233 
deves, two for the Ombiasses, and twelve for -the 
Ampouria. These last dipped the ends of their 
assagayes in the blood, and licked them as they pro¬ 
nounced the oath. 
After this part of the ceremony had been gone 
through, he was again conducted to the circle of 
Rhoandrians to perform the oath of blood. This is 
done by each person making an incision with a razor 
under the left breast, and the count having done the 
same, they sucked the blood of each other, at the 
same time pronouncing the most horrible maledic¬ 
tions against whoever should violate his oath, and 
blessings in favour of those who should continue 
faithful to their engagements. These ceremonies 
occupied about two hours, and at the close of them, 
the chiefs commanded silence, in order to afford a 
moment of recollection wherein to invoke to the 
spirit of Zanhare, and to thank him for his goodness 
and protection. The assembly then broke up, and 
the day was spent in rejoicing and festivity, which 
were kept up to a late hour. 
In the evening of the same day, three hundred 
women came to make an oath to Madame Benyowsky. 
This was performed by moonlight, and purported 
that they would obey her orders, and appeal to her 
in all disputes and quarrels in which it was improper 
for men to interfere. 
The following day the new ampansacabe held his 
first cabar, at which the chiefs executed an act of 
engagement, which was drawn up in the Madegasse 
