HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
457 
The vava of Alakaosy and of Alakarabo is good for the 
sovereign to appear in public, to commence a journey, to 
set out for war, &c. 
The vody of the third, fourth, and fifth months is good 
for laying the foundation of a house, or for entering a new 
habitation; but the vava of the fourth would he highly 
improper for such purposes, as it always indicates a speedy 
change, and therefore would imply a speedy removal from 
such house. But for the same reason it is good for trade; 
the articles for sale will find a quick market. Every thing 
transacted on this day will be brief and transitory. 
The vava of Alakaosy is the strongest of all. It is for 
children born on this day that the revolting custom (strange 
compound of mercy and cruelty) of placing children at the 
entrance of the cattle-fold, prevails; and which has already 
been described in the account given of infanticide: when, 
should the infant live, its vintana is considered conquered , 
and the child may then be brought up ! 
* For Radama’s interdiction of this law or custom, see remarks on 
Infanticide. 
