VISIT TO THE COURT OF THE HOVAS. 141 
and that they were wrong in urging him to a 
course of action that would have been danger¬ 
ously premature, and would have brought on a 
catastrophe and deluged the land with blood. 
The reception-room in the Trano Vola presents 
a somewhat incongruous appearance, in conse¬ 
quence of the varied nature of its contents, and 
the peculiar taste with which they were dis¬ 
played. Clocks of different makes, pictures, a 
small organ, with side-boards, tables, and sundry 
articles preserved under canvas covers, make up 
the appointments of the apartment, in one corner 
of which we had our interview with one of the 
most eminent men Madagascar has yet produced. 
It is customary on these occasions to present 
hdsina , a new silver dollar, as a mark of allegi¬ 
ance to the Queen, and as a tribute of respect 
and an acknowledgment of the supreme authority 
of her Majesty within her dominions. Having 
performed this pleasing duty, we took our leave, 
and in a few days left the capital again for the 
coast. 
