chap. i.J CONVEYANCES. 7 



bility, and no more. As the effect of the solar ray is known 

 to differ at different times of the day, it may probably differ 

 also in the various atmospheres of different climates, and may 

 not always be in proportion to their clearness. 



CONVEYANCES. 



The scenery of the island is best seen on foot or on horse- 

 back. The use of carriages is impracticable, owing to the 

 steepness of the roads. An English gentleman has lately 

 had a sledge carriage constructed, capable of containing four 

 people, and drawn by a pair of oxen. It is a very good con- 

 veyance for the town, where the streets are smoothly paved, 

 but it would not answer in the rough roads of the country. 

 For the delicate or the lazy another mode of travelling in the 

 mountains is in a hammock, rede, as the natives call it. This 

 consists of a net of fine texture, slung to a single pole, which 

 is carried on men's shoulders. A good supply of cushions 

 makes it a luxurious conveyance. Nearly as good a view of 

 the scenery is obtained from the hammock as you have on 

 horseback. For a long journey each hammock has its relay 

 of bearers, who go at an amazing pace. These conveyances are 

 seldom seen in the town, excepting when used by invalids, who 

 find them easier than palanquins. The palanquins, which are 

 the usual town vehicles, are likewise suspended from a single 

 pole, and carried by two men. They are more commodious 

 for general use than hammocks, as admitting of an upright pos- 

 ture; but the framework being made of iron, they are heavy to 

 carry, and ill adapted for long distances. A hammock enables 

 the invalid without fatigue to take a share in those pic-nic ex- 

 cursions, friendly to health, to which the beautiful climate 

 and country invite, and which are the favourite social recrea- 

 tion of visitors to Madeira. 



