The Antananarvio Annual and Madagascar Magazine

bute much new and interesting information about the coast tribes amongst whom he has lived. Had such been carefully noted, Mr. Little's book would have had a permanent value; as it is, it contains hardly anything of interest which has not been recorded by previous writers.

(5) Histoire de Madagascar: ses habitants et ses missionaires, par le Père de la Vaissière. 2 vols.,

Paris: 1884.

This large work contains little of value about Madagascar generally, being chiefly occupied with a history of the Roman Catholic Mission in this island, together with a good deal of abuse of Protestant missionaries, especially those special bugbears of the French, the missionaries of the L. M. S.

(6) Ny Ohabolan'ny Ntaolo: nangonina sy nalahatry W. E. Cousins sy 7. Parrett_ary ny sakaizany sasany. (The Proverbs of the Ancients: collected and arranged by W. E. Cousins and J. Parrett and some of their friends.) L. M. S. Press, Antananarivo: 1885; pp. 154.

Fourteen years ago Messrs. W. E. Cousins and J. Parrett published a little book of 76 pages containing 1477 native proverbs. This has been valued by all students of Malagasy, as it is well known that the native proverbs not only throw much light upon the habits of thought, customs, superstitions, etc., of the people, but that these products of the native mind are invaluable as presenting examples of terse and idiomatic Malagasy, as they embody genuine native speech unaffected by foreign influence. The first edition of these proverbs has, however, been for some time out of print, so the compilers have prepared a second edition, under the above title, giving a very much larger collection of proverbs (3790 in number) and arranged in alphabetical order, according to the first word in each.

(7) REPRINT of the ANNUAL. The Antananarivo Annual and Madagascar Magazine. A Reprint of the

First Four Numbers. Revised and re-edited by Revs. 7. Sibree and R. Baron, Missionaries of the L. M. S. L. M. S. Press, Antananarivo: 1885; 8vo. pp. 541.

It does not become editors to criticize their own work, but we may perhaps quote the following from the preface of this Reprint :—

"For some time past the earlier numbers of the ANNUAL have been out of print and have been difficult to obtain; and since frequent enquiries have been made for them by those who have only had the later issues and who wish to complete their sets, it has been thought well to reprint the first four numbers in one volume. Opportunity has therefore been taken to correct many mistakes which have been detected, to give numerous additional notes, to supply the scientific names of plants and animals, so far as they are known, and generally to bring up the papers here reprinted to the present state of our knowledge of the country.

"It is believed that this volume will be found to contain a large amount of original facts and information about Madagascar and its inhabitants, and to give in a readable form much which cannot be found in any other book yet published upon the country and the people."

(8) A Madagascar Bibliography. In two Parts: Part I. arranged Alphabetically according to Authors' Names; Part II. arranged Chronologically according to Subjects treated of. To which is added A List of Publications in the Malagasy Language, and A List of Maps of Madagascar. Collected

and arranged by the Rev. J. Sibree, F.R.G.S., etc. L. M. S. Press, Antananarivo: 1885; 8vo, pp. 92.

This is an octavo pamphlet of 92 pages, containing: (1) an alphabetically arranged List of Writers, with the titles of their books, pamphlets, or articles, on all subjects relating in any way to this island; this list occupies 45 pages; (2) a classified List of Subjects, the works under

each of the twelve subdivisions (e.g., Madagascar Generally; Political History, etc.; Voyages, etc., etc.); (3) a List of Books and other Publications in the Malagasy Language; this occupies 29 pages; (4) and finally, a List of Maps of Madagascar, occupying nearly 3 pages, closely printed in double columns. The bare enumeration of the contents of the book is sufficient to fill with surprise even those who are to some extent familiar with Madagascar, and an examination of the book itself increases this feeling. Though this island is considered to have been comparatively neglected and unexplored, this Bibliography shows at a glance that it has received no small amount of attention.

The later portion of the Bibliography, viz. that giving a list of the books in the native language that have been issued, chiefly by the seven Presses of Antananarivo, gives a full and well-arranged conspectus of what has been written and published by foreigners to promote the Christianization and civilization of the people. Literature in this country is but in its infancy; but the fact that 29 pages 8vo are required simply to contain the titles of the books published shows that much activity has been displayed. Most of the books are naturally school books or religious manuals of different classes; but science, music, and journalism are also represented. Though a Bibliography is not expected to afford light reading, those interested in Madagascar will not find this volume wanting in instructive, and even entertaining, material (see, for example, the title of Richard Boothby's book, pp. 43, 44); and to any one wishing to study a particular question this book will prove a reliable and valuable guide. The hearty. thanks of all interested in the literature of Madagascar are due to Mr. Sibree for the labour he has spent in compiling such full and exact

catalogues. It is perhaps not too much to say that we know of no one else who could have done for us what Mr. Sibree has done.-W.E.C.

(9) From the article on "Robert Drury's Madagascar," page 17 ante, we see that Captain Oliver has also been compiling a Bibliography of Madagascar. This we believe was done for a Government department.

