A history of the island of Madagascar : comprising a political account of the island, the religion, manners, and customs of its inhabitants, and its natural productions : with an appendix, containing a history of the several attempts to introduce Christianity into the island

Front matter

Smithsonian

Institution

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Preface

The Author of the following pages is sensible that the practice of writing a long Preface is obsolete, and would gladly avail himself of the example of most modem writers in this respect ; but the novelty of the sub¬ ject, and the nature of the information con¬ tained in his Work, render it necessary for him to give some account of the authorities from which it is derived.

The principal original Works which he has had occasion to consult in the compila¬ tion, are, Flacourf s History of Madagascar ; M. de V’s Voyage to Madagascar ; Voyages of the Dutch East-Xndia Company ; Drury s Narrative ; Rochori* s Voyage ; Renyowsky’ s Memoirs; JVadstroiu s Essay on Coloniza¬ tion; and the Missionary Accounts . Many others have been consulted ; but as the above contain the body of information, he thinks it necessary to speak particularly of them only.

Flacourt’s History is considered authentic, and is quoted by all who have written on the

VI

PREFACE.

subject since his time. His account of the natives is nevertheless contradictory ; for when he speaks of them abstractedly , he praises them as highly as possible, and assures his reader they possess every natural good quality : but when in connection with his own transactions, he represents them as the most treacherous and bloody savages on earth. The only conclusion the writer can draw from it, is, that in the latter case he seeks to justify the barbarous atrocities that were committed upon the natives by his order .

The Voyage,” by Monsieur de V., an anonymous writer, was published at Paris, in 1722, but contains an ample account of the transactions at Madagascar, from the year 1660, during the time Chamargou was governor. It is authenticated by the French government of the time when published Drury's narrative of his own stay on the island was published in 1727- It was long a subject of doubt, whether his account was to be depended on. But besides the broad sim¬ plicity of his style, and the artless manner in which he tells his own tale, Avithout going a step out of the way, his account corresponds in many particulars, with French authors whose works it was impossible for him to be acquainted with. The names, also, of places, and other objects he has occasion to men-

PREFACE.

Vll tion, are spelt according to the English ortho¬ graphy, but having the French pronunciation. There is, therefore, no just ground to ques¬ tion his veracity.

Of Rochon’s Work the writer wishes to say but little : — he has made considerable use of it ; at the same time it is not an au¬ thority from which he would seek to form cor¬ rect opinions. It was written at a period and in a country replete with false philosophy, which Rochon appears to have deeply im¬ bibed; and he was also intimately connected with some of the leading characters at the Isle of France, whose cause he has of course espoused.

Benyowsky’s Memoirs, and Wadstrom’s Essay, may be placed together, as the latter illustrates and confirms the former. The Author has given his opinion of Benyowsky’s Work, in that part which relates to him, and therefore it is unnecessary to repeat it here. Dr. Wadstrom’s Essay he found of great use in forming that opinion, as that gentleman was cotemporary with the Count, and was but too well acquainted with the bad treatment he received from the French government.

Of the authenticity of the Missionary Ac¬ counts, it is unnecessary to say a word. The

Vlll

PREFACE.

transactions since 1818, both in the body of the Work, and in the Appendix, are extracted from them. They will be found highly inter¬ esting as historical facts, and also as present¬ ing a view of human nature under a new and unexpected form.

The Map may be depended on for the fide¬ lity of its outline and its bearings, and also of the relative situation of the provinces, having been corrected by one in the possession of the Missionary Society, lately drawn from actual survey. The writer cannot speak so confidently to the accuracy of the statistical boundaries, which were originally marked out by Flacourt, since whose time nothing of the kind has been attempted.

The circumstances which gave birth to the publication of this Volume are well known to the religious public ; namely, the occur¬ rences at the Missionary Meeting in May 1821. The design of the Author is to render permanent the impression which was then felt, by presenting a faithful picture of the nation who have placed themselves under the protection (or rather tuition) of Great Britain ; and also, by an impartial account of the transactions of the London Missionary Society, in reference to Madagascar, to re¬ present the claims of that Institution upon

PREFACE.

IX the support of the Christian world. In the fulfilment of this task, he has neither mis¬ represented nor exaggerated any facts.

