20 
MADAGASCAR. 
November, on account of the enormous risk which 
is run in venturing across the track of these 
dreaded storms, and during this time vessels 
only of large size and good build will attempt the 
passage. A few years ago this was the only 
route to Tamatave; and on more than one occasion 
Europeans have passed away on the crazy decks 
of these bullockers, under a blazing tropical sun, 
worn out with fever and the terrible hardships 
incidental to such a voyage. There is a touch¬ 
ing story told of a poor missionary, who died, 
stretched between decks upon a truss of hay, and 
forgotten by the crew, or at least neglected by 
them, in a crowded hold of bullocks, with which 
the ship was packed from stem to stern. The 
return voyage, which proved too much for this 
enfeebled missionary, then often occupied from 
thirty to forty days—a fact which can only be 
remembered now with a sickening shudder, 
especially when we think of the poor women and 
children who have in times past had to endure it. 
The communication is, however, much improved 
now, and a better class of vessels are employed ; 
and Madagascar is also now in direct communica¬ 
tion with Europe. 
It w^as our lot, in 1874, to take passage in 
the Eosa, a thorough specimen of a bullocker, 
and commanded by a good and well-known sea¬ 
man, Captain Judic. The crew and officers of 
