424 VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. ciur. xv, the ordering of the journey then said it would be better to go on to Betafo, perhaps five miles further, and then halt for the night. The prince then ordered the band to play the English “ God save the Queen,” during which all took off their hats. He now took leave of me with dignity and feeling, as did also the nobles and their companions, com mending me to the protection of God. Then, having accom panied me to my palanquin and told the chief of his band to go with me to the place where I should halt for the night, the prince and his companions entered their palanquins. The aides-de-camp, five or six in number, mounted their horses and returned to the capital, while I pursued my way to Betafo, where I found all my packages had already arrived. Here the band took their leave. I made the leader a small present, and they returned; while I prepared for the first night’s lodging on my homeward road. Thus ended my visit to the capital of Madagascar and my intercourse with its people. I have described the incidents of my visit somewhat minutely, as the best means of con veying a distinct impression of the circumstances of the people, especially the Hovas, and their state of civilisation. Great is the interest felt in Madagascar by all classes, though we have had little or no direct intercourse with the people for the last twenty years. The events which during that period have transpired there, have given to our interest in that country and people an intense and undying character, as connected with the holy fortitude and calm endurance of those who have, during that period, suffered there affliction, spoliation, slavery, imprisonment, chains, and death for the name of Christ. In reference to the religion of the present, reasons which are obvious require silence. No one would wish to implicate the living in the calamities that were endured by the dead. The laws against the Christian religion are not repealed; and