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Scientists have since discovered even older data, like those taken since the 9th century at the Bodensee, a lake that straddles the Swiss, German and Austrian border.

“We need the level in the Bodensee to rise,” said Martin Deymann, using the German name for Lake Constance.

Thanks also to Louis, the steamboat first ploughed German waters, a service being inaugurated under his auspices on the Bodensee.

This boat ride on Lake Constance, or the Bodensee as it is locally known, was part of the last day’s activities of the 61st annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany.

Colonel Hawker has only re-discovered an old secret, or, more likely, learnt it on the shores of the Bodensee; then the greased patch and the ball, and all is ready.