INTRODUCTION 



In presenting to the public the following pages, the com- 

 pilation of which has afforded me amusement during many 

 leisure hours, I am encouraged to hope they may be accept- 

 able, rather from the general lack of available information 

 concerning an island becoming daily of more importance as 

 a place of sanatory resort, than from any merit of their own. 



In rendering my best thanks to the friends who have given 

 me their assistance, I would more especially acknowledge 

 the valuable help I have received from Henry Temple, Esq., 

 of Madeira. 



To my father, who has furnished me with a geological 

 account of the island, as well as with a notice of its ancient 

 history, I am much indebted. 



My thanks are also due to W. Yarrell, Esq., for his kind- 

 ness in enabling me to compare the birds of Madeira with 

 English specimens. 



The Civil Governor of Madeira, His Excellency S Dr Jose 

 Silvestre Ribeiro, has, in a most obliging manner, afforded me 



