116 



CANARY ISLANDS 



Stone-like masses, in the manner as shipped to us. It is 

 not fifty years since this plant was first introduced into 

 these islands fi-om Spain, and its cultivation is an increas- 

 ing source of wealth. 



The following table exhibits the amount of the principal 

 productions of these islands in an abundant year : — 



Total. 



3,720 

 51,120 

 19,140 

 92,980 



5,060 

 10,150 

 50,000 

 46,000 

 125 



220 



60,860 



5,200 



120,500 



550 



1,600 



15,01)0 



33,000 



390 



46,256 pipes. 

 285,451 fanegas. 

 196,379 " 

 331,410 " 

 26,718 " 

 50,340 " 

 758,000 " 

 114,000 quintals. 

 1,498 " 



The sledges used on these islands for the conveyance of 

 casks of wine and other goods, are of the rudest construc- 

 tion that can be imagined. They consist of only two rough 

 pieces of wood, terminating at a point at the forward end, 

 and spreading out at the hind end at the distance of about 

 two and a half feet. These are kept in their position 

 by two cross pieces nailed on the top. One end of a 

 pole, is fastened to the forward end of the sledge by 

 thongs of leather, while the other end is attached to the 

 heavy yoke that crosses the neck of the oxen directly be- 

 hind their horns, to which the yoke is confined by other 

 thongs that rest on a mat or cushion placed on their fore- 

 heads. The provincial name for the sledge is la corsa, 

 and the Spanish name of the yoke, la yunta. 



Manufactures, in a country where the people are satis- 

 fied with the simplest accommodation, cannot be ex- 

 pected to attain any high importance. The distaff and 

 spindle are universally used by the spinsters of all these 

 islands. Not a female in the province will allow ma- 

 chinery in the shape of a spinning-wheel to supersede 

 their most simple and ancient implements. The females 



