“Boarding the invalids that come here must be a great business among the people,” said Wainwright, as they passed a group of pale consumptives, seated in the sun on the Praca.
“It is a very important item of the business of the island.”
“Do you think it does them any good to come here?” asked Scott.
“Undoubtedly it does; though, if you visit the cemeteries, you will find a great many English and American names on the gravestones. The great difficulty is that those troubled with pulmonary diseases come when it is too late for the climate to benefit them.”
Lieutenant Scott’s Adventure. Page [153].
The party passed into the principal street of the town, which was not more than twenty-five feet wide, and it was a broad thoroughfare for Funchal.
“Every gentleman seems to be acquainted with every lady he meets,” said Sheridan, as they made their way through the crowded street.
“That remark applies only to the native gentlemen; and it is the custom for them to lift their hats to every lady they meet,” replied the surgeon.
“I suppose that is done to make business for the hatters,” added Scott.