| Description | Letter from George Skene, Madeira, to David Skene in which he continues to describe Madeira. He describes the island as resembling the highlands of Scotland from a distance and covered in broom or prickly pear when uncultivated; they have a few species of trees including pines, walnut and chestnut trees; they have oranges, lemons, limes, pompions and peaches; there are few wild beasts but rabbits, goats and small cows exist; their birds include quails, partridges, linnets, goldfinches, canary birds and gulls; goods are transported on sledges pulled by small cows; ships are only allowed to call at 'Fanchall' (modern Funchal); they are mainly Scottish and Irish; they get their butter mainly from Ireland; the richer folk get their bread from Britain; the soil is good but the people are lazy; cultivation of wine is the main occupation of the people, they annually export £1000 Hds of wine; they get snow on the hills; he has taken no wine - the dearest is £30; he is tired of the sea and would take his chances at home but will be guided by his brother's advice, 5 February 1770. |