80 
MADAGASCAR. 
persons at this time to pay a visit of ceremony 
to parents, superiors, and the palace of the sov¬ 
ereign, with some kind of present, varying in 
value according to the social status of the giver. 
Vast herds of fat oxen are slaughtered in and 
about the capital at this time, and slaves are 
seen passing in all directions bearing huge 
masses of beef, as presents of the fandroana , 
from the palace to the strangers and other 
residents in the city or suburbs. The scene on 
the first day of the festival is most imposing. 
Representatives of all the various tribes and 
families of the people, arrayed in holiday larnbas, 
robes of coloured stripes, and often of silk or other 
rich material, assemble and proceed in procession 
to the rova, or palace, and present hdsina, as a 
sign of subjection and submission to the central 
authority. This hdsina is always presented in 
interviews with the Government, and generally 
consists of a new silver dollar or gold piece, which 
is received and acknowledged by one of the 
officers in attendance on behalf of her Majesty. 
Foreigners, as well as natives, follow this custom 
of presenting hdsina as a recognition of the sover¬ 
eignty and protection of the Hova Government. 
On the first day of the fandroana (1864), when 
the deputies of the people arrived at the palace, 
her Majesty Ranavalona II., the late Queen, was 
seen occupying her usual place on the balcony at 
