CHAPTER XVIII.
Leave Sydney—Rottenest Island—Colonial prospects—Voyage to Batavia—Prince’s Island—The Java coast—Anchor in Batavia roads—The river—Alligators—Streets of Batavia—M. Choulan’s tavern—Forests—Java ponies—A veterinary monkey—Public buildings—The traveller’s tree—Celebrated Javanese chief—Sketch of his life and actions—Exactions of the Dutch government—The orang-utan—Society in Batavia—Animals of Java—Doves—Dried specimen of the hippocampus.
On the 14th of March I left Sydney, in the ship “Sir Thomas Munro,” for Batavia, taking the southern passage, the winds obliged us to pass round Van Dieman’s Land. On the 22nd, “Schouten’s Island” was seen bearing west by south, and “St. Patrick’s Head,” north-west by compass, about twenty-five miles distant; and on the 23rd, Cape Pillar bore west by south-half-south; and “Maria Island” north by west-half-west by compass; distant about thirty miles. We had to beat against strong westerly winds; and at noon, of the 22nd of April, D’Entrecasteaux Point bore east by north, distant about twenty miles, and extreme of the land to the northward, north-east by compass. The appearance of the coast was sterile. On the 23rd, we passed “Cape Leeuwin.” When first seen, it had the appearance of a moderately high island, the land connecting it with the main being low, and not at that time visible from the deck.
On the 26th, we were off “Rottenest Island,” which was of a moderate height, and most sterile appearance. The main land was sandy and scrubby: numerous fires were seen where land was clearing. A boat came off as we were endeavouring to beat into Gage’s roads, and came alongside, with two gentlemen in her. They could furnish us, however, with no news respecting the Dutch war, to attain information respecting which was the object of our wishing to touch at this place. In reply to our inquiries respecting the state of the new colony, they said it was rapidly progressing. Of the settlements at King George’s Sound and Port Augusta, the latter was reported as succeeding better than the former. There had been lately several arrivals with live stock from Hobart Town, and a brig, the “Dart,” from Sydney, was then standing in for Gage’s roads with a cargo of provision and live stock. Sheep at this period were selling from thirty to forty shillings each; flour from twenty to thirty pounds per ton; and potatoes at the enormous price of twenty-five pounds per ton. It was expected, however, that in the course of another year the colony would be able to raise produce sufficient for its consumption. No vessels had been lost at Swan River since the first year, and with common precautions it was considered there was no risk.
At two P.M. we proceeded on our voyage to Batavia. On the 13th of May we had the south-east trade, in lat. 21° 15′ south, lon. 138° 13′ east. On the 4th of May we crossed from 108° 13′ to 106° 58′ east longitude, (in a run of eight days from Swan River,) being the track recommended by Horsburg, to look for the “Trial Rocks,” but did not see them.[128] On the 5th, several tropic birds, of the roseate and white species, were about the ship, although we were then distant three hundred and seventy miles from “Christmas Island,” which was the nearest land.[129] On the 7th, boobies, frigate birds, and white and rose-coloured tropic birds, indicated the vicinity of “Christmas Island,” which was seen about midnight, by the light of the moon, bearing north-east by north, by compass, distant twelve or fourteen miles. On the 10th we were becalmed three or four miles off the south-west side of “Clapp’s Island,” which was low, densely wooded with cocoa-palms, and other trees, even to the water’s edge: a heavy surf rolled upon the sandy beach, and on reefs extending from each extremity.
Early in the morning, on the 11th, we were off the north-west side of “Prince’s Island,” and the land wind brought with it a delicious balmy fragrance; the extensive reef, running out a long distance from the south-west point, on which a heavy surf broke, was distinctly seen. This island, low at one part, is high and mountainous at another. It was late in the afternoon before we had a clear view of its lofty peaked mountain. The island was densely wooded, having a picturesque and verdant appearance. During the morning, which was showery, we slowly coasted along the island, at about four or five miles distant. As the weather cleared up about noon, the scenery gratified the eye with its varied tints, refreshed by the genial showers, and recalled to my memory those gems of the ocean distributed over the Polynesian Archipelago.
