MADEIRA. 19 



small dimensions, tied under the chin. Its use is not readily conceived, 

 as it is only a few inches in diameter at its base, and terminates in a 

 conical top, like an inverted funnel. 



The women wear bodices, with short petticoats of a variety of 

 colours, in stripes. They have usually shoes and stockings, but they 

 generally go barefooted, with these articles tied in a small bundle, to 

 be put on when they wish to appear fine. The children are poorly 

 clad, have but one garment, and that dirty. 



The habitations of the lower order would be called huts in our 

 country. They are composed of walls of stone, about five or six feet 

 high, with a roof rising on all sides to a central pole, are thatched with 

 straw or broom, and contain only one room. The only aperture for 

 light and smoke is the door. There is but little necessity for chimneys, 

 as fire is seldom required. It is said that in the northern part of the 

 island, some of the peasants make their habitation in caves or 

 excavations on the hill-side. 



PEASANT'S COTTAGE. 



In the town of Funchal, there are many elegant establishments, and 

 much luxury among the higher classes, but the poorer classes are 

 lodged miserably. The houses are generally of one story, of which 

 the exterior is well kept, being neatly whitewashed ; but 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 kind. Those of the peasants 

 are more characteristic to the island. The wood-cut above 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 mountains. 

 Horses and mules are seldom used. On leaving Funchal for the 



