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.