Suffolk

Suffolk, a maritime county of England, having the German Ocean on the E., Norfolk on the N., Essex on the S., and Cambridge on the W. It is 56 miles long by 32 broad, with a coast-line of 50 miles and an area of 1,500 square miles. Of its rivers, the Stour bounds it on the S., and flows past Sudbury, Nayland, and Harwich to the German Ocean; while the Waveney and the Little Ouse form the north boundary. The Lark flows into the Great Ouse, while the Gipping unites with the Orwell, and, flowing past Ipswich, falls into the Harwich estuary. Other streams are the Deben, Alde, and Blythe, but not many of these rivers are navigable. The oounty is well served by the Great Eastern Railway. The surface is for the most part level, and the soil consists of clay, sand, loam, and fen. The intetior from N. to S. is very fertile, and produces quantities of butter. In the E. and W. the sandy soil is fertile, with an admixture of loam, while the barren heath lands of the N.W. abound in sheep-walks and rabbit-warrens. The loam along the river valleys is extremely fertile, and brings forth barley - mnch prized by brewers - wheat, peas, and beans. The breed of sturdy cart-horses known as "Suffolk Punches," and a small variety of black pig, are peculiar to the county. The sea encroaches on the eastern coast, and Dunwich and Aldeburgh were once important towns, now to a great extent washed away. There is a trade in corn and malt from the ports; sea-salt is manufactured on the coast; herring and mackerel fishing employ many; Aldeburgh is noted for sprats; and the Orwell has oyster beds. There are five Parliamentary divisions, each returning one member; Ipswich returns two, and Bury St. Edmunds one.