28 OBSERVATIONS ON HÓLL'S LIST. 
established. Of T. Aybernum, L., or a closely allied species, I 
have also fresh specimens now lying before me, gathered in 
the immediate neighbourhood of Funchal. This species is, 
however, of far less ordinary occurrence than the former. Mr. 
Höll was misinformed in respect to the mode of gathering 
the wheat-crop here. Like most other crops, it is pulled 
up by the hand, universally, instead of being cut down or 
reaped by the sickle. 
** Saccharum officinarum, L.” An attempt was made about 
five years ago, by a Portuguese of somewhat more than ordi- 
nary enterprise, to renew the manufacture of sugur in this 
Island. The article produced was both cheap and of excellent 
quality, being well-flavoured, highly saccharine, and pure; 
resembling what was commonly sold in England a few years 
ago (as it may be still) for sweetening coffee, under the name 
of Sugar-candy. The cultivation of the plant was again 
rapidly spreading; for, to a certain extent, it may be grown 
here without materially interfering with the Vines; either 
under the high trellises on which these are suported in the 
neighbourhood of Funchal, or in spots less favourable for the 
production of the grape, or, lastly, in waste bits of ground 
around the cottages of the peasantry. Every thing, in short, 
was proceeding prosperously. Notwithstanding heavy draw- 
backs, in the way of imposts or taxes, whether on the raw 
material or sugar produced, the manufacturer was still able at 
once to derive a fair profit, and to sell cheap enough to com- 
mand a ready market. But political changes in 1828 caused 
the suspension or abandonment of the whole undertaking, and 
now the Cane is again fallen into neglect; the only object 
for growing it being the production of what is called by the 
Portuguese, who appear much to relish it, ‘ Mel,” (honey). 
This is merely the juice of the cane extracted in the ordinary 
way, by crushing and pressure, in a mill for the purpose, and 
then inspissated by boiling to the consistence of a thin syrup- 
This is commonly carried about the streets for sale in bottles. 
Pieces of sugar-cane are also a frequent Christmas-present 
among the Portuguese. 
