CORNWALL sheltered by thick hedges ; this is the only defence the flowers need. There is not much glass in Scilly — the islands have not the appear- ance that strikes one at Guernsey, of being one vast conservatory. But, of course, the tying and packing must be done within doors ; and the masses of blossom are so powerfully fragrant that persons have been known to faint in the packing-rooms. There is now some competi- tion on the mainland — fields around Penzance and Falmouth can do almost as well as the Scillies ; and the Channel Islands are also supplying the markets with flowers as well as tomatoes. But with discretion and a little more encouragement from the railway companies the flower-raisers of Scilly ought to be able to hold their own. St. Mary's is the port and capital of the islands. It is 9 miles in circumference — the largest as well as the most populous. The quay is at Hugh Town, a comfortable though not imposing little metropolis, with the necessary business-houses and shops to supply all needs. The Public Hall is also Government Hall, where the Council of the isles meets. The new church dates from 1835, but there is another at Old Town, partly restored in 1891, with a church- yard containing many memorials of shipwreck. Traces of wreck are, indeed, apparent every- where on these isles. On Garrison Hill is the Elizabethan Star Fort, with its massive belled gateway. Among the local curiosities should be noticed the cliff-fort known as " Giant's 276
