Guernsey

Guernsey, the second in size of the Channel Islands (q.v.). It is about 30 miles in circumference, and 28 sq. m. in area. Pop. (1861) 29,805; (1881) 32,638; (1891) 35,287—with Herm and Jethou. The lowest part is to the north (L'Ancresse), the highest to the south (Haut Nez) being 349 feet above sea-level. St Peter Port, the only town, has a good harbour, open at all tides; there is a large public school, founded 1563, and named after Queen Elizabeth; a fine church, dating from the 13th century, which has been well restored; a library with museum and lecture-rooms due to the beneficence of Messrs Guille and Allès; and another at Candie House, founded by the late O. de B. Prialx. There is also a good public market, a ladies' college, poor-house, and lunatic asylum. Guernsey consists entirely of primitive rock covered with gravel and a surface of sandy loam. The climate is equable and favourable to the growth of fruit, flowers, and vegetables. Two-thirds of the island are under cultivation, and great quantities of fruit and vegetables are exported to England, as is also a hard gray granite much used in building. It is 127 miles from Land's End, 109 from Falmouth, 113 from Southampton, 69 from Start Point. Steamers to England daily, Sundays excepted. Taxation is light; the annual revenue of the bailiwick—which includes Alderney and Sark — is £30,000, derived from harbour-dues, excise, market-dues, and sundry other sources. The island is divided into ten parishes, each administered by a douzaine of twelve ratepayers. There is a separate lieutenant-governor for Guernsey appointed by the crown, and the constitution is similar to that of Jersey (q.v.), but more oligarchic. It is said that there are no moles or reptiles in the island.