PREFACE. It is rather amusing to note the number of persons who, after a visit to the Broad District, send enthusiastic descriptions of their excursions to the 'Field,' 'Hunt's Yachting Magazine,' and other periodicals. The truth is that, to persons of a certain bent of mind, there is an engrossing charm in the lakes and rivers of East Anglia. No one knows better than the Author how strong this feeling is, and no one perhaps has been guilty of writing so much on the subject. This book, however, is positively his last appearance in the field of descriptive writing anent the Broads. There is no better "playground" in England, and certainly none easier of access or more cheaply to be enjoyed, than the Broad District. The professional avocations of the Author do not allow him time for any extended holidays; but with the aid of a small yacht, short intervals of rest can be employed in the most agreeable manner, and with the minimum of expenditure. Some of the chapters in the book originally appeared in 'Blackwood's Magazine'; while part of the chapter on Wherries, “A Crusade against Poaching," and "Pike-fishing in Jordan," appeared in the "Field'; "Rockland Broad" in the 'Gentleman's Magazine,' "Fritton Decoy" in the Art Journal,' and "On the Upper Yare" in the 'East Anglian Handbook.' The Author is indebted to the proprietors of the several periodicals named, for their courtesy in allowing him to republish such articles. |