

'^-Hi. 



^'jr -c^ ~'^r. 



llair^ira:* 



ss ' From the 8th to the 17th 

 OF June, 1857- 





First Impressions. — Difficulty in Landing. — De- 

 scription of the Island. — History. — Unfavoiu-ablc 

 political cLrcitmstauces connected -with the cultiva- 

 tion of the gi-oiind. — Aqueducts. — First Planting of 

 } the Sugar-cane. — Cultm-e of the Vine. — Its Disease and 

 j)ecay. — Cocliineal as a compensation for its loss. — Pros- 

 ^ pects of Success. — Climate. — A favourable Winter Resi- 

 dence for the Consumptive. — Strangers. — Fii'st Appearance 

 of the Cholera. — Observations wdth the Ozonometer. — Great 

 Distress among the Lower Classes. — Liberal Assistance from 

 England. — Decline of Commerce. — Inhabitants and then- Mode of 

 Life. — Decrease of the Population, and its Causes. — Benevolent 

 Institutions. — PubUc Libraries. — The Cathedral. — Barracks. — 

 Prison. — Environs of Funchal. — Excursion to St. Anna. — Ascent of 

 the Pico Ruivo. — Singular Sledge Party. — Retiirn to Funchal. — De- 

 parture. 



Delightful and striking is the first impression of Funchal, 

 its luxuriant gardens smiling with gorgeous flowers, and its 

 mountain sides cultivated almost to their summits ; and although 



