Vlll INTRODUCTION. 



authentic statistical information. To him Funchal owes its 

 Asylo de Mendicidade, the lighting of the principal streets of 

 the town, the bridge in the Ribeiro Secco, the new road along 

 the sea-coast to the westward, the extension of schools over 

 the island, as well as many other benevolent and useful 

 works. His activity in suggesting and carrying out measures 

 for the relief of the sufferers during the dearth of 1847 was 

 beyond praise. He has also greatly promoted the industry of 

 the inhabitants by establishing exhibitions of the fabrics and 

 manufactures of the island, and instituting an annual fair in 

 Funchal. 



Should these pages prove useful to any that are intending 

 to visit Madeira, or are otherwise interested in it, the object 

 of their publication will be accomplished. 



E. V. H. 



London, 1851. 



