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vinces, In some they use a great dart or spear; 
carrying also fifteen or twenty Assagayes, which are 
frequently dipped in poison : the large one is called 
Renefelo, or Mot her-dart. From Manghasia to 
Manghabei, they use a shield and a large spear; and 
to the north of that province they always engage in 
close fight, with a large shield and a short spear. 
Since the introduction of fire-arms and gunpowder on 
the island, these weapons are less used than formerly, 
except in the interior, and among the mountains. 
The use of cannon has not yet been adopted in their 
attacks ; nor is it practicable, on account of the bad¬ 
ness of the roads, and the hilly nature of the country. 
But the donacs of many of the chiefs are defended 
with them. The people of Manamboule are reckoned 
the stoutest and most resolute soldiers; many of 
them marching with six large spears stuck in their 
shields. 
As soon as the several quotas are determined on, a 
council of war is held by the allied chiefs, at which a 
generalissimo is chosen, who is usually the most 
powerful amongst them. They then appoint the time 
and place of rendezvous, which is kept a profound 
secret from all, except those who are present. Spies 
are sent out to observe the situation, condition, 
strength, and countenance of the enemy; and also to 
discover the state of defence of the towns, and the 
number of the cattle. They then take the precaution 
of driving their own cattle into some remote spot in a 
wood, or on the mountains, where also their wives 
