424 
VISITS TO MADAGASCAR 
C'HAI‘. XV. 
the ordering of the journey then said it would he better to 
go on to Betafo, perhaps five miles further, and then halt for 
the night. The prince then ordered the band to play the 
English “ Grod save the Queen,” during which all took off 
their hats. He now took leave of me with dignity and 
feeling, as did also the nobles and their companions, com¬ 
mending me to the protection of Grod. Then, having accom¬ 
panied me to my palanquin and told the chief of his band 
to go with me to the place where I should halt for the night, 
the prince and his companions entered their palanquins. 
The aides-de-camp, five or six in number, mounted their 
horses and returned to the capital, while I pursued my way 
to Betafo, where I found all my packages had already arrived. 
Here the band took their leave. I made the leader a small 
present, and they returned; while I prepared for the first 
night’s lodging on my homeward road. 
Thus ended my visit to the capital of Madagascar and my 
intercourse with its people. I have described the incidents 
of my visit somewhat minutely, as the best means of con¬ 
veying a distinct impression of the circumstances of the people, 
especially the Hovas, and their state of civilisation. Grreat is 
the interest felt in Madagascar by all classes, though we have 
had little or no direct intercourse with the people for the 
last twenty years. The events which during that period have 
transpired there, have given to our interest in that country 
and people an intense and undying character, as connected 
with the holy fortitude and calm endurance of those who 
have, during that period, suffered there affliction, spoliation, 
slavery, imprisonment, chains, and death for the name of 
Christ. 
In reference to the religion of the present, reasons which 
are obvious require silence. Ho one would wish to implicate 
the living in the calamities that were endured by the dead. 
The laws against the Christian religion are not repealed; and 