No little difficulty has been experienced in collecting materials to complete the chain of historical events — nothing on the subject having been published, in a separate form, since Rochon’s Voyage: but by obtaining access to several of the literary institutions in town, he has fully accomplished his pur¬ pose. The compilation, under even these circumstances, has been attended with consi¬ derable labour; but if the reader’s pleasure and profit from the perusal be in any de¬ gree equal to that of the writer, he will consider himself amply compensated for his trouble.

He would feel himself deficient in gratitude, were he to omit expressing his acknowledg¬ ments to those gentlemen who preside over the Institutions referred to, for the hand¬ some manner in which they have assisted him in the collection of the materials ; without which assistance, the Work must have been published in an incomplete form. He also acknowledges similar obligations to several private friends, who have kindly rendered their aid in the progress of the Work; and he can with confidence assure the reader that

X

PREFACE.

it contains the substance of all the correct information that can at present be collected on the subject.

Stepney Green , Jan. 10, 1822.

Of the different Classes — The Zafe Rahimini — Their Subdivisions — Origin — Indigenous Blacks — Subdivisions — Origin of the Aborigines . 49

Chap. VI

Religion — Object of Faith — Belief in one God— In a World of Spirits — Immortality of the Soul — Notion of the Sun — Creation of the World — A Day of Rest al¬ lowed — Mode of Worship — Sacrifices in Sickness — In cases of Derangement — Burial of the Dead — Circum¬ cision — Exposing Children to Destruction. — Conclusion 63

[N. B. By a mistake, Chap. VII. was numbered VIII., which was not per¬ ceived until the Work was nearly completed.]

Xll

CONTENTS.

Chap. VIII

General Characteristic — Mode of Living — Furniture- Musical Instruments — Dancing — Social Habits — Diver¬ sions — Hunting Buffaloes , Wild Boars, and Alligators — Fishing — Treatment of Run-away Slaves — Riches — As¬ tronomy — Language — Ombiasses — Mode of Reckoning . 79

Chap. IX

Of War — Its Incitements — divided into Three Kinds — Provincial Wars — General Wars — Numbers engaged— Weapons — Generallisimo chosen — Magicians consulted— Mode of Attack — Foreign Wars — Method of suing for Peace . 92

CBAP. X.

Civil Arts — Iron Foundry • — Goldsmiths — Carpenters — Potteries — Weaving — Making of Wines — Indigo — Paper — Ink — Pens — Trade carried on by Barter — Weights and Measures — Articles of Commerce — Re¬ sources — Foreign Trade — Future Prospects — Reflec¬ tions on the Failure of the French to establish Colonies in Madagascar . 102

Chap. XI

Ancient Form of Government — Ampansacabe , or Sovereign — His Privileges — Present Constitution — Kings — Chiefs — Filoubeis — Republics — Voadziri — General Code of Laws . 113

Chap. XII

Reflections on the History of barbarous Nations — Portu¬ guese Settlements — Pronis appointed Governor by the East- India Company — Suspended for his Cruelty — F lacourt succeeds him — Returns to France and obtains a fresh Commission — Perishes with his Associates in re¬ turning to Madagascar — French Influence declines —

Fort Dauphin burnt . 122

CONTENTS.

XUl

CIIAP. XIII.

History continued — Chamargou appointed Governor — Ac¬ count of La Case — His Mar riage with Dian Nong , and Accession to the Sovereignty — Conduct of Chamargou — Cause of the War with Dian Manangue— Conse¬ quences — Colony saved by La Case— Appointment of Mondevergue — He returns to France — Of La Haye —

He abandons the Island — Death of La Case arid Cha¬ margou — Bretesche takes the Command — Abandons the the Island — Massacre of the French . 132

CHAP. XIY.

Account of the Pirates — * Their daring Transactions — Pre¬ parations for attacking them — Their Fleet destroyed —

Gain Favour and Consequence with the Natives — In¬ troduce the Slave-Trade — Consequences to themselves . , 151

CHAP. XV.

Attempt to Establish a Colony at St. Mary s Isle and Foule Point — Monsieur Gosse , assisted by the Princess Betie , takes Possession— Accused of Sacrilege — Massacre of the French — Government of the Isle of France retaliates — Peace restored by Betie and Bigorne — Celebrated Cabar to establish a Treaty of Commerce at Foule Point — Speech of Rabefin — Treaty agreed on — Sacrifice— -Bi¬ gorne appointed Commissioner of Trade — Makes War on John Harre— Recalled and disgraced— Death of John Harre , and Return of Bigorne to Madagascar . 158

CHAP. XVI.

