22 MADEIRA. 



made by English residents to substitute machinery, but the prejudices, 

 vexations, and difficulties experienced, have caused them to give up 

 the attempt. The general average is from one to three pipes of wine 

 per acre annually. 



The south side of Madeira, as is well known, although not the 

 most fertile, produces the finest wines. Every point which can 

 be cultivated successfully is attended to, and earth is brought to 

 increase the soil from other parts. The kinds of grapes are various, 

 and the wines manufactured as numerous. The common Madeira 

 is obtained from a mixture of Bual, Verdelho, and Negro Molle 

 grapes ; the Malmsey and Sercial from grapes of the same name. 

 There is a great difference in the spots and peculiar exposure where 

 the vine grows, and different kinds of wine are produced, according 

 to the state of maturity to which the grape is allowed to arrive at 

 before being gathered. After being expressed, it is put into casks, 

 undergoes the process of fermentation, is clarified with gypsum or 

 isinglass, and a small portion of brandy is added, two or three gallons 

 to the pipe. 



The deportment of the lower classes is a mixture of politeness and 

 servility. They invariably noticed us in passing by taking off the 

 cap ; and on receiving any thing, kissed their hands, or made some 

 other respectful salutation. 



The language spoken in Madeira is Portuguese, but with a rapid 

 utterance, or rather, clipping or abbreviating of their words and 

 expressions. 



The ignorance of the common people seems great. Few can 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 



