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arcades of branches, beneath which, in Jersey, he may
drive for miles, and walk for a long summer’s day;
he will miss the wooded bays and coves; the shady
hollows, and the deep winding valleys, with their
wood clothed slopes, and their fine brimful rivulets.
For the absence of these indeed, there are some
indemnifications; the views are more open ; there is a
freer circulation of air; and a greater number of
handsome country seats. I t must not be supposed
however, from what I have said, that Guernsey is
destitute of timber ; and without natural beauty.
When I say, that the scenery and aspect of Guernsey,
are English, I pay the island no indifferent compliment.
In most parts of the island, there is a fair
sprinkling of wood, — in some parts abundance.
Wherever we find a gentleman’s seat, the absence of
shade can never be complained of; and the comparative
scarcity of wood in Guernsey, produces more
variety of scenery; for the grass and corn fields of
Jersey, are often hidden by the wood which intervenes.
One reason why Guernsey has a more naked aspect
than the sister island is, that the inclosures and embankments,
which in Jersey are planted with trees,
are formed in Guernsey of furze. There is at least,
great gaiety in this substitute. Its yellow blossoms
form an agreeable variety in colour; and relieve the
monotony of those more sterile parts of the island,
where the furze is not confined to the inclosures, and
fences, but is raised as a product, for the purposes of
fuel. There is indeed, a considerable portion of
waste land in Guernsey; and one part of the island
presents a totally different aspect from the other : for,
while the east, south, and central parts of the island,
present all the characteristics of fruitfulness and industry,
large tracts in the north and western parts, are
but imperfectly reclaimed ; and present a very uninviting
and sterile appearance. A considerable portion
of the island is indeed but recently reclaimed from
the sea, which had at an early period overflowed it ;
and tbe part of the island which lay beyond, and
higher than the submerged portion, was only accessible
by a narrow stone causeway, until the year 1808,
when by the erection of an embankment, the tide was
excluded, and the land reclaimed. It is now enclosed
and cultivated ; but is, as may be supposed, destitute
of wood; and little attractive in appearance.
Guernsey has its pretty bays as well as Jersey;
though they are in general, less land locked, and less
wooded. Fermain bay, Petit-Bo, and Moulin-Huet,
are all three worth a visit; but these will certainly
not compare with Grève de Lecq, Rozel, or St. Brelade’s
bays, in Jersey.
In driving through Guernsey, one cannot fail to be
pleased with the comfortable appearance of the farm
houses, and even cottages. I have not seen in
Guernsey, such large establishments as in Jersey, or
so extensive buildings: but neither have I seen any
cottages so poor. There is I think, an air of greater
neatness and comfort, about the farm house in Guernsey,
than in Jersey : in fact, the people of all ranks
are more English.
There are not many objects in Guernsey, excepting
in St. Peter’s Port, worthy of any special notice. A
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