Maudave appointed to establish a Colony at Fort Dauphin — His Views on the subject — Design relinquished — Pro¬ bable Reasons— Proposal made to Count de Benyowsky — Sketch of his Life — Arrives in France — Receives an Application from the French Government respecting a Colony at Madagascar — Appointed Governor — Conduct of the Governor and Commissary at the Isle of France — Arrives in Madagascar . * . . 176

XIV

CONTENTS.

CHAP. XVII.

State of the Colony on its Arrival— Hostility of the Natives — Conspiracy of the Officers — Distresses of the Colony — Ravages of the Fever — Want of necessary Supplies — Report respecting the Governor’s Origin — Invited to act as Mediator — Offers of Service from the Sambarives —

War with the Seclaves — Their complete Defeat . 190

CHAP. XVIII.

Difficulties of the Colony — Supplied with Clothes and other Necessaries— Combination of the Chiefs of the Seclaves — Preparations for the War— Account of the Campaign — Defeat of the Seclaves — Arrival of Despatches from Europe — The Governor returns to Louisbourg— Propo¬ sals of Peace from the Seclaves— Benyowsky invited to take the Title of Ampansacabe — Proceedings in conse¬ quence- Arrival of the Commissioners to inspect the Colony — Benyowsky resigns — National Assembly to elect him Ampansacabe — Proceedings — Establishes a Consti¬ tution and Government — Sets sail for Europe .... 210

CHAP. XIX.

Benyowsky s Arrival in France — Proposal to the British Government — Sails to America , and from thence returns to Madagascar — Lands at Antangara Bay— Attacks the French Posts— The Government of the Isle of France despatch a Vessel to secure him— His Death — Summary of his Character . 239

CHAP. XX.

Lescallier's Visit to Madagascar— His Object and Opinion —European Influence in Madagascar — Bory de St. Vincent’s Visit — His Opinion on the Colonization of Madagascar — Reflections thereon — Attempts of the Brit¬ ish to reduce the Mauritius— fail at first — but ultimately succeed— Governor Farquhar takes possession of Mada¬ gascar— Gives umbrage to the French — English Settle¬ ment at Port Louquez— Massacre of the Colony — Mur¬ derers executed— Fresh Settlers sent .......... 248

CONTENTS.

XV

CHAP. XXI.

Two Native Chiefs sent to the Mauritius for Education — Character of Radama , King of Ova — His zeal for the Civilization of his People — Proclaims the Abolition of the Slave Trade — Not obeyed — Embassy of Mr, Hastie for the purpose of treating with Radama for the Aboli¬ tion — Arrival of the Deputation at Tamatave — Journey to Ova — Public Reception — Various Conferences on the Subject of the Abolition — Firmness of the King in de¬ manding Instruction for his People , and the prudent Conduct of Mr. Hastie — The Abolition finally deter¬ mined on , and the Proclamation published — Joy of the Natives — Important Consequences — Concluding Reflec¬ tions . 263

CHAP. XXII.

Of the Natural History of Madagascar— Oxen — Sheep and Goats — Hogs — Porcupines — Beasts of Prey — Monkey Tribes — Cats — Rousette — Of Birds — Domestic Fowls — Pheasants , SfC. — Eagles — Wild Fowl — Various Birds — Insects — Breast Reaper — Snakes — Scorpions , fyc. — Flies — Silk-ivorms — Fishes — Whales , Spc. fyc. — Sea Boar — Various . 287

CHAP. XXIII.

Description of Grains and Roots — Fruits , Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers — Botanical List . 303

CHAP. XXIY.

Honey — Oils — Gums and Resins — Metals — Minerals and Mineral Waters — Precious Stones . 331

Appendix

..

THE

HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR.

CHAP. L

Introductory Description of the Island — its Discovery — Extent — Geographical Situation — and general Fea¬ tures .

The Island of Madagascar is one of the largest in the world, being nine hundred miles long from north to south, and three hundred broad, in its widest part from east to west. It was first discovered by Europeans in the year 1506*, when Lawrence Al¬ meida, son of the first Portuguese Viceroy sent to the East Indies, touched at it. It does not appear to have been noticed at all by Vasco de Gama, who first opened the passage to India, which is rather re¬ markable, and can only be accounted for from his having kept close to the African shore, both going and returning. Its name, in the language of the country, is indistinctly pronounced Madecasse, or Malegash. The Portuguese called it Isle of St. Lawrence; b whether from the name of its discoverer, or the day on which it was discovered, is not known : some of our best geographers have supposed the latter, as it is a prevailing custom with the Portuguese, to call their new possessions after the name of the Saint on whose festival they were acquired.

