Fens 
11 
was formulated to raise the money for 
preserving some characteristic speci- 
mens of the stones in their natural 
condition (see page 84). 
Fens 
Fen districts are often characterised 
by deposits of peat, the remains of 
which possess a resemblance to exist- 
ing plants and animals, and also 
contain subfossil remains, which in 
some cases reach back to the glacial 
period. In former times, even so 
late as the seventeenth century, peat 
was considered of no value. The 
Dutchman Pickardt once said that 
peat was, by the Lord's punishing 
hand, created for the vexation of 
mankind. Since then, public opinion 
with regard to peat has undergone an 
entire change. These fenny districts 
have been drained more and more, 
