30 
CRUISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 
I had a ramble on shore through some of the 
gardens, and although flowers were not exactly in 
full bloom, yet some of the most beautiful plants were 
in their highest development. Amongst others were 
seen sweet-smelling rose-trees, blooming oleanders, 
aloes more than 30 feet high, the shining green 
foliage of the camellia, chestnuts, cypress, plane-trees, 
Brazilian pine, laurels, myrtles, odoriferous magnolias, 
fuchsias, together with bananas, sugar-cane, coffee 
shrubs, mangroves, pomegranates, tamarinds, pine- 
apples, and gigantic dragon-trees. One must travel a 
long way indeed before meeting with prettier scenery, 
or a place that will surpass in fragrance and 
loveliness the floral beauty of this island ; and yet 
it is only within five or six days’ run of our cold 
shores of England. 
The product which has made the name of Madeira 
famous and familiar is its wine, which is now pro- 
duced in great quantities; this and the cultivation 
of the sugar-cane form its principal trade. 
The public buildings offer little to attract notice ; the 
churches are insignificant, and even the Cathedral, a 
building in the basilica style, is in no way remarkable 
otherwise than by the innumerable garlands and 
flowers, offerings of pious devotees. 
The charms of beautiful -walks in the most en- 
chanting neighbourhood enhance the pleasantness of 
the climate of Funchal, so much resorted to by in- 
valids, for within a short distance of the landing-place 
