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together by the side of the way. On the ground, the position assigned to the respective divisions of the people were also designated by banners bearing their namse. Banners were also placed along the whole line of the platform.

"About half-past ten I took my place in front of the Christians, among the native pastors, on the south side of the steps leading to the throne, it having been agreed that we were to offer prayer at the time of the crown being placed on the head of the King. Although the Christians occupied more space than that allotted to them, more than half their number could not find admission to the ground. On the opposite side of the steps were the Sisters of Charity, and about forty girls and children, and, still nearer the stage, five or six Catholic priests, and some of their people. Immediately in front of the Sisters of Charity and the priests, were the idol-keepers, with their also small number of adherents. The idols, thirteen in number, were carried on tall siender rods or poles, about ten feet high. In most of them, there was little resemblance to anything in heaven or in earth; yet such were the objects on which the security and prosperity of the realm were formerly supposed to depend, and for refusing to worship which so many of the most intelligent and worthy among the people had been put to death, while others had been subjected to banishment, slavery, torture, fetters, and imprisonment!

"The stage or platform was occupied by members of the royal family, on one side, and foreign guests on the other. Nearest the throne sat Rasalimo, the Sakalava princess whose marriage with the first Radama was the seal of peace between the Sakalavas and the Hovas. Next to her sat one who in her day must have been one of the brightest belles in Madagascar, for traces of beauty still lingered in her oval face and expressive features. She had been the wife of the first Radamas's father. The types of three successive generations of Malagasy nobles were there assembled, and it was deeply interesting to watch their varied aspects, the resemblance and the deviations from the Hova type, the latter being much fairer than any others.

"Some of the men were exceedingly handsome, among whom were the young Prince Ramonja, and Rambosalama's princely son. All were most gorgeously attired; scarlet was the predominant colour, though some wore green, others pucecoloured velvet. The gold lace, though not lacking, was not so abundant on the new as on the old uniforms. My scholars, sons of the nobles, in their velvet and gold uniforms, stood by my side, in front of the pastors, before the great body of the Christians.

"Before twelve, the clouds of dust, and denser throng in the road, as well as the firing of cannon along the mountain side, announced the approach of their Majesties. The Queen, splendidly attired in a white satin dress, and a tasteful ornament of gold on her head, rode first, in a scarlet and gold embroidered palanquin, accompanied by her adopted little girl, the child of Prince Ramonja's eldest daughter. The King rode beside her, mounted on a beautiful little Arab horse, and greeted by the plaudits of the joyous multitude, who crowded every available spot within sight of which the pageant had to pass; while the voices of the Christians might be heard singing most heartily the National Anthem, or Malagasy "God Save the Queen."

"Guards, clothed in green, and bearing silver halberts, attended the royal pair, and the officers of the Missions from England and France, as well as other foreigners, and Malagasy officers of State, followed. The Queen ascended the flight of steps leading to the seats prepared for their Majesties, under the canopy erected over the sacred stone on which the monarch, on commencing his reign, exhibits himself to the heads of the nation. The King followed, wearing the British field-marshal's

uniform presented by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and a splendid light-coloured robe. The dresses of the officers of State were most of them new, and some of them gorgeous. The robe of the minister of justice was of green velvet, trimmed with gold lace, the train carried by two bearers. When their Majesties had been seated a few minutes, the King rose, and taking the crown from a stand on his right, placed it on his head. The firing of cannons announced the fact. The band struck up the National Anthem, while the multitude saluted the newly-crowned monarch with the Malagasy salutation, 'May you live a thousand years.'

"The King then turned to the Queen, who stood by his side, and taking a smaller open-work crown of gold from the page who bore it, placed it on the head of Her Majesty. After standing a minute or two, to receive the greetings of his officers, and the shoutings of the multitude, the King took off the crown, the Queen sat down, and the King then delivered his kabar or speech to the people, assuring them that his confidence in and affection towards them, and that his purposes for the welfare of his country and the prosperity of all classes, were the same as when he was raised to the throne, &c., &c. After this speech, of which I shall hereafter send a correct copy, the King resumed his seat, when we all presented the hasina-mine for the Missionaries and myself.

