128 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
Next to the Hovas are the Sakalavas. More numerous, 
especially when regarded as comprehending the Bezanozano 
and the Antsianaka, than their successful rivals, and occu¬ 
pying more extensive territories, this nation was, during 
the last century, the most powerful in Madagascar, having 
reduced the Hovas to subjection, and exacted from them a 
formal acknowledgment of their dependence. Tribute 
was annually sent from Ankova to the king of Menabe, the 
ruler of the South Sakalavas, until Radama invaded their 
territories with an army of one hundred thousand men, and 
induced their chieftain to form with him a treaty of peace. 
The Sakalavas are a brave and generous people; phy¬ 
sically considered, they are the finest race in Madagascar. 
In person they are tall and robust, but not corpulent; their 
limbs are well formed, muscular, and strong. On them a 
torrid sun has burnt its deepest hue, their complexion being 
darker than that of any others in the island. Their fea¬ 
tures are regular, and occasionally prominent; their coun¬ 
tenance open and prepossessing; their eyes dark, and their 
glance keen and piercing; their hair black and shining, 
often long, though the crisped or curly hair occurs more 
frequently among them than the inhabitants of other pro¬ 
vinces. Their aspect is bold and imposing, their step firm 
though quick, and their address and movements often 
graceful, and always unembarrassed. 
The God of nature has so liberally supplied their 
wants with his bounties of spontaneous growth, in their soil, 
that, unless roused by strong excitement, the habits of the 
Sakalavas, like those of other uncivilized countries, incline 
to indolence rather than activity. Summoned to war, espe¬ 
cially to defensive war, they are prompt, energetic, resolute, 
and daring; but, the storm passed, the immediate danger 
removed, or surrounded with peace, and dwelling in 
