Whatever truth there may be in this tradition, the Portuguese were certainly the first who made any permanent settlement here. Don Henry of Portugal, at the very commencement of that brilliant career of discovery, which terminated in the circumnavigation of Africa, and the passage to India by the cape, learned the existence of Madeira. The first landing was made in 1419; and in 1431, he sent Tristan Tessora, and Gonsalvo Zarco, with a colony, to take possession of the island. They divided it into two districts, Machico and Funchal, and began to bring it into a state of cultivation. Its progress, however, is said to have been seriously retarded by a great fire which was kindled among the forests with which the island was covered, and which continued to rage for five or six years, laying waste repeatedly the habitations which the colonists had erected. When, however, it was at length extinguished, the ashes had so far increased the natural fertility of the ground, that its produce soon became very valuable. The first staple was sugar, in which Madeira was for some time unrivalled; but after it was cultivated on so great a scale in the West Indies, it ceased to be equally profitable, and the colonists betook themselves to the production of wine, which became more and more profitable, in consequence of the increasing demand for it in Britain and her colonies; and it is now the object of a very extensive trade. The commerce of Madeira has long been considered of importance to this country; and in 1801, when it was apprehended that France might attempt to seize upon it, was taken temporary possession of by a British squadron, but was restored at the peace of Amiens. In 1807, however, when the Portuguese government were compelled to emigrate to Brazil, Britain again occupied the island in trust for her ally, and in that capacity has since continued to hold it.

Madeira consists altogether of a collection of lofty mountains, the highest of which rises upwards of 5000 feet above the level of the sea. On the declivity of these mountains, all the productions of the island are raised. The lower slopes are covered with vines, the loftier summits with forests of pine and chesnut. A great part of the sides of the hills consists of abrupt and precipitous rocks, commonly supposed to be of volcanic formation. Most of the rocks along the coast are composed of a white lava. In ascending, quartz and schistose substances begin to prevail; but Mr Barrow found at the summit, the crater of an extinguished volcano. To the traveller who penetrates into the interior of the vallies and glens, nothing can be more picturesque than the

varied forms of the rocks, the brilliant ver dure with which they are clothed, th streams which glitter among them, and th country houses, churches, and monasteries which are placed in the most striking situ ations. In cultivating the vine, the mos usual mode is to train it, by a network o bamboo, to walls about five feet high. 1 some places it is fastened, as in Lombardy to trees; but there are parts of the isl where it is necessary to prop up the hillocks where it is planted, by stone walls, in orde to retain the vegetable earth. The tax gatherer takes the tenth part of the wine i the cellar; the rest is divided between th proprietor and the farmer. The isle pro duces wheat, barley, and oats; but in suc small quantity, that two-thirds of the con sumption of grain must be drawn from th Azores, and from America. The sug now produced is only of a coarse species, the use of the inferior classes of societ The pasture is so scanty, as only to main tain a very small number of cows, whic renders milk and butter scarce, and objec of luxury. A few oxen are also employ in the city; but the mule is the most con mon of beasts of burden. The count people bring in their wine on small sledge in which a cavity is made sufficient to co tain the pipe, but nothing more. The ro ged and irregular nature of the count scarcely admits the use of any species wheel carriage; and in 1795, there is s not to have been above a single phaeto kept in Funchal. A few, however, of small breed of saddle horses, are kept by th inhabitants. There are plenty of goat and still more of hogs, which, being allow ed to run wild, acquire a taste of venison the rabbit also is very common in the mou tainous districts. No other wild animal known on the island. It is also free fro insects, and from all venomous reptile but there are myriads of lizards, which t the vineyards, gardens, and even t houses, and which pierce and suck the r fined grape. Bees are very common, an in the vallies and hills covered with arom tic herbs, produce a honey so delicate, th it is sent to Spain as the most valuab present.

