SUN-BIRDS IN JAVA. 167 



The open spaces between the forests are like so 

 many parks laid out by the hand of Nature. 



Clumps of trees dot the surface of the ground, 

 and give a delightful effect to the scenery. 



Here the peacock struts about, as well as in 

 the forest glades ; and as evening approaches 

 its harsh scream begins to be heard. Then the 

 native hastens to his dwelling, perhaps in one of 

 the villages that are scattered here and there in 

 wild and lonely places. He shuts himself in, and 

 is glad to find himself in security. It is a popular 

 belief that, when the peacock is heard, the tiger 

 issues forth for his night's depredations. Nothing 

 is more dangerous than to venture along the park- 

 like plains, inviting as they seem, without a 

 plentiful supply of fire-arms, Often, before any- 

 thing is seen, the horses stand still and tremble 

 violently. The tiger may lurk only a few yards 

 distant, hidden by some patch of jungle, and be 

 ready to take his fatal spring. 



He is a handsome creature, with stripes of black 

 and gold, and every movement is full of grace. 

 But he is the scourge of this beautiful island ; and 



