OUTLINE GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY. 341 
the Arabic, as several of them have the Arabic 
prefix al. The same names are applied, however, 
on the eastern and western coasts to months at 
quite different seasons of the year. 
The usual salutation of the Betsimisaraka of 
the east coast is the beautiful word “ Finaritra” 
—“May you be happy.” 
The Hovas use the more formal phrase, “ Akory 
hianao, Tompokolahy ? “ How are yon, sir ? ” 
If the person addressed is an Andriana , or 
member of the royal family, it is usual to say, 
“ Trarantitra Tompokoe ”—“ May you live long, 
sir.” The usual reply to these expressions of 
courtesy is, “ Tsara hiany, Tompokolahy “ I 
am very well, sir.” The natives always address 
even strangers and passing travellers thus, and it 
is at least good manners to return their greeting 
with care, and as nearly as possible in their own 
formula. 
It is usual for a traveller to send notice of his 
arrival in any village or centre of authority to the 
chief man of the place. This should be written, 
or sent with an agreeable message of inquiry as 
to the health of the Queen, prime minister, and 
chief members of the Government. Such acts of 
politeness are due to the Malagasy authorities, 
whose guest for the time being the stranger is, 
and they often secure greater comfort and expe¬ 
dition in travelling or purchasing supplies. 
