The North Side 



the waves has in more than one instance worn 

 a passage through the centre of such a rock, 

 forming a natural arch. 



Or he may stroll eastward through the 

 woods for an hour or two to the Cortado pass, 

 where, as he emerges from a rocky defile, he 

 will come suddenly on one of the most striking 

 views of the island. In front is the mass of 

 the Penha d' Aguia, the Eagle's Rock, an 

 isolated mountain rising from the sea to a 

 height of nearly two thousand feet, and joined 

 by a low neck or saddle to the mountain chain 

 of the island. At its foot lie the little ports 

 of Fayal and Porta da Cruz, Inland the eye 

 ranges over a vast extent of the cultivated 

 hillside up to the wooded heights of the 

 Lamaceiros Pass. This part of the island, 

 considering its mountainous and broken 

 character, is very thickly populated. The soil 

 is rich and friable ; to work it the pointed 

 tools which are used in the neighbourhood of 

 Funchal are not needed. There is plenty of 

 water. The climate is much cooler than on 

 the southern side, and there is a delightful 

 freshness in the air. Some vines, and a little 

 sugar, are grown ; the staple crops are the 



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