Zones of Vegetation — the Heathy Region. 105 



These cultivated lands rise to a height of 2000 feet, and in many 

 places even to 3000. Wherever on the steep declivities there is 

 the smallest shelf to be found, even if only a square yard in size, 

 it is turned to account. Next to this region, in ascending, is 

 that of the brush and laurel woods. Vaccinias (blackberries), 

 and different kinds of heath, often attaining a growth of five or 

 six feet, occupy the whole of the ground, and in the month of 

 June, when the broom is in full flower, a bright golden-coloured 

 belt girts Madeira, at a height of from 3000 to 4000 feet. 

 We beheld this golden girdle in its richest splendour, set 

 off by the dark masses of evergreens in the clefts. Higher up is 

 the true region of the Erica arborea^ which, with its light-green 

 and paille tint, contrasted with the deeper colour of the laurel, 

 represents the underwood of our secondary mountain ranges. 

 The Erica arhorea attains here the height of a large tree, 

 and, on some spots, 30 to 40 feet of its gnarled stems stretch 

 along the ground. Thus it may be traced, in company with 

 other heaths, to the summit of the Pico Ruivo. 



After having made some physical observations, and enjoyed 

 a most delightful prospect, we re-packed our instruments, 

 filled our boxes and pouches with plants and geological speci- 

 mens, and prepared for our departure. The guides, despite 

 their heavy burdens, marched steadily on, humming in plaintive 

 cadence their native songs. We soon reached our horses, and, 

 penetrating through layers of clouds, rapidly descended the 

 steep mountain sides to St. Anna. 



A walk on the same evening towards Porto Santo Jorge was 



