MADEIRA, THE MADETRAS

(c. 33° N., 16° 45’ W.), islands, Atlantic Ocean, about 700 miles W. of Lisbon. M. was visited by Portug. explorers in 1820, when it was annexed to Portugal, remaining in po e ion of Portug. government almost without interruption until present time; first permanently settled, c. 1431; taken and held by British for short time in 1801 and in 1807-14. The group comprises M., Porto Santo, and three uninhabited Desert as; total area, 314 sq. miles. M. is an irregular oval in shape; area, c. 270 sq. miles; surface mountainous, rising to over 6,000 ft. in Pico Ruivo; has fine climate and is favorite health resort, especially for consumptive patients; chief town, Funchal, is port of call for Atlantic steamers; exports fruits, wines, vegetables, sugar, tobacco; Madeira wine is well known, and is made from mixed white and black grapes. Porto Santo is a hilly island, with practically no products; it was visited by Columbus. Pop. 185,000. See Mar or THE WORLD.