352 BATAVIA. 



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 break- 

 water 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 em- 

 ployed 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 popubiea, 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 (Buaya 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, 