As we proceeded along the Java coast, having the lofty Crokatoa Peak, and others of the adjacent islands in view, light and variable winds and calms, with adverse currents, rendered our passage slow and tedious, and often obliged us to anchor. We were, on these occasions, visited by canoes, with fowls, eggs, turtle, &c. The outline of this island is at some parts low, wooded, and uninteresting; whilst at others, lofty mountains rise one above the other, until the towering “Mount Karang” terminates the view. The varied tints of the vegetation, covering the mountains from the margin of the sea to the loftiest summits the eye could attain, had a rich and beautiful appearance, as the setting sun cast its rays over the landscape. Occasionally the thatched Javanese habitations became visible, peeping from beneath a canopy of wood. Most Malay villages are buried amidst the foliage of tropical fruit and other trees, which form a cool and agreeable shelter; but such situations cannot be regarded as conducive to health.
After a tedious passage since making the Island of Java, we passed “Onrust Island,” which is the marine depôt, where ships are hove down and repaired; there are some neat buildings erected upon it, with rows of trees before them, in the usual Dutch style: but silence reigned; there was no bustle; and the black countenances of two sepoys were all the human beings visible. We anchored in Batavia Roads on the 21st; and the scene before us was a low wooded coast, lofty mountains in the distance; a few tiled houses, or native huts, scattered among the trees; and an extensive jetty, which is erecting on each side of the river: the town being built on a swamp, and planted with trees, was entirely concealed from the shipping in the roadstead.[130]
The following day we passed up the river, by the boat being tracked: (the current running down at a rapid rate, preventing boats being pulled against it;) on each side an extensive wooden jetty was erecting, a great portion of which was now completed; it extended to the bar at the river’s entrance, with a breakwater in front, having a passage on each side for boats. The expense of the construction of this jetty is paid by a duty of five per cent. being levied upon the amount of duties on all imported goods. A number of native convicts were employed in driving piles, &c. to complete this very useful undertaking.
On arriving at the Custom House, our boat was searched. Miserable houses lined the river on either side; cocoa-nut palms, and other trees, including the Thespesia populnea, were planted about the dwellings; masses of filth, dead and putrid bodies of dogs, hogs, and other animals, float down the river, impeding the boats in their passage: these carcases serve to feed the numerous alligators (Buáya of the Javanese) which infest the river in great numbers, but are useful in removing the putrefying substances, which would otherwise be destructive to health in this sultry climate.
The alligators are held sacred by the Javanese, who consequently never destroy them: indeed, the good understanding seems mutual; for I observed native convicts working up to the waist in the water, not far from these voracious creatures, (reposing like logs on the surface of the water,) without fear or apprehension, injury from them never being experienced. Some say the alligators are too well fed with the offal and carcases coming down the river; others, that the reptiles have a respect for black skins; for should a European enter the river like the natives, he would be attacked by these formidable creatures. I saw a number of these reptiles, one morning, assembled about a dead buffalo, which had floated down the river near the bar; from the size of some of them, they must have survived several generations.
We landed near a row of neat houses, having trees planted in front, which conduced, in this sultry climate, to afford an agreeable shelter from the fervour of the sun: these buildings were principally occupied as stores and offices by the merchants. The streets of Batavia run for the most part in a north and south direction; are kept in neat order, regularly watered, and planted with rows of trees in the Dutch style; these formerly adorned the banks of canals, which intersected the streets, rendering the city as pestilential a place as could be met with between the tropics. During the brief period the island was under the British government, the canals were filled up; the main stream of the “Grand River,” and its tributaries, alone remaining.
The houses in the city are spacious, but only used as offices and stores by merchants and others, on account of the insalubrity of the city during the night; having concluded business by four or five o’clock, P.M. they drive to their residences in the vicinity. On the afternoon of my arrival I drove out with Mr. Vidal, (a mercantile gentleman, resident in Batavia,) to Moolenfleet, about two miles from the city, passing on the road some mansions in the usual style of Dutch architecture, having gardens before them filled with various flowering shrubs and plants, among which the Hibiscus rosa chinensis, Poinciana pulcherrima, and Ixora, in full blossom, were conspicuous from the brilliancy of their colours.
We arrived at a tavern kept by a Monsieur Choulan, pleasantly situated at this place, but it is ill-conducted, (although the best and most respectable,) the proprietor having realized a fortune, does not consider it requisite to devote any further attention on those by whom he acquired it. Our after dinner display disappointed me, from having heard and read so much of the delicious fruits of Batavia, both for flavour and variety; the dessert was miserable; the Rambutan (fruit of the Nephelium echinatum) or hairy fruit, (Rambut signifying hairy,) and some Mangoosteens,[131] were good; the oranges were insipid; and the “Sour-sop” (introduced from the West Indies) was the best fruit upon the table; indeed, I may observe with truth, that I hardly tasted a good fruit during my stay at Batavia, except the Pine-apple and Mangoosteen; but it seems that fruits arrive at perfection in particular districts of the Island of Java; there being one in which Mangoosteens abound; at another, where the land is cool and elevated, pears, apples, and strawberries are produced: every kind is cultivated about Batavia, but none (excepting the pine-apple) attain excellence.
