28 EXCURSIONS IN MADEIRA 



may not answer the same purpose^. Here the fragments of basalt 

 left by the torrent, which could sweep them no further, were of 

 an enormous size. The rocks on each side are of basalt, fre- 

 quently columnar, covered with a decomposing red earth, and from 

 three to 500 feet high. The numerous horizontal projections of 

 these rocks contained small natural basins, or reservoirs of water, 

 looking like the baths of the wood nymphs, and there were traces 

 of watei'falls in all directions. The large vinhaticos, with their 

 dark shining leaves, were frequent near the bed of the torrent, and 

 presented immense trunks in a state of decay ; whilst the til grew 

 out of the rocks on each side, its tint varying with age, from a 

 lively, to a deep green, and mingled with long grass. The ravine 

 winds beautifully, and every turn seemed to promise us a sight of 

 the fall, reconciUng us to the successive disappointments, by some 

 additional charm or variety in the scenery : we heard the noise of 

 the water about half a mile oiF. A beautiful feathery lichen waved 

 on the fragments of basalt, which had acquired a silky polish from 

 the water occasionally flowing over them ; and an abundance of 

 the mentha gratissima deHghted the eye with its pretty flower, and 

 shed its rich fragrance most profusely. The entire depth of the fall 

 seemed to be about 300 feet, but there is a break after the first 100 

 feet ; the sheets of water are received in a deep natural reservoir, 

 (2° cooler than the temperature of the shade, which was 54°,) and 

 scattered a shower of glistening particles during their fall, gra- 

 dually dispersing in a silvery mist, which seemed to shed a per- 

 petual spring over the vegetation around. We sat to contemplate 

 its beauty on gigantic masses of basalt, which attested the ravages 

 of the torrent, and struck us with awe, as we raised our eyes to the 

 heights from which they had fallen. Few winters pass without 

 some of the unfortunate peasants being crushed or precipitated, as 

 they fearlessly and gaily carry their burdens of fire-wood along 



^ The making of capillaire. 



