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the hitherto undiscovered districts. The productions of the 
west, nortb, and southern coasts, and of all the interior, re- 
main entirely unknown, and the slender documents that have 
been furnished, as to the vegetation of the N. East, by the 
French naturalists, most of whom have perished from the 
effects of the climate, serve rather to stimulate, than to satisfy, 
a botanist's curiosity. We were so fortunate as to be the first 
botanists who penetrated the interior of the island with a view 
to study its vegetable treasures, which, though possessing 
some points in common with other maritime countries, yet 
present many singular features, and of which, we propose, at 
a future period, to publish scientific descriptions: still, we 
must frankly confess, that we but traced a slender path to- — 
wards the approaches of those immense and inexhaustible 
natural riches, of which the most creative fancy can hardly 
pencil a sketch. 
_ At Emerina, however, one must not seek those magnificent 
forests which adorn the eastern shores of Madagascar, though 
small plantations, and a few trees, are not of unfrequent 
occurrence, especially in the neighbourhood of villages. The 
nearest forests are two or three days’ journey from the capi- 
tal; in consequence of which, wood is dear, and the inhabi- 
tants are obliged to make use of grass, straw, and dried dung; 
to cook their food, and for common fuel. 
Emerina is very productive in cattle, which are remarkably 
large and fat; there are, also, many sheep, differing little 
from goats, being covered with hair instead of wool. Their 
heads, however, are broader, and their tails so big as fre- 
quently to weigh 9-10 Ibs. Hogs and Cabris also abound; 
but, by an absurd command of the ancient kings, they are 
not allowed to come near the capital, and are kept at five oF 
six leagues distance, This regulation has, however, been 
recently abolished, at the request of Mr. Hastie. Poultry, 
as well as turkeys, which Mr. Hastie has introduced, are €x- 
cessively numerous; and, among the game, are wild ducks; 
that often cover the whole surface of the ponds. The rivers 
produce but little fish, and are full of Caymans; but Eels and 
Crabs abound, the latter often of enormous size. The only 