The little Java ponies excited my attention, but these beautiful animals cannot endure much fatigue; they are purchased from thirty to one hundred and fifty Java rupees each; and if exported there is an export duty of nearly two pounds each: the residents are obliged to keep several of these animals, as there are always some incapable of duty from sickness. The Javanese consider that by keeping a species of monkey in the stable, the horses will not get sick, and should they become indisposed, Jacko possesses powers to cure them; the more valuable the monkey employed for the purpose, the more readily will the horses be cured, or the better will they be preserved in health. The Lampong monkey (brought from the Lampong Islands) is highly esteemed for this purpose by the superstitious Javanese for its qualities as a veterinary doctor.
A lad at one residence, who had charge of the horses, threatened to leave his master’s service, on some of the horses getting sick, unless a monkey was procured for the stable; one of the Lampong kind was consequently purchased to attend upon the sick quadrupeds. Soon after the monkey had been in attendance, the sick horses began to recover, and in a short time were declared fit for duty; thus proving (whatever our grooms may think on the subject) that a monkey of the veterinary doctor species is an invaluable appendage to a stud of horses, and ought to be imported and bred by the Zoological Society for this express purpose.
An accident, however, occurred shortly after the monkey had taken up his residence in the stable, which placed him on the sick list, and made him a subject of surgical care. Being tired of driving away the flies which tormented his patients, he sought for variety, and observing, in the horses’ tails, some grey hairs mingled with the black, to prevent the animals looking older than they really were, he began in the kindest manner to pluck them out. A kick, which laid poor Jacko prostrate at a distance, with a swollen physiognomy and fractured fore-arm, was the ungracious return made for this piece of service, thus reversing the old saying of “one good turn deserves another.”[132]
After dinner we drove round the vicinity, passed Weltervreden,[133] where are the barracks for the troops; the situation is considered salubrious. There is also a fine building at this place, used as the state-rooms for the governor, and some part of it for government offices; opposite to this building, in the centre of the square, is a small column surmounted by a lion, erected in commemoration of the battle of Waterloo. I was much gratified during the drive with the neat appearance of the houses, most of which were surrounded by gardens, rendered both brilliant and fragrant, by tropical trees and shrubs, gay with the vivid colouring imparted by their blossoms; and as evening closed, the powerful and delicious odour of the tube-rose (which bears the appellation of “Intriguer of the night” among the Malays) communicated to us the information that those simple white liliaceous flowers were growing not far distant.[134]
In a few of the gardens I remarked that curious, large herbaceous plant, called the “Traveller’s-tree;” (from a refreshing stream of limpid water gushing out from the stem when cut;) it is rare, and not indigenous, I understand, to Java. I recollect first seeing this tree at the Mauritius, and think it was mentioned as having been brought from Madagascar. The native houses in the vicinity of Batavia are almost concealed by the luxuriant foliage of Cocoa-nut, Banana, Jack, and other tropical trees. A neat building we passed, I was informed, was the “English church,” and is under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Medhurst. After extending our drive round the “Kœnig,” or “King’s Plain,” we returned to our hotel.
In the billiard-room, I remarked a Javanese of diminutive stature, but stoutly formed, with a noble intellectual head; his manner was free and independent, but at the same time pleasing; he was accompanied by a young lad, (his brother-in-law.) This individual turned out to be no other than the celebrated chief Santot, or (as at present known by his assumed name) Ali Bassa; he was a leader of the rebellious party during the late insurrections, under Diepo Nagoro, and by going over to the Dutch, was the means of bringing the late Javanese war to a favourable issue; since that time he has held the rank of colonel in the Dutch service, with the command of eight hundred native troops, and had recently been sent on the expedition to Padang, in Sumatra, where the Dutch are making strenuous efforts to conquer and oppress the natives.
Santot (or Panjerang Ali Bassa Pranredo Dudjo) was attired in white trowsers, waistcoat, and a coat of blue cloth with gilt buttons; he wore also a turban, in the usual Javanese style; his brother-in-law was dressed in a blue cloth jacket and trowsers. The intellectual head, and intelligent countenance of Santot would induce one to regard him as a second Napoleon.
