HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
121 
the customs of antiquity, and in maintaining all the cere¬ 
monies of the circumcision, fandroana, &c. As is not un- 
frequently the case, however, their dignity is their bane. 
It feeds their pride; their pride generates indolence; and 
both tend to perpetuate their ignorance. In the year 
1824, when mission-schools were first formed in the country, 
no town pleaded so much poverty as their head-quarters, 
Ambohimalaza; and this not only because it was their 
actual condition, but because they hoped, by bringing for¬ 
ward such a plea, to have their children exempted from 
attendance. 
Andriamasinavalona, king or chief of Tananarivo, was the 
first who reduced under his authority the whole province of 
Imerina. This chieftain had several wives and a very 
numerous family. Of twelve sons, whether real or adopted, 
he appointed four to hold the reins of government, four to 
attend on his person, and four to be chief officers among 
the people. But in making this division of his kingdom 
into four parts, he knew enough of human nature to fore¬ 
see that at some future period one of his descendants would 
conquer the whole, and again consolidate the separate parts 
into one united kingdom. 
It is said that with this chief commenced the custom of 
allowing each successive king “ twelve wives,” to each of 
whom is allotted a manakely or estate. 
All the descendants of Andriamasinavalona are reputed 
to be of royal blood. They possess various privileges, 
amongst which one of the principal is, liberty to intermarry 
with the royal family*. 
The character of this chieftain is held in the highest 
veneration and esteem. He is said to have exercised great 
care over his district, and to have introduced many im¬ 
portant improvements. To him is attributed the highly 
