LANZAROTE

lanzarote, an island in the atlantic ocean, forming part of the spanish archipelago of the canary islands (q.v.). pop. (1900) 17,546; area, 326 sq. m. lanzarote, the most easterly of the canaries, has a length of 31 m. and a breadth varying from 5 to 10 m. it is naked and mountainous, bearing everywhere marks of its volcanic origin. montana blanca, the highest point (2000 ft.), is cultivated to the summit. in 1730 the appearance of half the island was altered by a volcanic outburst. a violent earthquake preceded the catastrophe, by which nine villages were destroyed. in 1825 another volcanic eruption took place accompanied by earthquakes, and two hills were thrown up. the port of naos on the south-east of the island affords safe anchorage. it is protected by two forts. a short distance inland is the town of arrecife (pop. 3082). the climate is hot and dry. there is only a single spring of fresh water on the island, and that in a position difficult of access. from the total failure of water the inhabitants were once compelled to abandon the island. dromedaries are used as beasts of burden. teguise (pop. 3786), on the north-west coast, is the residence of the local authorities. a strait about 6 m. in width separates lanzarote from fuerteventura. graciosa, a small uninhabited island, is divided from the north-eastern extremity of lanzarote by a channel 1 m. in width, which affords a capacious and safe harbour for large ships; but basaltic cliffs, 1500 ft. high, prevent intercourse with the inhabited part of lanzarote. a few persons reside on the little island allegranza, a mass of lava and cinders ejected at various times from a now extinct volcano, the crater of which has still a well-defined edge.