292 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
some instances clearly distinguished from the occupations 
which belong to the labour of the hands; but in many 
cases the men of professional skill not being fully employed 
in their official capacities, follow the ordinary pursuits of 
agriculture, mechanics, and trade. 
The highest profession is that of judge, of whom there 
are always a number on duty in the capital, and one or 
two in the lesser towns. The office is not hereditary. 
The judges are appointed by the sovereign, and hold their 
appointments only during his pleasure. 
The next in office is the Farantsa, whose duty it is to 
preserve the general tranquillity and order, and promote 
the well-being of the people.*' In every village, head-men 
are appointed by the sovereign. The jurisdiction of these 
men extends over a certain portion of the district, from 
amongst the inhabitants of which he enrols from time to 
time such as have reached the age of manhood, and are 
suitable for the army, or other public service. Under the 
head-men, inferior officers are placed; the system of obe¬ 
dience to elders or superiors being very extensively enforced. 
It is established under the idea that seniority necessarily 
confers authority, and as their own proverbial saying affirms, 
“ Evil is the land without elders.’’ 
Next to this brief list of civil professions is the army, 
where the principle of subordination has lately been strictly 
enforced; and to both these professions may be added those 
of the mpanozon doha, administerers of the ordeal of tangina; 
mpisikidy, diviners; mpanala vintana, discoverers of fate, 
or astrologers; and the mpanao ody, makers of charms or 
medicines. 
* The specific duties of the Farantsa will be noticed in the following 
chapter. 
