12 VISIT TO CURRAL. 



and sledg-es drawn by small bullocks supply their 

 place^ while the wine^ the chief article of export^ is 

 conveyed into the town in g'oat-skins carried on 

 the shoulder. 



Dec, 2Srd. — Few strang-ers remain long- in Madeira 

 without paying- a visit to the Curral^ and a larg-e 

 party of us left the ship for that purpose this 

 mornino*. At first the road led throuo'h a series of 

 narrow lanes frequently separated fi'om the fields 

 and vineyards on either side by hedg'es of roses^ 

 hone3^suckle^ jasmine and fuchsias ; now and then 

 passing- under successions of trellis work covered by 

 the vines when in full vigour^ and then forming- long' 

 shady vistas. For several miles we wound our way 

 along- the hill sides^ down deep ravines^ and up 

 steep rock}^ slopes. In spite of the rug-gedness of 

 the path^ our horses progressed with wonderful 

 alacrity^ although occasionally impeded b}^ the 

 additional weight of the attendant burroqueros 

 holding on by the tail; and laughing- at our eiforts 

 to dislodo-e them. On reaching- the shoulder of one 

 of the hills; we found the ravines and valleys below 

 us filled Avith dense mist. Here^ at an elevation of 

 2500 feet; a species of spruce-like pine appeared to 

 thrive well. The path; which at times is not more 

 than three feet wide^ now winds along the sides of 

 the mountain with many sharp turnings j heading- 

 numerous ravineS; the frightful nature of which 

 was partially concealed by the obscurity of the 

 mist. 



