126 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
It was after he had conquered the principal part of 
liner in a, that Xamboasalama changed his name to Impoin- 
imerina, affixing, as usual, Andriana, “ chieftain, or noble.’’ 
Impoin-imerina signifies the “ expectation of Xmerina,” or 
the “ object of desire to Xmerina.” Impoina being the 
root of the name, it is frequently used for the sake of 
brevity. In him the prediction of Andriamasina-valona 
became verified, that ultimately some one chieftain would 
form the different districts of Xmerina into one kingdom. 
He, however, did more than this, by adding Xmamo and 
Vonizongo to his empire, besides Vakinankaratra, with part 
of Antsianaka and of Ankay, though he himself still re¬ 
mained tributary to Menabe. 
This prince is universally represented as having been a 
man of great energy of character, bold, brave, and adven¬ 
turous, yet possessing an eminent share of prudence, sa¬ 
gacity, and shrewdness. Like other chieftains of uncivi¬ 
lized tribes, he not unfrequently stooped to the petty arti¬ 
fices of mere cunning and chicanery, to serve his purpose. 
Though generally influenced by maxims of justice, there 
are exceptions in his conduct, and some actions with which 
his memory is charged, can be regarded only as deeds of 
atrocity. To him, however, belongs the honour of laying 
the foundation of the solid and permanent improvement of 
his country. He was a man of active, industrious, stirring 
habits himself, and he greatly encouraged and promoted 
industry among his people. By his advice and influence the 
natives made great improvement in the arts of building, 
working in iron, &c. He rendered himself popular amongst 
his people by his steady maintenance of justice in the 
complaints brought before the judges—frequently hearing 
causes himself, and attending while justice was adminis¬ 
tered, to see impartiality exercised towards his subjects. 
