19 
Its northern extremity reaches to within a short dis¬ 
tance of the Bay of Antongil, from whence it extends 
along the coast, at the distance of two or three 
leagues, to within eleven leagues of Foule Point. 
This island formed the principal retreat of the pirates, 
who, in the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries, 
infested the Indian seas. Here they formed their 
establishment; and, by contracting alliances with the 
natives, assuming their manners, and adopting their 
customs, gained their confidence and friendship; 
while the rich prizes they continually sent in, the 
mode of obtaining which was unknown to the natives, 
brought so much trade amongst them, that they 
looked upon them with respect, as benefactors: they 
therefore acquired consequence; and their descen¬ 
dants, to this day, hold the first ranks amongst the 
Madegasses.< 
This island is extremely rich and fertile, and 
abounds in every necessary of life. The pastures 
are so excellent, that the Madegasses send cattle 
over to fatten. The air, however, is, at certain seasons 
of the year, very unhealthy. The French formed a 
settlement there about the year 1750; but the mor¬ 
tality occasioned by the fevers with which they were # 
attacked, was so great, that they gave the island the 
name of “ The Grave of the French.” Benyowsky 
purchased it of Hiavi, the then sovereign of Foule 
Point; but in consequence of the expulsion of the 
French from Madagascar, it has now returned to its 
former dependency. 
c c 2 
