MADEIRA. 21 
the interior is any thing but comfortable. They have but one 
entrance. The floors are paved with round stones, and the walls 
are of rough stone, presenting no better an appearance than our 
wood cellars. The furniture is scanty, and of the coarsest land. 
Those of the peasants are more characteristic to the island. The 
wood cut on the opposite page is a good representation of their 
habitations. 
Travelling is performed in sedan chairs. This mode is always 
considered the safest for ladies, particularly in crossing the moun- 
tains. Horses and mules are seldom used. On leaving Funchal 
for the country, it is one continued ascent between high stone 
walls, these forming abutments to the terraces, which are covered 
with vines, and afford protection from the sun. After reaching 
the hills, one enjoys a delightful view of the beautiful gardens. 
The roadsides are lined throughout with flowers, (to us, those of 
the green-house,) among them Fuchsias, Digitalis, Rose geraniums, 
Punica granata, Rosa indica coccinea, Hydrangea hortensis, mixed 
with box-trees, myrtles, &c. 
The valleys are covered with the Belladonna lily, and the mountain 
passes cannot be compared to any thing more appropriate than to a 
rich flower-garden left to grow wild. Added to all this, a climate 
which resembles our finest spring weather. 
Such of the peasantry as do not gain a subsistence in the vineyards, 
have usually a small patch of ground which they cultivate, raising 
grain, corn, potatoes, and the taro (Arum esculentum) in quantities 
barely sufficient to eke out a scanty living. The cultivation is 
commonly performed by hand, although a plough of very simple 
construction is sometimes used. Many of the peasantry are em- 
ployed as carriers, and one is much struck by their numbers when 
entering Funchal early in the morning, with sheepskins filled with 
wine on their shoulders, that look at a distance more like the live 
animal than a filled skin. These skins are preserved as entire as 
possible, even the legs of the animal being retained. They are 
generally kept steady by a band that passes over the forehead, which 
supports a great part of the weight. About twenty-five gallons, 
weighing more than two hundred pounds, is a load. They move 
rapidly, and carry this load five miles for a mere trifle. To us, one 
of the most remarkable features in the population, was to see a 
female not only thus employed, but a stout mountain lass trudging 
