Instant Download PDF Ebusiness A Canadian Perspective For A Networked World Canadian 4th Edition Trites Test Bank Full Chapter

You might also like

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 34

eBusiness A Canadian Perspective for

a Networked World Canadian 4th


Edition Trites Test Bank
Go to download the full and correct content document:
https://testbankfan.com/product/ebusiness-a-canadian-perspective-for-a-networked-w
orld-canadian-4th-edition-trites-test-bank/
More products digital (pdf, epub, mobi) instant
download maybe you interests ...

eBusiness A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World


Canadian 4th Edition Trites Solutions Manual

https://testbankfan.com/product/ebusiness-a-canadian-perspective-
for-a-networked-world-canadian-4th-edition-trites-solutions-
manual/

Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective


Canadian 4th Edition Stamler Test Bank

https://testbankfan.com/product/community-health-nursing-a-
canadian-perspective-canadian-4th-edition-stamler-test-bank/

Sociology Your Compass for a New World Canadian 4th


Edition Brym Test Bank

https://testbankfan.com/product/sociology-your-compass-for-a-new-
world-canadian-4th-edition-brym-test-bank/

Community Health Nursing A Canadian Perspective


Canadian 4th Edition Stamler Solutions Manual

https://testbankfan.com/product/community-health-nursing-a-
canadian-perspective-canadian-4th-edition-stamler-solutions-
manual/
Business Communication Developing Leaders for a
Networked World 2nd Edition Cardon Test Bank

https://testbankfan.com/product/business-communication-
developing-leaders-for-a-networked-world-2nd-edition-cardon-test-
bank/

Business Communication Developing Leaders for a


Networked World 3rd Edition Cardon Test Bank

https://testbankfan.com/product/business-communication-
developing-leaders-for-a-networked-world-3rd-edition-cardon-test-
bank/

Business Communication Developing Leaders for a


Networked World 1st Edition Cardon Test Bank

https://testbankfan.com/product/business-communication-
developing-leaders-for-a-networked-world-1st-edition-cardon-test-
bank/

Exploring Sociology A Canadian Perspective Canadian 3rd


Edition Ravelli Test Bank

https://testbankfan.com/product/exploring-sociology-a-canadian-
perspective-canadian-3rd-edition-ravelli-test-bank/

Business Communication Developing Leaders for a


Networked World 1st Edition Cardon Solutions Manual

https://testbankfan.com/product/business-communication-
developing-leaders-for-a-networked-world-1st-edition-cardon-
solutions-manual/
Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

1) The following is a true statement about payment systems and security:


A) Payment and security issues are primarily unrelated.
B) Payment and security issues are closely related.
C) Payments cannot occur without security.
D) Payment is always secure if made by credit card.
E) Security cannot protect credit cards.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 114
Skill: A Objective: 1

2) Electronic data interchange (EDI) has been used for many years. The internet has:
A) wiped out the use of EDI.
B) increased the use of EDI.
C) provided alternatives to EDI.
D) reduced the security risks of EDI.
E) none of the above
Answer: C
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 115
Skill: A Objective: 2

3) Value-added networks have been used primarily to:


A) carry out the same function as email applications.
B) manage corporate security.
C) replace EDI networks.
D) carry EDI data securely.
E) link communities to the internet.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 115
Skill: R Objective: 1

4) An important characteristic of cash is ________.


A) anonymity
B) acceptance
C) portability
D) Instant transfer of value
E) all of the above
Answer: E
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 116
Skill: R Objective: 1

5) The following is true of digital cheques for online transactions:


A) It is easy to establish new forms of digital cheques.
B) Digital cheques are an excellent online payment form.
C) The acceptance of digital cheques is an issue for consumer support.
D) Security of digital cheques is not really a concern.
E) Banks have strong security digital cheques available to consumers.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-1


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

Answer: C
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 118
Skill: A Objective: 1

6) Payment systems such as the Mondex electronic cash system need to overcome the
following before being considered successful:
A) security issues
B) infrastructure issues
C) consumer acceptance
D) business acceptance
E) all of the above
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 123
Skill: A Objective: 5

7) The Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) protocol aims to improve credit card security
by:
A) Monitoring transactions on the internet.
B) monitoring merchants’ collection of data.
C) using encryption and authentication technology.
D) adding additional passwords to credit card transactions.
E) requiring merchants to enter a password prior to approval of transactions.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 121
Skill: A Objective: 3

8) Email payment systems provide some security by using ________.


A) private questions
B) passwords
C) Interac
D) direct account transfer
E) none of the above
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 131
Skill: R Objective: 6

9) _____ is a security tool that protects credit cards.


A) Encryption
B) Authentication
C) Non-repudiation
D) A password
E) none of the above
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 121
Skill: A Objective: 2

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-2


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

10) The internet has primarily:


A) removed the usefulness of EDI.
B) added numerous options for networking.
C) created multiple secure payment mechanisms.
D) reduced the usefulness of credit cards.
E) caused banks to disconnect their networks.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 50
Skill: A Objective: 2

11) In attempting to develop a new global payment mechanism, the following is very
important:
A) scalability
B) bank acceptance
C) electronic bill presentment
D) dedicated value-added network
E) electronic document interchange
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 139
Skill: R Objective: 6

12) The greatest factor contributing to the success of PayPal is its ________.
A) portability
B) acceptance
C) relationship to eBay
D) anonymity
E) low cost
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 124
Skill: A Objective: 4

13) When a user does online banking, the use of Secure Socket Layer:
A) ensures all data is deleted from internet service providers.
B) creates a session encryption that cannot be easily broken.
C) requires the use of a virtual private network.
D) can override encryption and ensure security.
E) creates a virtual private network to the bank.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 122, 100
Skill: R Objective: 2

