islands in the Atlantic Ocean, lying between 25 and 33 degrees of west longitude, and between 36 and 40 degrees of north latitude. They belong to the Portuguese, and are also called the western isles on account of their situation. They were discovered by the Flemings in the 15th century. They are seven in number; viz. Tercera, St Michael's, St Mary's, Graciofa, St George's Island, Pico, and Fayal.