372 VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. CHAP. XIII. the neighbourhood of the capital, and the soldiers occupying these encampments had been exercising during the former part of the day in the plain we had left. Our way led us near a number of small encampments. The tents were formed of rofia cloth. The soldiers on duty in each encamp ment were called out, and saluted their young rulers as we passed. The men wore the white cloth in native fashion round their loins, with cross-belts, and cartouch boxes over their naked shoulders, and were all armed with muskets and bayonets. One of the officers told me there were 40,000 troops in the two encampments, and a company of artillery. I saw, however, but a comparatively small number of the soldiers. My friend pointed out to me again the place of execution; as well as the graves of Mr. Hastie, Mr. Tyerman, and the members of the Mission families who had died at the capital. The spot was surrounded by a small iron fence. He also pointed out the former residences of the mission aries, with other places of interest. The sun had set when we entered the capital. At the place where I had joined the procession I alighted, thanked the prince and princess for the gratification they had afforded me, and then proceeded to my own residence, which I reached between six and seven o’clock, just as it was becoming dark. In the evening two parties of friends from different parts of the country came, and we continued in deeply interesting conversation until a late hour. During the two succeeding days I saw numerous friends, and many visitors, some from Vonizongo, where affliction has been very severely felt. The immediate descendants and other relatives of Rafaravavy were among the number. I had now almost ceaseless applications for medicine, and was glad to com ply with as many requests as I could. One of my bearers from Tamatave was a slave, and I was so much pleased with his attention and general behaviour, that I told him I should he