14) Wireless technologies and payment mechanisms:


A) reduce the need for security and encryption.
B) easily build on internet security.
C) are being developed and show considerable promise.
D) will make traditional payment mechanisms quickly obsolete.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-3


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

E) none of the above


Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 128
Skill: A Objective: 3

15) In the business-to-business area:


A) payment is not really an issue as in B2C.
B) payment issues are just as serious as B2C.
C) security is much higher and payment is less of an issue.
D) security is much lower but payment is low risk.
E) most purchases can be paid later by cheque.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 114
Skill: A Objective: 1

16) The Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) protocol uses the following to enable the
cardholders and merchants to verify online parties’ information:
A) public/private key technology, encryption, and digital certificates
B) digital readers, online encoders, general key technology
C) radio wave technology, scanners and bar coding
D) electronic signatures, X-rays, finger printing technology
E) all of the above
Answer: A
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 132
Skill: R Objective: 6

17) M-payment stands for:


A) money payment
B) multiple payment
C) mobile payment
D) micro payment
E) mini-payment
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 128
Skill: R Objective: 5

18) The following devices were predicted to be used for m-payments:


A) watches, DVD players, and MP3s
B) notebooks, credit cards, and digicash
C) wireless smart cards, and mobile phones
D) e-wallets, debit cards, and digital cheques
E) email, e-wallets, and digital cheques
Answer: C
Diff: 3 Type: MC Page Ref: 128
Skill: R Objective: 4

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-4


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

19) PayPal is a type of:


A) online payment system.
B) mobile payment system.
C) radio frequency identification.
D) eBay competitor.
E) none of the above.
Answer: A
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 123
Skill: A Objective: 3

20) _____ fraud occurs when thieves use hidden cameras to record victims’ personal
identification numbers (PINs) at automated teller machines (ATMs) and obtain copies
of their debit cards.
A) Skimming
B) Data mining
C) Security
D) Phishing
E) Sniffing
Answer: A
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 123
Skill: R Objective: 4

21) Cyberthieves target PayPal account holders through ________.


A) phishing
B) sniffing
C) skimming
D) data mining
E) cookies
Answer: A
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 126
Skill: A Objective: 4

22) PayPal originally offered payments only in:


A) Canadian dollars.
B) US dollars.
C) Euro.
D) online credits.
E) ECash
Answer: B
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 125
Skill: A Objective: 4

23) Registering credit card information in a personal profile that is kept in a secure area
by a vendor means that:
A) the customer needs to only log in once to that vendor.
B) risk of detection increases.

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-5


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

C) they are legally protected from fraud.


D) credit card information is only transmitted once per vendor.
E) personal information is encrypted with that vendor.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 120
Skill: A Objective: 4

24) Conducting a transaction over the internet costs roughly ________ percent of the cost
of conducting that same transaction through a bank branch.
A) 25
B) 15
C) 10
D) 5
E) 2
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 114
Skill: A Objective: 1

25) Payment processing on the internet reduces the costs associated with:
A) online marketing.
B) mailing paper invoices.
C) website maintenance.
D) currency exchange.
E) clearing digital cheques.
Answer: B
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 114
Skill: A Objective: 1

26) A relatively new addition to the online offering of banks is:


A) online instant credit.
B) wireless smart cards.
C) epost
D) ECash
E) email money transfer.
Answer: E
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 131
Skill: A Objective: 6

27) Mobile phones are still not a viable payment alternative for general usage because:
A) the use of 900 numbers in a payment system is controversial.
B) consumers receive numerous ebills from multiple sites.
C) mobile operators do not have the necessary billing information for customers.
D) there are still no standards.
E) consumers need additional devices.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 130

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-6


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

Skill: A Objective: 5

28) The most widespread m-payment systems are wireless smart cards based on:
A) RFID technology.
B) personal bank accounts.
C) PayPal.
D) credit cards.
E) ECash.
Answer: A
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 128
Skill: A Objective: 4

29) The PayPass program is very promising because:


A) customers are issued a plastic key fob.
B) transmitter chips are cheap and mass-produced.
C) it is backed by MasterCard.
D) it was tested first in Canada.
E) it eliminates the need for credit cards.
Answer: C
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 128
Skill: A Objective: 6

30) One of the big problems with cheque imaging is:


A) the legal system has not recognized it.
B) the signatures on the images are unclear.
C) they only apply to long-term, regular customers.
D) they don’t contain the same information as paper cheques.
E) they require special scanners.
Answer: A
Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 120
Skill: R Objective: 4

31) Electronic data interchange has no place in the payment area of ecommerce.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 115
Skill: A Objective: 1

32) A value-added network indicates that another company reviews an organization’s


network periodically and suggests improvements.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 104
Skill: A Objective: 1

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-7


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

33) A good electronic payment system should have the same characteristics as traditional
money.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 115, 116
Skill: R Objective: 1

34) Banking systems are attempting to consolidate bill presentment with their payment
mechanisms.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 130
Skill: A Objective: 3

35) Mobile phones have little or no use for making ecommerce payments.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 128
Skill: R Objective: 5

36) Persons using EDI must be signatories to an EDI agreement and must have their
information systems configured to be able to recognize and process the transactions.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 115
Skill: A Objective: 1

37) ECash was built on public key cryptography involving the use of a private key to sign
messages and a public key to verify the signatures.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 116
Skill: A Objective: 1

38) EChecks contain the same information as paper cheques.


A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 118
Skill: A Objective: 1

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-8


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

39) SET Protocol is a short term for systems electrifying transmission.


