VOYAGE TO MADAGASCAR. 39 



fucb aoimals as are neceffary to their fub- 

 fiftence. 



The Ontzatfi are the laft clafs of the On^ 

 tampaffemaca ; but they enjoy no particular 

 marks of difti nation. They are generally 

 brave foldiers, fkilled in the art of war, who 

 can throw a ftone or an aflfagay with great 

 dexterity, and who fpend their time in danc- 

 ing, fleeping, and amufmg themfelves. They 

 learn from their earliefl infancy fome fongs, 

 containing lefibns of morality, or fables 

 refpe<n;ing their origin. 



The native blacks are divided into four 

 claffes : the Voadziri, the Lohavohits, the 

 Ontzoa, and the Endeves. 



The Voadziri, we are aflured, are the 

 defcendants of the ancient fovereigns of the 

 ifland. They are generally pretty rich in 

 flaves and flocks ; and they are allowed to 

 poflefs feveral villages* Thefe people mull 

 be held in great con fi deration among the 

 I) 4 iflander^ 



