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the outlines of their works, and where bits of hard burnt tile are constantly to be found.

The Estrella, if not the highest, is undoubtedly the most extensive chain of mountains in Portugal, and the views from it are grand indeed; that to the south-west being indescribably fine, embracing in a somewhat semicircular form successive mountains, till in the far west they terminate in the clearlydiscerned height of Bussaco. In picturesque beauty the Estrella is inferior to the Gerez, but the view from its summit is second only to that of the Outeiro-Maior; on no account should the ascent be made, unless the wind be gently bringing the clouds from the north, after heavy rain, otherwise not onetenth of its brilliant views can be enjoyed. Covilhão is a town curiously located, in which large quantities of dark brown cloth, called Saragoça, are manufactured, and which, from its recent improvements, and the palpable enterprise of its inhabitants, will soon be able to supply the whole country with that cloth; and ere long will probably compete with England and France in the production of the finer qualities of cloth.

If the traveller intend to explore the course of the Zezere, he can go from Covilhão to Tortozendo.

No. 18.

FROM COVILHÃO TO ABRANTES BY WAY OF THE MOUNTAINS.

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Tortozendo, one league, is a large village, with most singular verandahs of wood in the highest windows of the houses. At Paiool is an inn, very prettily situated. At San Martinho accommodation

can be had; but in making this journey food of every kind should be taken, even bread, by him. who would sustain the fatigue of this three days' trip. On the first day the Estrella is seen in majestic boldness, without verdure, affording the more striking contrast to the great fertility of the country through which the traveller roams, there being in every direction groves of chestnuts of great size, most of them being 20 to 24 feet in girth; there are also many olive yards in this district, in the beauty of which district even the cattle participate, for they are sleek and symmetrical in a high degree.

From San Martinho to Iznah is a long and arduous day's journey; but the views are splendid, especially the one which is seen from the highest part of the road before it declines towards Iznah. There the Estrella and other mountains are seen in a form apparently approaching that of three-fourths of a circle; and, in another direction, Castello Branco, and all the intervening country towards Spain, is discovered, as well as a vast extent of the Alem-Tejo towards the south-east. Seldom can scenery surpass in splendour that of the last two leagues of this journey, especially towards evening, when the sky has the soft and touching hue which

precedes the close of day, or when its light blue is tinged with clouds of dingy gold; then, indeed, is fully felt the soothing influence of all around, perfected when the tinkling of the bells of cattle is heard, and the humming of insects, and the cawing of the crows as they cut the air in their homeward flight.

From Bogas de Baixo, the road to Pedrogão could be taken, but in that case the splendid view near Iznah would be lost. The best thing is, to traverse every road leading to the Zezere, and thus to become acquainted with the near and distant beauties of the country through which it flows.

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A very fine ride to Fundão, which is celebrated for its beautiful position, and for the very extensive and enchanting views which its neighbouring heights afford of the Estrella Mountains to the

west, and of the vast plain towards Almeida and Spain on the east, as well as of the country towards Castello Branco and Idanha to the south; but if the time of the traveller be limited, he can go from Covilhão to Iznah, and thence to Sertan, and to Pedrogão Pequeno and Pedrogão Grande, or from Bogas de Baixo to Pedrogão, and thus have an opportunity of following the course of the Zezere, meandering at the base of the high mountains, and passing through gorges of the wildest nature, some of which nearly approach the perpendicular, as at the Ponte de Cabril.

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At Albergaria is a tolerably good inn, the Dous

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