Sticks & Stones - Antlers & Bones

Sticks & Stones - Antlers & Bones

Jersey farm implements, machines and tractors : 4000 BC to 1960 AD

It is no exaggeration to say that in Jersey the local community has essentially grown out of the rich soil of the Island. Agriculture has probably been the most significant industry in the Island for over 6,000 years, moving from simple subsistence farming to the more specialised growth of cash crops. In the 18th century cider and cider apples were exported, and for the last 100 years or more the Jersey Royal potato has reigned supreme. The last two centuries have also witnessed the development and worldwide spread of the renowned Jersey cow.

No one can farm without tools and, in this new 350-page study, following on from years of research, Mervyn Billot describes how these developed from simple handcrafted implements to sophisticated modern machinery. As the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, points out in his foreword: \"The result is an informative and comprehensive analysis of the development of agricultural tools and machinery over the millennia skilfully interwoven with vignettes of social history.\"

From a farming family, Mervyn Billot was an agricultural engineer for 40 years, both on the mainland and here in Jersey. As a result, his descriptions of the implements, machines and tractors are written by one who clearly understands how they work. This book will become a must for everyone with an interest not only in agricultural machines, but also in the agricultural history of the Island.