1824, AUGUST. MADEIRA 81 



called yams, used in lieu of potatos, and preferred by the inhabitants to 

 them ; they are used in the same way as potatos are in England. This 

 is a vegetable admirably calculated for taking to sea, being not so liable 

 to grow in warm latitudes as potatos, and (according to experienced 

 seamen) will keep much longer. Onions are large, of one sort, red and 

 flat, but much milder than those in England. From the large quantity 

 exposed for sale I judge it to be here a favourite vegetable. Potatos 

 are neither large nor are they very good, mostly red with pink eyes. 

 Pumpkins of several varieties, and cucumbers chiefly of one variety short 

 and prickly. Two varieties of cayenne pepper : one small longish fruit of a 

 red colour ; one small round yellow ; the former is a native of the island. The 

 common red tomatos, neither remarkable for size nor quality. Turnips, 

 carrots, parsnips, cauliflowers, celery ; not even a single blade of parsley 

 could be seen. In fruits they are richer and generally of better quality. 

 The banana, Musa sapientum, is extensively cultivated and perfects its 

 fruit in abundance. It is usually eaten without any preparation, but when 

 fried in a little butter it tastes like a good pancake. Lemons larger and 

 better than any we are ever accustomed to see ; I think them very fine. One 

 variety of apple like Summer Redstreak ; which it probably is. It is 

 large, round and redstreaked, dry and mealy, an insipid fruit. Three 

 different pears ; one large, in form and colour like Jargonel, but entirely 

 destitute of its flavour, mealy and tasteless ; a second of a much smaller 

 size, yellow colour almost approaching to a sulphur-yellow, with a flat 

 compressed head and gradually tapering towards the stalk (like the former 

 a dry fruit, but as all which I saw appeared to be too ripe, probably they 

 may be better in an earlier state) ; a third resembling what is called in 

 Scotland 'Crawford' pear, both in size, form and flavour; as in all likelihood 

 it is. This is by far the best fruit. Of grapes there was an abundant supply, 

 of four or five varieties ; one like what is called Black Cluster, small close 

 bunches, rarely branched, small globular berries, generally with only one 

 or two perfect seeds, having short footstalks. One with large and much- 

 branched bunches with large globular white berries. It seems to be a 

 shy bearer, as few berries in comparison to the other varieties were on a 

 bunch. It tastes similar to Muscat of Alexandria. A third with long 

 bunches of a brownish-black or copper colour, of a rich fine flavour. It 

 looks and tastes like Grizzly Fontignan. A fourth, the largest of any, 

 much-branched, with large black round berries ; the flavour is not so 

 fine as the former one. 



Peaches of two varieties : one a large, long and pointed fruit towards 

 the top, in form much like a lemon, with a yellow, thin and downy skin ; 

 the pulp is also a bright yellow, rather, if anything, coarse flavour, and 

 adheres to the stone, which is large in proportion to the fruit. The other, 

 a smaller and very different fruit, nearly globular, thin, white, delicate 

 downy skin, pulp white and of a delicious flavour ; it also adheres 

 to the stone, which is small and flat. 



Mr. Atkinson presented me with a supply of grapes of several varieties. 

 I believe one is the White Muscat of Alexandria. I saw only a few which 

 might be said to be weighty bunches, none with large berries. I am 