A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 121
Skill: R Objective: 4

40) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses electronic waves to transfer
data between a reader and device and an item such as a smart card or mobile phone.
A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 3 Type: TF Page Ref: 128
Skill: A Objective: 5

41) The most successful and innovative alternative online payment system developed so
far is PayPal.
A) True
B) False
Answer: True
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 114
Skill: R Objective: 6

42) Credit card transactions costs are inexpensive.


A) True
B) False
Answer: False
Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 123
Skill: A Objective: 6

43) What was the major reason for EDI to move from traditionally using value-added
networks to using the web as a platform?
Answer:
Affordability. EDI has been costly and in its “traditional” form has been used most
often by very large companies
Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 115
Skill: A Objective: 2

44) Why is a credit card considered not to provide an instant transfer of value?
Answer:
If a credit card is used for payment, the vendor must send the signed voucher to the
sponsoring or financial institution for payment in cash, and the vouchers themselves
can’t be used to purchase anything.
Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 116
Skill: A Objective: 1

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-9


Ebusiness: A Canadian Perspective for a Networked World, 4e
Chapter 6 – Billing and Payment Systems

45) How does a Mondex card differ from eCash?


Answer:
A Mondex card can be carried around by a person and the signals can be sent over the
internet. ECash wasn’t designed to be carried by a person like real cash.
Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 123
Skill: A Objective: 5

46) Why is PayPal considered to be an email payment system?


Answer:
Because payments through PayPal require users to specify the email address of the
recipient and the transfer will be completed. (This is done after the user has opened an
account with PayPal).
Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 124
Skill: A Objective: 5

47) What does RFID stand for?


Answer:
Radio Frequency Identification
Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 128
Skill: R Objective: 1

48) Credit cards have been the main payment method used for online purchases, however
the shortcomings of credit cards in the real world have become even more evident in
cyberspace. Explain.
Answer:
Credit card fraud on the internet is widespread, and credit card transactions can be
costly to merchants.
Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 114
Skill: R Objective: 4

49) Provide an example of a credit card scam.


Answer:
One scam is to sell goods in an online auction, receive payment from the buyer, and
then, using a stolen credit card, purchase the same item from another online retailer
who ships the item to the buyer.
Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 121
Skill: R Objective: 4

50) Explain how smart cards work.


Answer:
Smart cards contain chips with memory, software, and their own operating system.
The software includes algorithms and electronic keys for security as well as loyalty
programs.
Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 122
Skill: R Objective: 3

