CONCLUSION. 
347 
the attempt to connect the south with Tamatave 
by a continuous water-way, but permission from 
Antananarivo for the projected works was re¬ 
fused. The carriage of the grain from the spot 
where it is produced to the port of embarkation 
is so excessive, that rice-growing on a large scale 
is scarcely remunerative; but if the transport 
once became easier and cheaper, a new source 
of wealth would be open to the Malagasy, as 
the rice of the island has a pre-eminent reputa¬ 
tion, even as far as India and Ceylon. 
To those who think of trying their fortune in 
Madagascar, I can only say that they will meet 
with a ready welcome from the people of the 
island. But it is scarcely the place for any but 
those with some capital, and with plenty of 
self-restraint and ideas of frugality and hard 
work. The one curse to the white settlers as 
well as the natives is the toaka, or native rum. 
Strictly temperate habits render the climate, 
however, powerless to work any serious mischief 
upon the constitution. Great care has to be 
exercised not to go long in wet clothing, or to 
take cold in any way. Over-exertion also is 
dangerous, especially in the sun ; and the mus¬ 
cular system should be well supported by good 
food and frequent changes of diet, plenty of 
woollen, not cotton clothing, and great care as 
to the sleeping arrangements of the domicile. 
