HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
215 
being hilly, nearly destitute of wood, and having but few 
parts covered with stagnant water; yet he states that it 
was customary to send persons who had been supposed to 
merit death to be confined near the place; and adds, that 
the prisoners have always, as was intended, died in the 
place. The part to which Mr. Hastie refers, is about two 
days’ journey from the capital, in a n.n.e. direction. 
It is stated as a singular fact, that the fever, (which few 
Europeans, or inhabitants of other parts of Madagascar 
itself, escape, and to so many of whom among both classes 
it proves fatal,) rarely seizes those who are natives of, and 
constant residents in, the parts of the island in which it 
prevails. Some of the Missionaries are of opinion that it 
preys exclusively upon strangers and foreigners. This 
renders it necessary for foreigners to avoid arriving on the 
coast during any of the months in which the fever prevails. 
The months of the year in which it is best for Europeans 
to arrive at Madagascar, are July, August, and September. 
Generally speaking, they are during this period less likely 
to be attacked with fever than in any other part of the year. 
This is a circumstance of great importance to Europeans 
proceeding to Madagascar. 
The symptoms of the tazo, or Madagascar fever, vary 
considerably in different individuals. In some cases its 
early symptoms resemble those of a violent inflammatory 
disorder. This is always considered its worst appearance. 
In others it assumes the form of a remittent, and afterwards 
an intermittent fever, attended with chills and shiverings. 
This is regarded as its most favourable appearance, and 
that which encourages the greatest hopes of recovery. 
When the former symptoms are strongly marked, there is 
always great danger; but when the latter only are present, 
recovery is generally expected. 