Copyright © 2013 Pearson Canada Inc. 6-10


Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
A very different kind of ants’ nest is seen in the more open and
sunny forest paths (and also in the bare interior country). These
have the form of a low circular mound, from eighteen inches or more
in diameter, and perhaps eight to ten inches high, and have a large
opening at the top—a miniature “crater.” This mound consists of the
fine grains of earth and sand brought up and thrown out by the little
workers in excavating their subterraneous dwelling. These ants are
larger insects than the arboreal species; they are about three-eighths
of an inch long, and seem to exist in great numbers in their homes,
the entrance being like a crowded street, with passengers going to
and fro. They may be met with all round their nests, often at a
considerable distance from them, frequently tugging along pieces of
chewed sugar-cane, or portions of dead insects, enormous in size
compared with themselves. The ants are the scavengers of the
country; no beetle, or worm, or grub, or animal matter of any kind,
can be many minutes on the ground before it is detected by some
ant, which communicates the fact forthwith to its fellows, and they
immediately fall on the spoil, cut it in pieces and convey it to their
stronghold. It is astonishing to see the heavy loads that two or three
ants will stagger along with for the common weal. Truly, although
they are a small folk, they are “exceeding wise.”
Another species of ant, which does not appear to construct a nest,
but inhabits the crevices and under the bark of trees, is rather
conspicuous from a large tuft or cushion of pale brown velvet-like
hairs on the upper side of the abdomen, and a smaller one on the
thorax. Its eggs and pupæ are carefully hidden away under pieces of
the bark which have become partly detached.
On the top of the Ambàtovòry rock I found another and smaller
species of ant, about an eighth of an inch long. This ant inhabits the
dried flower-stalk of the vàhona, a small aloe growing plentifully on
the shallow soil close to rocks. On breaking in two one of these
stalks, the ants and a number of pupæ fell out, long white cases, in
which the dark body of the immature insect could be seen. The little
creatures seemed greatly relieved to be able to gather up these
precious pupæ, and they soon collected them all, and brought them
again into their home. On examining the stalk I could see no
entrance except a minute hole, like a pinprick, at the top, just below
where the head of flowers had blossomed. It seems probable that
the ants find food in the pithy interior of these leaf-stalks.
In passing through the bush or the secondary forest, one
frequently sees the leaves of certain bushes withered and folded up
together. On opening one of such nests, it proves to be the home of
a species of beetle, a very handsome insect, about an inch long, with
a long slender thorax, and of a beautiful metallic-purple colour.
Enclosed in portions of the leaf are small green caterpillars, and in
others are chrysalides. A much smaller beetle is also found in many
of these nests. The edges of the leaves appear as if sewn together
at different places with fine silk.
Although butterflies are scarce in these woods in the cold season,
caterpillars are numerous. Those making a large silken bag have
already been noticed; but there are others which appear to be just
now (in August) in a state of torpor. Here, for instance, is a cluster of
a dozen or so of brown caterpillars, all clinging closely together
around one another on the top of a small twig. They seem perfectly
motionless. Are they hibernating? Here again is a collection of
beautiful little caterpillars, about an inch long, of lovely pale green
and bluish-green colour, with markings of orange dots along the
sides, and four tufts of yellow hairs on head and tail. These are lying
side by side, half-a-dozen together on a leaf, and also appear
perfectly torpid, for they do not move for several days together. Here
again, on a leaf, are about thirty small caterpillars, about five-eighths
of an inch long. These are seen to be striped with dark lines, like
black velvet, with delicate markings and spots of bright yellow. These
insects, like those just mentioned, are motionless and crowded
together, as if for warmth.
Walking slowly along, one notices a peculiar WALKS FULL OF
marking on a twig; this on close inspection is seen to INTEREST
be an assemblage of the eggs of some butterfly or moth, about a
hundred of them, arranged in four or five regular rows, pretty minute
globes, light greyish-brown in colour, with a minute black spot on the
top, and hardly one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter. In bushes and
small trees, somewhat unsightly little bundles of leaves are
sometimes very conspicuous. These are bound together with an
irregular mass of web; and cutting one of them open, it is found to be
full of the elytra of small beetles and the chitinous portions of other
insects, as well as leaves, forming a closely compacted ball. This
appears to be the work of a small spider, which is generally found in
some portion of the nest.
There are many pleasant walks in different directions through the
woods, some of them merely woodcutters’ paths, and others
broader, where a palanquin can be taken. One cannot go far,
however, without having to go down steep descents and again
having a stiff climb; but the variety of leafage, the frequent
occurrence of some beautiful flower or bright-coloured berry or fruit,
or gay insect makes a walk full of interest; and when we reach a high
point there are extensive views over the undulating masses of green
foliage of very varied tints around one, and the bare Ankay plain,
with the distant lower forest, twenty or thirty miles away, and fading
into the distance north and south.
Reptiles are not very conspicuous in these woods; one seldom
sees a snake, although probably the dense undergrowth affords
them sufficient concealment. In the outskirts of the forest, however,
and indeed all over Imèrina, a pretty snake, from eighteen inches to
two feet long, is frequently seen, dark brown in colour, with fine white
lines along its slender length. The under side is white.
Notwithstanding the innocuous character of these little snakes, it is
amusing to see the dread the people have of them; our bearers, for
instance, will leap away from them as if they were treading on the
sharpest thorns. Some superstitious notions may partly account for
this fear, as one of the former chief idols of the Hova, called
Ramàhavàly (“the Avenger”), was supposed to be the patron and
lord of serpents. One sometimes sees a water-snake swimming over
the surface of a pond in a most graceful fashion.
Lizards are now and then seen; one is a large LIZARDS
unpleasant-looking creature, nearly two feet long, of
which the tail is about one foot. But a much smaller and prettier one
is not uncommon, with delicate markings. Other species, in the
south-west region, vary in length from six to nine inches. And here,
on the fleshy leaves of an aloe, we may see, basking in the hot
sunshine, a beautiful little bright green lizard, or darting over the
surface with such a rapid movement that it is difficult to observe it
closely. Its colour is so exactly like its habitat that it is doubtless a
“protective resemblance.” While staying at the sanatorium in
November 1899 a very curious arboreal lizard was brought to us by
some boys. This creature was clinging to a stick, and at first sight,
and until closely examined, I could not distinguish it from the branch
to which it clung. It was about six inches long, the body was
somewhat flattened, as well as the head, and the eyes were large
and bright. The feet were somewhat webbed, the toes ending in
small disks like those of the geckoes. The tail was broad and flat,
lying close to the branch, and shaped something like that of a
beaver. But the most interesting point about this lizard was the
wonderful resemblance of its colouring to that of the bark of a tree.
The minute scales of the skin were mottled with brown, grey, green
and white, so as exactly to resemble tree bark, with the usual
clothing of lichens precisely the same in colour, together with small
irregularities of surface; so that until examined minutely, one could
hardly believe that the small patches of colour on the animal’s skin
were not also due to vegetable growths. It was difficult at a few
inches’ distance to see where the lizard began and the wood ended;
and in the forest it would be impossible to distinguish it from the
branch to which it clings. It proved, on being sent to England, to form
a new genus.
A Forest Village
A native lady being carried in her palanquin. Notice the thatched huts and small verandahs.
The village is built in a clearing of the forest on the route from the coast to the interior

Chameleons are very frequently met with, not only CHAMELEONS


in the woods but also in the open country of Imèrina; and in our
gardens at the capital we often see them on the bushes or the paths,
from the little baby one of an inch long to the full-grown one of six to
eight inches. In the paths near the sanatorium one may see them
digging holes and depositing their eggs, which are about the size of
a small bean. Their colouring is often very beautiful, with its shades
of green and yellow and black, brown and red markings, and there
are certainly very rapid changes of colour according to the different
surroundings. The bright tints they exhibit in sunshine and on leaves
become dull dark brown in the shade, or on dark coloured resting-
places. Sometimes they lose all colour, for I one day saw, on the
path near the woods, a chameleon in the coils of a small snake,
which had wound itself three times round the body and was
apparently preparing to swallow it, beginning at the head, although it
seemed almost impossible that the bulky body of the chameleon
could pass through so small an opening. And this was a curious fact:
the chameleon was perfectly white. From a sentimental pity for the
little creature, I unwound the snake from it and placed it on a bush. It
was apparently uninjured and soon began to resume its ordinary
colouring, of which its terror had temporarily deprived it.
It is a noteworthy fact that Madagascar is one of the head-quarters
of the Chameleonidæ, for out of fifty known species twenty-one at
least are found in this island; and of the twenty-five kinds which have
been enumerated as having horns and other remarkable processes
on the head, no less than seventeen are peculiar to this country. One
species has a nose dilated and toothed on each side; another has
the top of the head conically produced; while four species have two
flat diverging nasal prominences covered with large scutes; and in
yet another species, the single long conical appendage to the nose
is flexible. The largest Madagascar chameleon known is about a foot
long and is called Ramìlahèloka, which may perhaps be (freely)
translated, “Naughty old boy,” probably from its uncanny appearance
and earthy colour; it is apparently always found on the ground. Of
this creature the natives assert that anyone stepping on it,
accidentally or otherwise, or seizing it, becomes ill. From the slow,
deliberate pace of the chameleon, the Malagasy proverb advises
foresight and retrospect: “Ataovy toy ny dìan-tàna: jerèo ny alòha,
todìho ny aorìana”—i.e. “Act like the stepping of a chameleon: look
where you are going, look back the way you have come.” Naughty
little native boys are fond of making the male chameleons fight
together, and it is curious to see how widely the red mouth is opened
at such times.
While staying near the forest I occasionally saw and LAND-SHELLS
had brought to me specimens of some of the land-
shells which are often found in damp places in the woods. Many
years ago more than two hundred of these were known, and this
number has probably been considerably added to since, and will still
be increased as the country becomes more perfectly explored. Of
non-operculate species about eighty were then described, of
operculate species about fifty, and about fifty forms had been
recorded from the lakes and rivers. The largest of these shells is a
species of Helix (bicingulata), warm brown in colour, with diaper-like
markings, flattish in shape, and three inches in its longest diameter.
There are several other smaller helices; also examples of
Cyclostoma, the opening of which, as the name implies, is almost a
perfect circle; species of Ampullaria, which have a very large
opening; Stenogyra, a long oval and spiral shell; dark green
Melanatria, a large spiral shell like Turritella, three inches long, which
I have gathered in forest streams; while the most delicately marked
shells are species of Neritina, with black lines, like fine etchings, on a
pale yellow ground. Species of Bultimus, also a beautifully marked
shell, and of Limnea, Physa, Phanorbis, and many others are among
the fluviatile and terrestrial mollusca of Madagascar.
Chameleon Minor.
Madagascar is one of the head-quarters of the
Chameleonidæ, for out of fifty known species twenty-one
at least are found in this island.

