287 



THE SARAN RACE. 



Of this class we find, first, in Sumatra, the Achin 

 and Batta breeds, spirited, but small, and better 

 suited for draught than the saddle. It appears the 

 natives call them Kuda, and bring them down in 

 numbers for sale, according to Mr. Marsden, who 

 adds, that in the Batta country they are eaten for 

 food. 



In Java the animal is somewhat larger, more a 

 horse in form, but less gay, more shapeless, and 

 more abstemious. Those of the plains are very 

 distinct from the mountain breeds : the first is 

 rather coarse, sluggish, and rises to the height of 

 thirteen hands one inch ; the second is small and 

 hardy : the Kuningam breed of Cheribon is one of 

 them, and is often very handsome ; both are more 

 used for drawing than riding, and although four 

 ponies on the roads of the country will travel at the 

 rate of twelve or fifteen miles, a pair of English 

 post-horses will do the Vv'ork which requires three 

 relays of the above mentioned four, and costs in 

 maintenance only one-third. There is an inferior 

 breed on the islands of Bali and Lombok. 



The Tamhoro and Bima breeds of Sambawa 

 enumerate among their studs the Gunong-api, be- 

 longing to the Bima ; it is reckoned the handsomest 

 of the Archipelago, and extensively exported. Be- 

 yond Sambawa there are horses found on Flores 

 Sandalwood Island and Timor, but no further to 