The population of Madeira is estimat by Mr Barrow at 90,000, which is pr bably correct, though some estimates rai it to 110,000, or even to 150,000. As t island is reckoned only about 54 miles length, and 21 in breadth, which will gi about 1100 square miles, and a density of to the square mile, this is a considerab population for a colony, and a country rocks. Negro slavery is not permitted this island, so that the body of the peop are of Portuguese descent. The peasau

of Madeira, like most mountaineers, are healthy and vigorous. In one respect, however, they shew a rudeness which belongs only to the least advanced state of civilisation. The severest labours are thrown upon the weaker sex, particularly that of collecting fuel, consisting of plants and shrubs, which can only be obtained by climbing and descending rocks, and which they must then carry home on their backs. Amid the abundance which covers the territory, the poorer classes live in a state of extreme poverty, and can often with difficulty procure the necessaries of life. Whole families of dirty and hungry poor live often in honses, such as are in Europe considered a suitable abode for pigs. Beggary accordingly prevails in an extraordinary degree, and appears to excite no feeling of disgrace; on the contrary, the singular custom prevails, of putting on their best clothes when they are going to beg. Their chief dependence for food is upon the forests of chesnuts which grow upon the higher parts of the mountains. The coarseness of their dress, their gloomy looks, their meagre figure, their long black hair, give their physiognomy a character of fierceness, which is belied by the politeness and courtesy of their manners. The middling class in the city is clothed in black. The Portuguese gentry live in a proud and retired manner, as sociating little with the English, or with strangers. The poverty which prevails in the country does not at all appear in the edifices and establishments dedicated to the Catholic religion. The city abounds in churches; and in the country, at every fifty yards is found a chapel. Many of these are handsomely built, and well supplied with vessels and ornaments of gold and silver. A late traveller found it quite impossible to make the natives in general consider the Protestant and the Catholic as beings of the same species. In the city, the most opulent part of the inhabitants consists of British merchants, established there for the wine trade. These live in a splendid hospitality, which is shewn to all strangers who are furnished with any kind of introduction to them. It is upon them also that the Portuguese poor chiefly depend for the alms which they receive.

The commerce of the island consists almost entirely in the export of its wine, the demand for which is considerable in Britain, and still more in all her colonies and settlements. The annual amount is reckoned from 15,000 to 17,000 pipes. The best is that called London particular Madeira; the second, which is inferior, is called London market; the third is that Fuited to the India market; the fourth is for the New York market; and there is a

1798, 42

1810, 1811,

L.44

50

54

These are for the wine when new; if old, it is charged higher, according to the time it has been kept. The quantity of wine exported to the East Indies, is estimated by a somewhat vague calculation, to amount to above 6000 pipes. Fully the same quantity is now imported into Britain for home consumption, and nearly 3000 is taken off by the Americans.

For the wines imported by England for her own use, and that of her settlements in the East Indies, the returns consist of an almost infinite variety of commodities. She supplies almost every article of clothing, household-furniture, and ornament; also some of provision, particularly herrings, dried fish, and potatoes. The amount, which in 1793 did not exceed L.35,697, had risen in 1809, to L.518,148, of which nine-tenths consist of British manufactures. The Americans also import provisions, lumber, &c. to the value of about 590,000 dollars. The duty on Madeira wine in England, when imported in British vessels, amounts to L.96. 12s. 6d. per tun; on which, when exported to the East Indies and China, a drawback is allowed of L.86. 2s. per tun.

For vessels stopping at Madeira, provisions and refreshments are exorbitantly dear. Beef and mutton are from 1s. 3d. to 1s. 6d. per lb. and of very indifferent quality. Fowls equally bad, cost a Spanish dollar each. Fruit and vegetables are equally ill supplied. The provisions and water are sent off in boats.

Adjacent to Madeira is Porto Santo, a small island, rather high, and with a good roadstead; and the Desertas, which, as their name imports, are uninhabited. These, with Madeira itself, compose the group of the Madeiras. Funchal, the capital, is in Long. 17. 6. W. Lat. 32. 37. N.

MADELA, a village of Palestine, 192 miles S. E. of Jerusalem.