PAPERS AND PAMPHLETS ON MADAGASCAR.—In the Proceedings of the French Academie de Sciences for this year (paper read March 23rd) is an article entitled: "Supplementary Remarks on the Gigantic Turtles of Madagascar;" by M. L. Vaillaint. "From the remains found by M. Grandidier at Etsere and Ambulitsate (sic), the author determines two distinct species, which he names Testudo Grandidieri and T. abrupta." In the same publication (paper read March 16th) is an article on "The Channels and Lagoons of the East Coast of Madagascar," by M. A. Grandidier. And in the same publication (paper read April 13th) is an article "On a remarkable duration of the Trajectory of a Cyclone observed last February on the north-east coast of Madagascar," by M. Pélagaud. The writer remarks that "almost for the first time since the Indian Ocean has been visited by Europeans, - that is, the last four hundred years-a cyclone has visited the island of Madagascar, causing great damage to the French fleet and shipping along the north-east coast." This is certainly incorrect. In our own experience, now dating back more than twenty-two years, the east coast has been several times visited by cyclones, notably by a very destructive one on Feb. 20th, 1876, which reached the interior; see ANNUAL No. II., p. 120.

In botanical studies Mr. Baker, F.R.S., of Kew, has given a further instalment of his valuable papers, one of which, entitled "Further Contributions to the Flora of Central Ma

The titles of this and the three following papers are, of course, translations of the original French titles, which we are unable to give, as the source of our information (Nature) gives them only in English.

dagascar; Part I. Polypetala," appears in the Journal of the Linnean Society-Botany, Dec. 12th, 1884; vol. xxi. no. 135, PP. 317-353. In the same Journal (vol. xxi. no. 137, PP. 407-455) Mr. Baker gives the second and final part of this paper. In the same Journal (vol. xx. no. 129, pp. 329-338, Mr. H. N. Ridley, M.A., F.L.S., gives a paper on "New or rare Monocotyledonous Plants from Madagascar;" and in vol. xxi. no. 137, pp. 456-522, another paper on "The Orchids of Madagascar.'

From Norway we have a considerable pamphlet of 126 pp. 8vo, by the Rev. Dr. Borchgrevink, entitled: En kortfatted Oversigt over Madagascar, dets Folk og Mission. This consists, we are told, of six lectures upon this country and its people and on mission work. In the German periodical Mitteilungen der Geographischen Gesellschaft für Thüringen) zu Fena; 1885; b. iii. h. 4, pp. 252258, is an account of a journey by one of the Norwegian missionaries formerly resident in this country, the Rev. M. Borgen, and entitled "Reisen norwegischer Missionare in Madagascar: - I. Borgens Reise durch das Sakalava gebiet von Morondava nach Midongy.'

Among other recent articles or pamphlets by French writers, of which, however, we have not yet complete information, is one entitled: Etude complète sur Madagascar (Paris: 1885), by M. Eutrope; and two others, apparently with the same title, Madagascar (?) by M. Pauliat, and "Madagascar" (?) in Annales de l'Extrême Orient et de l'Afrique, July, 1885, by M. Charles Grémieux; and Madagascar: la Reine des Iles Africaines: 1885, by M. Charles Buet. There are doubtless many other papers on this country in French periodicals, as well as pamphlets, etc., arising from the attention now being paid to Madagascar in France. Besides M. Grandidier's paper mentioned above, he has written another on this country, in a number of the Bulletin de la Soci

été de Géographie de Paris, and has given a fine map of Imèrina. A new map of Madagascar by M. Grandidier is announced in a recent number of Proc. Roy. Geog. Soc. (June) as follows: "Carte de l'Ile de Madagascar, d'après les travaux de A. Grandidier. Paris: E. Andriveau-Goujon. Price is. 6d. (Dulau.)" Another map of Madagascar is thus mentioned in Proc. Roy. Geog. Soc. (March.) "Geographical Society of Paris. Dec. 5th, 1885. In the hall there was exhibited a large manuscript map of Madagascar, drawn by M. Laillet, an engineer and architect. This map, scale of 1: 666, 666, has been execu. ted, as regards the northern coasts, on the basis of maps of French hydrography, while for the southern coast-line, maps of English hydrogra. phy have been utilized. With regard to the interior of the island, M. Laillet has based his map on the works of the principal explorers, and made use in particular of the large map of the late English missionary, Dr. Mullens. The author himself, during 1885-6, made numerous surveys between Mànanzàry and Tamatave, and along the course of the Mangòro and its affluents."

In the last number of the ANNUAL we noticed the visit to the Capital of Lieut. Shufeldt, of the U. S. Navy. We learn from the New York Graphic that "since his return to this country [America] Lieut. Shufeldt has been employed on special service at the Navy Department, compiling for the press an account of his novel and hazardous journey."

