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wooden wall, about fourteen feet high, and the top of which 
is thick set with spears or assaguays. "There are four gates, 
the principal facing the north, and distinguished from the 
rest by twelve or thirteen steps of hewn-stone, which lead to 
the platform, that is a fine equal plane; the gate is also 
adorned above with a glass framed in silver, like the palace. 
Two other gates are on the east side, and one at the south. 
'The latter leads to another enclosure, not so handsome as 
the first, composed of large palisades, which are sharp-pointed 
at top, instead of lances. This enclosure was formerly destined 
for the dwelling of the king's lawful wives, of which he has 
twelve, and his concubines; also of his nephew, the son of 
Prince Rateffi, who is the apparent heir of the crown, and 
these individuals dwell in small separate houses situated in 
the enclosure. The Agent-general of His Britannic Majesty 
also resides there, with his irc and occupies one of the 
largest houses. 
The King Radama Manjake, sovereign of the Huwa, peer 
who considers himself now as King of Madagascar, though a 
large portion of this vast island is still not subjected to his 
dominion, is a young man about thirty years of age. In stature 
he rather exceeds five feet, and his countenance is very 
agreeable. He possesses considerable natural understanding 
and extraordinary shrewdness; he is as gay and amiable as he 
is hasty tempered, but susceptible of much sensibility and affec- 
tion. He is very desirous of instruction, and is fond of the 
society and manners of Europeans, whom he does all that is 
possible to attract to his court, and takes pleasure in their con- 
versation, especially on the subject of war. His chief delight is in 
hearing anecdotes of heroes who have distinguished themselves, 
and whom he neglects nothing that lies in his power to imitate. 
Since the period that Europeans have frequented the country, 
. King Radama has much changed his manners, he wears 
their costume, adopts their manner of living, and has ne 
the French language, which he writes with tolerable accuracy. 
He is a great amateur of music, and as we can both of us play 
on the German flute, we have often the pleasure of his society, 
and of moving him and all his family, even to tears. ! 
