88 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
nated by the name of the principal class or clan to which 
it originally belonged.* 
To illustrate this view of the subject, it may be inquired 
with regard to its locality, 44 Where is the capital situated ?” 
and the reply may be, 44 In Voromahery.” 44 Where is 
Voromahery ?” 44 In Avaradrano.” Here, Voromahery, 
though strictly an heraldic designation and therefore belong¬ 
ing to a clan, is yet attached to a place, as a portion of 
the territory called Avaradrano. In other cases it desig¬ 
nates necessarily the clan: for example, 44 Who are sum¬ 
moned to attend such a kabary, or public assembly ?” It 
may be answered, 44 All Voromahery;” that is, all the 
people falling under that heraldic designation, whether 
residing in Avaradrano or any other district. Or it might 
be asked, 44 Who are ordered to the forest for timber for 
such a service ?” and the reply may be, 44 All Avaradrano 
and in that case all the clans belonging to Avaradrano 
would be intended. 
These divisions and subdivisions are most tenaciously 
and rigorously maintained by the people themselves, and 
by the government. Proportions of public service to be 
performed by the people, are most scrupulously regu¬ 
lated by reference to these divisions. Quotas of men 
to be furnished for the army, and of youth for the 
schools, are fixed on by the government agreeably to the 
arrangement of the people into clans; a mode of pro¬ 
ceeding, however, frequently involving great inconvenience, 
and which must, as civilization advances, ultimately fall 
into desuetude. It might be adapted to the feudal state 
* This custom does not appear to be peculiar to the Malagasy. In the 
South Sea Islands the same designation is used for the clans or tribes and the 
country which they inhabit, although primarily employed to designate the 
people only. 