MADELEY MARKET, a market town of England, in Shropshire, situate near the Severn, about two miles east from the celebrated iron bridge, near Coalbrookdale. From ancient buildings and records, it appears to be a place of some antiquity;

and is particularly celebrated for having afforded refuge to Charles II. in his flight after the battle of Worcester. The barn in which he was concealed, is still preserved. The church is a neat and commodious edifice: it was rebuilt and opened in 1797. There are besides, three Methodist chapels, a Roman Catholic and a Quaker's meeting-house. The iron trade is carried on here to a considerable extent. For the benefit of trade, a canal has been cut through the parish, from Ketley iron-works to the river Severn, a distance of 8 or 9 miles; and which communicates with the Shrewsbury canal. The iron bridge over the Severn is near to the romantic village of Coalbrookdale, and was erected in the year 1780. It is 100 feet span, and 40 feet high; and contains 375 tons of metal. Population of the parish, 5076. 13 miles E. of Shrewsbury, and 148 N. W. of London. Long. 2. 28. W. Lat. 52. 38. N.

MADEN, a town of Armenia, on the Tigris, so named from the copper and iron mines in its vicinity. It occupies a most singular position, surrounded on every side by bleak and barren mountains of great elevation, and overlooking a prodigious chasm, through which the Tigris forces a passage. It is unnecessary to dig to any considerable depth, as the ores are generally found on the surface of the rocks. Copper and iron are the metals procured in the greatest abundance; but silver and gold have also been found. These mines yield a handsome revenue to the porte, and are under the management of a pacha, independent of that of Diarbekir. 60 miles N. of Diarbekir.

MADERA, a large, abundant, and navigable river of Peru. It rises in the mountains of Chuquisaca, in the province of Charcas; it runs an east course to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with the names of La Plata, Chuquisaca, Cachimayo, and Guapay; and turns its course north to enter the Maranon or Amazons, with the name of La Madera, or Wood, on account of the vast quantities it carries down with its current; and is one of the largest of those which enter the aforesaid river. It abounds in exquisite fish; and on its shores are found numerous alligators. It enters the Amazons, in Lat. 3. 24. 18. S.

MADERA, a small island, close to the north coast of the island of St Domingo.

MADFUNE, a village of Upper Egypt, on the site of the ancient Abydos. 12 miles S. S. W. of Girge.

MADIAN, OF MIDIAN, a village of Hedsjas, in Arabia, near the head of the Red

sea.

It appears to have been the ancient capital of the Midianites, a people celebrat

ed in scripture history; but is now inconsiderable. 20 miles N. of Moilah.

MADIGHERY, a town and fortress of the south of India, belonging to the rajah of Mysore. On the downfall of the Bijanagur sovereigns, it came into possession of a Hindoo polygar family, who retained it for a long period, till conquered by one of the Mysore rajahs. Bulwunt Row, a Mahratta general, besieged it for five months without effect. Long. 77. 15. E. Lat. 13. 33. N.

This

MADIGHESHY, a fortress of the south of India, belonging to the rajah of Mysore. It is situated on a rock, and is a place of considerable strength. At the foot of the rock there is a fortified town, containing about 200 houses built of stone. place originally belonged to a Hindoo family, and is named after one of the ladies who immolated herself on her husband's tomb, a practice very rare in this part of the country; in consequence of which Madigheshy was for a long period governed by females. They were, however, subdued by one of the Mysore rajahs. Long. 77. 16. E. Lat. 13. 48. N.

MADINGA, a river of America, in the isthmus of Darien, which runs into the Spanish Main, Long. 78. 48. E. Lat. 9. 22. N.

MADIR, a small Abyssinian seaport, situated in the bay of Amphila.

MADIRAN, a town of France, department of the Upper Pyrenees, on the Bergors. Population 1000.

MADJAR, MADJAK, OF AMOUL OUBSA, 2 great lake of Siberia, in the government of Tomsk, surrounded by high mountains and woods, and containing many isles. The sturgeons in this lake are of enormous magnitude; and the martins and zibelins on its banks, produce the most beautiful furs in all Siberia.

MADLEY, a parish of England, in Herefordshire, 7 miles W. by S. from Hereford. Population 881.

MADOIS, ST, a parish of Scotland, in Perthshire. Population 312.

MADONA, a small island in the Mediter rean, 5 miles S. W. of Nysari. Long. 26. 49. E. Lat. 36. 31. N.

MADOO, a small island in the Eastern seas. Long. 122. 18. E. Lat. 7. 31. S.

MADRAGUE, a small island on the southeast coast of France, in the Mediterranean, belonging to the department of the Mouths of the Rhone.

