so frequent in this island; and near the coast, in order to be unseen by piratical invaders.

Among the wild plants that appear to be indigenous, we may particularize as of most utility, the Rubia Tinctoria, (madder), the Luteola, (weld), single chamomile, gorse, broom, fern, and heath, with an extensive variety of aromatic herbs.* There are also morels, common mushrooms, and the smaller kind, called equally Champignons, by the French. Laver and samphire are found, though chiefly on the northern coast: the former is a marine production, of which little use is made in Jersey: the latter can be gathered without that terrifying risk, which our great dramatic poet so emphatically and justly describes. The rocky The rocky cliffs, though frequently very steep, are seldom of so beetling a form as to prevent the hardy natives from descending them without assistance. Among the dangerous though medicinal species, those most numerous are the Digitalis, (foxglove), Thymæla, (spurge),† and the common nightshade.

Single chamomile and heath generally supply the place of the double chamomile, and produce a more pungent though less agreeable bitter.

+ This plant is constantly met with in the slopes, or coteaux, especially if under the cover of trees, or underwood: in these places, where the free current of air is impeded, spurge is extremely offensive to the olfactory nerves, and must be pernicious. The author has some reason to think, that he contracted an indisposition that lasted several days, from having inadvertently left some spurge one night in his bed-chamber.

F

In an agricultural respect, Jersey produces all the farinaceous species of grain, and the various edible roots, and other vegetable substances, that are reared in England. The bearded wheat, called in Jersey Froment Tremais, (Frumentum trimestre), from being sown in the spring and reaped in three months, is likewise cultivated. It is esteemed to be equally nutritive as the species usually raised in Great Britain, but the flour is not so white. Lucern and clover are in general cultivation, wherever the soil will admit of the former, whose tap root, when it finds an opportunity, will penetrate to the depth of several yards. Few other artificial grasses, if any, are sown. An unsuccessful attempt has been made to rear hops; from the nature of the soil, it appears likely to answer, though so delicate a plant as to be injured by slight

causes.

Private gardens yield every natural* luxury that the clime can produce; and from this source the market is principally supplied with such articles as require attention. The peach apricot is remarkable for its size and beauty. Melons are in profusion, and strawberries have been noticed for superiority of flavour. Of wintry fruits the pearmain, which, in England, is principally applied to culinary purposes, and seldom lasts for any length of

The word natural is used, because in Jersey hot-house fruits are little known

time, is here a very good eating apple also, and reckoned to keep longer than almost any other; whereas the russeting, which, in England, is considered as the best store apple, is, in Jersey, but little esteemed, and soon decays. But the pride of this island is the Chaumantelle, a pear, sometimes nearly a pound in weight. This delicious fruit frequently sells on the spot for five guineas per hundred, and is sent to English friends as a particular present. The colmar, though in less general estimation, is by many considered as even a superiour kind. Both these species keep for several months; but they require great care and almost daily attention.

The chief produce, however, of the island is cider, of which about 24,000 hogsheads are annually manufactured;* and of which nearly 1800 hogsheads are exported to England. This liquor is the common beverage of Jersey; but the farmers are seldom very nice in assorting their fruit, so that different kinds are mixed together, and the damaged apples are not often separated.

This is supposed to be the average: in a plentiful year 36,000 hogsheads have been made, and perhaps a still larger quantity; but, among the farmers, who are large consumers of this beverage, much water is mixed with the juice of the apple. From this cause, and from the nature of the subject, it is hardly possible to ascertain the actual produce of the fruit itself.

+ This is computed from a registered average of five years, being from 1809 to 1813, both years inclusive. (See COMMERCE.)

The cider retailed at St. Helier's is in general detestable, though the regulations respecting it are very strict.

There have of late years been two cider manufactories established, and from these the liquor is excellent.

Formerly the principal drink in use was mead; at that time there were many apiaries: these are now much neglected, though the Jersey honey is said to be of a very superiour quality.

MANURE, WRACK, CALLED VRAIC, AND VRAICKING.

Though neither chalk, limestone, nor marle, has been hitherto discovered in the island, yet the Divine Goodness has not left Jersey without a substitute for manure: this is sea weed, of different species of Algæ, all called in the island by the general name of vraic.* This marine vegetable grows luxuriantly on the rocks round the coast. It is gathered only at certain times, appointed by public authority. There are two seasons for cutting it: part is dried, and serves for fuel; after which the ashes are used for manure: part is spread, as fresh gathered, on the ground, and ploughed in: it is likewise scattered, in the

• The sort preferred is the quercus marina.

same state, over meadow land, and is said to promote the growth of grass; it may, perhaps, have this effect; but as the solar heat, in summer time, and the frequent stormy winds, soon parch it, some of its salutary influence seems likely to be lost;* and it appears probable, that a slight sprinkling of sea water would, though perhaps in a less degree, have a similar effect. Vraicking is a dangerous employment. Fatal accidents happen almost every season. The boats go to a considerable distance from the shore, and return deeply laden. A sudden squall rises; the currents are rapid: and the unwieldy bark is either overset, or whelmed beneath the surge.

Though regular Vraicking is permitted only at stated times, yet, as in tempestuous weather large quantities are torn from the rocks, and drifted on shore, the farmers are at all times on the watch; so that, even in the midst of winter, whole families, comprising men, women, and children, of both sexes, are seen raking together the highly prized boon of Neptune, and sometimes breast high in the water; vraicking, like a Catholic holiday, suspending all other secular employments.

Stable dung was formerly so little esteemed, that it became necessary to pay for its removal: this prejudice is done away; and dung is now purchased as a desirable

* In dry seasons it is, not unfrequently, obliged to be raked off the land.