Things are yet very backward. But the Malagasy are an intelligent people, an orderly people, a loyal people, a religious people. They have learned much already: and they are improving daily. They are governed by a good Queen and by wise and able officers. Had they at hand, in the Capital, a wise English Consul, to advise them (when they need) in difficulties, and to aid them in the solution of important problems continually coming before them, their progress would be greatly facilitated. Under such influences, secular and sacred, Hawaii, with its sixty thousand people, has grown into a Christian nation and has taken its place in the world’s history. Far greater will Madagascar at length become, when elevated, sanctified and ennobled in all the elements of its social and public life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER VII. LAKE ITASY AND THE VOLCANIC DISTRICT. South Border of Imerina—Hill of Antongona—Arivonimamo, the old Capital—Great number of beautiful hills—Miádana Manjáka—Lake Itasy—The Mándridráno—Religious knowledge of the people—The grass of Madagascar—Numerous craters and crater-lakes—Mahatsinjo and its people—Vinány hill—Kitsamby river—Antoby—The Vava Vato—Norwegian Missions—Menabe—Betafo and Sirabe—Volcanoes—Hot springs and Limepits—Votovorona—The East of Ankárat—Andraráty—Our return—Western Imerina—Ambohiveloma—The Fárahántsana: falls of the Ikopa. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER VII. LAKE ITASY AND THE VOLCANIC DISTRICT. THE season was now advancing: the dry weather had come, and in the open parts of the country there was little fear of fever. The plans of the mission were pretty fully shaped out: and there were important districts which we had not yet seen. In dividing the country parts of Imerina among the churches of the capital as spheres of Christian labour, the south-western, the district of Imámo, had been allotted to Ambóhitantély. This church and its branches were in the hands of the Friends; who have given to them the most devoted care. During our visit, one of their number, Mr. Clemes, had gone to settle at Antoby near the end of the district. We arranged therefore that we would visit this district first: and Mr. Joseph Sewell, the senior member of the Friends’ Mission, kindly engaged to accompany us.