WORKS IN MALAGASY. - Ny Tantaran'ny Fiangonana (Church History, from the Apostolic age_to_the 19th Century) by Rev. S E. Jorgensen. Norwegian Mission, Antananarivo: 8vo, pp. 249. By the same author, Ny Epistola. Hevi- teny hanampy ny Mpitory teny. (The Epistles. Expositions for the help of Preachers) N.M.S. Press: 16m0, pp. 236. Arkeologia Biblikaly_(Biblical Archæology), by Rev. L. Dahle. N.M.S. Press: 12m0, pp. 158. Fa

noroan-dàlana ho any ny Kristiana (Rules for the Christian Life; from Luther), by Rev. Nygaard. N.M.S. Press: 12mo, pp. 184. Lektora fohifohy ny amy ny Fitondrana Šekoly (Lectures on School Management), by Rev. J. Richardson and Mr. J. C. Thorne. L.M.S. Press: 12m0, pp. 45. Tantaran'ny Foda sy ny Ïsiraely (History of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel), by Mr. H. E. Clark. F.F.M.A. Press: 8vo, pp. 164. Teofilo Anglikana (Theophilus Anglicanus, 1st part), translated by Rev. G. H. Smith, M.A. S.P.G. Press: 8vo, pp. 70.

A Red-book' has been issued from the Queen's Press, entitled (when translated) "Report of the Negocia

tions between the Malagasy Government and French Commissioners at Tamatave, through the friendly mediation of M. D. Maigrot, Consul of the King of Italy, June 13th-Aug. 17th, 1885;" folio, pp. 43. The docu. ments, etc., are given in parallel columns, in French and Malagasy.

During the year another newspaper in the native language has been commenced, viz., a Malagasy edition of the Madagascar Times. The first number of this was published on Saturday, Aug. 22nd; Mr. A. Tacchi, editor; issued weekly. Mr. Tacchi has also published Filazana ny Fomba Fandaharam-panjakana any England (Account of Government Offices and Officials in England). 4to, pp. 38.

VARIETIES.

CUSTOMS IN AFRICA AND NEW GUINEA SIMILAR TO THE

'TSO-DRANO.

Among curious words and phrases used by the Malagasy is one which would soon be noticed by a new-comer, since the act which it is used to describe forms a part of every religious service. The 'benediction' pronounced before a congregation is dismissed is termed tsò-dràno, literally 'blowing water.' But how comes it that such a phrase is used for such an act? It arises from an old custom of taking a little water in the mouth and blowing it over or towards any one as a sign of blessing and favour; and so tso-drano is used for any blessing, although no water, in any form, may accompany it. The idea involved in this symbolic act is not very clear, and it is now nearly, if not quite, obsolete, at least in the central province of Madagascar. The expression is now often used also as an equivalent for the foreign word batisa (baptism). The following extract from Nature (Feb. 12th, 1885, p. 346) shows that there are somewhat parallel customs to be found amongst peoples both to the west and to the east of Madagascar :

"One strange custom [amongst the Masai peoples of Eastern Central Africa] is that spitting is the greatest mark of distinction you can bestow upon a Masai, and Mr. Thompson was often sorely exercised when he desired to be particularly conciliating and gracious in his intentions. This custom is, however, not without parallel: the natives of part of the southern coast of New Guinea, indeed, improve upon it by squirting mouthfuls of water on those to whom they wish to give a specially friendly welcome. What is the particular significance of the custom, perhaps those who have investigated the subject of salutations may be able to explain."

Review of Through Masai Land: by Joseph Thompson, in Nature.

THE 'VATOLAHY.

While staying in Edinburgh for a day or two in Oct. 1882, at the house of an eminent scholar, a well-known professor of Oriental languages, I was asked by him if we had in Madagascar any traces of phallus worship (the reproductive principle in nature), which is, as is well known, a marked feature of Hindu idolatry up to the present day (the linga), and was also prominent in many of the old-world idolatries. I answered at first in the negative; but on thinking over the matter afterwards, it occurred to me that possibly the vàtolàhy, or memorial stones (lit. 'male stones'), so commonly seen in the central provinces of the island might be relics of such worship. In Imèrina these are usually rough undressed blocks or slabs of blue granite from eight to fourteen feet high; while in Bètsilèo they are often of white granite smoothly finished, sometimes forming a massive circular pillar, and often ornamented with the peculiar Betsileo carving. The name and the form of these memorial stones seem to suggest some such connection. Can any one supply other facts which would throw any light upon this question ?-ED. (J.S.)

'VOLOM-PARASY.

In a paper by the Rev. S. E. Jorgensen in the ANNUAL for 1884, on "New Words in the Malagasy Language," he says: "We should have expected to have seen violèta on the list of introduced word but Malagasy ingenuity has made this word superfluous. They have intended to say that dark violet is just the same colour as that of fleas! and so they call it vòlom-paràsy (fleas' colour)." It seems more probable that the word volom parasy is a translation of the French word puce, dark violet, la puce, the flea. And the distinguished author of the idea of a similarity between dark violet and fleas' colour is said to be Louis, King of France, who, in a joke, dubbed a dark violet 'la puce.' The word then travelled to England, where 'puce' is now a common name for dark violet.-S. M. WILLS.