[netcdfgroup] ncdump, then ncgen

If I understand correctly, I should be able to ncdump a netcdf to text (CDL) 
then ncgen it back to a valid netcdf file.  I tried this on a seemingly valid 
netcdf3 file and ncgen3'd it, but the new file was not in any way like the old 
one.  In fact, it didn't even seem to be a valid netcdf3 any longer--the file 
magic was incorrect.  Did I completely misunderstand the capabilities of the 
two programs?  Or did I just not understand how to do the process correctly?

Kevin Havener, DAFC, 14WS/WXED