Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 3.djvu/97

 fathoms of water for 4,750 feet southwards. Over forty ocean steamers now visit the port every month, and the freedom from custom-house charges enjoyed by Gran Canaria will doubtless soon attract many vessels which at present stop at Saint Vincent and Madeira. Las Palmas is also an industrial and scientific centre, with archæological and natural history collections, and a fine cathedral in the Spanish Renaissance style. Asa health resort it offers many advantages to

invalids, who can here enjoy the benefit of the mineral and acidulated waters abounding in the neighbourhood.

Next to Las Palmas, Telde is the most important place in the island. It lies on the east coast, in the midst of gardens, orchards, and orange-groves yielding excellent fruits. The slopes west of the capital are occupied by Arucas, Firgas, and Teror and the little port of Las Sardinas in the north-west lies the ancient