As I have just stated, he was one of the leaders in the late rebellion, and made strenuous exertions to expel the oppressors of his country: this was nearly effected, when he attacked a Monsieur de l’Eau,[135] then a lieutenant commanding a small fortress in the interior of Java, with a small garrison of only twenty European soldiers, but who were well supplied with arms and ammunition. Ali Bassa made the attack with a strong force, but, after losing fifty men, he forwarded a message to Lieutenant de l’Eau, to the effect, that if he would come alone to him, he would make conditions to surrender himself to the Dutch government; Lieutenant de l’Eau, with some confidence, ventured. On being introduced, Ali Bassa, who was seated on a mat, desired the lieutenant to sit down by him; and the interview terminated by Santot surrendering to him, on condition that he should not be beheaded. Having entered the Dutch service, he was sent, with the regiment of native troops under his command, to the seat of war in the island of Sumatra. The cause of his return to Batavia was a suspicion entertained by the resident at Padang, of his being in secret correspondence with the enemy, and the following stratagem was practised to convey him as a prisoner to Batavia.
Santot was stationed at some distance from Padang, with about eight hundred Javanese troops; and because he was not attacked by the natives at the time of the massacre, the Dutch at Padang suspected he must have had some knowledge of the preconcerted plan to destroy the European force. The resident, afraid to make any open charge against him, requested he would proceed to Java, at the urgent solicitations of the governor-general, to collect a large force, and return to conquer Sumatra. Upon this representation he was induced to embark on board the government cruiser “Circe:” on landing at Batavia he was received by the resident and a guard of cavalry, and proceeded in the governor’s carriage, as he naturally supposed, to have an interview with his excellency; but instead of it, he was conveyed to the common gaol, and there confined in a dungeon, ignorant even of the charges against him; and none of his friends were permitted to visit him:—there he remained for several days on suspicion. He was liberated on its being represented to the governor-general that the resident of Padang was misinformed. It is said he is to return to Sumatra.
He seemed to enjoy the game of billiards, and was an expert player. His brother-in-law, who was second in command of the regiment, was at one time near falling a victim to the strict discipline Santot maintained in his army during the rebellion. Having issued orders against cock-fighting and every other species of gambling, on going unexpectedly round the camp, he found his brother-in-law with some other officers thus engaged: he ordered them out to be shot; three were instantly killed, and the brother-in-law was saved by the ball carrying away his turban, and producing a slight scalp wound, after which Santot pardoned him. Santot is a graceful horseman. The troops under his command consist of cavalry and infantry; the former are described as being a fine body of troops; they are dressed in the Moorish costume, and armed with lances, sabres, carbines, and pistols. His army consisted of five thousand men.
Santot is not of noble family, although by his talents he has elevated himself to the rank of a prince of Java. He now holds the station and receives the pay of a colonel in the Dutch service. I saw some of his infantry, who were fine looking soldiers, attired in green turbans, blue uniform jacket and trowsers, and handkerchiefs round their waists.
The exactions of the Dutch government upon the natives have increased rather than diminished, in spite of all the lessons they have received; and the present system, if left unaltered, will eventually cause the loss of Java, if not the whole of their settlements in the eastern islands. At the present time much discontent prevails at Macassar and other places, which, together with the attempts at aggrandizement in Sumatra, where a severer opposition is experienced than could ever have been expected, throws enough upon their hands in this part of the world; and when the news arrived of the late rupture in Holland, it was fully expected by the Javanese that the English would take the island; and the arrival in the roads of a British man-of-war (the Curaçoa) was almost hailed by them as a confirmation of the fact.
The government trembled for Java when the news of war in Europe arrived; and the appearance of our men-of-war, the Magicienne, Wolf, &c. did not tend to allay their apprehensions. The Dutch vessels were sent off to Sourabaya, and remained there under the protection of the sloops of war, Helden and Amphitrite; so there was hardly a single Dutch vessel remaining in Batavia roads, the English and American flags almost alone waving. The government were engaged in erecting two turf batteries on the banks a short distance down the river, and planted cannon upon them, and mercantile affairs were almost suspended. It was expected that an embargo would have been laid by the Dutch on our ships in Batavia roads; but an order issued on this subject had reference only to their own vessels. The Calcutta and other papers were at this time filled with false and absurd statements relating to the Dutch force at Batavia, and seemed most eager to point out, even in the event of hostilities, in what manner they could most easily invade British property.[136]
In consequence of the present unsettled state of Holland, freights were difficult to be procured, although a large quantity of produce remained for shipment; but the owners were afraid to ship until news of a more settled state of European affairs arrived. Flour was scarce, and maintained a high price at Batavia. Malay boatmen are employed for ships’ boats in preference to the crew of the vessels, as the boat has to be tracked up the river, by which the Europeans would suffer much exposure to the sun. The natives, thus employed, are also spies of the custom-house, and are ever on the watch, when unsuspected, and ready to convey information of any attempt to evade the duties.
