132 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
commendable traits of character, manifest frequently great 
decision and firmness, with independency of action, and a 
fondness for domestic life. Polygamy prevails to a very 
limited extent, and their morals appear superior to those of 
many other tribes. 
The Antsianaka, “not subjects of others,” though re¬ 
garded as a distinct race, appear to resemble the last tribe 
in its most distinguishing peculiarities. They are black in 
colour, short in stature, and firmly set; their limbs are 
strong. The Antsianaka are more numerous than the 
Bezanozano ; and however independent they may at one 
time have been, they are now easily lield in subjection by 
the Hovas. 
The power of disciplined troops, and the comparative 
weakness of mere numbers, were strikingly evinced in a 
fact which lately occurred in this province; in which it is 
stated, that three thousand of the natives were successfully 
opposed and routed by Jive soldiers. It is reported, that at 
the first shot one of the three thousand was killed, and that 
the rest, probably expecting a similar fate, instantly fled. 
The above are the principal races or tribes recognized 
by the people themselves ; and though there are others, 
especially in the southern parts of the island, with which 
we are less familiar than with those already described, 
they are inferior in number and importance, and are rather 
branches of them than distinct tribes. 
Physically considered, the various nations now inhabiting 
Madagascar appear to form two distinct races, in many 
respects totally dissimilar, and having each a separate and 
probably remote origin. Between these races the distinc¬ 
tion of colour is marked and permanent. The peculiarities 
of the dark race are, a black complexion, and a taller 
stature than the olive-coloured tribes, stouter body, thick 
