HINTS TO TRAVELLERS. 
291 
heavy storms of rain. Nothing should be carried 
on any account which is not necessary or use¬ 
ful. In the early morning start, before daylight, 
nothing is more vexatious than to have to collect 
a thousand and one articles and pack them away, 
only to be taken out and repacked at every 
stage of the journey. The bearers are scrupul¬ 
ously honest, and they will take the greatest 
care of anything expressly entrusted to them. 
It is always wise on landing at Tamatave to 
go to Messrs Proctor Brothers, and secure from 
them advice, and a trustworthy guide and drago¬ 
man. Having got your man, place the details 
of the journey in his hands, and hold him re¬ 
sponsible for everything and everybody. Messrs 
Proctor, at the Malagasy Consulate in East India 
Avenue, E.C., and at Tamatave, have been con¬ 
nected with Madagascar as the chief English 
mercantile house since 1862 , and their knowledge 
of the best men, bearers, routes, business details, 
wages, &c., is always at the service of visitors 
to the island. Passages, and all information as 
to the voyage out, may also be had through their 
consulate office in London, as well as notes of 
credit and circular notes for a temporary tour 
through the island, or to the Mauritius and 
Zanzibar. 
To those who are going to remain for a length¬ 
ened period in Madagascar, and who are anxious 
