552 PORTUGAL. 



genuine, are esteemed to be very friendly to the human constitution/ 

 and safe to drink.* 



Animals. ...These are nearly the same as in Spain. The horses are 

 few and of an inferior breed; but the mules are strong, hardy and 

 sure footed. The sheep are not very numerous. Large herds of 

 swine are found in various parts of the country, the flesh of which, as 

 they feed chiefly on grass and acorns, has an excellent flavour, whence 

 the preference given to Portuguese hams in most parts of Europe, 

 particularly in England. 



Natural curiosities. ...These consist principally of the lakes 

 already mentioned, and some extraordinary cavern3 In the province 

 of Tras os Montes, at a place called St. Miguel das tres Minhas are 

 three immense mines, generally supposed to. have been worked by 

 the Romans. The mouth of the largest, which has been cut through 

 the solid rock, is a mile and a half in circumference, and upwards of 

 500 feet deep. At the bottom it is 2400 feet in length, and 1400 ia 

 breadth. Near this is another of great dimensions, and a third in an 

 elevated situation called Covas, the length of which is 2600 feet, the 

 breadth 1300, and the depth 500. The lake of Escura, on the summit 

 of the mountain of Estrella, in the province of Beira, is of a depth 

 hitherto unascertained ; its water is of a dark green colour, and it 

 has never been known to yield fish of any kind. Fragments of the 

 masts of ships, it is said, have been found in it, whence it has been 

 supposed to have a subterranean communication with the sea, not- 

 withstanding it is so far inland. It is added, as an additional proof of 

 this conjecture, that it is smooth or agitated according as the sea is 

 tranquil or rough, and that in stormy weather it makes a rumbling; 

 noise, that may be heard at the distance of several miles. 



Population. ...According to the statements before given, it appears 

 that Portugal contains about two millions or two millons and a half, of 

 inhabitants. The number of Portuguese in all the colonies appertaining 

 to the crown, are estimated ataboutnine hundred thousand. By a survey 

 made in the year 1780, there were in that kingdom 4,262 parishes, 

 and 1,742,230 lay persons (which is but 522 laity to each parish on a 

 medium) besides above 300,000 ecclesiastics of both sexes. 



National character, manners, customs ...The moderate Por- 

 tuguese retain nothing of that adventurous enterprising spirit that 

 rendered their forefathers so illustrious 300 years ago. They have, 

 ever since the house of Braganza mounted the throne, degenerated 

 in all their virtues ; though some noble exceptions are still remain- 

 ing among them, and no people are so little obliged as the Portuguese 

 are to the reports of historians and travellers. Their degeneracy is 

 evidently owing to the weakness of their monarchy, which renders 

 them inactive for fear of disobliging their powerful neighbours ; and 

 that inactivity has proved the source of pride, and other unmanly vices. 

 Treachery has been laid to their charge, as well as ingratitude, and, 

 above all, an intemperate passion for revenge. They are, if possible, 

 more superstitious, and both in high and common life, affect more 

 state, than the Spaniards themselves. Among the lower people, 

 fihieving is commonly practised ; and all ranks are accused of being 



* The Port wines are made in the districts round Oporto, which do not produce 

 one half the quantity that is consumed, under that name, in the British dominions 

 only. The merchants in this city have very spacious wine-vaults, capable of hold- 

 frig" 6 or 7000 pipes, and it is said that 20,000 are yearly exported from Oporto, 



