HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
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tude a traveller might, on first seeing them, be induced to 
expect. At their junction with the sea, most of the rivers 
are choked by sand; in some instances, the same river forms 
frequent cascades and falls, in its course towards the ocean; 
and in other places, the descent is extremely rapid, and its 
current strong as a torrent, rendering navigation dangerous 
if not impracticable. 
The gloomy and unbroken solitude of some parts of the 
sublime mountain-scenery of Madagascar, is enlivened by 
cataracts of varied size, form, and elevation. The principal 
cataracts or water-falls in the island are Talaviana in the 
district of Tamatave. Farahantsana, about thirty miles west 
of Tananarivo, in the district of Marovatana; Ifito, about 
half a day’s journey from Hivondrona; Iandrianavomby, 
in Betanimena; and Moavana, in Mahavelona. 
Fountains, or springs, are numerous and valuable, espe¬ 
cially in the more elevated parts of the island. The capital 
is supplied with water from the rano-velona, 66 perennial 
springs,” which abound in the mountain on which it stands, 
or in the low grounds in its immediate vicinity. Some of 
these natural fountains are extremely good, and afford an 
ample supply of water for all domestic purposes: others 
are brackish, and consequently less serviceable. 
These are not the only kind of valuable fountains to be 
met with in Madagascar. Mineral waters Rave been found; 
and a more perfect knowledge of the country would pro¬ 
bably make us acquainted with a greater number than have 
yet been discovered. Medicinal springs, as might be ex¬ 
pected, occur in those parts of the country, the external 
form of which is evidently the effect of volcanic agency. 
Thermae, or warm-springs, occasionally appear; among 
which may be mentioned those in the fertile and beautiful 
province of Anosy. which are reported to possess valuable 
