342 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
spot, on an eminence near the skirt of a wood, where no 
dwelling for man had ever been constructed; a situation 
possessing no recommendation whatever, except that of 
commanding an extensive view of swamps and rice-grounds, 
and having the great disadvantage of being distant six miles 
from any fresh water. On being asked why he selected 
this spot, he said, it was rich indeed to him, as he w r ould 
always have the best rice-grounds and finest pasturage of 
Iboina in view, while, in the most boisterous weather, 
neither tide nor river could disturb him. He had besides 
another reason for choosing this place, where he confessed 
he had long desired to build a house; it was, that his 
people might dwell in the low country, where his feet would 
be above their heads. 
To these reasons, which appeared perfectly satisfactory 
to the chief himself, though it is probable he had others 
far more important, Radama gave way, and sent immediate 
orders for the commencement of a dwelling for Andriansolo, 
at whose request some sacred door-posts, highly prized in 
his family, were sent for, from Doana. 
Sickness was now increasing in the camp of Radama to 
such a degree, that the report one morning was—4202 unfit 
for service, and 1652 unable to help themselves. These 
reports, however, were so familiar to Radama, that he heard 
them without much concern, merely ordering that a party 
of three hundred effective men should conduct the miserable 
creatures to the desert, where they might receive supplies 
from Ankova. 
After waiting to see the habitation for Andriansolo 
completed, the soldiers of Radama’s army were ordered 
to march, and on the 15th of August the whole party left 
the place of encampment. 
On leaving the province of Iboina, Radama decided upon 
