SOCIETY AT BATAVIA. 369 



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 in- 

 stances, common ; ruining the health, and occa- 

 sioning the death of many, particularly stran- 

 gers. 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 return- 

 ing from church in their gay equipages, they 



VOL. I. B B 



