this kind of paper has not much of the public confidence ; it has, however, a quick circulation for a time: persons holding notes of this description, prefer making their first payments in them, as being the least secure. The issue of the regular bankers were formerly in one pound notes, Jersey currency, and payable on demand; but since the law, passed in 1835, establishing English money as the legal tender, the notes issued by the banks are of one pound British sterling.

The great circulation of paper currency in Jersey, giving great facility for discounts, has led to speculations of a hazardous and unwarrantable extent; these causing losses to the speculators themselves, and consequently very often to the bankers, have had an injurious effect on the monied interest of the Island: the bankers perceiving the effects of their over-issues, connected with other circumstances, have contracted them, and thus left the circulation to be chiefly supplied by an inferior kind of paper, or by the metallic currency, which is by no means equal to the demand.

The metallic currency of the Island was in French mo ney, mostly in livres, pieces of ten sous, or in pieces of six livres, until 1832, when the French government called in its old silver coin; since which time English sovereigns and silver have mostly circulated in Jersey. The exchange varies from 8 to 9 per cent. in favour of England, so that an English shilling passes for thirteen pence, and a sovereign for twenty-one shillings and eight pence Jersey currency.

It is uncertain whether there were formerly in Jersey any establishments that might be termed MANUFACTORIES; though several articles were made there, as they are still, in the houses of private persons.

The earliest account that we have of Jersey manufacture is that of a kind of body coat made of hemp or flax, which were then grown on the Island: these coats were sent to England in large quantities; the same account informs us that at that time the manufacture of knit stockings was so extensive, that 10,000 pair were weekly sent to France;* this seems to be an almost incredible quantity, notwithstanding that women and even children were constantly employed in knitting; and even making a large allowance for the circumstance, that it was unusual to see a woman in the country, whether in the house or walking, without plying the knitting needle, and even on horseback, while bringing the farm produce to market. The introduction of machinery in England, which has reduced the price of stockings, and other engagements employing the female population of the Island, has greatly diminished this, though it is still continued, but principally for the consumption of the inhabitants.

The increased demand for articles which were formerly brought from England, has led to the establishment of various manufactories; so that there are now Ropemakers, Brewers, Brickmakers, Tanners, Soapboilers, Candlemakers, Ironfounders, and Distillers; but their business is not of an extent to require particular notice. -See Appendix

* This statement was made by the writer alluded to in the text, before the time of Mr. Falle: it was adopted by him, and by every person who has since written on the Island, but it seems incorrectly, as such a large quantity would consume more wool than was allowed to be imported: 6000 pair would probably be a more correct estimate.-See new edition of Falle's History, by the Rev. E. Durell, note 114.

92

CHAPTER V.

66

Agriculture, Soil and Fertility, Produce, Climate, and Air.

AGRICULTURE is a subject on which much cannot now be said in praise of Jersey, whatever may be anticipated: if its credit depended on the good management of the farms, whether in the succession of crops, or mode of tillage, it would not rank so high as it does in other respects. It has been said in vindication of Jersey farming, that the method adopted is best suited to the place and the nature of the soil; this may be very well as an excuse, but nothing can palliate the unsightly appearance that many of the fields present, so luxuriantly covered with weeds, which as a person once jocosely observed, may be considered a Jersey crop." The true reason we apprehend is to be found in the system of economy that pervades all the operations of a Jerseyman, and the small number of agricultural labourers that are employed: it is the practice of the Jersey farmers to assist each other in their labours rather than hire, which it is very obvious is by no means favourable to good farming, as delay must frequently occur at a time when expedition may be very important. These remarks do not altogether apply to the large estates cultivated by the proprietors, nor is the censure universally directed to them or to their farms, for they are not governed by the circumstances which have been stated as productive of the evil.

A Jerseyman has not the becoming pride of an English farmer in the appearance of his horses and harness; these appear to him to be altogether a matter of perfect indifference; even those who rank higher in life, and whose practice in other respects is more like the English, pay but little regard to this: it is a subject of surprise, and perhaps it is to be lamented, as it leaves an impression on the mind of a visitor unfavourable to the Island.

However the existing state of things proves the correctness of the above remarks, there is good reason to suppose that a foundation has been laid for improvement. An "Agricultural and Horticultural Society" has been formed in the Island, which in 1837 published its Fourth Annual Report, in which her Majesty's name stands at the head as Patron: this report states that a great improvement has taken place since the formation of the Society." Stimulated by the example of their more energetic neighbours, the indolent have been roused from their lethargy, and induced to take an interest in the beauteous and ornamental, as well as the necessary and lucrative productions of nature"* this, at so early a period from the commencement of their operations, is favourable, and presents a fair prospect that the results will be equal to their expectations, and which the nature of the soil fully warrants.

That the Society is flourishing is seen by the circumstance that in the May show of 1836, 71 head of cattle were presented, 153 in 1837, and 244 in 1838, and the arrangement which is making to improve the breed of cows will secure a continuance of the high character which they have in England. It must not be left unnoticed that much of the benefit which is anticipated by the

* Report.

Society is to be ascribed to the exertions and example of Col. Le Couteur, the honorary secretary.

In the horticultural department likewise the Island is making rapid advances: some of the orchards and gardens of the peasantry begin to assume an appearance of neatness and good order, which formerly was no where thought of, and there cannot be a doubt that in this respect the Society will extend its beneficial influence over the whole Island, and it may, like the Isle of Wight, become another 'garden of England." The last monthly show especially was remarkable for its classification and its botanical accuracy: indeed many of the flowers, and garden productions generally, would have been objects of admiration, even in the exhibitions of the parent Society of London.'

Exertions are also making by the Society to restore another island produce, which formerly was made to a considerable extent, and which is still highly esteemed in London-Jersey honey. Prizes have been offered to the cottagers as an encouragement to keep bees. It may, however, require time to induce the Islanders to return to a practice which they may suppose to have been discontinued, because unprofitable: this, however, if entertained, is an erroneous opinion, for it is justly observed that there is " no branch of rural economy, which involves so little expense, and secures so large a profit."

From what has been observed as to the general character of Jersey farming, it will be understood that the rotation of crops is not much considered; that which yields the best immediate profit is the principal object: and there may be some reason in this, if the vraic, with which the land is dressed, imparts to it a larger portion of vivifying properties than is be found in either chalk or marl.

* Report.

+ Idem.