1859.] PLANTS OP JERSEY. 15 



for the port of St. Helier's, in the island of Jersey, Upon going 

 into the fore-cabin, I found it inconveniently crowded ; many of 

 the berths were occupied, and those which were not were all of 

 them marked as taken, so I was obliged to put up with sitting- 

 room. 



We started soon after one o^ clock. The beautiful bay of 

 Southampton Water was smooth as a mirror, and as the night 

 was warm, many of the passengers preferred to go upon deck, 

 and amongst them a gentleman who had secured a berth, but 

 who had not the courtesy to relinquish it to any other individual, 

 although there were several of the softer sex who stood much 

 in need of that very necessary accommodation. However, as 

 the sea was smooth, and all the passengers seemed disposed to 

 be upon good terms with themselves and with each other, the 

 few hours of darkness passed rather pleasantly. After passing 

 the five other islands, we came in sight of the western coast of 

 Jersey, and as you approach it, it has rather a barren appearance. 

 The land falls rather precipitously towards the sea, and the table- 

 land beyond is scantier of wood than is the island generally. 

 As you turn the south-west corner, and approach towards St. 

 Helier^s, and have the Bay of St. Aubin before you, all the sterile 

 appearance is gone. The land behind the town is well furnished 

 with trees, which, with the numerous suburban villas and their 

 well-laid-out grounds, gives an appearance of high cultivation. 



The boat made the harbour, and we landed upon the quay 

 about twelve at noon. In walking towards the town, I observed 

 that very beautiful plant Centranthus ruber : it grows upon walls 

 and cliffs in various parts of the island, and is frequently met 

 with with a white flower. As it seems here quite at home, I 

 would suggest to our botanists whether it may not be a true 

 native ; if so, the extent of its radius may be about the county of 

 Somerset, and that it will not survive severe winters further 

 north in its exposed habitat. I passed on to the Esplanade and 

 entered the town. I soon came to Charing Cross. Here were no 

 pillars, nor statues of kings, no heroes, no fountains, no National 

 Gallery, no church renowned for its portico, but there was a 

 " Golden Cross," into which I went. Now this is a much more 

 humble hostelry than is its far-famed namesake on this side of 

 the water ; but I procured what I wanted, and that was a hearty 

 meal. 



