340 
MADAGASCAR. 
Before the introduction of clocks and watches, 
which are now becoming very common amongst 
the younger Malagasy, the passage of time was 
noted by the use of a rude kind of natural 
chronometer, which was made by the progress of 
the sun’s rays over a particular part of the house 
during the day. The following list was given 
to Mr Sibree, jun., by an intelligent friend of 
his, and illustrates incidentally some of the 
habits and daily life of the people, especially 
those living in the country :— 
Hour of day 
Malagasy term. Meaning. about 
Vaki-maso-andro . . Daybreak.6 
Maim-lohon-dravina . Dry back of the leaf ... 7 
Mamook omly .... Driving out cattle .... 8 
Mitatao-haratra ... To come (the sun) above the 
purlin.9 
Mitatao-vovonana . . To come above the ridge . . 12 
Mitsidik ’andro . . . The peeping in of the day . 1 
Mena-maso-andro . . The red sun. 
Homam-bary-olona . . People eat rice.8 
Tapi-mandry-olona . . Finished—people lie down . 10 
Mamatow-alina . . . Midnight.12 
Maneno-akoho .... Cock-crowing. 3\ 
Mifoliaza atsinana . . The east is light. 
The year is divided into twelve months as 
with us, or moons—the same word (yolana) being 
used for both. They are as follows :— 
1. Alahamady. 5. Alahasaty. 9. Alakaozy. 
2. Adaoro. 6. Asombola. 10. Adijady. 
3. Adizaozy. 7. Adimizana. 11. Adalo. 
4. Asorotany. 8. Alakarabo. 12. Alahotsy. 
It is supposed that these names are derived from 
