The climate of Portugal is thought by many to be the finest in the world, and the number of very old people is quite as remarkable as in Bulgaria. The soil is rich, the sun is warm, and the perfect climate greets the efforts of the farmer and vintager in the manifold duties to which he devotes himself.

1 "Port, Oporto and Portugal," by Frederick Challoner.

There is only one thing lacking, that is a plentiful supply of moisture. The average Portuguese farmer is a small proprietor. He is an easy-going person, jogging along as his father and grandfather have done before him. Nothing matters to him. He never wishes to do what he can put off until tomorrow.