The climate is mild, and, to a high degree, healthful; and invalids derive great benefit from a residence there. England is the most largely represented among them, though a few Americans are nearly always to be found, chiefly from Boston and vicinity, from which place occasional sailing-packets may be had to the island, though the most direct route is by way of England, whence the steamers of the West India Mail Company call regularly at Horta.
The island is of volcanic origin, and its principal elevation is some three thousand feet, while the remaining portion is of a somewhat rugged character, though of the twenty-seven thousand five hundred and twenty acres comprising it, about one-half is under cultivation, and much of this is extremely fertile. The chief products are wheat, corn, potatoes; while wine and oranges are raised in large quantities for exportation.
In former times, when the whaling interest of the country was in a flourishing condition, between one and two hundred whale-ships touched, in their outward passage, at this island; and even now many American vessels call here for water and supplies.
Some years ago, shortly after the conclusion of the trial of Dr. Webster, his wife and daughters visited Fayal, where they remained some considerable time, and where they doubtless hoped to and did for a while escape from all obtrusive notice and observation. However, they were soon known, and the sympathies of the people of Horta were much enlisted in their behalf. The daughters were highly cultivated and quite beautiful, and attracted considerable attention, out of sympathy at their distressed situation.
Visitors will find at Horta very comfortable accommodations, and the many curious and interesting features peculiar to the island and its people will serve to interest and instruct them while they remain.
Nearer home, the
ADIRONDACK
region has been greatly extolled by many as possessing a highly salubrious climate for consumptives, and indeed for all who are suffering from general debility and over-work.
There is no doubt that a trip to this mountain region of northern New York, during the latter part of the summer and early fall, would prove of great benefit to many invalids, as indeed a rough camp-life would prove in any high and dry section, especially of interior and northern Vermont, or New Hampshire, which lie contiguous to the Adirondack country.
There is, however, an advantage in a district in which pine timber abounds, and all who resolve on camping out for health should not fail to select such localities. There is a subtle and positive balm to weak nerves and sore lungs inhering in the atmosphere of pine forests, wholly unknown to that of any other. Invalids should be very cautious about giving too much credence to the benefit to be derived by a residence in any climate. They are apt to expect too much, and the fault is perhaps more theirs than those who extoll various localities, in that they build, unjustifiably, too great expectations on what they hear or read.