In walking through the woods one constantly comes across traces


of the wild boar, or, more properly, the river-hog (Potamochærus
larvatus), although the animal itself is rarely seen. It is a somewhat
ugly creature, with high withers, long back and little hair. It has an
enormous tubercle, supported by a bony protuberance in the jaw,
which renders the face of the animal extremely disagreeable. It must
exist in large numbers, for it digs up the ground in search of roots
and often does much damage to plantations. The hunting of the wild
boar is a favourite sport with the Malagasy of certain districts, and
Europeans who have joined in the hunt have found it an exciting
sport, with a distinct element of danger, for the beast, when
infuriated, is a formidable animal from its long and powerful tusks.
Some naturalists are of opinion that there are two distinct species of
this river-hog, one found in the upper forest, and the other on the
coast and the lower forest region; of these, the latter is the larger
animal.
Turning now from boars to birds. Many of the SUN-BIRDS
Madagascar birds are by no means deficient in the
power of producing sweet sounds of a very pleasing character and in
considerable variety of note; and there are some few whose song
has even been considered to resemble that of our European
nightingale. Although in the cold season there are comparatively few
birds seen or heard, yet it is not so in the warmer months, or in the
lower forest all through the year. Staying near the upper forest in the
month of December 1884, we sat down on the margin of a stream,
enjoying greatly the beauty of the woods and especially the singing
of the birds. Never before had I heard in a Madagascar forest so
many different notes, or so constant a sound of bird life. Besides
this, there was the low undertone of water over the rapids some little
distance away and the hum of insects. It was a great enjoyment just
to sit and listen, and see the birds as they flew around us. Among
these were the Sòikèly, a species of sun-bird, a very little fellow, who
sat on the topmost point of a bare branch. There are three species of
Nectarinidæ found in the island, one of which, the glittering sickle-
billed sun-bird (Neodrepanis coruscans) belongs to a genus peculiar
to Madagascar. Many of the birds of this family rival, in the Old
World, the gem-like and metallic tints of the hummingbirds of the
New World, and this is true of those found here. M. Pollen observes
of them that they live in flocks, and all day long one sees them
darting about the flowering shrubs, sucking with their long tongue the
nectar which forms their principal food. Their song is long, very
agreeable, but little varied, and they have the habit of suspending
themselves by their claws from the small branches. The male bird of
one species has metallic tints of purple, green, red and yellow. The
other species is black underneath, with green and purple metallic
reflections on head, back and wings.
Among the most beautiful birds in Madagascar are ROLLERS
several species of the rollers (Coraciadæ), so called
from their peculiar habit of flight. The five species found here live
mostly on the ground and come out chiefly at dusk. The Vòrondrèo,
or Kiròmbo roller, plays a great part in the chants and religious
recitations and folk-tales of the Malagasy. These birds live chiefly on
grasshoppers, but they also devour chameleons and lizards. When
they cry they puff out the throat, so that this portion of the body has
the appearance of a pendent bag. The colouring of this species is
perhaps the “quietest” of the five, having a good deal of slaty-grey on
head and breast. But both it and its companions have shades of
“shot” colour, purple and green, or red and green, as looked at in
different lights. The others exhibit larger masses of bright colour; the
violet roller having, as its name denotes, a good deal of violet or
purple tinting. Four of them are rather large birds, but the scaly
ground roller is small, with a curious collar of black and white
feathers, reminding one of the strange neck and throat appendages
of some of the paradise birds.
Other birds we saw and heard that day were the Railòvy, a
species of shrike, with long forked tail; the Bolòky, or grey parrot,
with a long repeated whistle, as if going up the gamut; the
Vòrondrèo, one of the rollers, with its prolonged whistle ending in a
sudden drop; the Parètika, one of the warblers, with a creaky little
short note, something like a child’s rattle; together with these sounds
was the kow-kow of the Kankàfotra cuckoo, the varied mellow notes
of the Tolòho cuckoo, the cooing sound of the Fòny, or wood-pigeon,
and also the call of one of the hawks.
[12] Mr Baron was for thirty-five years a missionary MR BARON
of the L.M.S. A good writer, an eloquent speaker,
and an earnest missionary, he was also a very able botanist and
an accomplished geologist, and at the time of his lamented death,
in 1907, he probably knew more about both these sciences, as
regards Madagascar, than any other European. On account of his
researches, and the large collections he made, he was elected a
Fellow of both the Linnæan and the Geological Societies, honours
never conferred except for substantial scientific work. He also
received a specially fitted microscope from the Royal Society for
petrological study, in which he became very proficient. During his
residence in Madagascar he sent home many hundreds of plants,
a great proportion of which were new to science, and also a large
number of rock sections for microscopical and polariscope study.
Twice he was offered valuable positions under the French
Government in this island, but he was too true a missionary to
give up Christian work.

