Chapter IV: 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