or CIVIDAD DE PALMAS, is the capital of the island of Canaria, with an indifferent castle, and a bishop's see. It has also a court of inquisition, and the supreme council of the rest of the Canary-islands; as also four convents, two for men and two for women. The town is about three miles in compass, and contains Canary contains 12,000 inhabitants. The houses are only one story high, and flat at the top; but they are well built. The cathedral is a handsome structure. W. Long. 15° 20' N. Lat. 28° 4'.

Canary Islands, are situated in the Atlantic ocean, over against the empire of Morocco in Africa. They were formerly called the Fortunate Islands, on account of the temperate healthy air, and excellent fruits. The land is very fruitful, for both wheat and barley produce 130 for one. The cattle thrive well, and the woods are full of all sorts of game. The Canary singing birds are well known all over Europe. There are here sugar-canies in great abundance; but the Spaniards first planted vines here, from whence we have the wine called Canary or Sack.

These islands were not entirely unknown to the ancients; but they were a long while forgot, till John de Betencourt discovered them in 1492. It is said they were first inhabited by the Phoenicians, or Carthaginians, but on no certain foundation; nor could the inhabitants themselves tell from whence they were derived; on the contrary, they did not know there was any other country in the world. Their language, manners, and customs, had no resemblance to those of their neighbours. However, they were like the people on the coast of Barbary in complexion. They had no iron. After the discovery, the Spaniards soon got possession of them all, under whose dominion they are to this day, except Madeira, which belongs to the Portuguese. The inhabitants are chiefly Spaniards; though there are some of the first people remaining, whom they call Guanches, who are somewhat civilized by their intercourse with the Spaniards. They are a hardy, active, bold people, and live on the mountains. Their chief food is goat's milk. Their complexion is tawny, and their noses flat. The Spanish vessels, when they sail for the West Indies, always rendezvous at these islands, going and coming. Their number is 12. 1. Alegranza; 2. Canaria; 3. Ferro; 4. Fuerteventura; 5. Gomera; 6. Graciosa; 7. Lanzarotta; 8. Madeira; 9. Palma; 10. Rocca; 11. Salvages; 12. Teneriff. West longitude from 12 to 21. north latitude from 27° 30' to 29° 30'.