HINTS TO TRAVELLERS. 
293 
qualities cognate to or arising out of this one. 
We did miss very much the music of our English 
homes at the capital. A Smith’s American organ 
had been successfully taken up, and some smaller 
instruments; but the greatest treat of all was to 
hear old familiar strains from Chopin or Schubert 
touched off upon one of Brinsmead’s iron Grands, 
—-certainly the only instrument of the kind that 
would bear the journey across the mountains, 
and up the defiles of Imerina, to the magnificent 
city of the Hovas, without straining or losing 
the fineness of its tone in any way. Lawn- 
tennis clubs are now flourishing at Antanan¬ 
arivo, and croquet is not unknown, so that a 
supply of racquets, &c., for these games will be 
useful. 
A good organ is now placed in the church in 
the royal courtyard. The natives can make a 
fairly useful harmonium, and have even tried 
their hand at violins amongst other things; but 
I should advise the enthusiastic amateur not to 
depend upon the Malagasy for an instrument, 
but to take one with him. 
One word of warning I would give in conclud¬ 
ing these notes and hints to travellers. Never 
let a native touch your watch, if you value it or 
your own peace of mind for ever after. Draw a 
line at your watch if it is worth anything. Send 
it to Mauritius, or home to England even, but 
