ADDRESSES 189 



beans, to say nothing of other subsidiary crops. On seeing 

 such results one might imagine that all this must cost a 

 formidable amount of money; but not so. The cost of Mr. 

 Bashford's houses, most excellently well built, is only $2.34 

 per square yard (heating pipes not taken into account) ; and 

 all the work is done by thirty-six men only; three men to 

 each acre of greenhouses seems to be a Guernsey average. 

 As for fuel, the consumption amounts to no more than one 

 thousand cart-loads of coke and coal. Besides, one can see 

 in the Channel Isles all possible gradations, from the well- 

 constructed greenhouses just mentioned, to the simple shel- 

 ters made out of thin planks and glass, without artificial 

 heat, which cost only ten cents per square foot, and never- 

 theless allow of having the most surprising crops quite ready 

 for sale by the end of April. Altogether, the glass-house is 

 no more a luxury. It becomes the kitchen garden of the 

 market gardener." 



One of the most noticeable features of these islands is the 

 appearance of thrift everywhere discernible. Everything 

 speaks of ease and prosperity; paupers there are none. The 

 poor are rarely seen. Roadside, garden, and house alike 

 betoken comfort and sufficiency. Not only are the out- 

 skirts of the town filled with substantial buildings, but the 

 homes of the farmers are solid granite structures, it may be 

 with cement floor instead of boards, the roofs thatched or 

 tiled, showing red against the dark, rich background of foli- 

 age, but all comfortably, neatly furnished, the windows cur- 

 tained with cambric or lace, while outside they are bowered 

 in roses, jasmines, or myrtles. There is a feeling of home, of 

 ownership, of pride in possession that strikes one at once; 

 and who that has once enjoyed the simple, hearty hospitality 



