HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
15 
extent, dimensions, and other peculiarities, which may be 
regarded as illustrating a general notice of the lakes in 
Madagascar. The water of some of the lakes is fresh; 
of others, brackish; and of others, decidedly salt. 
The traveller proceeding from Tamatave to the capital, 
reaches the first lake at Hivondrona. This lake is called 
JVosi-ve, which signifies “many large islands,” from the 
circumstance of there being several in the lake. Proceeding 
southward, it assumes two other names in succession. At 
its widest part, it is called Sarobakina , “ difficult to cross,” 
which is peculiarly appropriate, especially in rainy, stormy, 
or otherwise unfavourable weather. Farther on, it is 
called “ Si-anak angaitra , “ the place of rofia plants.” The 
whole length of this lake to Tany-fotsy, may be twenty-two 
or twenty-three miles, having about six villages on each 
bank. 
At Tany-fotsy (i. e. white soil) the traveller pitches his 
tent: and the natives must carry the canoes and packages 
across the bank to the adjoining lake, a distance of about 
a quarter of a mile. A junction has been commenced 
between the two lakes. Radama paid particular atten¬ 
tion to this object; and under the superintendence of 
Rateffie and Filibert, about eighteen hundred men were 
for some time employed in cutting a channel, and removing 
the soil. Since the decease of Radama, the labours have 
been suspended; and this work, as well as many others 
of great national importance, remains unfinished. 
South of Tany-fotsy, is the small lake Famonoam- 
paninana , u killing of serpents.” This extends about half 
a mile in length when a shallow stream commences, called 
Ampanirana. The next lake, Am pandr an-ety, though wide 
at its entrance, gradually becomes narrow, and is succeeded 
by Atopiana , “ cast,” or “ thrown,” from a custom the 
natives have of throwing a stone or stick in a certain part 
