274 CHANNEL i s l a n d s :
and the almost total absence of trees or plantations of
any kind, give to the island, a bare and deserted
aspect. Still, under a bright sun, there is beauty any
where; and the spangled grass, and furze hedges,
covered with their bright and fragrant blossoms; and
the song of innumerable larks; and the pretty cows
tethered among their clover, were sufficient for any
traveller, unless for the churl who can walk from Dan
to Beersheba, and say, “ it is all barren.” I cannot
understand however, why Alderney is so barren of
wood,—unless it be, that the properties are too small
to permit any systematic planting. I t cannot arise
from the difficulty of getting wood to grow; for the
elevation of the table land of Serk is greatly higher
than that of Alderney; and trees grow upon it abundantly
and luxuriantly.
In the course of my ride, I visited the remains of
an edifice, which in Alderney is called Essex Castle,
because they say it was built by the noble and unfortunate
earl of that name,—a tradition, which I believe
has little or nothing to support it. I also caught
glimpses of rock scenery in several quarters. It is
striking, and worth a nearer visit; but as the rock
scenery of Serk is greatly superior, and as in the
account of Serk which follows this, I speak of it at
some length, I refrain from enlarging upon the rock
scenery of Alderney.
I have mentioned the uncultivated part of Alderney.
This was formerly a common, which extended over
nearly one half of the island; and was used for pasture,
as well as for the cutting of turf for fuel. This
common has lately been enclosed and partitioned
among the whole inhabitants. About one-third of it
is already in a state of cultivation ; and it is believed,
that another third is capable of being cultivated.
There cannot be a doubt, but that this measure will
be productive of benefit to Alderney: and it is certain,
that since its adoption, the population has considerably
increased. Government has reserved to
itself, parts of the common; particularly, one elevated
mound of considerable extent, at the north-west point
of the island, with the view of constructing a fortification
upon it. I believe this mound commands the
point where there has been talk of constructing a
naval station.
The agriculture of Alderney, I should say is quite
upon a level with that of Jersey and Guernsey; and
the crops of all kinds are excellent. I understood
that no crops of lucerne can be finer than those raised
in Alderney, and that too, upon the poorest sandy
soil; upon which also, potatos are largely cultivated;
and the people of Alderney assert, that tlieir potatos
bring a higher price in the English market, than those
of either Jersey or Guernsey, owing to their superior
quality. The wheat grown in Alderne)^, is not sufficient
for its consumption: though it is probable, that
the cultivation of the common, may lead to a different
result. Parsnips and barley are both cultivated,—
though not to any great extent; and oats are scarcely
cultivated at all. There is a good deal of spade husbandry
in Alderney ; and the land, which is for the
most part of a light sandy soil, is very frequently
manured, chiefly with fresh sea-weed,—wliich however,
is sometimes mixed with earth and stable dung.
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