HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
329 
about six gallons of water. A quantity of the ashes, prepared 
as above, are then added to the cakes, and more water 
poured on. The vessel is kept in a warm place for three 
days and nights. A peeled switch, of a kind of wood 
which takes the colour well, is then used in stirring the 
liquid for three days more, or until the switch appears 
tinged with the precise shade of blue that is wanted. 
The thread is alternately steeped in the dye for half an 
hour at a time, and then dried; after which it is steeped 
again, and this is repeated for the space of from three 
to six days. By these means a light and a dark blue 
may be produced, which are both at times exceedingly 
beautiful. 
The manufacturers of the dye do not appear to pay 
any very minute regard to the preparations of the dif¬ 
ferent materials; those who are accustomed to prepare it, 
being able to guess at the proper quantity without much 
difficulty. 
The roots of the banana are found to contain a con¬ 
siderable quantity of potash, with the addition of a large 
proportion of neutral salts. The vato-fosa contains a 
quantity of very good potash; and the ashes, when the 
plant is burned, are of a fine white colour. The tanan- 
tanampotsy is a soft wooded or spungy shrub, and, when 
dried, is suitable for burning with the banana. 
Amongst the occasional occupations of the Malagasy, 
that of washing the linen must not pass unnoticed. This 
is performed by the slaves, and in the following simple 
but effectual manner. The clothes are taken to a brook, 
or to the bank of some river, and there washed by being 
dipped into the water, and then beaten on a large stone 
with a smooth surface. Soap, if required, is purchased 
in the markets. After being made thoroughly clean, the 