Chamæleons
CHAMÆLEON LONGICAUDA ⅔ full size
Heads, from above
CHAMÆLEON WILLSII
CHAPTER XI

FOREST SCENES

A
NYONE who has stayed near the upper forest during
December or January, and has quietly watched for a short
time among the trees, will not complain of scarcity of bird life
to admire and study. The beautiful creatures will come and alight all
around us, if we only remain perfectly still, seeking their food as they
hop on the ground, or flutter from branch to branch. We may watch
their nests and see their eggs, and then the newly fledged birds,
noting from day to day how they develop; until one morning the nest
is empty, for its little inmates have found out their power of wing, and
have left it to set up for themselves and add another little company to
the tenants of the forests. It may be truly said that the note of one
bird or another is never silent at this time of the year all day long,
while some are heard also at night. I remember especially watching
one of the two species of goat-sucker, which are found here: for
although it is called Matòriàndro, or “day-sleeper,” from its nocturnal
habits, it may be seen in shady places at midday; its beautifully
mottled shades of brown and grey giving it, no doubt, protection,
from their resemblance to its surroundings. They have the habit of
rising from a slight elevation straight into the air; then they let
themselves suddenly fall, to resume their ordinary mode of flight. It
will also fly along the paths, permitting one to approach it again and
again, and when flying it reveals the black and white colouring under
the wings. They feed exclusively on nocturnal insects, chiefly moths
and beetles.
While speaking of the birds of the interior, one must OWLS
not forget the owls, of which six or seven species are
known in Madagascar; two of these, the scops owl and the barn owl,
are tolerably plentiful. The last-mentioned appears to be exactly
identical with the almost world-wide and well-known bird of that
name. As among most other peoples, the owl is regarded by the
Malagasy as a bird of ill-omen; they call it Vòrondòlo—i.e. “spirit-
bird”—thinking it an embodiment of the spirits of the wicked; and
when its startling screeching cry is heard in the night they believe it
to be a presage of misfortune. There are numerous fables and
stories about the owl, illustrating the popular dread of the bird. But
like the owls in all other parts of the world, the Madagascar species
are really public benefactors, by keeping down the number of rats
and mice and other vermin; and yet their nocturnal habits, their large
staring eyes, the “uncanny” ear-like feathers of some, and especially
their unearthly screech, have all combined to make them objects of
dread. One species of owl is really a beautifully coloured bird, its
plumage being pale brown, spotted with silvery markings.
The bush and woods of small trees which are found surrounding
the upper belt of forest do not show many flowers during the cold
season of the year. Yet even during these cooler months—May to
August—innumerable objects of interest present themselves to those
who will use their eyes as they walk along the woodland paths.
Among the few flowers that are to be seen, besides the ever-present
orange spikes of the Sèva (Buddleia madagascariensis), and the
purple flowers of the Sèvabé (Solanum auriculatum) are the bell-like
reddish flowers of a species of Kitchingia, which are rather plentiful;
and towards the end of August a number of small trees and bushes
are showing clusters of handsome crimson flowers; while a purple
trumpet-shaped flower is to be seen here and there. Not uncommon
is a shrub with small red flowers, like honeysuckle, growing at the
axils of the leaves and all along the stems. More rare is a good-sized
bush, with large light green and glossy leaves, and with clusters of
yellow fruits, much like large white currants. This shrub would be a
handsome addition to a garden. Berries of various hues—black, red,
orange and yellow—are fairly plentiful; and in many bushes and
trees the lack of flowers is almost made up for by the brilliant scarlet,
or crimson, or orange colours of the new leaves, and in others again
by the bright orange or red of the fading leaves.
PALMS
There are few trees of any size left in the woods in the immediate
vicinity of the sanatorium, or near the paths through them; they have
all been cut down for the timber market in the capital, or for house-
building in the nearer villages. But in the deep valleys not a mile
distant there is still much virgin forest, and many trees of
considerable height; and on the roadside in the Mandràka valley,
along which the automobile road and then the railway have been
constructed within the last ten or twelve years, both cut through
dense forest, there are many lofty and isolated trees still left
standing, as well as numbers of them in the adjoining woods. Like
most tropical trees, these show the generally vertical habit of the
branches; in the crowd of competitors there is no room for lateral
expansion by wide-spreading branches; every tree presses upwards
to get the light and heat of the sun. In many parts of the forest, the
small palm, commonly called the “bamboo-palm” (Mal. Fàri-hàzo—
i.e. “woody sugar-cane”), is very plentiful, giving a thoroughly tropical
appearance to the vegetation. Few trees are more beautiful than this
palm, with its ringed stem, three to four inches in diameter, and its
graceful crown of light green pinnate leaves, through which the
sunlight shines. Its usual height is twelve or fourteen feet, but it
occasionally attains double that height, or more, in certain situations.
A much larger, but far less common, palm is the anìvona, but this is
because of its being cut down for the sake of its tough wiry bark, of
which the people make the flooring of their houses, and also use in
the construction of the old-fashioned timber-framed Hova dwellings.
The bamboo-palm seems of much less practical use, and is
therefore much more plentiful. Here and there a still smaller species
of palm may be found, with a stem not exceeding an inch in
diameter.
A very noticeable feature of these woods, as indeed CLIMBERS
of all tropical forests, is the profusion of climbing
plants. Even the smaller trees and bushes have their twining and
creeping parasites, tightly wound round their stems. And from the
tallest trees there hang and intertwine all manner of lianas, some as
big as a ship’s cable, and others of all intermediate sizes—ropes of
every dimension, down to the finest cord, and often forming an
almost impassable barrier, an inextricable tangle of dense
vegetation. Frequently these climbing plants seem to strangle and
squeeze out the life of their unfortunate hosts; and it is often difficult
to distinguish the foliage of the original tree, and that of the parvenu,
which has used its more robust neighbour to climb up to the light and
heat above the surrounding mass of leafage. Some of these climbers
have prominent and beautiful flowers, which mark their presence
very distinctly; one of these, first sent home by a lady, proved to be a
new species. This liana is about as thick as a one-inch rope, and its
spikes of creamy-yellow flowers are set from one to two feet apart on
the main stem. These spikes are from ten to sixteen inches in length,
each containing from forty to sixty large flowers growing closely
together, so that they are very conspicuous in the forest, forming
immense festoons of flowers, mounting to the tops of lofty trees,
crossing from one tree to another, and shining almost golden in
colour in the brilliant sunshine. These lianas are very plentiful and
may be recognised at a considerable distance, so that they form in
November one of the noticeable features of the upper line of forest.
In the cold season, during which many of these observations were
made, of course this liana is indistinguishable from the tangled mass
of vegetation.
Although during the winter months flowers, as already mentioned,
are scarce in the upper forest, there is very much to interest one in
the cryptogamic vegetation which is so abundant everywhere around
us. The mosses are seen in great profusion, and of many species.
Frequently they occur in dense masses, carpeting the ground and
