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MADEIRA. 



These plants, which we had been accustomed to consider as the 

 inhabitants of our parlours and green-houses, are here met with in 

 gigantic forms, and as different from our small, sickly specimens as 

 can well be imagined. For those unacquainted with the luxuriance 

 of the tropical vegetation, it would be difficult to conceive an idea 

 of this favoured spot. Many of the terraces on which the vines 

 are grown are cut on the sides of the hills, and the visiter cannot 

 but admire the labour expended on the stone walls that support them. 

 The road at times leads through small villages, the houses of which 

 are built of blocks of lava, without plaster, about six feet high, 

 with a thatched roof of broom brought up to a pole in the centre for 

 its support, and of a moderate pitch. 



Every one who visits Madeira should see the Curral. It is a 

 very remarkable spot, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to give 

 an idea of its beauty and grandeur. This place is approached by 

 the usual ascent from Funchal, through the narrow roads, or paths 



L 



DESCMT INTO THE CURRAL. 



