33 
would do in preparing for a rout.'* Their best 
lambas are then put on, which are usually very 
handsome, being made of white cotton, very full, 
reaching to the feet, and having a deep border of silk, 
marked with black and red stripes, and trimmed with 
silk lace of the same colours. A silk cloak, or robe, 
is thrown over the shoulders, ornamented with chains 
of gold and beads, with a profusion of other orna¬ 
ments, made of pearls, corals, precious stones, &c. 
The dress of the women consists of a lamba, 
either of silk or cotton, which reaches to the feet. 
Above this, they wear a close garment that covers all 
the body from the neck, and is confined at the Avaist 
by the lamba. It is generally made of dark silk or 
cotton, and ornamented with beads, fancifully ranged 
* An East-India ship, having on board a judge who was 
going to Bengal, touched at Madagascar. The king of the 
district where they landed, being invited on board, was received 
in due form, the judge appearing in character with his magnifi¬ 
cent wig on. Unfortunately, that splendid and venerable orna¬ 
ment attracted the attention of the swarthy monarch, and he 
peremptorily insisted on having it. Unfortunately too, his 
lordship had but one wig, and as he was determined not to dis¬ 
grace the seat of justice in a night-cap, he resolutely refused to 
give it up. In this awkward dilemma, the captain hit upon a 
lucky expedient, and promised his majesty that the (or rather a) 
wig should be forthcoming the next day. In the meanwhile, he 
ordered an ingenious sailor to weave, frizzle, and powder a 
handful of oakum, which was done to so good an imitation, 
that the next morning it was carried on shore with great solem¬ 
nity and state; and his majesty’s pate was covered with the 
hempen ornament, to the glory and delight of himself, and a 
large body of his subjects who were convened on the occasion. 
D 
