Polynesian., 1862-03-22
The I.lnnd Of Mada gnscar.


This extraordinary portion of the earth, perhaps
the largest island of the world. exctes great in
terest at the present time. 1t is rich in natural
productions and abounds with cattle and poultry.
Its plains furnish every tropical production
balsams, rice, sage, and spices of all kinds. Un-
der the enlightened policy of King Radama, chris
tianity making rapid strides among its inhabi-
tants !; many had turned from heathenlsm and the
light of the gospel had illumina ted their habitatons
This pleasing state Of things was put stop to by
the death Of Radama. The Queen assumed the
government on the death of her husband. This
heather Queen hunted the native christians like
wild beasts and although England and France
made efforts to establish commercial relations their
labors had no effect and she determined to destroy
every vestge of christianity, and became in fact
monster of cruelty. As illustration of her
sanguinary character, it is related that on one Oc
casiOn she drew together tribe which had fallen
under her displeasure, and then let loose her
soldiers upon them, killing twenty-five thousand
who were kneeling to do her homage. 1t is esti-
mated that during her reign thirty thousand
perished annually by war; executions and other
crueties.
Recent advices from England bring intelligence
of the death of the Queen. and that her son now
reigns as King. Radama III. embraced Chris
tianity several years ago, and it is believed that he
is following the example Of his father. 1t is un-
derstood that he opens free trade with all nations,
and seeks to maintain friendly relations with for
eng nations. Being himself Christian, he will
encourage the extension OF Christianity, and the
Advancement of civilization among his people.
Many will remember the history of the mission
in Madagascar published by that eminent mission
ary, the Rev. Mr.. Ellis. Some native Christians
have written to that gentleman giving interesting
accounts of their prospects under the new King.
The friends of the mission in England have pre-
vailed on Mr.. Ellis to make another visit to
Madagascar, and he left London the 2lst of
November for the Mauritius, whence he would
proceed to Antananariva, the capital of Madagas-
car.
From the extract given below some idea can be
formed of the resources and Importance of the
| island
Madagascar is about four times the size of all
New England, and is larger than the empire of
France. While there is Il rim Of low coast
short distance inland the country becomes diversified
with hills and mountains, of the latter reach
ing the elevation of ii 900 feet. The rivers are
many and large, but too rapid for navigation. The
lake sare numerous and extensive. The soil is
fertile and rice, cotton, mandlOca, and the pigeon
pea flor the purpose of rearing silk worms,)
the principal products, though the cereals of
Europe are easily cultivated in the uplands. But
the grand staple over all others is the first men
tioned-rce. 1t is IA singular fact that this great
staple, which is next TO cotton, in South Carolina
and Georgia, first brought to Charleston from
Madagascar not 200 years ago.
| Next to rice raising. the people are engaged in
the spinning and weaving of silk, cotton and linen
| fabrics After this comes the breeding of cattle
| and the manufacture of iron. The Mauritius and
other contiguous islands receive from Madagascar
their supply of fresh beef while before the
sion to the throne of the late Queen vast quantities
of hides were exported those coming to country
were generally brought in Salem vessels. Madagas-
car has its share Of useful minerals such as iron,
rock SALT nitre, &c. Iron ore, in some parts is
found in large quantities on the very surface and
the mines have never been worked to depth of
more than six feet. What q stOrehouse of this
valuable material nature has placed in this island,
80 convenient to Africa, to Southern Asia, and the
Indian archipelago
| Iron and steel are made in large quantities by
the natives; and an American physician, who is as
we'll skilled in mineralOgy as in medicine, once
informed US that the steel made in Madagascar,
from its peculiar and yet simple manner of fabrica-
ton, is the best in the world. This physician is
one of the few foreigners who have been permitted
to visit Madagascar since the death of Radama.
Now, all these resources and productions which
we have mentioned are those which the world
must have We have been looking for cotton
fields here is a country with much cotton
land as can be found in all the Gulf State,) just
thrown open to market.-ErchGnge.