MADEIRA. 19 
paper (the Times) had asserted that foreign wine had frequently been 
introduced into Madeira and afterwards exported as the genuine 
article, to the United States in particular, and what gave more force 
to the story, it was stated as a fact that seventy pipes had lately been 
entered at the expense of $1000, and remanufactured. Every body 
was up in arms. The commercial association of Funchal passed 
resolutions denouncing the publication in strong terms, as designed 
by certain interested persons to injure the reputation of the wine of 
Madeira, So strict are the laws to prevent frauds, that even genuine 
Madeira, after being once shipped, cannot be returned to the island. 
I heard, however, of an attempt, and but one, to smuggle in Teneriffe 
and Fayal wines, which was discovered. The casks were broken, 
the wine destroyed, the boats confiscated, and the smuggler con- 
demned to be transported to the coast of Africa. 
We were informed that the industry of the inhabitants had much 
increased within a few years, and since the new order of things : this 
is shown in the increased quantity of grain which is raised, viz. 
wheat, barley, rye, and Indian corn. Sugar and coffee are also 
raised, and of superior quality. All kinds of vegetables and fruits 
are in abundance, all of very fine kinds, and not only sufficient for 
their own wants, but to supply the shipping that touch there. 
There are some things relative to the organization of the present 
government, that seem to forebode any thing but harmony in its 
operations. It is too complicated for an ignorant community, that 
cannot value the elective franchise. The system is somewhat a 
caricature of our own, in the frequency of elections, and the 
numerous small magistrates who have for the most part little or 
no emolument. I was told that instances had occurred of their 
refusing to educate their children, in order that they might escape 
being elected to an office, which would bring them nothing but 
toil and vexation. As they become more enlightened this prejudice 
will pass away. 
The people are industrious, sober, and civil, and although ignorant, 
I should think happy. There is little, if any, mixed blood among 
them. They are of the old Arabian stock. Free negroes are seen. 
Dark hair, eyes, and complexion, are most common; but much 
diversity in form and feature, and in the colour of the hair, exists. 
The character of the features of the inhabitants, is usually rather a 
broad face, high cheek bones, and pointed nose, full lips, good teeth, 
and retreating chin. The men are very muscular, rather above the 
