island in the English channel, on the coast of Normandy, subject to Britain; but (as well as the adjacent islands) governed by its own laws. See Jersey. It extends from east to west in the form of a harp, and is thirteen miles and a half from the south-west to north-east, and twelve and a half, where broadest, from east to west. The air is very healthy, and the soil naturally more rich and fertile than that of Jersey; but the inhabitants neglect the cultivation of the land for the sake of commerce: they are, however, sufficiently supplied with corn and cattle, both for their own use and that of their ships. The island is well fortified by nature with a ridge of rocks, one of which abounds with emery, used by lapidaries in the polishing of stones, and by various other artificers. Here is a better harbour than any in Jersey, which occasions its being more resorted to by merchants; and on the south-side the shore bends in the form of a crescent, enclosing a bay capable of receiving very large ships. The island is full of gardens and orchards; whence cider is so plentiful, that the common people use it instead of small beer, but the more wealthy drink French wine.