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Guernseyman would conduct a traveller to the Druidical
monuments: but I shall do no more than say,
that such exist; and that one of the most perfect
among them, was only discovered in the year 1812,
having been till that time, covered by heaps of sand.
Some antique vessels were found within it, and some
remains of human bones. There is also an obelisk of
Celtic origin; but without any inscription.
To one visiting Guernsey, I would offer the same
advice as I did when speaking of Jersey. Visit whatever
may be pointed o u t; but undertake at all events,
a pedestrian journey round the island. Descend into
the bays, double the headlands, and skirt the cliffs,
though it may be necessary to hold by the furze.
This is the way to see an island. Many fine scenes,
and singular spots escape one, if excursions be only
directed to particular points: and as there is not in
Guernsey, any particular spot, like La Hogue Bie, in
Jersey, from which the whole island is embraced, it is
necessary, in Guernsey, to make more exploratory
journeys in the interior.
But it is now time that I should say something of
the inhabitants of the island; and first, I shall speak
of the middle and lower classes,—the country people
generally.
It is scarcely to be supposed, that any very marked
distinction should exist between the characters of the
people of Guernsey, and of Jersey. Love of acquisition
distinguishes both; and perhaps, in nearly an
equal degree; though I confess I have not observed,
nor have been able to obtain such glaring proofs of
extreme parsimony in Guernsey, as in Jersey. It is
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certain however, that they are a thrifty, and a saving
people ; but it is equally certain, that among the more
substantial farmers, the manner of living has considerably
swerved of late years, from the old, and generally
prevailing style ; and that although “ soupe à la graisse,”
is not exploded, a meat diet is creeping in ; and
foreign luxuries, and modern usages, are more prevalent
among the country people, than in Jersey. That
such should be the case, will appear quite natural,
when I come to speak of the upper classes,-—among
whom, in comparison with Jersey, little or nothing of
the old island domestic economy prcArails ; and whose
tastes, and example, have had their effect, in the production
of new and improved habits throughout the
island.
In Guernsey, as in Jersey, the country people live
upon, and cultivate their own properties, which are,
upon the whole, even more limited than in Jersey.
Quail in his agricultural report says, that the largest
estate does not exceed 200 Guernsey vergées, 2 |g of
which, equal an English acre : and that fe w exceed
100 vergées. The farmer of 20 or 30 acres, is considered
a large farmer : but of course, the great majority
of properties are much inferior in extent.
There are three classes of the country people : the
substantial land-owner and farmer ; the small proprietor
; and the cottager. All the three classes have
however one object:—the accumulation of money;
and, generally speaking, all accomplish it. The first
class, like their equals in Jersey, mostly live upon that
part of the produce of their properties which is the
least marketable,—raising parsnips and beet root, for
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