MADEIRA. 
13 
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hedged with roses, &c., the view gradually extending beneath, 
over the terraced vineyards. Just before reaching it you mount a 
small ascent, you are then on the summit or edge of the Curral, 
and the whole scene suddenly bursts upon you. The eye descends 
to the depth of two thousand feet into the immense chasm below, 
and wanders over the ragged and broken outline of the many peaks 
that rise from its very bottom ; then upwards, following the gray 
precipitous rocks, till their summits are lost in the clouds, which 
are passing fitfully across it, occasionally permitting the sunbeams 
to glance to its very bottom. One feels surprised in gazing on this 
scene, that its character of wildness should become softened and 
its beauty increased, which is effected in part by the plants and 
shrubs which cling, or have fastened themselves into the fissures 
of the rocks. These the eye gradually makes out, and is led by 
the small and narrow strips of green on the ledges downwards, 
until it finally rests on the secluded church of Nostra Seflora de 