MADRAS TERRITORY. In a work of this nature, it would be difficult to detail the various political events which have increased the territory of Madras, from a barren slip of land of 5 miles in length, to the extent of a very large and populous kingdom, 700

miles in length, but of disproportionate breadth. The first accession it received I was named the Jagier, a district of 108 miles in length, by 47 in breadth, which was obtained from Mohammed Aly, the nabob of the Carnatic, in 1750, in return for services rendered to him and his father, by the East India company. The next addi│tion it obtained, was the five provinces, called the Northern Circars, procured from the Great Mogul by Lord Clive, in 1769. During the wars with Tippoo Sultan, several districts were added, and some by cession from the Nizam; finally the whole of the Carnatic was taken possession of by the British in 1801, except a small portion assigned to the Nabob Azeem al Omrah for his private estate, the British engaging to protect him and the country against all enemies. The reasons assigned for this transaction were extremely futile and unnecessary, as state necessity would have been a much better and more worthy plea for depriving the nabob of his power. The countries subject to the presidency of Fort St George, or Madras, comprehend nearly the whole of India scuth of the river Kistnah, and the extensive province denominated the Northern Circars; within these boundaries, however, there are still three native princes, who collect the revenues, and exercise a certain degree of authority in their respective states; but with reference to external polities, are wholly dependent on the British government, are protected by a military force, and pay a Large annual tribute. These princes are the rajahs of Mysore, Travancore, and Cochin. The rest of the country is under the immediate jurisdiction of the governor and council at Madras; and for the better administration of justice, and collection of the revenue, has been subdivided into the following districts, viz. Arcot, Bellary, Canara, Chingleput, Chittore, Coimbatoor, Combaconum, Cuddapah, Ganjam, Guntoor, Madras, Madura, Malabar North, Malabar South, Masulipatam, Nellore, RaJahiLundry, Salem, Seringapatam, Tanjore, finnevelly, Tritchinopoly, Verdachellum, and Vizagapatam, over each of which there is a European judge, and a collector, with the requisite establishments. There are also tour provincial courts of circuit and appeal, to which the above mentioned judges are sabordinate, and a supreme court of appeal stationary at Madras, consisting of four judges, selected from the company's civil Servants. The commerce of the company is carried on by a certain number of their civil servants, denominated presidents, each o' whom have the superintendance of a factory in different parts of the country, and receive their orders from the board of trade.

The revenues of Madras arise principally from the land, which is considered throughout India generally, as the property of goverminent. They also derive considerable sums from the customs, excise, and postoffice; but the charges exceed the receipts by above L.500,000 per annum, which deficiency falls upon Bengal, and is paid by bills drawn by the government on Calcutta. The situation of the natives has been much ameliorated, since they have been taken under the protection of the British. Agriculture and commerce have consequently increased; and it is hoped, that in a few years, Madras will support itself.

MADRAS, called by the natives CHENNAPATAM, a celebrated city and fortress of the south of India, and the capital of the British possessions in that quarter. It was founded in the year 1640, on a small territory five miles in length by one in breadth, purchased from a descendant of the Hindoo dynasty of Bijanagur, who then resided at Chandergherry; but in consequence of a previous agreement with the rajah's deputy, or local governor of the district, it was named after his father Chennapa. No worse position could have been selected, as it is situated on a flat sandy shore, where the surf runs with extreme violence, and is surrounded by salt-water creeks or rivers, which prevent the introduction of a stream of fresh water into the town. Its chief recommendation was its vicinity to the Portuguese settlement of Saint Thome, from whence many of the inhabitants were induced to emigrate, in order to live under the protection of the English. The original fortress was a small square, which now contains the public offices. To the south of this stands the church, near to which is the residence of the governor; and to the north of the old fort is the exchange, on which a light-house has been erected, which may be seen from the deck of a ship at 17 miles distance. Madras was taken by the French in 1744, and retained by them for five years. It was during this period that the fortifications were extended and improved. The French entirely destroyed the black town, and every building which stood within 300 yards of the fort; and with the ruins. formed an excellent glacis. It was restored at the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle to the British, in 1749, since which period it has been gradually increased and improved, and is now one of the strongest fortresses in India. All the offices of government, and courts of justice, are in the fort, which is called Fort St George; but the governor, and all the principal inhabitants, have houses at a short distance in the country, where they mostly reside. The nabob of the Carnatic has also a palace,

