332 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
the morning; and while this is preparing, as well as after 
it is dismissed, the family amuse themselves with cheerful 
conversation. The day often closes with dancing and 
singing; after which they spread upon the ground their 
simple bedding, which consists of one or two mats, on 
which they repose until chanticleer awakes them in the 
morning. 
The occupation in which the people especially delight, is 
traffic carried on by hawking different things about for sale. 
Some go down to the coast, and obtain articles of British 
manufacture from the merchants. Others purchase articles 
manufactured by their own countrymen, in the hope of 
realizing some profit by selling them. Perhaps no class 
of men gain less than these hawkers, certainly none 
endure greater hardships; yet none are so devoted to 
their employment, and so unwilling to exchange it for 
another. The native songs often describe the mpiva- 
votra, hawkers, sitting patiently all day at the market, or 
travelling from house to house until the sun sets upon 
their path, yet unwilling to cook a meal of rice until their 
hearts have been encouraged by obtaining some profit on 
their goods. 
To a corresponding feeling, in all probability, is to be 
ascribed the excessive fondness of the Malagasy for the 
public markets; these are the most favourite places of 
resort for all classes. There is not only a market con¬ 
taining a general assortment of goods, held daily at the 
capital, but three or four large markets are also held at 
different distances from Tananarivo and from each other, 
every day in the week in rotation, in different parts of the 
province. They are always attended by a vast concourse 
of people from the adjoining districts, like the great annual 
fairs held in England. 
