.18:12.] 
ISLAND OF JAVA. 
305 
form of worship. Every house has, probably, its own altar, and 
its oWn collection of idols, as in China ; the form, number, and 
quality of which are generally in proportion to the taste 6f the 
head of the family to select, and his ability to piirchase. 
The third class of aliens, adhering to the same numerical de- 
crease in numbers, is composed oi Balians, or Bdliers, wha 
originally sprang from the inhabitants of Bali, a small island on 
the east of Java. They are very different from those of their 
unfortunate countrymen who have been sold to slavery, which 
condition ever, more or less, degrades the human character. In 
their native state of freedom, they are active and enterprising,- 
and free from that listlessness and indolence which are observable' 
in the Javans, Although of the same original stock, they exhibit 
several striking differences in their characters, features, and per- 
sonal appearance. Their manners are said to appear abrupt, un- 
ceremonious, coarse, and repulsive to a stranger ; but upon further' 
acquaintance this becomes less perceptible ; and their undisguised 
frankness commands reciprocal confidence and respect. 
In their domestic relations they are amiable, respectful, and 
decorous. Their wives ar& treated with tenderness and respect, 
and their children with mildness and gentleness, and they are 
strangers to the vices of drunkenness, libertinism, and conju- 
gal infidelity. In a word, they are distinguished for energy, 
honesty, and an irrepressible love of independence. There are 
probably above ten thousand of this class in the city of Batavia 
and its suburbs, who are divided into compongs, under their re- 
spective overseers. The Balian slaves are valued highly in Ba- 
tavia, on account of being considered more trustworthy than 
otherSj particularly the females, from' among whom the Chinese 
of note generally choose their wives. 
The Javans, of whom there are about four thousand five hun- 
dred in the city of Batavia, occupy two coinpongs, each under 
the immediate control of separate and independent chiefs. Some' 
of them are fishermen ; but in general they are cultivators of the 
soil. 
There are probably near four thousand Malays in Batavia, who' 
a.re generally traders, navigators, and builders of small proas, in 
the construction of which they are said to be very expert. As 
before intimated, they are passionately fond of cockfighting, andi 
o- • - . 
