302 
MADAGASCAR. 
they are in many cases almost destitute. The 
traffic will require to be carefully guarded, and 
the rights of the emigrants secured, by a firm 
administrator on the coast; but there can be 
no fear as to their treatment by the Malagasy 
authorities and people, who are famous for their 
hospitality and kindness to all who dwell within 
their borders. In fact, in the introduction of 
coolie labour lies the secret of the commercial 
success of the whole of the new and promising 
industries of the island, as the scanty native 
population will never be able to do the work 
which requires to be done, as soon as the works 
and schemes which are on foot in Betsimisaraka 
country have entered upon the productive stage. 
The abstemiousness of the coolie labourer, and 
his capacity for the work of the cane plantations 
and coffee gardens, will render him a most useful 
auxiliary in the utilisation of the resources of the 
soil and climate of Madagascar. There are vast 
tracts of magnificent planting ground in all parts 
of the island, waiting for occupation by industri¬ 
ous persons with a small capital, which would 
render in a few years a rich and plenteous return 
for the labour bestowed upon them. It is not 
likely that the native authorities will alienate 
the soil in perpetuity in the future; but long 
leases on very favourable terms may be had from 
the Government, which contain clauses amply 
