CHAP. 11. DAGUERREOTYPES OF NATIVES. 47 



sion, expressed a strong desire to have their likenesses taken 

 before we left ; and as M. De Lastelle pointed out a house 

 in his enclosure in which we could operate, we went on board 

 for the daguerreotype apparatus, as that process could be most 

 readily employed. When we returned to the shore there was 

 a little difficulty, but this being overcome, the apparatus was 

 brought on shore, and the next day Mr. Cameron took a 

 number of daguerreotype likenesses, with which the originals 

 were much delighted. 



WTiile thus employed we received a visit from a native of 

 some consequence, who was described to us as being of the 

 twelfth honour, and one of the most celebrated diviners or 

 workers of the sikidy in the island. He was in height about 

 the middle stature, rather broad-set than corpulent; good- 

 looking, light tawny coloured, and seemingly about forty-five 

 years of age. He was dressed in a pink figured shirt, over 

 which he wore the white lamba. He also had on a broad- 

 brimmed hat of black camlet, with a very wide band of gold 

 lace. His name was Eatranombolo, or ^'the silver house." 

 Some of the people appeared to regard him with a certain sort 

 of dread, and there was about him an air of great reserve and 

 importance. The son of the late judge of the district was 

 sitting for his portrait when he arrived. He examined the 

 camera, and seemed astonished at the accuracy with which 

 the figure was shown on the ground glass. He wished to 

 have his own portrait taken for himself; but as he would not 

 consent to a second being taken to be retained by us, his 

 wish was not gratified, and, after looking with much seeming 

 mystery at the miniatures already taken, he left the place. 



We spent as much of our time as possible with our valued 

 friends on shore, advising, and encouraging them in their 

 difficult position. We also left communications and small 

 presents for our brethren at the capital, together with a trifling 

 amount of relief for those who were in distress ; and finally, 



