98 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
beyond the average increase of inhabitants. As the security 
of property became greater by an organized and firmly 
established government, and as industry, under the patron¬ 
age of that government, found its reward and encourage¬ 
ment in a greater demand for its produce, wealth increased, 
and hence also the improved appearance and the modern 
style of many of the houses at the capital. 
In the centre, and near the highest part of the town, 
(called by the natives Tampombohitra,* crown, or top of 
the town,) stands the palace, surrounded by a high pali¬ 
sading of strong poles. Properly speaking, the enclosure 
comprehending all the buildings called the palace, consists 
of two parts: a division being formed within it, by means 
of a palisading from east and west. The northern division 
is strictly the palace, and the southern the palace-yard, 
called by the natives, Anaty Rova, i. e. “ within the 
fence.” 
The northern division of the enclosure contains a 
building designated Trano-vola, i. e. Silver House, built 
and occupied by Radama: the latter contains several 
buildings either in the occupation of the sovereign and 
part of his family, or for other uses which will be pre¬ 
sently specified. The front line of palisadoes, in which 
the front gate is situated, facing the north, reaches about 
fifty paces ; and that on the west, the usual place of en¬ 
trance, about one hundred and forty paces. Part of the 
latter is occupied by three or four houses belonging to 
the government. 
The ground on which the palace is erected appears to 
have been originally raised, by artificial means, from five 
to seven or eight feet above the level of the public road, 
* From Tampona, vertex, or top, and Vohitra, town or village. 
