15 
The mouths of the rivers, which flow into the bay, 
are bordered with mangles, the branches of which are 
loaded with excellent oysters that adhere to them at 
high water, presenting a most singular appearance. 
The neighbourhood of Foule Point is not very popu¬ 
lous ; but the villages which are scattered in its 
vicinity are highly picturesque. They are built on 
the declivities of little hills, and are defended by 
pallisades, and shaded by fruit-trees, and the raven , 
a kind of palm-tree peculiar to Madagascar. This 
tree is the most useful they have: the top of it is 
eaten after being boiled, like the cabbage-palm: its 
wood is used in building houses; and the ribs of its 
leaves, having the solidity of wood, and the pliability 
of leather, form the walls and partitions, being fastened 
together in an ingenious manner: the leaves them¬ 
selves serve to thatch the houses, and are likewise 
converted into plates, dishes, cups, and spoons. A 
gummy substance is found under the membranes 
which inclose the flower, of an exquisite flavour, 
which may be termed natural honey. The natives 
make large planks of this tree, by splitting it from one 
end to the other, and straightening it immediately, to 
prevent its warping. 
The lands belonging to Foule Point abound with 
pastures and cattle, and its rivers with wild fowl and 
fish. The Ongleby is a beautiful stream, which rises 
in the Red Mountains, and meanders through the 
country, receiving many lesser streams and rivulets in 
its course. On its banks are meadows of the richest 
