448 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
third. A youth lately mentioned that his great-great¬ 
grandfather (then living) had seen four, consequently he 
must have been at least one hundred years of age. 
To each of the names of moons in the four 
corners of the table, 3 days are allowed, 
making for each 4x3.. 12 days. 
To each of the other eight names of months, 
being two on each of the four sides of the 
square, four days are allowed, making a 
total of 8x2.16 
28 days. 
The preceding diagram, or table, shews the manner in 
which the Malagasy reckon their months* days, and divi¬ 
sions of days, with reference to the cardinal points of the 
heavens, and by which they decide whether they are for¬ 
tunate or unfortunate. The Malagasy do not themselves 
use any written diagrams of the kind, but they apply the 
arrangement to the several parts of their houses, calling, 
for example, the north-east corner of the house alahamady, 
and so of the rest. 
It will be seen that the annexed twelve names are those 
already given as the names of the twelve moons of the 
year. To four of these three names are added, namely, 
44 vava,” signifying mouth, or opening; 44 vonto,” increase; 
and 44 fara,” termination, end. To the eight other names, 
two additions are made, 44 vava,” as above, 44 opening,” and 
44 vody,” 44 end, close.” 
This calendar, of a month or year, may be more clearly 
seen by placing the days under each other in one line as 
follows, viz. 
