HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
165 
him in these first arts. There are labourers and others 
among them who understand perfectly the breaking in and 
management of cattle. It is difficult to persuade a whole 
people, but a despotic king can abridge the task. If he 
himself be persuaded, he carries all the rest with the 
current. 
44 The king of Ovah must be the first merchant, chief 
cultivator, gardener, and artisan, as the best means of 
teaching his ignorant subjects to become so. 
44 The two Europeans left last year in Ovah, at Radama’s 
request, and the Indian artisans and labourers, are to return 
or remain with him according to their individual inclina¬ 
tions. You will make particular inquiry into their conduct 
since they have been at Ovah, and minute in your diary 
every circumstance that has made a favourable impression 
or otherwise on Radama, whose sincere and cordial good 
wishes and attachment are indispensable to the permanent 
success of the object of the alliance with that prince. 
44 Enclosed is a list of the articles for Radama; and for 
defraying the expenses of your journey, you will employ 
such part of the stores at Tamatave as may be requisite. 
His excellency has ordered four hundred dollars to be 
forwarded to you in specie. Of the whole of the above 
you will keep an exact and detailed account, observing the 
rule of being moderate in your presents, as the best means 
of leaving none discontented, and giving the most general 
satisfaction. 
44 1 have the honour, &c. &c. 
(Signed) “A. W. Blane, 
44 Dep. Sec.” 
44 P. S. His excellency has congratulated Jean Rene on 
the late success of his arms, in the full confidence that that 
enlightened chief has set an example of forbearance and 
