Plants

The account from São Nicolau describes differences between hills: some covered in heather and carqueja, others in gorse and oaks. It also mentions rabbits, partridges, hares, wolves, wild boar and foxes. This testimony shows how nature was described in the 18th century; it is not a current species inventory. The author also compares the terrain, distinguishing finer-grained stones to the north and east from large boulders to the west and south.

In the account of 1758, Orada has a stony summit with few trees, described as harsh and cold. On its lower slopes, the scene changes: chestnuts, oaks, vines trained up trees, olive oil and cereals enter the description.

The vicar places residents in the lower areas near the valley, not on the mountain top. Altitude, settlement and cultivation help us read the whole picture. This is the written portrait of that year, not a survey of today’s vegetation.