the bases of the trees with a thick cushion-like covering. And of what
beautiful and varied colours are these humble plants! light green and
all shades of darker green, star-like mosses of pale pink, browns and
greys, some bright crimson in colour, and some with waxy-looking
fructification stalks; and of all kinds of growth; hair-like filaments,
delicate branching forms, some thick like grass, others like
seaweeds, others silvery-white on one side and chocolate-brown on
the other; but words fail to give any adequate idea of their variety
and beauty. During a short ramble a score of well-marked species
may soon be gathered.
And the lichens are hardly less numerous or beautiful than the
mosses: indeed it is sometimes difficult to tell to which order of
plants some of these organisms belong. In many drier places the
ground is covered with masses of a pale grey species, delicately
branched. And almost everywhere the bushes and trees are
festooned with the hanging filaments of another pale greyish-white
lichen (Usnea sp.), which give them quite a venerable appearance.
Another common species is a branching coral-like one, pale green
above, with beautiful shades of brown underneath. The rocks seen
all over Imèrina are sometimes perfectly white with minute forms of
lichen, but more frequently present a mosaic of differently coloured
species: black, white, orange, russet and red.
And the fungi again are quite as noticeable as the FUNGI
other cryptogams, and their colours make them even
more conspicuous. On decaying timber, their circular and collar-like
forms and bright tints constantly strike one’s attention. From one inch
to three or four inches in diameter these plants present a great
variety of colour; pure white, pale buff edged with brown, brilliant
scarlet, orange, yellow, dark brown, etc.; all these are very common.
Some fungi are hard and woody in substance; others are leathery
and flexible, others soft and gelatinous; and occasionally one sees
specimens a foot in diameter, with delicate shades of browns and
greys on their upper surface.
It may be easily imagined that with this wealth and variety of
cryptogamic forms many of the tree trunks are a perfect flora of the
humbler kinds of vegetable growths; for we have not mentioned the
delicate hymenophyllum ferns which also cover them in damp
situations; or the great hart’s-tongue ferns, which often occupy the
forks of the branches; or the innumerable small bulbs of the orchids,
which cling, by their long aerial roots, to the trunks and boughs of the
trees.
In walking through the woods one sometimes becomes conscious
of a sickly sweet smell somewhere near us. This proceeds from a
hive of bees not very far away, generally in the hollow of a tree. The
honey, which is usually excellent, is generally brought for sale to us
in the comb by some of the woodmen. Occasionally, however, it is
somewhat bitter, through being obtained from the flowers of certain
trees or plants. The Madagascar bee, known to entomologists as
Apis unicolor, differs but little in appearance from the English
species, although it is somewhat smaller, darker, and less hardy. It
chooses, if left to nature, the same kind of situation for its hive, and
multiplies in the same way. The drones also are idle and are killed off
at certain seasons. The Madagascar insect is much more gentle
when handled than the English one, but there is great difficulty in
hiving the swarms. These bees continue to store honey during the
winter months, although that is the dry season, with few flowers; and
they work in all weathers, even during a heavy thunderstorm.
The enemies of the Madagascar bee are, in the first DEATH’S-HEAD
place, rats, then ants and the wax-moth; but the MOTH
greatest enemy of all is the death’s-head moth (Sphinxatropos),
which is very common. He enters the hive fearlessly, for although the
bees crowd round him they have no power to stop him, as their
stings cannot pierce that downy body, with its tough skin, but merely
slip along it harmlessly. As soon as he is within he keeps his wings
vibrating with a low humming noise and leisurely sucks his fill—a
very long fill. The damage he does is immense, and hives have been
known to be sucked dry, and not a drop of honey to be found in
them, so that the bees quite give up resisting. Other enemies of the
bee are a parasitical solitary wasp, which lays its eggs in the hive;
and another wasp which seizes the bees when returning to the hive
for the sake of their laden honey-bag, and it also kills them with
wonderful celerity.
The Malagasy have a good general idea of the economy of the
hive, and of the habits of the bees. They usually find the wild nests
by watching the flight of the laden bees, and then by listening during
the hot part of the day, when the bees are “playing.” At most places
the people know of a number of wild nests, over which they keep
supervision. In many villages they make large quantities of mead,
more especially when the rite of circumcision is being observed. For
bees’-wax there is always a ready sale.[13]
Madagascar, like most tropical countries, is not without a fair share
of spiny and prickly plants. Perhaps most in evidence in the interior
is the prickly pear (Opuntia ferox), which was universally used in old
times as a thick hedge for the defence of the ancient towns and
villages. With its large needle-like spines, an inch to an inch and a
half long, studding its broad fleshy leaves, and capable of inflicting a
wound difficult to heal, and with smaller spines covering the flowers
and the fruit, it is easy to see that to a barefooted and lightly clothed
people such a hedge presented a very formidable, not to say
impassable, barrier. The flowers are large and handsome, yellow
and red in colour, and growing at the edge of the leaves—if indeed
they can be called such; the fruit, which is about as large as a pear,
turns yellow when ripe and is not unpalatable, being something like
an unripe gooseberry; but it is exceedingly difficult to get it peeled
without being hurt by its hair-like needles. The large spines are the
ordinary Malagasy pins, and are very useful for this purpose.
Another very noticeable plant is the Sòngosòngo, a species of
Euphorbia, with spiny stems and brilliant scarlet flowers. This is
planted on the top of the low earthen banks which form the
boundaries between private properties and the roads; but it is not
nearly such a formidable defence as the prickly pear. A very common
variety of this plant has pale yellow flowers.
Another prickly plant is the Mysore thorn, or Tsiàfakòmby (lit.
“impassable by cattle”), which is largely used for fences and
stockades. From its numerous hook-like thorns, it also is not a plant
which can be easily passed through, when growing thickly. It has a
large spike of yellow flowers.
Another plant or shrub, which grows to the size of a STINGING
tree, is not prickly, but stinging. This is the Amìana PLANTS
(Urera radula). The large velvety leaves sting like those of a nettle;
they are, however, of beautiful and complicated outline, and I have
pressed specimens taken from young plants which are as much as
two feet across, and which would be admirable patterns for
ornamentation. The wood is very soft and, when on fire, smoulders
for a long time. The trunk, which is tall and straight, in some
specimens is nearly two feet in diameter. Some five different species
have been described.
Another stinging plant, the Agy, with fine needle-like hairs, which
fall in showers and produce fearful irritation, is described in a
subsequent chapter. Many trees in the forest are armed with blunt
prickles, which injure the hand if they are touched when making
one’s way through the dense vegetation. In the extreme south of the
island there are trees or shrubs called Fàntsi-òlotra (“nail-edged”?),
probably a species of Didierea, whose thorny stems, always turned
towards the south, are said to resemble a barricade of elephants’
trunks; the stem, which is as big as a man’s thigh, is entirely covered
with large thorns, between which grow the small round leaves. On
one of these thorny trees, however, M. Lemaire found a white lemur
(Propithecus verrauxii) clinging, which, when dislodged, went leaping
across the country on its hind legs, after the fashion of a kangaroo.

