exportation. Between the publication of the first and
the present edition of this work, I had an opportunity
of observing the use of sea-weed, as a manure in the
western parts of Ireland; and, it is worth mentioning,
that there potatos are constantly manured with fresh
sea-weed, which is universally considered to he the
best of manures for this root. I need not say, that
potatos, in Ireland, are generally of an excellent quality
; but the different effects of the manure may probably
be owing to the different soils of Jersey, and of
the bog land of Connaught. The produce from
potato land, in Jersey, is enormous. As many as sixteen
cabots per perch, have been known to he
obtained. This is no less than 62,030 lbs. avoirdupois
per acre—a return very little inferior to that raised
by Mr. Knight of Downton castle. Experiments
are now in progress, in the island, to obtain varieties
by seed.
No crop is more valued in Jersey, than lucerne ;
and since the introduction and increased cultivation of
this grass, the beauty of the island has been greatly
increased. Along many parts of the sea coast, on the
sand hills, where formerly the eye did not rest upon a
blade of verdure, many acres of lucerne have been
laid down; and now, even in the driest seasons,—
owing to the peculiar property in this plant, of sending
down its roots to a surprising depth,—a constant
verdure is preserved, when all other grasses are
withered and burnt up. No Jersey farmer is now
without a bit of lucerne; and the dry seasons which
have of late prevailed, have had the effect of extending
its cultivation, by bringing its properties more to
light. To mow four crops of lucerne is nothing unusual
in Jersey.
I have mentioned the system adopted in Jersey, of
joint-stock labour and stock. This practice, once universal,
still generally obtains among the middle classes
of farmers ; but the more wealthy, are gradually becoming
independent of this system, and are possessed
of ploughs, harrows, and cattle of their own. The
“grande querue" of which I have already spoken, is
the only agricultural implement that is never possessed
by an individual.
The great export of Jersey being cider, orchard
land necessarily occupies a very large portion of the
island. Quail states, that one fourth of the arable
land is occupied by applu trees ; and of late, the export
of apples and of cider has been steadily on the
increase. The apples the highest in estimation in
Jersey, are the romeril, the noirtoit, and the gros-
amer. The crop is of course extremely varied in
quantity ; one tree sometimes produces a hogshead of
cider; and the general average may be stated to be
from eight to twelve hogsheads per vergée of land.
Sometime ago, a company was established in St. Helier,
for the manufacture of cider; but the speculation
has now been abandoned. It may easily be inferred,
from the great quantity ot orchard land, that apples
are considered to be among the most productive crops.
Apples are, indeed, considered entitled to the first
place ; and then follow potatos, lucerne, and wheat.
I have already, in speaking of the inhabitants, and
their customs, introduced some notice of the vraic, or
sea-weed, as the principal island manure. So impor