MALAGASSEES. 329

offered, which may consist of a piece of silver or a silver chain or of
heads of greater or less value. At other times the most acceptable
offering is a young bullock "which just begins to bellow, and tear up
the earth with his horns," or a fowl, or rice mixed with honey or a
plantain tree laden with fruit. The faditra, on the other hand, is
presented for averting evil ; and this offering is always thrown away.
If the evil is caused by the air or the sky an herb called tsilcolan-
danitra is the proper curative charm. If the earth is the source of
' trouble a water flower is presented. If the misfortune proceeds from
the cattle a species of grasshopper is employed as counteracting influ-
ence. Among the numerous other objects selected as fatidra are
money, ashes and fruits. The evils to be deprecated are recounted
over the objects presented, which are immediately destroyed or dissi-
pated under the supposition that the calamity or misfortune will be
counteracted or will pass away with their loss. The Malagassees
believe that thunder (veratra) is a winged animal with beak and claws
and clothed in flame, which spreads conflagration and destruction
wherever it passes. If they wish to secure a great fortune, or an
abundant rice harvest, they make a vow in the cemetery before the
tomb of their ancestors, that they will sacrifice several oxen, or honour
the dead with a new coffin if their hopes and desires are realised.
