20 



MADEIRA. 



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 granitum, 

 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 someti Ties 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 



WINE-CARRIERS. 



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 



