PROVISIONS.

This subject, though placed by itself, is more immediately connected with the town of St. Helier, than with any other part of Jersey; for the reasons already assigned, respecting the country inhabitants.

As the island, during a war with France, must necessarily draw many articles, that come under the head of provisions, from England, it follows, as a matter of course, that most of them must also bear an advanced price. The drawback on foreign commodities affords some relief, so far as these productions are concerned; yet even that deduction does not always compensate, for the expenses of commission, freight, insurance, and other disbursements; besides the disadvantage, incident to every trader who cannot make his own purchases, but who is obliged to depend, in some measure, on the integrity of persons, distantly situated.

The produce of the island itself is naturally influenced by the value attached to imported articles of a similar kind; and, in fact, one description of food affects every other. The mess tables, and the nu

merous entertainments, have likewise contributed: they must be supplied, coute qui coute, and the venders have not failed to take advantage of it.

From a variety of causes, of which increasing luxury has had no small share, articles of the first necessity have risen, within the course of a very few years, and long since the war commenced, to more than double their former prices: in several instances, the augmentation has been much greater. The effects of this advance, as we have already shown, have not been confined to provisions: they have extended to estates, the rents of farms, and of houses, and to every other species of islandic property.

The higher classes complain of the increasing influence acquired by the lower orders. Are they not themselves, in some degree, contributing to this influence, by yielding implicitly to the demands made by those who supply the markets? Would not a little restraint on their own gratifications, and a resolute perseverance in refusing to purchase, at immoderate prices, enforce a reduction in these prices? Would not every annuitant in the island be rendered more comfortable? Would not the blessings of the poor ascend up to heaven in their favour? Might it not enable the rich to say with Job, "The blessing of

him that was ready to perish came upon me, and I caused the widows heart to sing with joy." ?*

As a proof of the height to which the prices of provisions has attained, it is only necessary to state one striking fact: this is, that the fishermen from Torbay, find it profitable to bring hither their cargoes, caught on their own shore, though frequently

From the low rate at which the inhabitants are assessed for the poor, and from the comparatively few that are in the hospital, it may, perhaps, be conjectured, by persons little acquainted with the island, that the indigent class is not very numerous. Facts, however, prove that this is far from being the case. On the contrary, their number is considerable. From the manner of dividing property, the income of many must be extremely limited: different incidents have reduced others to poverty: yet notwithstanding the inconveniences of straitened circumstances, there exists in Jersey a certain pride, which, within due bounds, is an honourable sentiment, and which is more generally, operative in small societies than in large communities. In this island, where the link of affinity is so extended, that passion has great influence. A Jerseyman, thus inspired, would feel an applica tion for public relief to be disgracing his family. This idea enables him to struggle against difficulties, or to bear distress in secret. Many families cherish this principle in their poorer relations, and privately assist them some, indeed, do not in this case, the unhappy sufferers must submit to the double misfortune of want, and neglect: but though this species of pride may be considered as an honourable incentive to exertion, it may, also, be carried too far. If it produce sullenness, and discontent, it changes its nature, and becomes censurable, even in a moral sense.

Poverty, when accompanied with the mens conscia recti, is no crime, but a merciful, though severe, trial from the Almighty. If, therefore, private beneficence fail, the impoverished sufferer should not disdain that assistance which is provided at the public expense.

in a state approaching to putrescency when they ar rive; and that, in this state, the fish will sell for more in Jersey, than it would produce, in that part of Eng land from whence it is brought, if disposed of there in a marketable and wholesome condition. This is the more mortifying, as it is well known, that the sea round the islands is crowded with an infinite variety of fish, several of which are of the first quality, and easily caught. Jerseymen pursue the harvests of their favourite vraic, in all weathers, though hardly a season passes without some of them experiencing fatal accidents: yet they will not encounter the same degree of inclemency, in procuring fish, notwithstanding its advanced value.

Mr. Falle lamented, long since, that fishing was not practised with greater assiduity: he would now have more reason to complain. The plain fact is, that most of the country inhabitants, and among them the fishermen, if any can be entitled to the appellation, are the farmers of their own small inheritances. This necessarily occupies some portion of their time; and being, generally, in easy circumstances, they will not follow fishing as a livelihood.

The beef, veal, lamb, and pork, of the island, are excellent, when properly fattened, which, owing to the increased demand, in consequence of additional

town inhabitants, is not always the case. Mutton, though tempting to the eye, is generally tough, and divested of moisture.

During the spring and summer months, the butter is very fine. The country people have a custom of potting it, for their own winter consumption, and for sale; but, from an improper process, it has a rank taste, especially when melted for sauce.

Whenever an uninterrupted trade with France takes place, it may be truly said, that peace is coupled with plenty.

The inhabitants of Normandy, less affluent, or more industrious, than their insular neighbours, then crowd to Jersey, and pour in so large a supply of various articles of food, that provisions become much lower than in any part of England. These imports, as in the former case, regulate the island produce, in respect of price, and in their consequences influence the value of estates, rents, &c.

The observations under this head, were written before the sword of war had been returned into its scab. bard. They will show the state of Jersey, in respect of provisions, at that time. The restoration of peace has already begun to be felt: boats, laden with every edible article, that the opposite provinces can supply, arrive daily. The streets are filled with those