5 
would be too short for the task of investigation and 
arrangement. 
The mountains are numerous in most of the pro¬ 
vinces, and a chain of them runs nearly through the 
extent of the island, from south to north, forming 
natural divisions of it. They abound in mines of 
iron, steel, and (according to some accounts) silver 
and copper. Gold also, and abundance of precious 
stones, are found in the streams that flow from them, 
some of which are impregnated with the different 
minerals contained in the bowels of the island, such 
as brimstone, saltpetre, &c. &c. 
The continuity of the plains is agreeably diver¬ 
sified by gently rising grounds, on which the natives 
build their towns and villages. These are surrounded 
by plantations of rice, barley, yams, &c., the most 
fertile spots being selected for that purpose; while 
the rivers and streams, which intersect the country in 
every direction, impart beauty and fertility to an 
inconceivable degree. Abundance of the necessaries 
of life, and even of its luxuries, spring up sponta¬ 
neously ; and the natives want nothing but the art of 
living at peace among themselves, to render them, as 
far as natural advantages extend, the richest and 
happiest people on earth. Fortunate, indeed, was it 
for Madagascar, that its discovery took place subse¬ 
quent to that of the Western Continent, and that the 
resources, the speculations, and the cupidity of the 
nations of Europe, were pre-occupied to such an 
extent, as to leave them no opportunity of exploring 
