on Mr. Doggett's Farm^ Ilolhham, Norfolk. 51 
and in 1880 on tlie 10th of June. To what special conditions 
this comparative unilonnitj in the recurrence of anthrax refers 
we have no sufficient data to show. Possibly in this direction 
meteoroh)o:ical science, aided by topographical considerations, 
may sooner or later afford us a clue to the solution of the 
question. 
Topoqraphy. — The topographical circumstances of the marshes 
may be stated as follows : — Holkham marshes comprise a con- 
siderable area of low-lying land situated a few chains from the 
sea, between it and the northern boundary of Holkham Park. 
From the former they are separated by a range of sandhills, 
and from the latter by a high road from which the ground 
slopes down to the marshes. This flat extends east and west 
for some distance, and is said to have been reclaimed from the 
sea some 200 years ago. The soil consists of alluvium resting 
on a strong blue clay. The marsh is divided by large open 
drains into a number of fields of various sizes. The fields are 
in the occupation of several persons, chiefly farmers and graziers. 
In point of (|uality the pasture is considered of fair value for 
store grazing, but nowhere of such a class as to serve for 
fattening purposes. The open drains constitute the entire 
system by wliich the ground is relieved of superfluous water. 
The soil is habitually prone to supersaturation, and until 1876 
was in a water-logged condition. This state was chiefly due to 
the soil-water being held up through the incapacity of the main 
drain to remove it. In consequence the produce of the land was 
seriously deteriorated both in quantity and quality. In 1876 the 
main drain was opened out, the general water-level then dropped 
2 feet or more, and a corresponding beneficial effect accrued to 
the soil. Apart from the ordinary conditions as affecting the 
soil-water of these marshes, it should be pointed out that on 
the south side of the flat are several larger or smaller areas of 
spring bog, from which issues sufficient water to keep up a 
constant circulation throughout the entire area in question. 
Scattered over the marshes are numerous swampy spots covered 
with rushes and other semi-aquatic plants. To these swampy 
areas I shall have to refer again in considering the sources of 
the water supply. Of Mr. Doggett's marshes it may be said 
that in every respect, save one, the topographical characters are 
identical with those of other marshes adjoining. That one refers 
to the existence on the former, of a small shallow swampy 
basin, which originally contained water, and was used by Lord 
Leicester as a decoy for ducks, but which is now empty and 
overgrown with trees, and partly invested by rush beds. This 
decoy is encircled by four of Mr. Doggett's fields ; to the south 
of, and contiguous with, which are others also in his occupation. 
E 2 