called Chepauk, situated on the Choultry plain, a short distance from the esplanade. The native, or black town, is situated to the north of the fort, at the distance of nearly a mile. It is surrounded by fortifications sufficient to repel any sudden attack. It has some good streets and bazars; but the houses are very irregular: some of them are large brick buildings, with flat roofs; but the greater number are built of mud, with tiled roofs. In 1794, the population was estimated at 300,000. The generality of the garden houses are very neat buildings, consisting mostly of only one story, but having a handsome balcony, supported by pillars in front. They have all green Venetian windows; and each house is surrounded by a garden. All the inhabitants of Madras, whether of the fort or the black town, are subject to the supreme court of justice, which consists of three judges appointed by his majesty. The salary of the chief judge is L.6000 per annum; and of the puisne judges L.5000 each, eligible to retire on pensions of L.1600 and L.1200 per annum, after seven years service in India. The law practitioners of the court are seven attorneys and seven bar risters, with the accustomary officers. The government of Madras is subordinate in political matters to the supreme government of Bengal; but carries on all the other departments of a regular state. It consists of a governor and three members of council; one of whom is generally the commander in chief of the forces. The governor and commander in chief are appointed by the East India company, but must be approved of by his majesty. The members of council are selected from the civil seryants of twelve or more years standing, and are changed every five years. It has also four boards for transacting all the public business, viz. the boards of trade, revenue, military and medical departments. A college has also been lately instituted, for instructing the junior civil servants in all of the native languages; and they have a mint for coining both gold and silver coin.

The soil in the vicinity of Madras is very poor, and formerly provisions were very scarce and dear, but since the conquest of Seringapatam, and the great accession of territory, they are now brought from the Baramahal, and other parts of the country, in great abundance. Madras carries on a considerable trade, not only with Europe, but with China, Ceylon, Pegue, the isle of France, New Holland, and different parts of India; but owing to the want of a navigable river, and the difficulty of landing goods, it labours under great disadvantages. The boats which are employed there, are built of soft wood, with flat bottoms, and

are sowed together, not having a nail their whole construction; they are couse quently very light and pliable, and are borne by the surf many yards on the shore, without any injury. It, however, requires great dexterity to manage them; and the greatest care must be taken not to bring their side to the wave. They have al another simple machine called a cattamaran or raft, on which they land anchors, guns, and other heavy articles, which are not injured by the salt water. The people who work these machines, and the boatmen, are expert swimmers; and it is seldom any accidents occurs when left to themselves. A European boat that should attempt pass ing the surf, would doubtless be overset, and all on board perish. The black town is inhabited by persons from all parts of the world, all of whom are left to the free enjoyment of their religion. It therefore contains an Arminian and Portuguese church, a mosque, and several Hindoo temples. In November 1803, a navigable canal was opened from the black town to Ennore river, which communicates with Pullicat. It is 10,560 yards in length, and 35 feet wide, by 12 in depth. Much benefit is expected to be derived from this inland navigation.

The Madras army consists at present of one European regiment of infantry, two battalions of European artillery, with a large establishment of natives, attached for performing the inferior duties; eight regiments of native cavalry, twenty-five of native infantry, officered by Europeans; and a corps of engineers. They have also several local and invalid corps. The patro nage of this army, instead of being in the hands of the commander in chief, is at the disposal of the governor.

Several of his majesty's regiments, both cavalry and infantry, are also employed under this presidency. The commander in chief is always appointed by his majesty together with two of the general officers on the staff; the remainder are selected from the East India company's officers. The ecclesiastical establishment consists of a archdeacon, subordinate to the bishop of Calcutta, and 23 chaplains. The medica establishment is very extensive, but the marine department is on a very limite scale. The climate of Madras is very hot but not unhealthy, unless when persons expose themselves to the sun, and drin spirituous liquors. Long. SO. 25. E. Lat 13. 5. N.

MADRE DE DIos, an island in the South Pacific ocean, near the coast of Patagonia 180 miles in circumference. Long. 77. 46 W. Lat. 51. S.

MADRE DE Dios. See Resolution.