THE GUERNSEY BREED 



13 



There are two forts on Guernsey. One of them, Castle 

 Cornet, standing on a rock in the sea at the entrance of the 

 harbor, has played an important part in the history of the 

 island, as well as in the French and English affairs at least 

 as far back as 1275. The other fort on the island is about half 

 a mile across the bay from Castle Cornet, and is known as 

 Fort George. In these two fortresses are stationed 600 to 

 800 British soldiers, and on almost any day, especially on 

 Sunday, an American visitor would be reminded of "when 

 the redcoats took the town," at sight of these soldiers in, their 

 gay red uniforms promenading the streets. They saunter in 

 groups of two to half a dozen, but more frequently one of 

 these gaily decorated protectors of His Majesty will be seen 

 walking arm in arm or hand in hand with the sweetheart that 

 occupies his attention as long as he remains on the island. 



In nearly every bay and on many of the prominent points 

 of Guernsey are small ancient towers or forts, called Martello 

 towers, which are very picturesque. They are built of solid 

 masonary four to five feet thick, and are 15 to 20 feet in 

 diameter and 30 to 40 feet high. The interior space is limited, 

 and each has two circles of loopholes to command every 

 direction. There are also ruins of many other old and aban- 

 doned forts. 



