In Guernsey the "deliberative states" consist nearly of the same body, but there are also the " elective states," a more popular assembly, amounting to 222 persons—the great majority being 200 douzaniers, elected by the rate-payers of the various parishes. The donzaniers (originally 12 from each parish) are the managers of all parish matters, and elected for life. The bailiff presides. The lieutenant-governor has no veto, and onion minces passed take effect without the royal approbation. The proceedings of the states relate to the internal administration of the islands.
Alderney and Sark, though possessing courts of their own. and jurisdiction in petty offenses, are, with the smaller adjacent islands, under the bailiwick of Guernsey.
The laws of the islands are very peculiar, being mainly derived from the ancient customary law of Normandy. The laws relating to property are singular: arrest takes place in Jersey without proof or affidavit. Until recently the queen's writ had no power in the islands, and the act of habeas corpus has only lately been admitted. Encroachments on property are sometimes met by a curious appeal called Ile ! d l'alde. iron Prince! repeated thrice. It is considered to be the remains of an old appeal
to Rollo, and is still a valid forum of injunction.
Ecclesiastical is a dean in each island. The livings are in the gift of the crown, and of small value. The principal educational establishments are Victoria col. lege in Jersey, and Elizabeth college in Guernsey. In both a first-class education is given on very moderate terms, by an excellent staff of teachers, and they have various exhibitions at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
There is regular steam communication between England and the Channel islands, also between Jersey and the French ports of Granville and St. Male; and in summer there is generally an excursion-boat once a week to Sark and Henn.
The islands are protected by numerous forts, especially about the harbor of refuge in Books of principal historical authorities are the rev. P. Falle's History of Jersey; Mr: Duncan's and Mr. F. B. Tupper's histories of Guernsey; and Mr. Daily for the agriculture of the islands. A more recent and a very comprehensive work is The Channel islands, by D. T. Anted, F.M.S., and R. C. Latham, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., etc. (Loud. 1862).