I J
" 8 CHANNEL ISLANDS.'
an Eng'lisli party in Jersey, almost every one is Captain,
or Major; and some few. Colonel.
But, although there be a very general, and familiar
intercourse amongst the residents, they have naturally
formed themselves into circles; those composing the
circles, differing only, in their pecuniary means.
Some only give and take dinners; others go to, and
receive, evening parties; and others again, whose inclination
or means will not permit either of these
modes of social intercourse, form a still quieter circle,
and adopt a still less expensive mode of enjoying
each other’s society. Every one, therefore, finds a
circle suited to his circumstances. It must be admitted,
that, unless to those who are fond of cards,—
the universal amusement,—the round of visiting is
somewhat monotonous. One always sees the same
faces; and, in a spot so circumscribed as Jersejq conversation
cannot have great novelty.
The favourite summer amusement, is the pic-nic;
and for the enjoyment of this, Jersey is well calculated:
it has so many secluded bays, and pleasant
nooks: and scarcely a summer day passes, without
several pic-nic parties to different parts of the island.
But in speaking of the resident English population
of Jersey, it is natural to inquire what are the attractions
which Jersey presents; and what are the advantages
over England, which it possesses ? for when we
see it so extensively colonized, we may conclude, that
it possesses some that are exclusive. The foremost
of these is, unquestionably, the greater cheapness of
living.
The beef and mutton, with which the Jersey mar-
79 JERSEY.
ket is supplied,’ is almost wholly French; and although^
it is not, in general, to be compared with the hes
beef and mutton in the English markets, neither ,s it
to be complained of. I have seen, about Christmas
time, beef, that would not have disgraced any market.
Veal and lamb, but especially veal, are to be found,
occasionally, quite equal to the same articles in the
English markets. The supply, however, of the best
meat, is always (excepting about Christmas) moderate.
The average price of all kinds of butchers
meat, may be stated at 6d. per lb. of 17i oz. Ih e
best cuts of veal, may, perhaps, average a half-penny
more. Pork is excellent; and in the best season,
decidedly superior to any I have tasted in England.
There Is an immense consumption of it during t le
winter months, in Jersey, and it is generally sold at
about ad. per lb.
The poultry market is pretty well supplied, especially
with geese. Fowls are sold at about 2s. 6d. a
couple; a well-sized Turkey may he bought for from
3s-. to 5s.; a good goose for 2s. 6d., and ducks at
about Is. 6d. a pair. So far, it will be observed, Jersey
has very little the advantage over very many ot
the English provincial towns; and but a moderate
advantage over the metropolis.
Let us now come to wliat is usually called country
farm produce.
Jersey butter has the reputation of being excellent.
This character, however, is not without exceptions;
and I do not, for my own part, look upon it as at all
superior to that produced from the best English
dairies. In the price of butter, Jersey has a decided
ft