The supposition that this island was known to the ancients, and spoken of by Pliny, under the name of Lerne, and by Ptolemy, under that of Menuthias, appears to be erroneous, it being certain that they had no knowledge of any country south of Sierra Leone. The Arabs and the Moors have frequented the island from time immemorial, and called it Serandib. The latter, in sailing from the ports of the Red Sea, followed the coast of Abyssinia, and entering the channel of Mosambique, traded alternately with the Africans and Malegashes ; using, in their commerce with the latter, the ports of Vingara and Bombetoque. The Arabs to this day carry on an extensive trade with some of the pro¬ vinces, particularly that of Boyana, the country of the Seclaves, where they have a factory.

This island extends from 12°. to 25°. 40 . south lati¬ tude, and from 43°. 4 f. to 50°. 30'. east longitude, meri¬ dian of London. It is six hundred and seventy leagues from the Cape of Good Hope, one hundred and eighty-six from the Isle of France, and one hundred and fifty from that of Bourbon. Its nearest point to the coast of Africa, is Cape Manambaugh, which lies opposite to Mosambique, at the distance of about eighty-seven leagues. The channel between is exceedingly dangerous for ships, on account of the rapidity of the current, and an immense bank of sand called the Bank of Pracel, which extends nearly half across the channel. Notwithstanding this, most of our East -India ships pass through it, unless forced into other courses by storms. The eastern coast of Madagascar, from Cape Itapore, in 25°. 6'. latitude, to the Bay of Antongil, runs north north¬ east, and south south-west; and from thence to the extremity of the island nearly north by west. From Cape Itapore, to the country of Caremboule, it ex¬ tends westward, forming a quarter of a circle. From thence to the mouth of the river Sacabiti, it runs north-west, then north by east, and north by west, to the seventeenth degree of latitude; and from thence to the extremity of the island again, north-east by north. The coast is throughout divided by rivers, many of them navigable a considerable way up their channels ; and the bays and gulfs are numerous, forming excel¬ lent roads and harbours. The southern extremity of the island was formerly in the possession of the French, who were exterminated several times by the natives, through their bad conduct and mismanage¬ ment.

This immense island is estimated to contain two hundred millions of acres of land, watered, with the exception of one or two provinces, by innumerable rivers, streams, and torrents, which flow from the mountains and hills. Many parts of it are marshy, B c2 but in general the face of the country exhibits all that is pleasing to the eye and to the imagination. Nature here seems to have done her utmost, and to have lavished her stores in a boundless profusion. The European traveller, who has hitherto been unac¬ quainted with the scenery of tropical countries, is lost in astonishment, when traversing the vast plains and forests of Madagascar ; the former, clothed with eternal verdure, and covered with numerous herds of cattle ; while the latter, overhanging the sides of the mountains, wdiose summits seem to vie with the clouds in height, present a scene of gloomy sublimity which strikes the mind with awe, heightened by the effect of the stupendous cataracts, which tumble over the craggy precipices with a roaring that is heard for miles round.

These forests are composed of trees of every description, and adapted to every purpose, both of the useful and ornamental kinds. Some are of an extraordinary bulk and height, and seem almost coeval with the creation. Many of the woods are of great extent, and all of them are diffi¬ cult to explore on account of the immense number of climbing and parasitical plants, which crowd around in every direction, and, with the thorny brush¬ wood, form an impenetrable mass. The future botanist will here enter upon a new and boundless field, hitherto scarcely trodden by the foot of science, but inclosing so great a number of novel subjects for his interesting speculations, that the longest life would be too short for the task of investigation and arrangement.

The mountains are numerous in most of the pro¬ vinces, and a chain of them runs nearly through the extent of the island, from south to north, forming natural divisions of it. They abound in mines of iron, steel, and (according to some accounts) silver and copper. Gold also, and abundance of precious stones, are found in the streams that flow from them, some of which are impregnated with the different minerals contained in the bowels of the island, such as brimstone, saltpetre, &c. &c.

