A FEW WORDS ON FEN-LAND. 



By Mr. G. D. ROWLEY. 



(Plates CV. to CIX.) 



" What tribute from the goose is paid ! 

 Does not her wing all science aid ? 

 Does it not lovers' hearts explain^ 

 And drudge to raise the merchant^'s gain ? " 



Gay. 

 " Or, last, among its virtues many, 

 The pages o£ this ' Miscellany ' ? " 



Anon. 



Fen-land is almost a thing of the past. Little Huntingdonshire has lost 

 her noble meres ; and though her sister Norfolk still retains her broads, 

 they shrink. Doubtless, in a practical sense, these changes are much to be 

 applauded; yet I ask forgiveness if, as an ornithologist, I cast a glance 

 behind, while in my secret heart I harbour a regret. 



Mr. Stevenson, in that charming introduction to his ' Birds of 

 Norfolk ' — after lamenting that the gossard's occupation is gone, that 

 the fenman no longer snares his Snipes or nets his Ruffs and Reeves 



