Narrative of the Circumnavigation of the Globe by the Austrian Frigate Novara, Volume I (Commodore B. Von Wullerstorf-Urbair,) Undertaken by Order of the Imperial Government in the Years 1857, 1858, & 1859, Under the Immediate Auspices of His I. and R. Highness the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, Commander-In-Chief of the Austrian Navy.

CHAPTER IV.

Chapter 4117 wordsPublic domain

MADEIRA.

First Impressions.--Difficulty in Landing.--Description of the Island.--History.--Unfavourable Political Circumstances connected with the Cultivation of the Ground.--Aqueducts.-- First Planting of the Sugar-cane.--Culture of the Vine.--Its Disease and Decay.--Cochineal as a Compensation for its Loss.-- Prospects of Success.--Climate.--A favourable Winter Residence for the Consumptive.--Strangers.--First Appearance of the Cholera.--Observations with the Ozonometer.--Great Distress among the Lower Classes.--Liberal Assistance from England.-- Decline of Commerce.--Inhabitants and their Mode of Life.-- Decrease of the Population, and its Causes.--Benevolent Institutions.--Public Libraries.--The Cathedral.--Barracks.-- Prison.--Environs of Funchal.--Excursion to St. Anna.--Ascent of the Pico Ruivo.--Singular Sledge Party.--Return to Funchal.--Departure. 58