24 MADEIRA. 
read, and still fewer write. It is said they are acquainted with no 
more than three coins, all of which are Spanish, namely, dollars, 
pistareens, and bits, and that many kinds of Portuguese coins 
current at Lisbon will not pass in Madeira. The want of a small 
description of money is much felt. 
I directed a party of officers to make an excursion to the top of 
Pico Ruivo, in order to ascertain its height, and that of the several 
points on their way up. They remained four hours on the summit, 
during which time simultaneous observations were made at the con- 
sul's house by Lieutenant Carr and myself. They ascended by the 
Santa Anna road, which is the only one now said to be practicable. 
Punta d'Empeno, the highest point of cultivation, was found to be 
four thousand one hundred feet above the sea. The heights of 
other points measured will be found in the tables. The results of the 
observations give for the height of the peak above the American 
Consulate, six thousand one hundred and eighty-one feet. The 
cistern of the barometer at the latter place above half tide, was found 
to be by levelling fifty-six feet. Total, six thousand two hundred and 
thirty-seven feet above half tide. 
The magnetical observations for dip and intensity were also 
made, and the longitude by chronometer was found to be, 16° 54' 
11" W. Latitude by observation, 32° 38' 11" N. 
The markets are well supplied with meat, poultry, fish, and all 
kinds of vegetables. 
The bat noticed by Bowdich was the only one of the mammalia 
seen in a wild state. Of birds, two species of hawks, the linnet, the 
canary, the goldfinch, the yellow wagtail and the swift, were all 
that were seen. Sea fish are abundant; but not a single trace 
of a fresh water fish was seen or found in the streams. Many 
specimens of Crustacea, insects, and mollusca were added to our 
collections. 
The ride to the Quinta of Mr. Bean at Comancha is one of the 
prettiest the island affords. It is towards the east end, and some 
eight or ten miles from the town of Funchal. For variety of 
scenery and the beauty of its grounds it is not exceeded by any on 
the island, and it gives a good idea of the effect of English taste 
when applied to the scenery and fine climate of Madeira. The road 
to it is the same that has been before described, passing through the 
gorges and around the different spurs, which gives great variety to 
it, and presents many fine views. Having a note of introduction 
