294 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
rounded by deep fosses, in which the vine is extensively 
cultivated. The iron in all this neighbourhood reaches 
even to the surface of the ground, and gives in some places 
the appearance of iron to the rocks. 
On arriving at Xmonombola, the travellers observed a num¬ 
ber of smiths employed in the manufacture of bayonets for 
the government, and about the close of the same day, they met 
immense droves of cattle brought from the war, in which 
they had been taken as booty. At no great distance from 
this place, they were met by an elderly man, who begged 
of them to turn back to his village, and partake of some 
refreshment. This being a singular instance of hospitality, 
and offered at a suitable time of day for resting, they ac¬ 
cepted the invitation, and accompanied the old man to his 
house. Mats were spread for them, and a present brought 
of ducks, fowls, a pig, and some rice; and that nothing 
might be wanting for the immediate entertainment of his 
visitors, the hospitable host actually chopped up his bedstead 
to provide fuel for the cooking. He expressed great joy in 
their having accepted his invitation, remarking, that he 
wished to honour those w r hom Radama honoured, and to 
respect and love those whom Radama respected. On 
thanking him for his hospitality, and presenting him with a 
few yards of white cloth, he was so delighted that he leaped 
and danced w r ith ecstasy, calling on heaven, and earth, the 
sun, and moon, and all above and all below—god and 
the king—to bless them, and give them the desire of their 
hearts. 
At the village of Tserifareny, where they were hospitably 
received by the inhabitants, they rested for the night. In 
the course of the evening, a number of female singers 
placed themselves near the house, and interested the 
party by singing some of their native songs. The softness 
