POPULATION 
65 
to their chiefs. Their patriotism is sincere”. I can add 
to this that they are capable of real enthusiasm for higher 
ideas. When they are properly treated a genuine faith¬ 
fulness displays itself; hospitality is liberal and is every¬ 
where practised. Though in early times they gave many 
examples of cruelty, the introduction of European culture 
has brought about a great improvement. It is important 
in all future attempts at colonization to secure the Hova 
element, and make their good qualities serviceable. 
The Betsileo, whose number is estimated at 1,200,000 
souls, must also be reckoned as part of the Malay 
element. Their home is the mountainous plateau to 
the south of the province of Imerina. According to the 
description given in the Antananarivo Annual by G. A. 
Shaw, the Betsileo tribes have a good deal of admixture 
of foreign blood. The colour of the skin is uniformly 
darker, the nose flatter and the lips more prominent 
than among the Hova. The beard is scanty or want¬ 
ing, and such beard as does exist is removed by art. 
Their frame and muscles are powerful, their appearance 
physically is an excellent one, and their moral qualities 
are said to stand tolerably high. The stately height of 
six feet is attributed to the men, and the women are but 
little shorter. 
Split up in former times into various tribes, and rely¬ 
ing absolutely upon their chiefs, they distinguished them¬ 
selves by their valour, but had nevertheless to submit 
to the rule of the Hova. All reports agree that they 
manage their soil like skilful husbandmen and that they 
are rich in cattle. The attachment of the Betsileo to 
their families and their strong feeling of tribal unity are 
renowned; but their weak side is a quarrelsome nature 
and a tendency to positiveness and superstition. 
b. African Tribes. The Malagasy of negro type, as 
has been said, inhabit the coast land of the island. The 
negro blood is to be found in its purest form among 
5 
