PREFACE. 
The object of this book is twofold: 1st, to 
give in a concise form the principal facts of 
Malagasy history, with a brief description of the 
habits, customs, and natural features of the 
country; 2d, to direct public attention to, and 
create an interest in, a small and insular but 
progressive and worthy people, who are at the 
present time passing through a great national 
crisis, which will, however, act, let us hope, only 
as a stimulus to fresh efforts for self-improve¬ 
ment and judicious domestic reform. 
Much of what I have written has been 
gathered from personal observation during a 
prolonged residence on the east coast of the 
island—at the interesting and important town 
