Singular Bamhoo Bee-hive. 213 



Allang-grass [Imperata Allang), or narrow shingles of cut 

 bamboo, and with a flooring raised two or three feet above 

 the level of the soil. The beautiful yellow wicker-work is 

 usually stained in alternate squares of so black a colour 

 that the walls of a Javanese hut resemble nothing so much 

 as a gigantic draught-board. Under the eaves of the 

 dwelling, which project five or six feet, and is supported in 

 front upon poles, so that there is a sort of verandah beneath, 

 are suspended cages with various feathered inhabitants, 

 which tlie Javanese cherish with much tenderness, or else a 

 very peculiarly constructed bee-hive, consisting of a bam- 

 boo-cane, six or nine inches thick by three or four feet in 

 length, which is split through the centre, hollowed out, and 

 fastened together again on the upper side. 



Through a small orifice left in front, this artificial cavity 

 is within a week or two peopled with a swarm of tiny sting- 

 less bees [3Ieliporia mimita), which in the wild state inhabit 

 the holes and cavities of the calcareous cliffs, and provide the 

 Javanese with honey and wax. The latter product is 

 blackish, slimy, and adhesive, and is employed in tlie de- 

 lineation of the beautifully coloured figures in the gowns 

 (Sarongs) of the native womon. 



Japanese Bc^-hive. 



