HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
77 
in the manufacture of the native lamba, or long robe, 
from a kind of coarse silk, the produce of the country, 
which they render extremely heavy by ornamenting with 
an immense quantity of small leaden beads fastened to the 
silk in rows either straight or curved. They purchase the 
metal on the coast, or in the interior, and make the beads 
themselves. Their land is fertile, and, with but trifling 
labour, yields an ample supply for the few wants with 
which they are familiar; and to exert themselves beyond 
this, in their present grade of civilization, would be 
contrary to the known laws and history of the human 
species. 
Betsileo is divided into six districts,—three in the north, 
and an equal number in the south. The former, which 
are situated nearly in the centre of the island, are Andra- 
say, or Vakinankaratra, Fisakanana, and Vohidrahomby. 
To the south, are Lalongina, Sandrabe, and Tsianipariha. 
The scenery of the country is not unfrequently rich and 
varied, occasionally it is picturesque, and sometimes bold 
and majestic ; and the indications of former volcanic action 
are distinct and numerous. 
To the west of Betsileo, and proceeding northward on 
the sea-coast, is the fifteenth province, the large country of 
Menabe , otherwise designated the South Sakalava country. 
This district has from time immemorial been renowned for 
the brave and warlike chieftains by whom its inhabitants 
have been governed. 
The prevalence of wars in former times, among the 
Sakalavas, together with the fatal effects of the fever 
abounding in this district, may sufficiently account for the 
fact, that, though the aggregate population is considerable, 
it is yet small compared with the amount the Sakalava 
country is capable of maintaining. The cultivated part 
