255 
been seized by one whose energy and perseverance 
were carried to excess, and who, if he had resolved on 
the conquest of Madagascar, and a continuation of 
peace had favoured the enterprise, would have ven¬ 
tured much to carry it into execution. But the 
distance at wfflich Madagascar lies from France, the 
jealousy of the neighbouring colonies, and the in¬ 
creasing vigilance of the natives, would have baffled 
the attempt. Though easily beaten , that people will 
never be conquered; but, secure in their forests and 
lofty mountains, which are inaccessible to Europeans, 
they possess the means of continually annoying an 
enemy, and thereby preventing his reaping any 
advantage from the possession of the country. 
Other projects soon called off the attention of the 
French from the subject of colonizing Madagascar. 
The war broke out in Europe with greater violence 
than ever, during which, instead of increasing the 
number of her dependencies, notwithstanding her 
extensive success at home, France saw her colonies 
fall one after another into the hands of her perse¬ 
vering rival. It was long before Great Britain could 
effect the reduction of the Isles of France and 
Bourbon. Engaged in extensive maritime enter¬ 
prises in the European seas, her fleets were busily 
employed, and the squadron which was sent against 
those distant islands, was too weak to effect the 
purpose. Great bravery was displayed in the engage¬ 
ments which took place between the opposing squad¬ 
rons, and a landing was effected by the English on 
