been the consequence of a single inundation: it was, doubtless, effected by repeated breaches, and at different periods.

From all the circumstances now recited, there is good ground for supposing that an absorption of considerable magnitude formerly took place; that it happened on the continental side; and that it extended to the present rocks, and little isle, of Ecrehou, to Les Dirouilles, and to the Paternosters: but whether this rugged range ever formed part of the continent, or of Jersey, or whether it may be the remains of an intermediate island, must still be a matter of uncertainty. The great depth of forty fathoms between Jersey and some part of this extensive ledge, which depth does not decrease more than ten fathoms, along the northern shore, from Belle Hougue to Plemont,* renders it probable that the limits of Jersey, in this quarter, have not experienced much diminution: at the same time, it must be admitted, that, throughout the whole northern extent, the rocky cliffs are, mostly, in a state of great disintegration: the numerous excavations sufficiently prove this. The force of tides, rising forty feet and upwards, round the island, and impelled from

There is not more than half the depth between Jersey and Ecrehou: the rocks in that corner of the former, which is opposite to the latter, are of a very different contexture from those on the northern coast, and, in general, are perfectly sound.

Mont St. Michel, at full flood, sometimes from a height of more than fifty feet, must, necessarily, in stormy weather, and with particular winds, act powerfully on rocks in so deteriorated a state.

TIDES, CURRENTS, AND PORTS.

There is something very extraordinary in the tides that flow and ebb among these islands. The directions they follow seem totally uninfluenced by others in the channel. They receive indeed their momentum at its mouth, but take different impulses, from the various obstructions that divert the regularity of their course. They flow E. S. E. to the bay of Mont St. Michel. The declivity of the shore, in this gulf, is so inconsiderable, that the common extent of the tide is from twelve to sixteen miles; and the bay is filled in the short space of two hours. When this is effected, a new direction takes place. The saturated inlet resists a greater accession, and the water is impelled along the Norman coast, northwards, until, in the course of twelve hours, it has encircled the islands, and returned to the spot from whence it began to flow.

The currents, from being frequently intersected, succeed each other, in so rapid a manner, that they are in continual motion; there is no appearance of still water in these parts, as in the channel, at low ebb. The following diagram will best explain this:

These tides rise from forty to forty-five feet, round the islands at St. Malo their height exceeds fifty feet.

It will readily be conceived, that an immense body of water, rising, in the space of six hours, to so great an elevation, and diverted from its natural course by so many intervening obstructions, must, necessarily, produce a variety of impetuous currents, running in different

directions; and must likewise form many submarine banks. These circumstances apply more particularly to Jersey than to the neighbouring islands; for though the bottom of the sea, in the open parts, is tolerably uniform, and the depth may be averaged at from thirty-five to forty fathoms, yet it is said to be more variable on the coast of Jersey than round any of the other islands. It is high water at Jersey about six o'clock, at every new and full

moon.

As the flood commences, by rushing full against the rocks on the northern shore, it is high water half an hour earlier on that and on the western side, than on the southern and eastern shores.

Though there is good anchorage at Boulay bay, St. Aubin's bay, and at other inlets round the coast, yet not one of them is land-locked; and the two ports of St. Helier, and St. Aubin, are both dry at low water. To remedy this last defect, it has been suggested, that a safe and commodious harbour might be constructed at Boulay bay; there being always a sufficient depth of water for the largest vessels; but this idea has not yet been carried into execution, nor, indeed, has it ever been a subject of public investigation. Such a port would be very desirable, particularly in time of war; as, in the marine

line of France, from Dunkirk to Brest, if we except the modern port of Cherbourg, there are only tide havens, and not one of them has sufficient depth for ships of the line.

CLIMATE AND AIR.

From the trifling difference between the latitude of Jersey, and that of the southern coast of England, and from proximity to the continent, by which it is embraced on three sides, an Englishman would not be led to expect any great variation between the climate of Jersey and that of his own country. There is, however, a sensible difference, particularly with respect to the season of winter. Frost is rarely of any continuance; snow seldom lies more than two or three days on the ground; and shrubs that require to be sheltered, even in Devonshire and Cornwall, are here exposed without any covering, and seldom receive much injury. We see also carnations, pinks, and other spring flowers, blowing, during the winter, in the open air, if in a favourable aspect; and, with a little shelter, even the Chinese rose. The rains

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