MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 
75 
to expending their energies, or bracing their 
somewhat attenuated limbs by strong healthy 
recreation. Formerly they indulged in the pleas¬ 
ures of the chase to a limited extent; and 
Radama I. was fond of boar-hunting; but the 
only prevailing diversion appears to be what 
is called mamely-diamanga, and simply consists 
in kicking at an antagonist backwards, like a 
mule or horse. A game much resembling 
draughts is a common recreation amongst the 
Betsimisaraka. It is played with stones or beans, 
on a board, or piece of smooth stone or clay, 
having thirty-two divisions or holes. 
The Malagasy are very musical, and singing is 
a favourite pastime with them everywhere : their 
idea of harmony is almost perfect; and the wild 
and often plaintive beauty of their improvised 
melodies is most affecting. The only instrument 
they possess is the vaMha , or native harp. They 
read music very readily: the tonic sol-fa system 
seems to be most preferred; and there are some 
large classes, consisting of hundreds of members, 
always in full practice at Antananarivo and the 
larger centres. 
The practice of circumcision is universal, and 
is carried out in its details with great care and 
festivity, and is another sign of the Asiatic origin 
of these people. It is, however, a social rather 
than a religious ceremony amongst the Malagasy, 
