182 
MADAGASCAR. 
liable to be overrun at any time by the Saka- 
laka, who delight, as is the case with the Bara 
in the south, to descend upon the fruitful 
fields and well-stocked meads of their neigh¬ 
bours, and carry off all that they can possibly 
lay hands upon. They have been known to 
carry off two hundred head of cattle at one 
swoop ; and consequently the Hovas have erected 
a belt of small forts along the western side of 
the plain for the protection of the district. The 
herds cover the plains, and cattle-tending is the 
chief business of the people, and probably in 
no part of the island are there so many cattle 
as in the Antsihanaka. The oxen are used 
extensively for treading the rice-fields. They 
are driven to and fro over the mud, and thus 
reduce it to a state exceedingly well fitted to 
receive the seed grain. Guinea fowls abound, 
but as they are very shy, it is difficult to get 
at them with the gun. The yearly tribute to 
the Queen is paid by these people in chillies, 
geese, mats, and quills for pens. The civet-cat 
is also known, and a kind of hedgehog which 
is considered very good eating indeed. 
Two-fifths of the district is marsh or boggy 
land, and is the great source of supply for the 
reeds and rushes which are worked up by the 
Sihanaka women in useful mats and baskets, 
these being sold in Imerina, and especially at the 
