CHAPTER XXXI 



THE JERSEY 



The Channel Islands are a group of islands in the English 

 Channel, from lo to 30 miles from the coast of France and 

 from 50 to 120 miles south of England. At one time they 

 belonged to France, but since 1204 they have been under British 

 sovereignty. There are four principal islands — in order of impor- 

 tance Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark — and a number of 

 very small islets of no special significance. These islands have 

 rocky and very dangerous coasts and the tides vary greatly in height 

 and activity, so that sailors have a great dread of this piece of sea, 

 on which many vessels have come to a disastrous end. The Eng- 

 lish language is commonly used in the towns on the islands, while 

 on the farms and among the fishermen a French patois prevails 

 more or less. The islands are self-governed, having their own 

 legislative bodies. The total population in 191 1 was 96,900. 



The island of Jersey, the largest of the group, is about 12 

 miles long and 7 miles wide and contains 39,580 acres, of which 

 about 25,000 are under cultivation. The island is rather rec- 

 tangular in form, the north shore bold and high, the cliffs at 

 Bouley Bay reaching an elevation of nearly 500 feet. The surface 

 of the island gradually slopes to the south shore, where is located 

 St. Aubin's Bay and the city of St. Helier and the principal 

 harbor. The island is divided into twelve parishes and has a 

 population of about 60,000. A lieutenant governor representing 

 the British government has control of all military matters, while 

 a bailiff is the highest civil authority, being president of the 

 States, or Parliament. The climate is most balmy and the island 

 is a favorite health resort, outdoor life being pleasant during the 

 entire year. So healthful are the conditions that tuberculosis 

 among the cattle on the island is almost unknown. Jersey has 

 two great industries — breeding cattle and growing potatoes. 

 The soil is very iertiWJa^k^ iih&ii'ts§pM> are small, ranging from 



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