Canary Islands

a cluster of thirteen volcanic islands lying 150 miles off the western coast of Africa. They form a province of Spain. The inhabitants are chiefly of Spanish blood. Population in 1900 was 358,564; area, about 2,808 square miles. The peak of Teneriffe rises to a height of 12,182 feet. It is a welcome landmark to the sailor. The plants are in part those of the Mediterranean region, including the oak, chestnut, pine, cedar, etc., with a few, as the Euphorbia, from Africa. There are 420 species of flowering plants not found elsewhere. The canary bird, the red partridge, and several kinds of lizards abound, but there are no snakes. As in Italy and southern France, the goat is an important domestic animal; but there are several thousand cattle in the islands. Where not too stony the soil is productive, meriting the old name of "Fortunate Islands." A number of fine hotels, together with the attractiveness of the climate, have made the Canaries a favorite winter resort. The exports are chiefly bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cochineal, sugar, wine, and almonds. Orchards of oranges, lemons, and figs yield abundantly. The women folk are noted for linen drawn-work. See Spain; Azores