Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-11-28

come and doctors go; but we still visit
Madeira, says Land and Water. and.
whether IN or out of health. take delight
IN unchanging aLodyne of Its atmosphere
The peculiar mental and bodily balm which
it seems to administer was described by a
seaman IN the expression that 1T seems to
be always Sunday there. "
OF quite recent years we have taken a
step southwark and added the Canary Is
lands rather, two out of the seven of
that group. At intervals we also hear
something more OF less vague about the
Azores. A popular idea exists. for which
1t Is difficult to account, that the climate
of the Azores approximates more. instead
of less, to that of the topics than those of
other groups. Possibly this may arise
partly from their reputation for the pro-
ductlon of pineapples. which. however.
are grown exclusively under glaSs-as is
the case also In Madeira. But the temper
allure Is at no time equal to the pine-grow-
ing out of doors, and the Azorean climate
Is, IN fact. intermediate between those of
Madeira and England. Though unyisited
by frost or snow except on the mountain
tops. the character of winter Is more per-
ceptible than In Madeira and the equality
influences On the other hand. it is far
more equable than in continental countries
at the same latitude, as. for instance. in
central Spain or Italy.
Between Madeira and Canary the diff
ferences are strongly marked, and the
more so because the only residential places
IN Madeira are on the sheltered south
coast; whereas Los PalmaS. in Grand
Canary, and Orotaya, In Teneriffe, are
more or less open to the North sea trade
wind. Persons going from Madeira to
Canary are at once conscious of what is
called a stronger air and a drier; though
the balmy winter temperature remains
The change is often accompanied with
some disappointment, on account of the
very arid appearance presented by the
Canaries at first sight. The luxuriant
vegetation in which Madeira is clothed
seems to be entirely lacking and the wood
ed heights are replaced by stony ridges
and frowning cliffs This is due to the
vast hygrometric difference in the two
ATTITUDES. The Canaries must be explored
to be admired and enjoyed. Their char
acter partakes more of the African and
those of the group which approach the
coast are more African than It's Outlaying
members. The scenic beauty is to be
found in the ravines and valleys rather
than in any coup d'oeil. By those who
can afford time, means, and strength for
extended excursions and sea trips a diff
ferent impression will, of course, be form
ed from that of others whose range is linn
tied to the abOve-named two points,
where good hotel accommodations is avail
able.
The latter qualification is one which is
still wanting in the Azores. The humi-
dity of the winter atmosphere is some
times excessive, and at intervals during
February and March the average tempera-
ment will demand fire In It's sitting-room
The moisture, however, is of the nature
of a sea damp, not necessarily entailing
any evil consequences. though unsuited to
many cases of pulmonary weakness. To
the winter tourist who desires a change
from the Riviera the Azores may prove an
attractive outlet; while, in any case, their
long and splendid summer is a revelation.
The noble crater lakes of st Michael's and
the boiling springs and excellent public
baths of the Furnas valley are features
totally unrepresented in either Madeira or
Canary. At present, however, these at
fractions can only be enjoyed at the cost
of somewhat roughing it In the matter of
accommodation.
Chance has made Azores more familiar
to our cousins across the Atlantic than to
ourselves. Though at considerably great
er distance and possessing even less facili-
ties than ourselves for getting there, Am
orleans form the majority Of the small con-
tingent of foreign visitors to be found at
all seasons in st. Michael's and Foyai.
Summing up the leading characteristics
of the three climates, the Azores may be
described as an all-the-year-round touring
country, and, in that capacity, certainly
the most attractive of the three. For or
binary invalid cases they are winter re-
sort, so far as regards an escape from frost.
fogs, northeasters. But, for the present,
means of access and good accommodation
await Developments. Madeira. from the
difficulty OF internal locomotlon, is essen
TALLY an invalid retreat and available as
an unequaled winter climate from Octo-
Der to June. During the hot months it
necessitates move up into the mountains,
as well as an occasional descent to escape
the effects of the Este, or American hot
| wind, which effects the higher levels more
than the coast. The Canaries afford a dry
and marvelously equable climate from Oc-
tober to May, suited to some pulmonary
cases, though not to others. From June
to September the heat is considerable,
though by no means excessive, and occa-
siOnal visitations of the Lavente the local
name for the same African wind) cannot
be avoided But for those in the enjoy
ment of health it may confidently be said
| that any of the three groups may be visit
ed with safety at any season, and there Is
no doubt that as the means of communica-
ton and residence improve they will con-
tinue to compete vigorously for the favor
of European visitors of all tastes and con-
stitutions