81 
water, knives, gridirons, and forks, mortars for the 
pounding of rice, troughs and winnowing fans, and 
large vessels to hold the different kinds of wines. 
The leaves of rates twelve feet long, and four 
broad, are used as table-cloths; these are laid upon 
the mats spread on the floor, tables and chairs being 
luxuries that have not yet found their way into the 
domestic economy, except amongst the higher orders. 
Some of these have their houses furnished in a very 
commodious and elegant manner. Our Missionaries, 
who have recently visited the island, were struck 
with astonishment, on entering the apartments of 
the Palace of Radama, at seeing the splendour of the 
mirrors, which were of steel, and the general elegance 
and spaciousness of the rooms. 
Their musical instruments are but few in number. 
A drum, a kind of violin called herraovou, another 
something like a lyre (valihou), and a nondescript 
instrument called voule, which is made of bamboos, 
constitute all the native music of the island. Those 
who perform on the second are the most esteemed, 
and receive great applause in their public assem¬ 
blies. 
Dancing, as we have before observed, forms a 
favourite amusement with them. This is conducted 
by the inhabitants on the coast of Matatane, in a 
different manner from the rest of the islanders. They 
observe a cadence and time, dance in pairs, and 
perform all their evolutions in a pleasing and graceful 
manner. In times of war, the women keep up con- 
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