Clacton and Walfon-on-the-Nazp, two small 

 watering-places, and reach the ancient seaport and borough of Harwich, built in a 



Fig. 104.— Harwich and Ipswich and their Estuaries. 

 So!?le 1 : 325,000. 



Foreshore. 



Depth under 1\ 

 Fathoms. 



2i to 5 Fathoms 



Over 5 Fathoms. 



4 Miles. 



commanding position at the confluence of the Stour and the Orwell. The harbour of 

 Harwich is the best on the east coast of England, and during the wars with the 

 Dutch it played a prominent part. Through the establishment of a regular line 

 of steamers, which connect it with Antwerp and Rotterdam, it has recently 

 acquired importance as a place of commerce. Landguard Fort and several 

 batteries defend its approaches. Bovercouri is a pleasant watering-place a short 

 distance above Harwich. Maninngtree, at the head of the estuary of the Stour, 

 carries on some trade in malt. 



