Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad": Volume 12, Slice 6Various
Science
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad": Volume 12, Slice 6
Various
Encyclopedias and dictionaries
The surface of the island rises gradually from north to south, and
reaches its greatest elevation at Haut Nez (349 ft.) above Point Icart
on the south coast. The coast scenery, which forms one of the principal
attractions to the numerous summer visitors to the island, is finest on
the south. This coast, between Jerbourg and Pleinmont Points,
respectively at the south-eastern and south-western corners of the
island, is bold, rocky and indented with many exquisite little bays. Of
these the most notable are Moulin Huet, Saint's, and Petit Bot, all in
the eastern half of the south coast. The cliffs, however, culminate in
the neighbourhood of Pleinmont. Picturesque caves occur at several
points, such as the Creux Mahie. On the west coast there is a succession
of larger bays--Rocquaine Perelle, Vazon, and Cobo. Off the first lies
Lihou Island, the Hanois and other islets, and all three bays are sown
with rocks. The coast, however, diminishes in height, until at the
north-eastern extremity of the island the land is so low across the Vale
or Braye du Val, from shore to shore, that the projection of L'Ancresse
is within a few feet of being isolated. The east coast, on which,
besides the town and harbour of St Peter Port, is that of St Sampson,
presents no physical feature of note. The interior of the island is
generally undulating, and gains in beauty from its rich vegetation.
Picturesque glens descend upon some of the southern bays (the two
converging upon Petit Bot are notable), and the high-banked paths,
arched with foliage, which follow the small rills down to Moulin Huet
Bay, are much admired under the name of water-lanes.
The soil is generally light sandy loam, overlying an angular gravel
which rests upon the weathered granite. This soil requires much manure,
and a large proportion of the total area (about three-fifths) is under
careful cultivation, producing a considerable amount of grain, but more
famous for market-gardening. Vegetables and potatoes are exported, with
much fruit, including grapes and flowers. Granite is quarried and
exported from St Sampson, and the fisheries form an important industry.
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