Before the French occupation it was not uncommon to see slaves exposed for sale, but happily that and slavery are now things of the past. [Sidenote: A NATIONAL ASSEMBLY] In the old times of Malagasy independence there were few more interesting scenes than that presented by a great national assembly or _Kabàry_. These were summoned when new laws were made, or a new government policy was announced, and also when war was imminent with France, both in 1882 and again in 1895. On such occasions the large triangular central space near the summit of the capital, called Andohàlo, was filled with many thousands of people from early morning. Lines of native troops kept open lanes for the advance of the queen’s representative, generally the Prime Minister, who was always attended by a number of officers in a variety of gorgeous uniforms. At the eastern or highest portion of Andohàlo a place was kept open for the royal messengers, whose approach was announced by the firing of cannon. Taking his stand so as to be seen by the vast assembly, the Prime Minister would draw his sword and commence the proceedings by turning towards the palace and giving the word of command for a royal salute, all the troops presenting arms, and all the cannon round the upper portion of the city being fired. The next officer in rank then took the word, and the troops all saluted the Prime Minister, who stood bareheaded, acknowledging the respect due to his high position. He then proceeded to give the royal message, or read the new laws, often with a great deal of eloquence, for the Malagasy are ready and clever speakers. At passages where the national pride or patriotism was touched, much enthusiastic response was often aroused, especially as each paragraph of the speech was followed by a question: “_Fa tsy izày, va, ry ambànilànitra?_” (“For is it not so, ye ‘under-the-heaven’?”) These questions were replied to with shouts of “_Izày!_” (“It is so!”) from the assembled multitude. But the greatest pitch of loyal enthusiasm was generally evoked by the chiefs of the different tribes, as they, one after another, replied to the queen’s message and gave assurances of obedience and loyalty. Surrounded by a small group of their fellow-clansmen, they would wind their _làmba_ round their waists, brandish a spear, and at the conclusion of each part of their speech they also demanded: “_Fa tsy izày va?_” And sometimes the whole of the people would leap to their feet, the officers waving their swords, the soldiers tossing up their rifles, and the people dancing about in a perfect frenzy of excitement. [Illustration: HOVA TOMBS CLOSED WITH HUGE STONE DOORS The bare, rocky hills are characteristic of the interior of Madagascar] [Sidenote: STONE GATEWAYS]