CONQUEST BY THE HOVAS. 
53 
of the Hova was completely and firmly estab¬ 
lished. One brave old chief of the Betsileo, how¬ 
ever, resisted for many years the vanquisher of 
his clan, in his rock-protected fortress, to which 
he withdrew with his children and his immediate 
retainers, and whence he defied with bitter taunts 
the opposing forces for many years, although the 
latter had the formidable assistance of cannon 
and rockets. He only surrendered on receiving 
a promise that he should retain his rank and 
title; and this he did to the end of his days. 
Fiananantsoa, the chief town of the Betsileo, in 
several points strongly resembles Antananarivo, 
the capital of Imerina. It is situated upon a 
long stony ridge of considerable elevation, and 
has already several large and imposing buildings, 
erected after European models, and is surrounded 
by beautiful scenery and rich and fertile plains. 
The Malagasy are long - lived, and one is 
struck, in passing through their villages, by the 
number of old people to be seen at the doors of 
their dwellings, and enjoying the balmy atmo¬ 
sphere and the warm sunshine. This is partly due 
to their abstemious habits, simple diet, and active 
lives passed chiefly in the open air. Their in¬ 
dulgence in intoxicants to excess is a habit of 
recent origin, brought about by the introduction 
of a cheap and fiery rum from the Mauritius, 
which has a deadly effect upon the consumers in 
