286 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[March, 
grown tigers in succession. A combat between two bulls is a 
common amusement, as is also a contest between the ram and 
wild-hog. Cockfighting, and other similar amusements, are 
principally confined to the Malays, of whose character they are 
certainly characteristic. 
Among the games of skill in which the Javans indulge them- 
selves, may be mentioned those of chess, backgammon, and 
draughts, besides several minor ones, played on boards of a similar 
construction. The throwing of dice and other games of chance 
are numerous ; and betting is very common. 
But though the Javans are fond of amusements, they seldom 
permit them to interfere with the calls of duty and industry. The 
Javans, by their ingenuity, application, and docility in working 
under European direction, have made no inconsiderable progress 
in many of the common arts and handicrafts appertaining to 
civil life. 
In Raffles's History of Java we find a list of thirty, for which 
they have terms in their language, and in many of which they 
are highly proficient : — viz., ironsmith and cutler, carpenter, kris- 
sheath-maker, carver, spear-shaft-maker, mat-maker, turner, brush- 
maker, stone-cutter, lime-maker, wayang-maker, musical instru- 
ment-maker, brazier, coppersmith, goldsmith, potter, distiller, 
bookbinder, weaver, cott ~'>printer, dier, oil-maker, diamond-cut- 
ter, paper-maker, tailor, embroiderer, seamstress, draftsman, painter, 
and tooth-filer. 
In constructing a habitation for himself and family, the Javan 
is sufiiciently expert for all the purposes required to accommodate 
every rank, from the peasant to the prince. The cottage or hut 
of the poor man, is invariably built on the ground, with the sleep- 
ing-places a little elevated above the level of the floor, and accord 
in simplicity with other parts of the dwelling. The sides or 
walls are generally formed of bamboo, flattened and interwoven, 
which also forms the partitions, if any such there be. The roof 
is thatched, either with grass or palm-leaves. In the western 
districts, where the materials are more easily obtained, the frames 
are generally made of timber instead of bamboo, and the interior 
of the building, as well as the front veranda, are raised about two 
feet from the ground. They require no other light than what is 
admitted by the door, as all their domestic operations are carried 
