328 
their countenances wild and fierce : those who accus¬ 
tom themselves to it, are fit for nothing till they are 
in a state of intoxication with it. 
There is a tree called the Fig-tree of Adam, (Musa 
Paradisiacal) the juice of which is used in dying, to 
fix the colour and render it permanent. It is a 
species of Banana. 
The Sanga Sanga is the real Papyrus Nilotica , and 
of it the natives make their paper. 
The Arandato, is a tree whose bark is used to 
make ink. 
The cotton-tree grows in abundance in some of 
the provinces. Its quality is very excellent, and is 
reckoned equal to that of Bourbon: indeed, a great 
proportion of that which is called Bourbon cotton, 
is no other than the produce of Madagascar. 
Lemons, oranges, and limes, (Citrus MedicaJ are 
also very plentiful. 
The Raven Palm, is one of the most useful trees 
on the island. It rises to a great height, and serves 
to shelter their houses, near which it is generally 
planted. The ends of the stems are prepared and 
eaten like the palm cabbage. Its bark is hard ; and 
the wood, which is used in the construction of houses, 
is incorruptible: the ribs of the leaves are used for 
partitions and floors, being tied together in a skilful 
manner. They likewise cover their huts with the 
leaves, which form a durable roof: these serve also 
for dishes, plates, and cups. A gum is extracted 
from the blossom, of an exquisite flavour, and as 
sweet as honey. 