At the residence of Mr. Davies I had an opportunity of seeing a living specimen of the orang-utan, which had been brought from Banjarmassing, on the south coast of Borneo. The animal was a male, and measured two feet four inches in height, being the first specimen I had seen alive. I was much pleased with its intellectual appearance as compared with others of the monkey tribe. He was seen to some disadvantage, as he was suffering from a severe cold; and not being found in the usual haunt, was at last discovered in one of the beds, enveloped in a sheet. When we uncovered him, he regarded us with a piteous countenance, as if to inform us he was indisposed,—his eyes were suffused with tears, cough, and skin very hot and dry, with a pulse at one hundred and twenty. (What is the natural standard of the healthy pulse in this animal?) He was evidently most desirous of being wrapped up, and did not care to be caressed by strangers, but turned his back upon them, hiding his head and face. His usual place of repose was on a mat in the verandah, but feeling ill, he thought he might claim greater indulgence, so took possession of one of the beds. The large anterior mass of brain gave a high degree of intelligence to the animal’s countenance, although the face had not so much of the human character as is seen in the Simia syndactyla, or Ungka ape; but, concealing the lower portion of the countenance, the upper part and eyes beam with an intelligent expression. I observe it can thrust forward the lips in imitation of the action of kissing, but cannot give the impulse to them: neither does it lap liquid when in the act of drinking. When running about it often exercises its destructive propensity by destroying trees in the gardens of the houses in the vicinity; and some of the owners not evincing much partiality to the monkey tribe, threatened to shoot the aggressor; so, to save the life of the animal, a large bamboo cage was constructed, in which he was confined, but, born to freedom, he screamed with rage on being placed in it, and, exerting his muscular power, soon demolished the cage, and was then as quiet as before, being perfectly docile when at liberty, but savage under restraint.
He sometimes made himself a nest in a large tree near the house, and, watching when any one approached with fruit or eggs, would come down and endeavour to steal them. He is fond of coffee, and runs eagerly after the servants to procure it. The natives are very fond of the animal, and it appears more attached to them than to Europeans. Not being found in Java, it is regarded as a great curiosity; the natives assigning to it a superior degree of intelligence. The animal, having been presented to the commander of a ship to take to Europe, the servants declared, that it had overheard the conversation of its being about to migrate, and always appeared melancholy whenever this gentleman visited the house; adding also, that it was the cause of its present illness.
The engraving of this animal, in Dr. Abel’s work on China, was immediately recognized by the natives; and his interesting account accords with the generally observed habits. Excepting in intellectual development, I do not consider the orang-utan so closely resembles the human species as the Hylobates syndactyla, or Ungka ape, which walks more erect; and, in its internal anatomy, is more closely allied to the human race.
Being desirous of gaining some information respecting the usual height these animals attain, I consulted several persons who had visited Borneo, one of whom had been for some time a prisoner in the interior: the greatest elevation the animal had been seen was four feet three or four inches; at first it was stated to be eight feet, but, on further explanation, it was found the animal had been measured with the arms elevated above the head, which of course made a material difference. Its most usual height is from two and a half to three feet, when erect. These animals can be procured with facility, at Borneo, for one or two dollars; but, if not procured young, little dependence can be placed on their surviving, as they become so strongly attached to their masters, that a separation will cause them to pine and die. The animal at Mr. Davis’s improved in health in a few days, but never evinced any inclination to cultivate the acquaintance of strangers; he was much attached to a Malay female, and a little Malay boy, who resided in the same house with him, and the latter was his principal playmate.
Society in Batavia is a dead letter; bachelors smoking and drinking parties are, in many instances, common; ruining the health, and occasioning the death of many, particularly strangers. The cause of frequent mortality is, in many instances, attributed to climate, that should be laid to the charge of imprudence. From the little I saw of the Batavian ladies, when returning from church in their gay equipages, they were not particularly attractive; the majority were tinged with a dark hue, probably sun-burnt; few can talk any language but Javanese and Dutch; so there would be some difficulty for a stranger to judge of their intellectual powers. Bonnets not being fashionable in this country, an excellent view was afforded of their attractions. Some had four horses to their chariots, and a number of black servants perched up behind, according to the wealth or rank of the personage.