Anàlamazàotra a Village in the Great Forest


Cattle pens and characteristic forest trees are shown

FOREST
Someone may perhaps ask: Where are the people DWELLERS
of these woods? In the upper belt of forest there are
few inhabitants except woodcutters, and in small hamlets on the side
of the main tracks passing through it; but farther south, where the
two lines unite, we shall find, as we travel past the Bétsiléo province
and east of it, a considerable number of people, who are loosely
called “Tanàla,” which simply means “forest-dwellers,” and of these
there are many subdivisions. There are vague and uncertain
accounts given by the Malagasy of a tribe of people whom they call
Béhòsy, and who are said to live in a wooded country in the west of
the island. Their food is honey, eels and lemurs, which latter are
caught in traps and fattened. They are very dark in colour and are
much like the Sàkalàva in appearance, and are said to jump from
tree to tree like monkeys, and cannot easily be followed, as the
country is rocky. They make network of cords, hence their name
(hòsy, string, twine). They are extremely timid, and, if captured, die
of fright. These Béhòsy seem to resemble in some of their habits the
“monkey-men” of Dourga Strait, New Guinea; but it is much to be
wished that more definite information could be obtained about them,
for, if what we hear of them is correct, they are probably of a different
stock to the rest of the inhabitants of Madagascar.
An apparently well-authenticated account was given by a Mauritius
trader of a wild man of the woods having been caught by some
Malagasy in the year 1879. He was asleep on the branch of a tree,
and when taken resisted violently, biting his captors severely; after a
few days’ confinement, however, he ceased to be aggressive. He
was described as a powerfully built man, his face and body being
thickly covered with long black hair. His mode of walking was very
peculiar, as he travelled very fast, occasionally going on all-fours, his
eyes being invariably fixed on the ground. When caught he was
perfectly nude, but wore clothes when provided with them. He could
never be induced to eat flesh, but lived entirely on manioc and other
roots; nor would he sleep in a recumbent position. After some
months he learned a few words, and by means of these and signs it
was understood that he had a father and two brothers in the forest.
These were found, and surrounded by a search-party one night, but
easily eluded their pursuers, jumping from tree to tree and running
on all-fours. The captured man died five months after being taken
(see Proc. Roy. Geogr. Soc., May 1889).

You might also like