220 
MADAGASCAR. 
region of the Isalo is doubtless fostered by the 
perpetual presence of these magnificent but awe¬ 
inspiring hills; and we can without difficulty 
trace an affinity between the jagged hard peaks 
of rock, which thrust themselves up in all direc¬ 
tions, and which would seem to defy the powers 
of the world to destroy or even to soften them, 
and the dark gloom of the Bara mind, with its 
love of blood, its thirst for rapine, and its impen¬ 
etrable superstitions and fetishism, which have 
so far proved impregnable to the assaults of 
civilisation or moral influences. 
There is, however, I am persuaded, a rich 
harvest to be reaped by the philanthropist and 
social reformer even amongst the B^ra tribes of 
south-west Madagascar. The process of elevating 
and improving them may be a long one—doubt¬ 
less it will be; but when once the work has been 
begun, results will follow which will amply repay 
those who may devote themselves to the good of 
these warlike, but fearless and chivalrous, High¬ 
landers of the south-west. 
Circumcision prevails amongst these people. 
Strange to say, all the operations connected with 
midwifery are carried out by the male members 
of the family, the husbands or elder sons; and the 
mother is kept closely shut up after the birth of 
her child for four days, at the expiration of which 
period she goes about her usual duties. 
