273 



CHAP. XL 



Departure from Tamatave. — Slaughter of an Ox, and subsequent Rejoicing. — 

 Arrival of Sodra. — Number of our Party. — Native OfiBcers. — Dwellings 

 of the People. — Native Hospitality. — Forest Exploration, and new Plants 

 and Flowers. — Beautiful Lake Scenery. — The Bird beloved by Cattle. — 

 Aspect of Andevorandro, and Occupations of the People. — Voyage on the 

 Iharoka. — The Rofia Palm. — Magnificent Astraptea Trees. — Speeches 

 on offering Presents. — Interview with an Officer from the Capital. — Retail 

 of Spirituous Liquors. — Aspect of the distant Country. — Apprehensions 

 from Crocodiles. — Size, Habits, and Ferocity of Crocodiles. — Crocodiles' 

 Eggs collected for Food or Sale in the Markets. — Perils and Privations of a 

 Party of Christian Fugitives. — The Hot Springs at Ranomafana. — Native 



Music. — Continuance of Rain Physical Appearance of the People, and 



Modes of dressing their Hair. — Appearance of the Rocks. — The Travellers' 

 Tree, its magnificent Form and varied Uses. — Meals on the Journey. — 

 Exceedingly difficult Roads. — Objects of Reverence or Worship. 



Early in the morning of the 6th of August, 1856, the bearers 

 came and removed my packages into the court-yard of my 

 house. The two soldiers who had slept beneath my roof with 

 their muskets at their heads, rolled up their mats and gave 

 them to a boy who was to carry them. A stout Betsimasaraka 

 chief, named Beoli, belonging to the district, but who from 

 having been some years on board an English frigate for the 

 purpose of learning the duties of a sailor, spoke broken 

 English, so as to be generally understood ; and had been ap- 

 pointed by the authorities captain of the maromities, or 

 bearers, came with a gun, and a powder horn slung over 

 his shoulder, to superintend the departure of the men with 

 their burdens. I had hesitated about taking the packages, 

 but the governor recommended all should be taken on to 

 the capital, instead of being left to be sent for afterwards, if 

 needed. 



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