ETHNOLOGY OF THE PRESENT DAY. 247 



There are but few islands around Africa : alnnost all of them are snriall, 

 hence without especial influence on this division of the world. Even 

 Madas^ascar has, until the present time, been entirely cut off* from Africa 

 by the strong oceanic current in the Mozambique channel. Nevertheless 

 we cannot allude to the largest African island without at least a brief 

 statement in regard to its population. 



The Island of Madagascar is inhabited, besides Negroes (on the west 

 coast) and Caffres (in the south), by the MaJpuslies and Horas, both the 

 latter being denominated Madagassees. Both have, in general, similar 

 manners ; the Horas, however, are the more warlike. On the whole, they 

 are distinguished for a fine growth, are of more than medium size, and of 

 a complexion similar to that of the Abyssinians ; they have short, crisp, 

 and black woolly hair, but regular and agreeable features. They are 

 lively, and fond of sensual enjoyments. Their dress is very simple, consist- 

 ing of a strip of cloth which is wound around the hips, and another similar 

 one, which is thrown across the shoulders like a cloak. The women wear 

 a broader piece of cloth arranged like a skirt, and a boddice without sleeves. 

 Their ornaments are necklaces, armlets, and anklets, of metal, pearls, 

 corals, (fee. ; a heavy gold chain is worn around the neck and breast, which 

 suspends various small articles. The hair, which is also adorned with trin- 

 kets, is worn in several braids, which married women wind about the 

 head, whilst the girl§ let them hang down free. Long hair is esteemed an 

 essential part of beauty ; and hence it is rubbed with oily substances, in 

 order that its growth may be promoted. 



The Madagassees live in large villages, surrounded by high palisades, for 

 protection against attacks. Their huts are very simple, of a bee-hive form, 

 and rather neat. The doors, which are made of wicker-work, are movable, 

 and the entrance is closed by simply placing them before the opening. 

 Sometimes a few bundles of thorns or bushes supply the place of doors. 

 Palm trees afford the principal material for these huts. The man of conse- 

 quence builds around his large hut several smaller ones, which he divides 

 amongst the members of his family. The entire space occupied by a 

 Madagassee village is very attractive, being like a park of cocoa-palm, 

 orange, lemon, plantain, and fig trees, &c., offering numerous shady places, 

 and combining the charms of coolness, fragrance, and juicy fruits. The 

 household furniture is very simple ; plaited mats are used for tables and 

 couches ; the vessels are of burnt clay or wood ; palm leaves serve as 

 table cloths, napkins, spoons, platters, and plates. The principal food is 

 rice, which is moistened with meat broth, and seasoned with frasfrant 

 herbs and parts of other aromatic plants. Many roots, manioc for instance, 

 are used as a species of bread. Fruits and berries add variety to the meal. 

 The flesh of beasts, birds, and fish, is eaten boiled or broiled. Mead, with 

 or without water, is the favorite beverage. 



The Madagassees are mostly good-natured people, benevolent towards 

 others ; only by their intercourse with Europeans have they become 

 suspicious, and the necessity of securing their liberty sometimes makes 

 them cruel and treacherous. They support themselves by agriculture, 



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