"I then retired, asking an officer in blue velvet and gold to accompany me to my tent. I threw my photographic blouse over my dress, prepared and placed my plate in the camera, and waving a white handkerchief as a signal, the King and Queen rose and walked to the front of the pavilion, and after a short interval I returned the signal that it was done. Their Majesties then resumed their seats, and the high officers continued to present their basina. I proceeded to develop my picture, which turned out very well, so far as the chief objects were concerned. These, and part of the city, which formed the background, came out well. The constant moving of the multitude in front made the nearer objects confused, but this may be corrected and made complete by filling in the figures in the foreground from a second which I took.

"When their Majesties retired, the scene became more crowded than before. I saluted the King as he passed near my tent on his return, and was surprised at the quietness of his horse among the floating of banners, sounds of music, shouting of multitudes, and report of cannon; to say nothing of the shouting, and running to seek palanquins or bearers, as the vast multitudes, like a surging torrent, approached the place of exit from the ground to the road leading back to the palace.

"And now the scene-which, favoured by the nature of the country, a cloudless sky, and tropical sun, together with the joyous occasion which had produced it, made it one of the most imposing I had ever witnessed-began to change. The lower line of the granite mountain on which the city stands-and which two hundred feet above the plain, stretched from north to south behind the platform, at a distance of two or three hundred yards-had been thronged with spectators. Greater numbers still had spread themselves over the sides and summits of the hills to the north and the west; while numbers were seen in beautiful perspective extending from the base to the very summit of Ambohi Zanahary (village of God), a massive circular hill to the south-west. This throng of spectators, clothed in the long

• Mr. Ellis had previously been requested by the King to take a photographic representation of the scene.

flowing lambas of pure white, or deep rich glowing colours, and who, except when clapping their hands or shouting for joy, had been quiet gazers on the scene, were now seen moving in various directions until they were absorbed in the multitudes that crowded the roads leading from the plain.

"I had noticed as the King approached that the members of his family, especially those connected with the first Radama and his father, turned their faces towards him and clapped their hands, and sang some of the native songs, as was the custom in ancient times.

"I now packed up my camera, took down my tent, and made the best of my way home. The heat had been intense, especially in the small tent, and I was glad of some refreshment, having been on the ground from seven until nearly three. But before I had changed my dress a messenger came from the palace to say that the company were all assembled, and I therefore hastened to the coronation banquet, which was held in the large palace of Manjakamiadana.

"So far as choice, (variety, and abundance were concerned, it was a right royal banquet. The silver-gilt goblets and tankard presented by Queen Victoria, very appropriately graced the upper end of the table where their Majesties sat, supported by the chiefs of the French and English Missions. The table was spread for a hundred guests, and that number actually sat down to partake of the royal bounty. A calf roasted whole and garnished, was the principal dish at the upper end. On the side boards were piled large substantial portions of solid food; while poultry, game, and fish covered the table, which was ornamented with vases of silver, manufactured by native artists, after European models. There were ranged along the centre, with artificial flowers and sweetmeats, preserved apricots, and pine-apples, with plums and cakes intervening. The healths of the Sovereigns of Madagascar, England, and France, were drunk, with a few others, after one of which the King rose, drew his sword, and made an energetic speech as to the principles upon which he would exercise his authority, and which he considered would tend to the good or the injury of the country.

"Soon after sunset the Missionaries and myself retired. Dancing afterwards commenced, and continued for some hours. The King retired at half-past ten to his private apartment."

CLAIMS AND ENCOURAGEMENTS TO EXTENDED EFFORTS.

THE following interesting particulars afford conclusive evidence of the gratifying state of Christianity in the island, and the urgent demands for yet more extended labours, not only in the capital, but in remote parts of the country with which we have been hitherto unacquainted. The various statements subjoined are selected partly from letters from Mr. Ellis, dated September 26th, and October 6th, and partly also from his journal. These documents occupy many sheets, and the particulars which we now give are selected from different parts of these extended communications, and classified in order to render them more intelligible and interesting to our readers.

ENCOURAGING STATE AND PROSPECTS OF THE MISSION.

"I can only state that everything connected with the progress of religion among the people, is, considering all the circumstances, most encouraging. I hear of scarcely any defections among them from the integrity and purity of the Gospel, or any abatement in their zeal and earnestness in bringing others to Christ. Their numbers continue to increase, and the most marvellous and gratifying accounts are received from distant provinces.

