FUNCHAL, the administrative centre of the Portuguese archipelago of the Madeiras ; on the south coast of Madeira, in 32° 3 7' N. and 16° 54' W. PoP. 31,352. Its white washed houses, in their gardens full of tropical plants, are built along the curving shore of Funchal bay, and on the lower slopes of an amphitheatre of mountains, which form a back ground 4,000 ft. high. Numerous country houses (quintas), with terraced gardens, vineyards and sugar-cane plantations occupy the surrounding heights. The chief buildings include the cathe dral, Anglican and Presbyterian churches, hospitals, opera-house, museum and casino. In the steep and narrow streets, which are lighted by electricity, wheeled traffic is impossible ; sledges drawn by oxen and other primitive conveyances are used instead (see MADEIRA). In winter the fine climate and scenery attract numer ous invalids and other visitors; many foreigners engaged in the coal and wine trades also reside here permanently. The British community was first established here in the i8th century. Fun chal is the headquarters of Madeiran industry and commerce (see MADEIRA). Funchal is connected by cable with Carcavellos (for Lisbon), Porthcurnow (for Falmouth, England) and St. Vincent in the Cape Verde islands (for Pernambuco, Brazil).