HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
379 
king to induce a commutation of capital punishments, by 
substituting hard labour in chains, for death, is as creditable 
to his humanity, as the reduction of money from 70, 80, 
and 100 per cent., to 33, is to his sound policy, in a 
country where capital is small, and requires encourage¬ 
ment. Besides the good already stated, Madagascar is 
indebted to Mr. Hastie for the introduction of the horse, 
and many other useful and valuable animals, and of seeds 
and plants of various descriptions. He had made arrange¬ 
ments with the king for the manufacture of sugar, and, a 
short time before his decease, ordered apparatus from 
England for that purpose. He had also introduced two 
ploughs, a harrow, and some wheel-carriages, with various 
implements of industry; and to him the people were indebted 
for the method of training oxen for the yoke and to carry 
burdens. Though passionately and avowedly fond of 
amusements, he neither introduced nor encouraged them 
at Madagascar. His constant aim was to set an example 
of industry, and hence, although a billiard-table was opened 
by a European at Tananarivo, he neither played himself, 
nor gave it his sanction. 
In pursuing the various objects which his generous 
mind embraced, he displayed an eminent degree of persever¬ 
ing energy. No labour appeared to him too tedious to be 
undertaken, nor could discouragement abate his ardour 
while a ray of hope remained. To accomplish his object, 
he brought all his faculties to bear upon one point, so that 
few difficulties were so great as to impede his progress, or 
turn him aside from what appeared to be his duty. 
The protestant Mission in Madagascar is deeply indebted 
to the support and countenance of Mr. Hastie. He was not 
only ready on all occasions to sanction its labours when 
solicited, but voluntarily embraced every opportunity by 
