30 
The houses, for the most part, are surrounded and 
shaded with fruit and other trees of a thick foliage. 
Amongst these, the raven palm is the chief favourite, 
as well on account of its beauty, and the shade it 
affords, as for its usefulness. These give a pic- 
turesque and interesting appearance to the towns and 
villages, some of which are very large and populous, 
indicating altogether a state of society ready to give 
w r ay to the most extended civilization as soon as its 
advantages are represented to them in a proper light, 
and illustrated by good examples. Experience has 
shewn, that without the latter, no good can be 
effected; for though the Madegasses are possessed 
of good sense, and a capability of reasoning, (as will 
be seen by perusing the following pages,) they can 
never be brought to believe that that system, wdiose 
votaries practise every species of fraud and violence, 
is in any degree superior to their own. # 
* “Are there any Spaniards in heaven?” said an indignant 
chief in the Island of Cuba, to a Spanish monk who was piously 
endeavouring to convert him to the Catholic faith, that he might 
afterwards roast him with more satisfaction for having been a 
heathen !—“ Undoubtedly,” replied the holy father, “ all good 
Spaniards go there.”—“ Then I never will,” answered the 
chief. 
