HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
3 
The word Madagascar is of uncertain import; and its 
use, to designate the island, appears to be of foreign rather 
than native origin. The inhabitants appear to be acquainted 
with it only as the designation v given by strangers to 
their country. The natives themselves have no distinct 
specific names for the whole of their island. By those who 
reside on the coast it is sometimes called Nosindambo, 
“ island of wild hogs,” from the number of these animals 
found in the country. In speaking of their country, the 
Madegasse usually name the several provinces respectively, 
or, if they have occasion to speak of the whole, some kind 
of periphrasis is employed, as, Izao rehetra izao , “ All this 
entirely;” Izao tontolo izao , “this whole;” Ni tany 
rehetra , “ all this country;” or, as expressions still more 
emphatic, Izao ambany lanitra , “ this beneath the skies;” 
Ambony tany ambany lanitra , “ upon the earth, and be¬ 
neath the skies.” A familiar expression for the whole 
island, is, also, Ny, anivony ny riaka , signifying, literally, 
“ The, in the midst of the flood,” “ that which is surrounded 
by water,” “ island.” # This name, however, though an 
appropriate term for 66 island,” is applied by the natives 
to Madagascar only. The usual word for “ island,” in the 
native language, is, nosy , as, Nosy Ibrahim , “ Isle of 
St. Mary.” 
The descriptions which different writers have given of 
Madagascar have been various, and, in many respects, dis¬ 
similar. In general, the representations of its productions, 
salubrity, and resources have been such as the hopes of its 
visitors have been led to desire, rather than such as their 
observations have fully authorized them to make. In the 
* Tom-pony ny anivony ny riaka, “ sovereign of the island.” This expres¬ 
sion as descriptive of the extent of the sovereignty claimed by the late king 
Radama, Was placed on his tomb. 
B 2 
