3G0 
PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. 
calamity if the public were to be denied the right of cruising 
uninterruptedly over all the natural waterways in East Norfolk. 
From a purely scientiiic point of view it does seem sad that the 
serenity of the scenes should be broken by steam-launches, and by 
vessels laden with boisterous, and too often, destructive and untidy 
holiday-makers; but the benefit to the many, who are well- 
conducted, must surely be allowed to outweigh the evil that arises 
in all communities from that “remnant of savagery ” which still 
exists. Hence I think the very laudable desires of the naturalist 
cannot be justly urged against the claims for rest and recreation 
that are needed by the majority. 
It was urged that the waters of Hickling Broad were influenced 
by the tides ; but the evidence showed that the rise and fall were 
limited to about three inches at Potter Heigham Bridge, and that 
the tide practically ceased to be felt at, or about, Kendal Dyke. 
It was pointed out that certain fluctuations in the water-levels in 
this area were due to the wind, the rainfall, and to the numerous 
pumping-mills; moreover, in Meadow Dyke and Horsey Mere, as 
stated by Mr. E. Sutton, numerous salt-springs exert some influence 
on the water-level, and give a brackish character to Hickling Broad. 
These springs may, it was thought, have an underground connection 
with the sea. 
In Norfolk, no doubt, the most important topic is that of 
Agriculture. Geology, as I have already noted, might render some 
service to the industry if it indicated the presence of important 
phosphatic deposits ; but farmers themselves might aid the 
discovery, if those who cultivate areas of bare Chalk drew attention 
to any tracts of exceptional fertility. Geology and geological maps 
otherwise can have but a general bearing on Agriculture. The 
information they give may be valuable so far as the subsoil and 
means of drainage are concerned, but no maps yet constructed for 
public use have been on a scale large enough to show the nature 
and extent of the soils. Soils are liable to vary in each field, and 
on the same geological formation. This variability shows that no 
general statements regarding soils are of much importance, while 
chemical analyses can have but a local value. 