"I am informed that there are hundreds of believers in the Betsileo country, two hundred miles from the capital, and in the region to which some of the earlier Christians were banished. They carried and scattered the precious seed of the Word, and a wide and glorious harvest invites the reapers to the field. I hope you will be able soon to send a Missionary from England to this important province.

"I have also received visits from Christians who had come from Vonezongo to the coronation, They were anxious to obtain copies of the Scriptures. Received a letter from the Christians at Fianarantsoa, stating their wish to see me, and their urgent want of Bibles. There are several communicants at this remote military post, which is in the Betsileo country, seven or eight days' journey from the capital, and I have been told that there are there some hundreds of professed Christians. I hope to be able to go and see them.

"I received a visit yesterday (Oct. 5) from another party of Christians far to the south on the east coast. The Hova officers at the military post have been the

Evangelists.

"I went with the Missionaries to the morning service at Amparibe, where a vast number partook of the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. When the usual congregation had dispersed, others flocked in and nearly filled the chapel, silently seating themselves on the matted floor. There appeared to be about eight hundred. Great part of them were neatly, some of them tastefully dressed in clean European or Native dresses, and their calm, quiet, cheerful aspect, was deeply affecting. More than once during the service I was almost overcome by my feelings, especially when I reflected that little more than thirty years before there was not a single believer in Christ-scarcely a single hearer of His Gospel. I could not help exclaiming more than once to the Missionaries, What hath God wrought ?' They were all much affected, and said they never expected to witness such a sight in Madagascar, and that they had never seen so many communicants together in England. An address was given at the close by one of the pastors of Analakely, and one of the pastors of Ambotonokanga closed with prayer. We had entered the chapel at nine, and it was twelve before we came out. I was tired and faint, for I had not had time for more than a cup of coffee before I went.

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In the afternoon I went to the service in the King's house as usual. His Majesty had sent a message to say that he wished the service to be as usual, though he could not attend, as a meeting had been appointed with the French Commodore. The general and other officers, together with the Missionaries, had assembled, when the King came in, and after shaking each one by the hand apologized for being obliged to leave us. We then] proceeded with the service in the usual way, and after a short address in Malagasy, I preached from, 'I will be as the dew unto Israel,' closing with an address in Malagasy. The Missionaries then took refreshment at my house, and we spent this, our first Sabbath evening passed together in Madagascar, in devotion and reading the Scriptures.

flowing lambas of pure white, or deep rich glowing colours, and who, except w clapping their hands or shouting for joy, had been quiet gazers on the scene, v now seen moving in various directions until they were absorbed in the multite' that crowded the roads leading from the plain.

"I had noticed as the King approached that the members of his family, especiali those connected with the first Radama and his father, turned their faces towards n and clapped their hands, and sang some of the native songs, as was the custon. ancient times.

"I now packed up my camera, took down my tent, and made the best of my w home. The heat had been intense, especially in the small tent, and I was. some refreshment, having been on the ground from seven until nearly three. But I had changed my dress a messenger came from the palace to say that the co were all assembled, and I therefore hastened to the coronation banquet, which w in the large palace of Manjakamiadana.

"So far as choice, [variety, and abundance were concerned, it was a righ banquet. The silver-gilt goblets and tankard presented by Queen Victori appropriately graced the upper end of the table where their Majesties sat, sur by the chiefs of the French and English Missions. The table was spread for a 1 guests, and that number actually sat down to partake of the royal bounty. roasted whole and garnished, was the principal dish at the upper end. OL boards were piled large substantial portions of solid food; while poultry, fish covered the table, which was ornamented with vases of silver, manu. native artists, after European models. There were ranged along the artificial flowers and sweetmeats, preserved apricots, and pine-apples, wit cakes intervening. The healths of the Sovereigns of Madagascar, 7' France, were drunk, with a few others, after one of which the King sword, and made an energetic speech as to the principles upon exercise his authority, and which he considered would tend to + injury of the country.

"Soon after sunset the Missionaries and myself retired. I commenced, and continued for some hours. The King retired a private apartment."

CLAIMS AND ENCOURAGEMENTS TO T

THE following interesting particulars affor
gratifying state of Christianity in the islat
yet more extended labours, not only in
the country with which we have been hi
statements subjoined are selected part
September 26th, and October 6th, a
documents occupy many sho
selected from different P

fied in order to render

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