THE DODO, ETC. 
old newspapers, the earliest published in the island if possible— 
inquire after, and seek out old official papers that may be still 
existing in some of the public offices ; and if any of the men of law, 
who, we presume, exist there, possess any old documents relating 
to the early state of the country and its possessions. The remains 
of bones have hitherto been found in caverns, on the floors, covered 
with mould. New caves should be sought for, and their floors 
examined; excavations should be made at different points in allu- 
vial deposits—in the beds of streams, where bodies floating down 
were likely to be deposited; and the ruins of old habitations or 
camping places, around the fires, &c., should be strictly searched. 
These remarks refer most to the three smaller islands. In Mada- 
gascar, the same, so far as possible, should be followed out; and 
as the field is wider, every method which the ingenuity of the ex- 
plorer, or the nature and circumstances of the country suggest, 
should be tried; and we scarcely. doubt, that perseverance will 
be attended with success. 
127 
