engraving and text extracted from
History of Madeira - 1821 (from my library)
Madeira was then under British domination
To bring wine to town when clear
After the wine is pressed from the grape, it is allowed to remain for a certain time in a state of fermentation, and when clear, is transported to town in barrels, carried by small ponies, a race of horses peculiar to the island of Madeira. In the same manner they carry bags of rice, flour, and baggage, of all descriptions, from the town into the country.
These small horses are equally remarkable for their strength and docility, being perfectly tractable in all the various uses to which they are applied. Indeed, it is a singular faculty which they acquire, of continuing the same pace in ascending or descending the hills, over which their journeys oblige them to pass. They live to a great age, but whether it is from their native character, niggardly sustenance, or severe labour, they are never seen to attain the good case which is the general appearance of the same animal in England.
The inhabitants are partial to the English breed of horses, for which they are known to give great prices. They have also American horses, which are found to adapt their footing very readily to the roads of the country.
TO MADEIRA.
How oft thy juice, benignant isle,
Has made the Briton’s heart to smile !
How oft the flowing of thy vine
Has proved a cordial medicine !
And, having wandered o’er the seas,
Will give the failing stomach ease.
And shall we not, with pleasure, see
The course of art and industry,
Which does such beverage prepare
For British luxury to share ?
With all that Britain’s isle can boast,
Bacchus’ inspiring boon she lost ;
Who gives her nought to make her merry,
But apple juice and sparkling perry ;
Or on those mixtures to regale,
Those dulling fluids, beer and ale,
The Goths’ invention, and ne’er known
By those who live near Helicon.
How oft thy juice, benignant isle,
Has made a Briton’s heart to smile ;
For ’tis to thee, and climes like thine,
That Britain’s sons must look for wine l
The costume:
The character wears the traditional clothes of the peasants of the time: white trousers pulled tightly over the calves, white shirt and small jacket, and the conical cap on the head. His leather boots with folded edges are typical of the Madeira region around 1820.
It is difficult to see what he is wearing on the hip on the right side.
The horse is tied to an iron ring cemented into the wall, such as is still sometimes seen in all the villages of Europe.
It is to be hoped, for the horse's sake, that there are no other barrels on the other side. As they are represented here, they must already weigh more than 200 kg!
