Moitntains and Islands 



suggests to the untrained eye an extinct volcano 

 as do other Madeira valleys, a suggestion 

 fortified in the Grand Curral by the bareness 

 of most of the mountain sides ; but the 

 geologists tell us that it is the result of denuda- 

 tion rather than of volcanic action. Perhaps 

 the volcanos began its construction, and 

 denudation contributed its present form. 



But the easiest way of reaching the hill 

 country is by means of the Mount Railway, 

 which takes you 2000 feet up, into the cooler 

 air, without trouble. Hence you may take a 

 hundred walks, to little peaks and minor 

 valleys. The country is wcU-wooded, every 

 point has its own view, and ther^ are no 

 noxious beasts. Chapter Ixxii., "Concerning 

 Snakes," of the " Natural History of Iceland," 

 which chapter Dr. Johnson boasted he knew 

 by heart, applies here. " There are no snakes 

 to be met with throughout the whole island." 

 If you are more ambitious, you may ascend from 

 the Mount by what I have already described as 

 the main road to the north side. When you 

 emerge from the pine woods on to the moor- 

 land you will see the track ahead of you tor 

 miles, skirting ridge after ridge, and ever 



253 



