142 FLOWERS AND GARDENS OF MADEIRA 



more than heavy clouds hanging over the densely 

 wooded mountains on the north of the island a 

 state of things very commonly seen to this day 

 when approaching the island from the north. 

 Like the unfortunate couple Machim and Anna, 

 he was filled with joy and delight when he saw 

 the grand mass of mountains rising abruptly from 

 the sea. The party soon found themselves sailing 

 along a glorious coast, with grand cliffs, cut by 

 deep densely wooded ravines, coming down to 

 the sea. 



On the morning of June 14, 1419, having 

 anchored for the night in a sheltered bay, which 

 exactly corresponded with the description given 

 by Morales, who accompanied the expedition, of 

 Machim and Anna's resting-place, Zargo and some 

 of his followers landed and this is the first 

 authentic account of the discovery of Madeira. 



The party spent some days exploring this rich 

 and fertile acquisition to the Crown of Portugal, 

 and on July 2 Zargo, accompanied by two priests 

 who formed part of the expedition, held a cere- 

 monious service of thanksgiving for the discovery 

 of the island, taking formal possession of it in 

 the name of the King of Portugal. Mass was 

 celebrated and a service was held on the spot 



