TIGERS. 371 



island being rich in zoological and botanical 

 productions ; the small or Java rhinoceros is 

 numerous about Ceram, in the district of Ban- 

 tam ; it is often shot, but all endeavours to pro- 

 cure living specimens have as yet failed . Tigers 

 are also numerous, and consist of three species, 

 the Matchan Itimi, 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 co- 

 lour, 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 rea- 

 son of their being such favourites, in preference 

 to birds of far more beautiful plumage, so abun- 

 dant 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 depreda- 

 tions 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 



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