328 VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. chap xii. 
site side. In the centre had been placed a dozen baskets of 
rice, with several of manioc and sweet potatoes, and two large 
bundles of sugar canes, besides poultry ; and a tame bullock, 
which had been reposing in the yard all the morning, standing 
near them. I was about to take my place amongst my fellow- 
travellers, but was directed to stand on the stone step of the 
door. The chief man, who, with his companions, was arrayed 
in holiday attire, then addressed me, stating how much plea¬ 
sure it gave them to see me there, as the friend of the prince 
and the prince Rakotond Radama, and begged me to accept 
the bullock, and the other provisions before me, as the prince’s 
gift. I expressed my deep felt gratitude for this manifestation 
of kindness, and the people retired. 
When my bearers were directed to remove the provisions, 
there was a general scramble for the sugar canes ; and so eager 
was the struggle, that few secured more than a piece of a cane. 
I afterwards expressed my regret to one of my friends that so 
much provision should have been given, as I was sure my men 
would have been better without it. But he advised me not to 
say so, as it was the mode of testifying pleasure on the arrival 
of a guest in Madagascar, and would be painful to the parties 
by whom it was given. Also that the people of the place 
would be pleased by my receiving it, as they would obtain a 
portion when it was distributed. I afterwards wrote to the 
secretary of the government at the capital, to the prince royal, 
as the queen’s son is usually called, and to Prince Ramonja, in¬ 
forming them of my progress, and my arrival at Angavo. 
One of my bearers came to-day to have a tooth drawn, of which 
I soon relieved him, and he returned to his quarters. The 
evening was passed with a select company of friends, in agree¬ 
able, and to me deeply affecting conversation, respecting the 
perils and afflictions of the times that were past, and the rest 
and the quiet of the present. 
Soon after seven the next morning, we took leave of the 
