CHAP. II. 
DAGUERREOTYPES OE NATIVES. 
47 
sion, expressed a strong desire to have their likenesses taken 
before we left; and as M. De Lastelle pointed out a house 
in his enclosure in which we could operate, we went on hoard 
for the daguerreotype apparatus, as that process could he most 
readily employed. When we returned to the shore there was 
a little difficulty, but this being overcome, th^ apparatus was 
brought on shore, and the next day Mr. Cameron took a 
number of daguerreotype likenesses, with which the originals 
were much delighted. 
While thus employed we received a visit from a native of 
some consequence, who was described to us as being of the 
twelfth honour, and one of the most celebrated diviners or 
workers of the sikidy in the island. He was in height about 
the middle stature, rather broad-set than corpulent; good- 
looking, light tawny coloured, and seemingly about forty-five 
years of age. He was dressed in a pink figured shirt, over 
which he wore the white lamba. He also had on a broad- 
brimmed hat of black camlet, with a very wide band of gold 
lace. His name was Eatranombolo, or “the silver house.” 
Some of the people appeared to regard him with a certain sort 
of dread, and there was about him an air of great reserve and 
importance. The son of the late judge of the district was 
sitting for his portrait when he arrived. He examined the 
camera, and seemed astonished at the accuracy with which 
the figure was shown on the ground glass. He wished to 
have his own portrait taken for himself; but as he would not 
consent to a second being taken to be retained by us, his 
wish was not gratified, and, after looking with much seeming 
mystery at the miniatures already taken, he left the place. 
We spent as much of our time as possible with our valued 
friends on shore, advising, and encouraging them in their 
difficult position. We also left communications and small 
presents for our brethren at the capital, together with a trifling 
amount of relief for those who were in distress; and finally, 
