HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
ID 
rice, cattle, and fish. Some Arab traders reside here 
purchasing rice from the interior, and forwarding it down 
to the coast. On the banks of the Iharoka are several 
villages; the chief are Maromandia, Ambohibohazo, Ma- 
hatsara, and, at a short distance from these, is Vohitsara. 
The appearance of the country on the banks of the river, 
is remarkably rich and beautiful, exhibiting all the variety 
and loveliness of nature in its most pleasing and attractive 
forms; and to the eye accustomed to European scenery, it 
would vie with some of the fairest regions, were its 
gently-rising grounds, sheltered groves, or spreading lawns, 
enlivened by structures, the abodes of intelligence, refine¬ 
ment, and comfort, with temples sacred to Him who 
hath weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in 
a balance. 
From the Iharoka, the traveller turns westward into a 
narrow, serpentine, and deep river, called Alavenonana, 
which extends about four miles, where he reaches the 
village of Vohitsara. This river is embosomed by rich and 
valuable plantations belonging to the natives, and appropri¬ 
ated to the culture of rice, plantains, gourds, sugar-cane, &c. 
The village contains from 100 to 150 houses, and being 
situated on an eminence, affords a charming view of the 
varied, extensive, and beautiful scenery of the surrounding 
country. 
Though some portions of Madagascar, and considerable 
parts of the district of Ankova in particular, are arid as 
well as barren, the country in general is well watered. 
The most fertile spots in the island are the valleys. 
Most of these abound with rice, the staple food of the 
natives,* and a few other vegetables. These valleys are, 
* Excepting, perhaps, the Sakalavas, of Menabe, whose principal food is 
arrow-root. 
