CONTENTS. 
XV 
CHAP. XVII. 
Trial by ordeal in Madagascar—Uncertainty respecting its origin—Various 
modes practised in different parts of the island—General use of the tan- 
gena—Description of the fruit—Cases in which the tangena is employed 
—Manner of preferring an accusation among the inhabitants of the inte¬ 
rior—Preparations for drinking the poison—Translation of the invocation 
or curse used in its administration—Copious use of rice-water—Appear¬ 
ance regarded as indicating innocence or guilt—Summary death in case 
of the latter—Ceremonies attending an acquittal—Mode and effects of 
administering the poison-water on the coast—Cases in which it is ad¬ 
ministered to animals and fowls—Motives by which the natives are 
induced to employ it—Anecdotes illustrating the fallacy of its decisions— 
Probable number destroyed by the poison—Notice of witchcraft among 
the Malagasy—Singular instance of its influence recorded by Drury— 
General dread of sorcery—Terrible death inflicted on those supposed to 
be guilty of it.458 
Appendix— Malagasy Language 
491 
