18 
plains, watered with numerous streams, and covered 
with thousands of wild oxen, which belong to any 
one who can catch them. The inhabitants are called 
Seclaves, and their king is a despotic monarch, having 
the power of life and death over his subjects, who are 
no better than slaves. The chiefs are nominated by 
him ; and he always keeps a numerous standing army 
on foot, and could at any time raise thirty thousand 
warriors. There are several excellent harbours on 
the coast, which are frequented by the natives of the 
Comoro Islands, Johanna, Mayotto, &c., who have 
established a factory at Maronvai, the capital of 
Boyana. The trade, however, is interrupted by the 
frequent wars which take place between the two 
parties. The principal articles which the Seclaves 
receive, are cloths, combs, silver bracelets, gold 
buckles, razors, knives, glass beads, &c.; and they 
give in exchange, skins, incense, gum-benjamin, amber, 
wax, and wood in planks. 
Vohemaro is the most northern province, extending 
from the Bay of Antongil to Cape Natal, or Ambre, 
the extremity of the island. It is an extensive, but 
mountainous country, and has been very little ex- 
% plored by Europeans, the coast being exceedingly 
rocky and dangerous. It is reported that great 
quantities of gold are found in this province; and, 
as a confirmation of this report, it is said, all the 
goldsmiths of Anossi are natives of Vohemaro. 
The Island of St. Mary (or Nossy Hibrahim) being 
a dependency of Madagascar, requires to be noticed. 
