Title
A Voyage to the East Indies: Page 17
Description
The Merchants mix it together in their Wine Vaults according to the Quality of each Skin. It is a very difficult Matter to get genuine Madeira, it being a general Custom to Adulterate it even on the Island, with a Spirit distill’d there from the Vine Stalks call’d by the Portuguese Argodent; And if we consider the Changes it passes thro’ in England, we may conclude that but a small portion of Madeira comes under that Title. Their Vineyards have a very agreeable Appearance, And the Island in general exhibits a very romantic one. The Tops of some of the Mountains are almost inaccessible, yet they say there are Wild Hogs which make them their Constant Residence. Madeira does not abound in a great Vanity of Beasts, I heard of no wild ones except the Hog. Their Horses are remarkably small, & so sure footed, that they climb up the Hills with surprizing Celerity. The Beasts for Provision are as in other Countries, but not in great Plenty and poor. The delectable Situation of this Island admits the Growth of any vegetable or Fruit of other Countries and in excellent Perfection. The english Merchants’ Gardens are delightful and to a Native of a more northern Latitude they appear redoubly so. Here are Walks lined with Myrtle and large Groves and Bowers of that Tree, enchanting to the Eye. [end page 17]
