VOYAGE TO THE NIGER. 23 
were illuminated, and in fact, it appeared to me, that it was 
solely the case with those actually in contact with it. If so, the 
phosphorescence would seem, here at least, to be the result 
of mere mechanical friction. It did not appear to be much 
influenced by the moisture or dryness of the atmosphere, for 
being very strong on Saturday evening, when the psychro- 
meter showed a difference of 1.1? (56.1? against 557)... No 
animals or plants were picked up. At a distance I descried 
some dolphins, others saw Alge and Nautili; and some tired 
swallows settled on the ship. 
Friday, May 21.—We reached Madeira in the morning. 
The Flora of this island has become of late better known, 
through Mr. Lowe, who has described many new species. I 
intended to devote the few days of our stay to the study of 
the indigenous plants; but the uncertainty of our departure 
did not allow of distant excursions, and obliged me to limit 
myself to the vicinity of Funchal I took immediately a 
walk along the south-eastern coast, with Mr. Lowe, who 
kindly pointed out the habitat of many indigenous species, 
amongst which were chiefly Mathiola Maderensis, Sideroxylon 
Marmulana, ete. On Saturday, 22nd, I was early on horse- 
back, towards the Ribeira Frio; where, according to Mr. 
Lowe, the choicest native plants are to be found. The road 
crossed Mount Church; whose barren precipices are at first 
` covered with Spartium scoparium, higher up with shrubs of 
Laurus and Erica, and then especially with the magnificent 
Vaccinium Maderense.. On the summit it was dreadfully 
cold, with fog, sometimes like rain. The valley was filled 
with mist, clearing occasionally, just enough to see the 
Laurus trees that hung down from the surrounding steeps. 
This Lawrus, several interesting Ferns, and a few other plants, 
were; owing to the bad weather, the unexpectedly small produce 
of this trip. On the succeeding Sunday, I chiefly visited the 
gardens about the town. The singularly favourable situation 
of Funchal, enjoying in consequence of the protection af- 
` forded by the surrounding mountains against cold winds, an 
invariably moderate temperature, has been frequently dwelt 
