MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 
61 
of the sovereign or the judges of the native courts. 
The tangena nut, which, although a deadly 
poison, only produces sickness if given in small 
quantities, was used for the purpose. The nut, 
or a portion of it, was inserted in the fruit of 
the banana, and thus swallowed by the wretched 
criminal. If retained by the stomach, a terrible 
and rapid death ensued, and the victim of the 
tangena was pronounced to have been guilty of 
the crime of which he had been charged. If, 
however, the poison was ejected by sickness, the 
sentence of not guilty was awarded. Persons 
who were in danger of this trial by ordeal, were 
often induced by their friends to drink large 
quantities of cold water; and this, it is said, pre¬ 
sented the poison from acting deleteriously in 
any way, as it invariably produced nausea and 
the rejection of the deadly nut. 
A pleasing feature of Malagasy life is the 
studied courtesy and hospitality shown to 
strangers. Throughout the island, and even in 
the most uncivilised parts, the duty of kindness 
and hospitality to strangers and friends alike is 
considered of the first importance. In journey¬ 
ing from one village to another, the traveller may 
always feel sure of a ready welcome and an 
ample meal. Each town, however obscure and 
unimportant, contains a good house, which is 
called the Queen's house, and which is always 