The Chinese are the principal artificers of the place, the Javanese preferring a military life; the Chinese are also the cultivators of the plantations and manufacturers of sugar, &c. Many of them may now be seen driving about in their carriages, possessed of great wealth, and owners of large estates, who arrived not many years since, pennyless; several large estates on the island are also owned by British subjects resident in England, having agents or superintendents here to look after them.
Flowers, of delicious fragrance, are sold about the streets, to adorn the dark forms of the Javanese females, or lavish their fragrance upon the fairer Batavians, who are extravagantly fond of this article of luxury.
The animals of Java are very numerous, the island being rich in zoological and botanical productions; the small or Java rhinoceros is numerous about Ceram, in the district of Bantam; it is often shot, but all endeavours to procure living specimens have as yet failed. Tigers are also numerous, and consist of three species, the Matchan Itum, or black tiger; the Matchan Toetoel, or leopard; and the Matchan Loreng, or royal striped tiger.
There are two species of doves seen in great numbers about the habitations of the Javanese; one being small, the other of a delicate cream colour, with a narrow black semicircular mark about the neck. The small species (which is most esteemed) is called “Perkutut” by the Javanese, and the larger one “Puter.” Conversing with a Javanese about them, he appeared delighted to give me some account of his pets; seeing them attended with so much care I inquired the reason of their being such favourites, in preference to birds of far more beautiful plumage, so abundant on this magnificent and fertile island? In answer to my inquiry he informed me, that, “when these birds are kept about the house, it will not be destroyed by fire, or be liable to the depredations of thieves:” as an instance of their having this power, should I be sceptical on the subject, he gravely assured me that during the heavy rains in Feb. 1832, when most of the houses were inundated, one was preserved from the flood by this bird being within, the water flowed round the habitation, but did not enter!
When the birds are kept in a state of confinement, it is said by the Javanese, that they pass small green stones, sometimes one every week, and continuing for one or two years; these stones are much esteemed, valued as high as thirty and forty rupees each, and are set in rings, &c. The stones, according to native information, are always passed upon a Friday; (which is the Javanese Sunday;) some set as high a value upon their birds as fifty and one hundred rupees each. The natives never eat them; a European, at one time, shot some, and gave them to his Javanese servant to eat, not being aware of their veneration for them, but he would not touch them. Every Friday they take the birds out of the cages, wash them in rice-water, at the same time administering some small pills, (composed of such a multiplicity of medicinal ingredients, that my Javanese informant said, it would take too long a time to give me the names of the whole,) otherwise the birds would not live; for if they were not washed, and did not take the physic, they would have small white worms in the corner of the eyes and in the nostrils, which would soon destroy them.
“Yesterday,” (Friday,) said my amusing Malay informant, “I washed this bird, (the one then before us,) and gave him his physic.” He was so highly pleased at my taking an interest in his birds, that he presented me with a pair of the cream-coloured doves, which, he observed, “Would speak like a clock, every hour.”[137] The smaller species was the one, however, possessed of the preserving qualities against fire and flood. He apologized for not making me a present of it, and gave, in my opinion, the best of reasons that a married man could, which was—“his wife would not let him part with it.”
I, however, so pleased my Malay friend, that he regretted I was about to leave Batavia so soon, as he would otherwise have shown me some more curiosities, and given me plenty of information on Javanese things, (probably, I thought, of a similar stamp to the foregoing, that is, more amusing than instructive). He brought me a dried specimen of the Hippocampus, carefully wrapped in paper; it was named Ecan Kudu, or horse-fish, (Ecan, signifying a fish, and Kudu, horse,) by the Malays, from its being regarded by them as an excellent medicine for horses; they place it (without being pounded, or otherwise prepared) in the water, the horses drink, and consider it an excellent tonic for them.
I saw at Batavia a species of Gibbon, which is indigenous to Java, and had just been purchased, it was the Pithecus leuciscus, Desm., or Simia leucisca, Schreb. The natives call it the white ape, or Woa, woa, puteh; the fur being of a light greyish colour; face and ears, black; no tail; long arms; and a prehensile power of the feet.
The Sumpitan, or blow-pipe, is an instrument upwards of six feet long; with which the Javanese propel small clay pellets from the mouth with such force as to kill birds and other animals; they are likewise used by the Javanese in warfare, to shoot the small poisoned arrows, (damhák,) which are about a foot in length, armed at one extremity with pith, and are propelled with surprising accuracy of aim.