6 C A N A R Y I S L A N D S . 



shrubs, which embellish the way ; and at last, we reach 

 the more elevated tracts destined to perpetual sterility, the 

 borders of which, are not destitute of interest, nor of 

 beauty. As we approach the confines of these wastes, 

 numerous oases of arborescent heaths spring up in wild 

 and spontaneous profusion, and assume a truly pleasing 

 and smiling aspect. 



Nor is the animal world destitute of interest here. Not- 

 with.-tanding the detached situation, and the narrow limits 

 of these islands, they formerly contained large bands of 

 wild beasts, most of the species of which, have either been 

 extirpated or reclaimed ; but they were not of such vast 

 numbers, nor of that savage character as those which per- 

 vade almost every tract of the adjacent continent. They 

 were for the most part creatures innocent, gentle, and 

 beautiful. Large packs of wild dogs of a ferocious char- 

 acter appear to have been found here ; but it is not allowed 

 that they constituted the true species in a state of nature, 

 but that they descended from dogs once domesticated, 

 which have relapsed into a state resembling that of primi- 

 tive wildness. 



Although the limited range, the arid aspect, and the 

 fiery summits which these islands present, would cause one 

 to suppose that they are unfavorable to the existence and 

 propagation of the feathered tribes, yet many a cliff, many 

 a tree, and many a verdant spot, afford appropriate recesses 

 for this fairy race. To these islands we are indebted for 

 some of our sweetest songsters. 



In descending into the briny regions, we find them peo- 

 pled, also, with immense tribes of the finny race, which 

 furnish an abundant supply of food. And all about the 

 shores are found myriads of crustacese, madrepores, shells, 

 and other products that ornament the deep. But happily, 

 the reptiles of these islands are very limited in their spe- 

 cies, and none of them are of a poisonous nature, and 

 consequently are regarded as harmless. 



Nor is the insect race here less numerous or less pleas- 

 ing than the vegetat)le world ; yet some of them are pos- 

 sessed with many singular and even formidable character- 

 istics. Sometimes legions of locusts migrate from the con- 

 tinent to these islands, where their havoc is almost incredi- 



