76 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
woody, and a very inconsiderable portion of it is brought 
under cultivation. The inhabitants have obtained from 
the adjoining maritime provinces, supplies of arms and 
ammunition, and their acknowledgment of the sovereignty 
of the Hovas appears the effect of compulsion rather 
than of cordiality. They possess great numbers of cattle, 
which they dispose of on the coast, in exchange for ammu¬ 
nition and arms. 
Immediately to the north of Ibara, is the province of 
Betsileo —the fourteenth. The name signifies “ much, not 
conquered,” or “invincible,” and denotes the independent 
and unconquered spirit of the inhabitants. It is separated 
from Ankova by a range of mountains called Ankaratra, 
and from Anteva by an extensive waste or desert. Bet¬ 
sileo is a fine grazing country. The cattle are exceedingly 
numerous, and among them some are found, called “ omby 
bory,” cattle without horns. The account given by some 
authors, of cattle in Madagascar having horns appended 
to the forehead by means of a small portion of skin, appears 
fabulous. Such cattle are not now known in the island, 
and it is believed never were. 
The inhabitants of the Betsileo province, though not 
equally advanced in civilization with the people of Ankova, 
who have had more intercourse with Europeans, are 
remarkable for the mildness of their dispositions, and the 
simplicity of their manners. Living in an inland province, 
and having had scarcely any communication with strangers 
visiting the island or settling on the coast, they naturally 
express the utmost surprise at the appearance, manners, 
and pursuits of the foreigners, when they meet with any of 
these, to them, singular and extraordinary beings. 
Generally speaking, the Betsileo lead an inactive life. 
The principal domestic occupation of the people consists 
