Some of the streets are pleasantly shaded by rows of plane-trees (Platanus occidentalis).

Several deep ravines passing through the town are carefully walled in, to prevent damage being done by the torrents which occasionally sweep down the mountain, carrying everything before them.

From the steepness of the narrow roads and streets, wheeled vehicles can scarcely be used, and sledges drawn by small bullocks supply their place, while the wine, the chief article of export, is conveyed into the town in goat-skins carried on the shoulder.
VISIT TO CURRAL.
December 23rd.
Few strangers remain long in Madeira without paying a visit to the Curral, and a large party of us left the ship for that purpose this morning.

At first the road led through a series of narrow lanes frequently separated from the fields and vineyards on either side by hedges of roses, honeysuckle, jasmine and fuchsias; now and then passing under successions of trellis-work covered by the vines when in full vigour, and then forming long shady vistas.

For several miles we wound our way along the hillsides, down deep ravines, and up steep rocky slopes.