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 to m . It is naked and mountainous, bearing every-where 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 . Aviolent 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, 15oo 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 .