n, who
received him very graciously, and seemed much pleased with the object of
his visit to the country. Still more interested were we with the prince
royal and the princess Rabodo, his wife, who had for some time become
consistent Christians. We were much struck with the kind and courteous
way in which the prince invariably treated his wife whenever they
appeared in public. We always saw him dressed in a handsome uniform,
and she always appeared in the costume of an English lady. All the
officers of the court were well dressed, either in European uniforms, or
in full native costume, which is very becoming.

We had a very comfortable house appropriated to us. We found the
climate at this elevation far pleasanter than near the coast, the
thermometer, in the morning, not being higher than 56 degrees to 58
degrees. A number of the chiefs visited Captain Frankland, to talk
about the productions of the country and the best methods for improving
its resources. Jerry and I meantime made several excursions into the
surrounding country with the doctor, accompanied by a young chief, who
spoke English very well. We one day passed a body of troops, and he
told us that there were forty thousand men forming an army round the
capital besides artillery. Among other places we visited was the
country palace of Radama, called Isoaierana. The top of a hill had been
removed to clear a space for the edifice. It is a wonderful building,
considering the means at the disposal of the architect, but it wants
height to give it grandeur. It is composed entirely of wood, the timber
having been brought from a forest fifty miles off. Rows of balconies
run round it. One hall we entered was a hundred feet long and forty
wide; but that also wanted height to make it appear to advantage.

From the very slight description I have given of the country, it will be
seen that considerable advances have of late years been made in
civilisation. The prince royal is a most excellently disposed young
man, but his education is defective. Should his life be spared, there
can be no doubt that he will exert himself to carry on the improvements
commenced under the auspices of Radama. Unhappily, his mother and most
of the chief nobility still are heathens, while the severe edicts
against the Christians yet remain in force. However, all must believe
that Christianity will ultimately triumph, and a happy future be in
store for that interesting country.