CHAPTER XX 



AMONG THE SOUTH-EASTERN PEOPLES 



FROM the Hova military post at Ambohipeno, my 

 companion and I made our way southwards, or rather 

 first to the south-west, intending to visit the congrega- 

 tions at the three or four other important places in this district, 

 as well as some of those in their vicinity. This part of Mada- 

 gascar is a comparatively level or undulating country, extend- 

 ing for many miles between the forest-covered mountains and 

 highlands to the west, and the ocean to the east, and only about 

 three hundred to four hundred feet above sea-level. The native 

 inhabitants were conquered often with much cruelty and 

 treachery by the Hova, about fifty years previous to the date 

 of our visit, but the cruelties of the wars carried on by the armies 

 of Radama I. and Ranavalona I. were not forgotten. Over 

 large districts, all the male population whose heads were above 

 the armpits of the soldiers were ruthlessly shot down or speared, 

 and the women and children taken as slaves, so that a large 

 proportion of the slave population of Imerina were descended 

 from the tribes in these south-eastern districts. Since then, 

 the people quietly submitted to the superior power ; but these 

 military posts were still maintained with governors, officers, 

 and a small force of soldiers ; and at most of them there was 

 a considerable display of military authority, the gates being 

 guarded, and the drum beaten at regular times every morning 

 and evening. With one notable exception, we were everywhere 

 received with the greatest kindness and respect. Abundant 

 presents of food for us and our men were brought wherever we 

 stopped ; every facility was given us to speak to the people, 

 and we were helped in every way to prosecute our journey. 



The country between Ambohipeno and Mahamanina was 

 varied by low hills in all directions, and patches of wood, the 

 traveller's tree appearing in great numbers. The fruit of this 

 beautiful tree was seen very conspicuously, forming three or four 



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