HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
9 
miles from St. Lucia, they built a fort, which they called 
Dauphin, and which stands in a commanding situation on 
the south side of the bay of Taolanara, a spot well calculated 
for the establishment of a colony. 
The fort is built 150 feet above the level of the sea, and 
commands the road; so that no enemy’s ship could escape 
the fire of its batteries; and the landing to it is also rendered 
difficult'by a steep declivity: it is of an oblong form, and 
enclosed with strong walls of lime and gravel well cemented. 
The anchorage in the roadstead is excellent, and the harbour 
is screened by the Isle of St. Clair from the heavy sea-gales, 
so that the entrance is convenient at all times for large 
ships. 
The bay of St. Lucia lies at the mouth of the river 
Itapere, on the north side of Taolanara. On the south is 
the great river Taranty, which is navigable for many miles; 
and at a short distance from its mouth is the lake of 
Ambolo, which is fifteen miles in circumference, and forty 
feet deep. 
With the advantages here described, the peninsula of 
Taolanara was a situation much more favourable to the 
success of the settlement of Pronis than the rich and fertile 
valley of Ambolo. Pronis, however, was not a man quali¬ 
fied to maintain the respectability of such an establishment 
in the eyes of the natives. Weak in mind and indolent 
in habits, he lost his authority over the troops, who 
became, in consequence, refractory and licentious. A 
rebellion was excited against him; and the settlers, seeing 
no prospect of his governing the colony with firmness and 
prudence, and fearing the combinations of the native chiefs, 
arrested, and confined him in irons. His captivity lasted 
six months, when he was released by a French ship; but 
he had scarcely resumed the command, when he committed 