The continuity of the plains is agreeably diver¬ sified by gently rising grounds, on which the natives build their towns and villages. These are surrounded by plantations of rice, barley, yams, &c., the most fertile spots being selected for that purpose; while the rivers and streams, which intersect the country in every direction, impart beauty and fertility to an inconceivable degree. Abundance of the necessaries of life, and even of its luxuries, spring up sponta¬ neously ; and the natives want nothing but the art of living at peace among themselves, to render them, as far as natural advantages extend, the richest and happiest people on earth. Fortunate, indeed, was it for Madagascar, that its discovery took place subse¬ quent to that of the Western Continent, and that the resources, the speculations, and the cupidity of the nations of Europe, were pre-occupied to such an extent, as to leave them no opportunity of exploring the riches of her provinces, and scarcely to make an attempt upon her integrity as an independent island. It is to this that she owes her safety ; and it is to be hoped, that whatever nation may hereafter seek to reap advantage by an intercourse with her inhabitants, will confine themselves to that liberal and enlightened policy, which alone can establish confidence, and render that intercourse permanent and profitable.

CHAP. II.

Divisions of the Island — • Descriptive Account of the principal Provinces , and their Productions .

Madagascar, like other uncivilized countries, is divided into provinces, each having its distinct inde¬ pendence as a nation. This appears to be the most ancient form of government, and doubtless arose in the early ages of the world, from every family consti¬ tuting a separate tribe. Their wants were few, and easily supplied ; and it was not till civilization extended itself, and luxury increased, — when the arts of civil life, and reciprocal wants and dangers, taught mankind their mutual dependence, — that the importance and advantages of political union were discovered. * There are generally reckoned twenty-eight pro¬ vinces in Madagascar; but one or two others are added by late historians. Their names are as follow :

* It is true, history affords exceptions to this general rule ; and we need not go beyond our own times, or our own quarter of the globe, to find one. But if, in the present or any past age, a large portion of the uncivilized tribes are found to bend under the despotic sway of an overgrown autocrat, we make no hesi¬ tation in asserting — however mildly the power may be exercised — that the discordant materials are drawn and kept together by the iron hand of military despotism, rather than a consciousness of any blessings arising from such a confederacy.

Anossi, or Carcanossi, Manatengha, the Valley of Amboule, Vohitsbang, Itomampo, Icondre, Vatemanahou, Anachimoussi, Eringdrane, Vohitz-Anghombe, Manacarongha, Matatane, Antavare, Ghalemboule, Tametavi, Sahaveh, Voolou-Voolou, Andoufoutchi, Manghabei, Adcimoutchi, Mandrerei, Ampatre, Caramboule, Mahafalle, Houlouve, Sivah, Ivandrhou, Machicore, Boyana, and Bohemare, or Vohemare. All these provinces are very fertile, and abound in cattle and pasturage. Their geographical situations may be seen by referring to the map ; but as many of them are very small, and some of them uninhabited, in consequence of being devastated by intestine wars, we shall give a description only of those most de» serving of notice.

Anossi. — This province is situated between 23°. 18'. and %6°. of latitude. It is nearly two hundred miles long, and was the principal theatre of the operations of the French in most of their attempts to establish themselves on the island. The principal settlement was at Fort Dauphin, which stands on the penin¬ sula of Tholangari, in 25°. 10. latitude *. The country is rich and watered by many rivers, the principal of which are the Franchere and the Manghasia; most of the rest run into the Franchere, which rises on Mount Manghage, and falls into the sea about two leagues south of Fort Dauphin. A

* The latitude is always to be considered south, as the island lies wholly south of the equator.

lake is formed at its mouth, about half a league wide, and deep enough for any ship, but its entrance is liable to be closed by a sand bank. There are many considerable villages on its banks, which be¬ long to the chief of the country. The Manghasia rises on Mount Siliva, and runs across the bay of the same name : it is navigable for many miles.

Anossi is exceedingly rich and fertile, abounding with pastures, cattle, and plantations of corn, rice, and fruit-trees. It is surrounded by mountains co¬ vered with trees and shrubs, and the whole country is diversified with numerous hills and plains. On its coast are several peninsulas, with excellent har¬ bours and bays ; the chief ones are Dauphin Bay, and the Bay of Louca, or Itapore : the last is very convenient for shipping, which may ride at anchor in perfect safety, notwithstanding the entrance is rocky and dangerous. The Portuguese formerly had a fort on the top of a steep rock, near a vil¬ lage, about seven leagues from Fort Dauphin; but it was destroyed, and the garrison massacred by the natives.

