This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 Excerpt: ... in Madagascar, and are remarkable for their well-shaped heads, high foreheads, and European expression of countenance. The following description of the Hova by Ellis has been approved as correct by Sibree: "The foreheads were always well shaped, even when the space between the eyebrows and hair, as in some few instances, was comparatively narrow. The eyes were never large and projecting, but clear and bright, and the eyebrows well defined without being heavy. The nose was frequently aquiline and firm; it was, however, more frequently straight, and sometimes short and broad, without fulness at the end. Their lips were occasionally thick and-slightly projecting, though seldom large and round, but often thin, and the lower one gently projecting (possibly from snuff-taking), with short curling upper lip. Their eyes are dark brown and hair jet black. The style of features seems to mark the Hovas much more distinctly than colour and hair." This description is said to be applicable to most of the Eastern and Central Malagasi, except that they are darker in colour than the Hova. For example, the Betsileo, who live to the south of the Hova, are described as almost black, and in other respects also approximating more to the Negro type. Thus Shaw describes the Betsileo as larger, more muscular, and taller, the men being on an average 6 feet high. "The forehead is low and broad, the nose natter and the lips thicker than those of their conquerors the Hovas, whilst their hair is invariably crisp and woolly. No pure Ijetsileo is to be met with having the smooth long hair of the Hovas. In this, as in other points, there is a very clear departure from the Malayan type." The Betsileo are said to be quite as skilful and industrious as the Hova, but to hav...