a province of Madagascar, somewhat to the northward of S. Lat. 23°. It is a fertile and agreeable country, watered by the river Manampani, whose mouth lies in S. Lat. 23. 30. The country produces plants and fruits in plenty. Iron mines are also found here. The black cattle are extremely fat, and their flesh excellent. In this province stands a large town of the same name; near which is a fountain of hot water, within 20 feet of a small river whose sand is almost burning. The water of the fountain is said to boil an egg hard in two hours; and the inhabitants affirm it to be a sovereign remedy against the gout. The people here are employed in different preparations of iron and steel, which they have from their own mines, and forge several instruments with tolerable skill. Their governor is honoured with the title of Rabertau, or Great Lord. He exercises sovereign authority and absolute power; but is frequently, in times of distress, surprised by his subjects, who assemble in great numbers, seize his person, and threaten him with death unless they are relieved. To extricate himself from this dilemma, he is instantly obliged to issue orders for distributing provisions among them; but is usually repaid with interest, a quadruple return being made in a plentiful harvest. The people of Amboule live in great licentiousness with their superiors, and their country is generally a retreat for the ronsh and lazy.