This country is inhabited by whites and negroes, which constitute the seven classes of which we shall have occasion to speak hereafter.

The Vale of Amboule commences at the mouth of the river Manampani, in 23°. 30'. latitude. It is very rich, and produces esculent plants and fruits in abundance. The oxen and cows are extremely fat, having the richest pasturage to rove over. The large town of Amboule stands in the vale ; near it is a fountain of hot water, which will boil an egg hard ; and it is a specific for the cold gout. Iron and steel are found in plenty on the mountains, and the natives are very expert at forging various instruments from it. The highest mountain is Hiela, which is one of the loftiest on the island. Their chief is called Rabertau, or Great Lord ; he pos¬ sesses absolute power, and is one of the most con¬ siderable men on the island.

The province of Machicore is of great extent, being seventy leagues across from east to west, and fifty from north to south. It was devastated and ruined by wars some years ago, the natives being obliged to conceal themselves in the woods, through fear of their enemies, subsisting upom roots and wild cattle. This, and four adjoining provinces, were for¬ merly governed by one chief, named Dian Baluoalen, or Lord of a Hundred Thousand Parks. During his life-time these countries enjoyed profound peace, and flourished in excess of riches and pleasure; but, upon his death, a war broke out between his sons, which was carried on with so much animosity and fury, that it ended in their entire destruction.

The great river Jonghelaye takes its course on one side of this province, separating it to the north from the province of Ivoronhehoc. This river, which at its mouth is about half a mile broad, is navigable for large ships for many leagues ; it falls into St. Augustine’s Bay, very nearly under the Tropic of Capricorn. This bay is sheltered from the most dangerous winds, but the entrance is rocky and difficult. The French had formerly a strong fort on the south side of it, and the English East-India ships frequently cast anchor there to take in re¬ freshments, and land their sick men, in order to their recovery. The province of Ivoronhehoc lies on one side of the bay, and that of Houlouve on the other.

Eringdrane. — This province is very extensive and populous; and its chief can, upon an emergency, raise an army of thirty thousand men. It is ex¬ tremely fertile, and has large herds of cattle on the sides of the mountains. Several considerable rivers run through, or rise, in this province, most of which run into the Bay of Mansiatre, in 20°. latitude.

The province of Vohitsonghombe is separated from the last-mentioned by the river Mansiatre. It is very populous, and can bring into the field an hundred thousand warriors ; they are generally at war with the Eringdranes : when this is not the case both parties unite occasionally, and make a descent upon the Comoro islands. Indeed all the provinces on the north-west side of the island are given too much to these predatory excursions. The island of Johanna has been of late years the frequent scene of their buccaneering operations, they having been introduced there by Benyowsky, though without any idea of such a result. The master of one of his ships having be¬ trayed the trust imposed on him, by piratically seizing the vessel, was suspected of having sailed to Johanna; upon which Benyowsky despatched an open boat, with two Europeans and several natives, bearing letters to the king to detain the vessel. This was the first knowledge the Madagasses acquired of Johanna, and they have not forgotten to take advantage of the event.

The towns in Vohitsonghombe are much more picturesque than those of any other quarter of the island, the houses being well built and commodious. The inhabitants are very rich in cattle, rice, iron, and steel. It is bounded on the east by the Ambohitzmene, or Red Mountains, being two hundred miles long from east to*west, and about seventy broad from north to south : the land to the south of the Bay of Mansiatre is called by the Portuguese, Terra del Gada, or Land of Cattle, from the vast herds that are fed there.

Matatane. — This country is famous for being the principal residence of the race called Zafe Ramini, and Zafe Casimambou, an account of which will be found in another part of this work : they are both descended from one stock; but the former have got the ascen¬ dancy, by means of mixing with the other natives by marriage, and they treat them as slaves. About a hundred and fifty years ago, they put them all to the sword, except the women and children, who were placed on an island formed by two rivers, which they cultivated.

This province is flat, but fruitful, abounding in sugar-canes, honey, yams, and cattle. It is watered by many large rivers, which contain plenty of fish, and some of them are navigable. The sugar-cane is so plentiful, and the quality so productive, that many ships might be annually laden with sugar, if the natives were acquainted with the mode of manufacture, and possessed the necessary implements.