130 VISITS TO MADAGASCAK. chap. v. 



bouse of the son of the chief judge, as being central and con- 

 venient. At the time appointed the chief judge and other 

 officers of the government, borne in palanquins and attended 

 by a guard of honour and a native band, arrived at the place 

 of meeting. At half-past five the residents were summoned 

 to the banquet. Two lines of soldiers wearing a folded white 

 cloth round the loins and white belts across their naked 

 shoulders, and armed with a musket or spear, lined the 

 avenue of trees leading to the house. As we entered the court- 

 yard the band, which consisted chiefly of drums and clarionets, 

 began to play, and when we reached the door the second 

 officer in command, the governor's representative on this 

 occasion and designated a marshal, came out to meet us 

 accompanied by the other officers, by all of whom we Avere 

 cordially welcomed. 



While we were waiting I found sufficient to interest me in 

 observing the singular variety amongst the uniforms of the 

 officers. They seemed as if they might have belonged to the 

 different services of various nations. I did not however notice 

 any naval uniform ; the greater part were English or scarlet. 

 On the buttons of one of the coats I observed the American 

 eagle and shield. Uniforms appeared to be held in high 

 estimation, for on another occasion I was informed' that an 

 officer of the place had given a hundred oxen for his suit. 

 One of the officers present wore a rich green velvet coat 

 thickly ornamented with gold lace, and a large aiguillette of 

 gold cord on the shoulders. All the chief officers had gold 

 epaulets and cocked hats with feathers. 



On proceeding to the dinner table the places of the guests 

 were indicated by their names being written on pieces of 

 paper and placed on the table napkins; and I soon found 

 myself seated between the lady of the house, the Avife of the 

 judge's son, and the marshal. Next to him was an officer 

 who spoke English, though but imperfectly. The officer in 



