839. The group of the Azores is the most northern of those islands which dot the Atlantic: they are of volcanic origin, and for the most part fertile. The island of St. Michael, celebrated for its oranges, is by far the most productive Not an acre of arable soil, Dr. Walsh observes, is lost; and 'both European and tropical vegetation flourishes side by side, in the most luxuriant manner. Wheat and bananas, figs and cabbages, oranges and potatoes, are equally abundant and excellent in their kind.' (Ibid., vol. i. p. 512.)