THE ISLAND OF JERSEY. 253 



here luxuriantly in the open air. Even in Guernsey- 

 there is a sensible difference of climate ; melons are 

 raised there in hot-beds, but grow profusely in the 

 common gardens of Jersey. 



The soil in general is of a light, but prolific qua- 

 lity, and is much improved by the constant appli- 

 cation of vraicy or sea-wreck, which is carefully 

 gathered at stated periods, and at the vernal equinox, 

 and distributed by the public officers among the 

 inhabitants, whom it serves at once for fuel and 

 manure. A week prior to the cutting season, each 

 constable consults his parish assembly as to the day 

 best suited, the parish meeting having deliberated 

 makes an act in which the day is specified. A meet- 

 ing of the Lieut.-Governor, or commanding officer 

 lor the time being, of the BaiUi or Chief-Justice and 

 the twelve jurats (or judges of the Royal Court) is 

 then held in the Royal Court, when this assembly 

 appoints the day fixed upon by the majority of par- 

 ishes. Women as well as men assist at the cutting 

 of the vraiCf and even the richest and most respect- 

 able of the country gentlemen are seen going in their 

 neglige to the work, in which all appear to mingle 

 pleasure with importance. 



The land in^ general is well adapted for most of the 

 ordinary crops, and for the pasturage of cattle, which 

 is somewhat extensive. The pulse and corn are 

 smaller than they are in England, but were formerly 

 raised in sufficient quantity to form an important 

 article of exportation. This has not been the case 

 latterly, and the inhabitants now depend upon other 

 countries for the supply of nearly one half of the 

 grain they consume. 



Instead of the labour of the field they devote their 

 attention to the produce of the orchard, and Jersey 

 has long been famous for the quantity and quality 

 of its cyder. Apple trees grow along the hedges as 

 well as in the regular plantations, and it is calculated 

 that upwards of twenty-four thousand hogsheads of 

 cider are produced annually in this little island, it is 



