MALVOSIA DE BUDA. 141 



of the wines are highly esteemed, particularly one I 

 have already mentioned, Malvosia de Buda. 



The olive tree is also cultivated, and the oil almost 

 equal to that of Italy. All the corn is left in the field 

 until it is threshed, an operation performed by the tread 

 of mares and colts on an area previously prepared, called 

 Agosto. Cattle, sheep, goats, and swine are divided into 

 two classes : the 'manro, or those which work, or yield 

 milk, wool, &c., and which are therefore carefully tended 

 and kept in the best pastures; while those kept for 

 breeding are allowed to range over the hills and wastes 

 till they become almost wild. All those animals that 

 run wild in the extensive wastes, excepting horses, must 

 have a mark on the ear, or they are liable to seizure. 

 The horses are in general free from vice, and will go 

 through much fatigue on moderate food. WTiat is 

 rather singular, there are no mules, although they have 

 asses, which are only used as beasts of burthen. There 

 are fine forests in the mountainous parts of Sardinia. 



There is an extensive flat called su Sarcidaini, 

 clothed with fine oak, beech, chestnut, and cork trees, 

 and the inhabitants of these districts have the pri- 

 vilege of allowing swine to range in the woods. 

 Amongst the fruits of this island are figs, grapes, 

 melons, apples, apricots, peaches, almonds, and the 

 prickly pear. 



The wild grape grows profusely, and a tolerable 

 wine is made from it. These are universally met with, 

 but walnuts and chestnuts are only to be had in certain 

 districts, as also oranges, lemons, and citrons. The 

 magistrates have been enjoined to impress on the minds 

 of the farmers to plant and cultivate the mulberry-tree 

 for the introduction of silk worms; but little or no 



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