40 



SCENERY. 



although the cold may be two degrees below zero. 

 Trees growing in a fertile soil are remarked by cul- 

 tivators to be less delicate, and less affected by 

 changes of temperature, than those planted in land 

 that affords little nutriment. 



From Laguna to the port of Orotava and the 

 western coast of Teneriffe the route is at first over 

 a hilly country, covered by a black argillaceous soil. 

 The subjacent rock is concealed by layers of ferru- 

 ginous earth ; but in some of the ravines are seen 

 columnar basalts, with recent conglomerates, re- 

 sembling volcanic tufas lying over them, which con- 

 tain fragments of the former, and also, as is asserted, 

 marine petrifactions. This delightful country, of 

 which travellers of all nations speak with enthu- 

 siasm, is entered by the valley of Tacoronte, and pre- 

 sents scenes of unrivalled beauty. The seashore is 

 ornamented with palms of the date and cocoa spe- 

 cies. Farther up, groups of musae and dragon-trees 

 present themselves. The declivities are covered 

 with vines. Orange-trees, myrtles, and cypresses 

 surround the chapels that have been raised on the 

 little hills. The lands are separated by enclosures 

 formed of the agave and cactus. Multitudes of 

 cryptogamic plants, especially ferns, cover the walls. 

 In winter, while the volcano is wrapped in snow, 

 there is continued spring in this beautiful district ; 

 and in summer, towards evening, the sea-breezes 

 diffuse a gentle coolness over it. From Tegueste 

 and Tacoronte to the village of San Juan de la Ram- 

 bla, the coast is cultivated like a garden, and might 

 be compared to the neighbourhood of Capua or Va- 

 lentia ; but the western part of Teneriffe is much 

 more beautiful, on account of the proximity of the 

 Peak, the sight of which has a most imposing effect, 

 and excites the imagination to penetrate into the 

 mysterious source of volcanic action. For thou- 

 sands of years no light has been observed at the 

 summit of the mountain, and yet enormous lateral 



