Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-06-19

ground, and uponi, they took up their lodg-
ing, wrapped in their plaids. The son laid him.
S, If own first, and the father, perceiving that
he had rolled heap of snow together by way
of pillow, Indignantly kicked it from under
the youths head, exciaimng, "What, sir, are
you going to be effeminale!"
We are indebted to gentleman who has
Jus, returned from China for files of the Sidney
Gazette and Mew South Wales advertiser down
to the LIST June last They contain much Gu
rious information, Of which the annexed artl-
Gle is not the least interesting Nat. Gas.
"MADAGASCAR.
eve are enabled 10 commune ate 10 our read
ers, that most interesting discoveries have re-
Gently been made in the interior of the impor-
tant, but hitherto little known, island OF NADIA
gascar, through the laborious and Indeiatlga.
bic exertlons oil Captain Barnes, late owner and
commander Of the Minstrel.
This gentleman (who was employed by gov
eminent TO settle the new established settlement
Of Melville Isaud) had the misfortune to lose
his ship, which, with the government brig La
dy Nelson, employed on the same service, was
cut off by the Malays at one of the Molucca
-
on his return to England; and, in consequence
of some Suggestions from high quarter, he
was ordered 10 undertake the arduous and dan.
grrous task Of penetrating into the interior oil
Madagascar, in order TO ascertain the opening
which that beautiful island might afford for
Brush commercial enterprise.
He proceeded accordingly 10 that part OF Inc
island where the natives we're accustomed 10
carry on a sort Of trade with the Fechelles Tor
bullocks. It-Yas not without considerable dbl
ficuIty that he Obtained permission from the
chief who was in authority there, 10 proceed 10
the capital Of Rahama, the King of the whole
island, situated near 500 miles in the Interior
This Journey over a country never before pass
ed by an European, its almost trackless wastes,
and over mountains and morasses OF i:'diseri-
bable difficulty, he effected in safety; aud on
reaching the capital he was received with great
courtesy by Rahams, with whom he became S"
great favorite that he remained with him tor
upwards Of five months, in the course ot which
period he acquired mass Of information, oil
the most useful description, relative to that ex'
traordinary country and people.
"Rahama is described as Prince oil great
talen; and power, governing an Immense po-
pulatlon with The most despotic authority. / he
capital is ofvery considerable extent, partaking
much Of the Arabian character, 10 which ORR
gin also Captain Barnes considers The natives
of the island mAy be deduced. Iron, copper,
and silver ores, of the richest quality, abound
in every capabiIily Of becoming, when civilized
Of the utmost importance. It is remarkable
that some. Of The large lakes, Of which there are
many in the interior, are under the influence OF
tides, the water rising and falling regularly Sc
ypral inches on the tide house. We shall n
Ieavou- to communicate 10 our readers furth
er particulars relative 10 this Interesting island
Cant Barnes proceeds in the Halves 70 Sydney
as it understood to communicate with General
Darling upon subjects connected with his late
expedition. In the course OF his voyage he
pete ;ra,ed several miles up the large opening
on the western coast of New Holland, into
which the River of Swans (as il is caled) emp
ties itself, and from his observations, he con-
siders it quite practicabl TO pass from thence
10 Port Stevens, on the east coast which he
purposes to attempt, if encouraged.