HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
185 
are put in. It is then carried to a running stream, and 
carefully filled by passing the vessel up the stream in a 
sloping direction, that the water may flow into it. In 
fetching it, the bearers must run with the utmost rapidity, 
having first girded up their loins. The leader of this party 
also carries a spear and a shield. The people collect at 
the entrance of the village, and await the return of the 
water-bearers, each one holding reeds and stones in his 
hand, with which, in a playful manner, they pretend to 
assault the water-bearers on their return. A song is 
repeated on this occasion, consisting of these few simple 
expressions; Zana-boro-mahery, Manatody ambato, “ the 
young eagle lays her eggs on the rockimplying, that in 
like manner the children will attain places now deemed 
inaccessible, and deposit their property beyond the reach 
of danger and spoliation. After walking round the house 
three times, as before, the party enters, bending forwards 
as they approach the door. 
A young bullock of a red colour, selected for the occasion, 
being now brought into the court-yard of the house, the 
person who is to perform the rite advances, cuts a slit in 
the animal’s ear, and dips his knife in the blood which flows 
therefrom. At the dropping of the blood from the ear of 
the animal, the children are supposed to be placed under a 
guarantee from all future harm. A small drum is then 
placed near the threshold of the door, and the child on 
whom the ceremony is now to be performed, being seated 
upon it, is firmly held by several men, and his ears 
stopped by the fingers of those around him. The father 
stands close to the door outside, with his spear in his right 
hand and shield in his left, performing with them the 
actions of a warrior; and while at this moment the rite 
is performed, the father exclaims, “ Thou art become a 
