NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Ceremonies observed for seizing the nests. 



their nests, lay each two eggs, which are hatch- 

 ed in about fifteen days. When the young birds 

 become fledged, it is thought the proper time to 

 seize upon their nests ; which is done regularly 

 three times a year, and is effected by means of 

 ladders of bamboo and reeds, by which the peo- 

 ple descend into the caverns : but when these 

 are very deep, rope ladders are preferred. This 

 operation is attended with much danger, and 

 several perish in the attempt. The inhabitants 

 of the mountains generally employed in this bu- 

 siness, begin always by sacrificing a buffalo ; 

 which custom is observed by the Javanese on the 

 eve of every extraordinary enterprize. They 

 also pronounce some prayers, anoint themselves 

 with sweet-scented oil, and smoke the entrance 

 of the cavern with gum-benjamin. Near some 

 of the caverns a tutelar goddess is worshipped ; 

 whose priest burns incense, and lays his protect- 

 ing hands on every person preparing to descend. 

 A flambeau is carefully prepared at the same 

 time, with a gum which exudes from a tree 

 growing in the vicinity, and which is not easily 

 extinguished by fixed air or subterraneous va- 

 pours." 



