HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
89 
of Madagascar, when the island was split into innumerable 
petty and independent states; but it is unsuitable for an 
empire, which requires its services rather by convenience 
of localities than the prejudice of clans or families. 
The capital and its suburbs, for about six miles round, 
are called Voromahery, though more strictly the capital is 
called “ Voromahery in town,” and the suburbs “ Voro¬ 
mahery in the country/’ 
Most of the preceding observations, though properly 
belonging to Imerina, may yet be applied to Ankova 
generally, since a great similarity obtains between its three 
great divisions. It will, therefore, be necessary to subjoin 
but a few remarks respecting Imamo and Vonizongo, and 
these on points only where the two divisions differ from 
Imerina. 
Imamo lies to the west of Imerina, and embraces 
Mandridrano, and Valala-fotsy. Abundance of iron is 
found in the mountain of Ambbhirmangara, one of the 
highest in Ankova. It has been said that silver also exists 
there; but of this, no satisfactory evidence has yet been 
given. One of the most celebrated vestiges of antiquity in 
Imamo, is situated on the summit of this mountain. It 
is the ancient tomb of the renowned giant Rapeto. An altar 
is connected with the tomb, on which sacrifices are still 
offered. 
The tradition respecting these renowned personages 
states, that Rapeto came from the mountain Ankaratra, and 
Rasoalao from Ambohimanoa. They made immense bon¬ 
fires, and gradually approached each other, till they met 
at Antongona, where they entered into a mutual covenant, 
and married. Their children consisted of one daughter and 
seven sons. The sons were laudably inured to industry, and 
sent to plant rice, but very impertinently took upon them- 
