364 Dr James Macaulay on the Physical Geography, 



is one kind of east wind denominated L'Este, similar to 

 the Harmattan of the African continent. It is a warm, dry 

 wind ; and, from the rapidity with which it increases evapora- 

 tion, it is apt to cause great oppression to some constitutions, 

 and in all to give rise to a parched and uncomfortable sensa- 

 tion of the surface of the body. Sometimes it blows for a con- 

 siderable period, and with violence ; and on these occasions, 

 birds and showers of locusts are often borne with it from the 

 continent of Africa. Twice during last winter, I procured spe- 

 cimens in this way. During the continuance of the L'Este, 

 the hills present a peculiarly clear and cloudless aspect, from its 

 rapidly dissolving all moisture in the atmosphere. During win- 

 ter and spring, the upper parts of the island are generally 

 colder than the atmosphere that is continually moving south- 

 ward over, it, much of the vapour of which is, therefore, preci- 

 pated, so that clouds and mist frequently envelope the tops of 

 the mountains. In summer, however, the island always pos- 

 sesses temperature sufficient to suspend all the aqueous vapour 

 borne over it by the winds of the sea ; and weeks and months 

 of sunny sky and cloudless weather, therefore, follow in unin- 

 terrupted succession. 



The nights in Madeira are of surpassing beauty. The moon 

 displays a radiance, to the brilliancy of which any approach is 

 seldom made in this country. Venus, too, shines with beauti- 

 ful refulgence, casting a shadow from objects. The lunar rain- 

 bow, a meteor never or rarely seen in our country, is said to 

 be there of frequent occurrence, which indicates a remarkable 

 clearness of the atmosphere. Twice during last winter, I observed 

 the appearance. On one of the nights, in the month of March, 

 it was visible, on mist or clouds, on the mountains for two or 

 three hours, in distinct and beautiful display, while the full 

 moon was not far above the horizon. The brilliancy of the 

 heavens, the serenity of the air, the genial mildness of the at- 

 mosphere, render the nights, especially " when the moon with 

 more pleasing light, shadowy sets off the face of things,'' more 

 inviting even than the day to be abroad in. The absence of 

 chillness and damp here, permits one with safety to enjoy this, 

 " the pleasant time, the cool," but not " the silent ;" for many 

 of the natives, indolent during the day, then delight in their 



