124 
MADAGASCAR. 
It is called the Jitomian-kova, or weeping-place 
of the Hovas, because the wretched captives here 
took leave for ever of their native province, and 
prepared to descend to the maritime plain, along 
wdiich they were driven to the port of embarka¬ 
tion. Groups of bearers are met coming down 
from the interior with native produce, or driving 
herds of bullocks to the coast, for transport to 
the Mauritius and elsewhere,—and between these 
and our bearers continual questioning went on 
as to the news, the state of the road, the health 
of friends, and the general condition of affairs in 
Imerina. It is when traversing this route that 
the visitor to Madagascar is really impressed 
with the vast food-producing capabilities of the 
island; and it cannot but be regretted that its 
wonderful powers of production should be al¬ 
lowed to remain dormant for want of energy 
and a larger population to give them an oppor¬ 
tunity of due development. 
The personal experiences gained in these jour¬ 
neys are not always pleasant, however, for the 
houses in which one has to rest are not at times 
so thoroughly in accord with European tastes 
and ideas as one would wish. Eats, mice, and 
fleas abound, especially in the forest villages and 
the poorer Hova towns; and when these are ab¬ 
sent, as is generally the case on the coast, their 
places are supplied by the ever-restless and san- 
