30 
SCENERY. 
constantly watered by rains and heavy dews, and fertilised by moun- 
tain torrents charged with the decay of vegetation, and the moulder- 
ing of rocks. The method of reaping in Java is the same as in many 
other parts of the East : the stems of the corn are divided singly. 
The instrument used by the Javanese for this purpose is shown by 
Fig. 10. in the wood engraving. 
Continuing our route, we entered, about eight miles short of Plassur 
Pittee, an extensive forest formed of distinct woods, which were 
separated from each other by plains of the richest green : over these 
were strewn the huts of the natives surrounded by palms contrasting 
with trees of freer foliage. The natives, in their picturesque dresses, 
were every where issuing with their buffaloes from the woods, or 
loitering with careless indifference in their shade. The beauty of the 
picture could not be surpassed ; and its various parts so harmonised 
together, that in their adjustment, nature seemed to have been directed 
by the hand of design. 
Having passed two miles of this delightful region, we turned 
suddenly to the right, and soon lost all marks of a beaten track. 
My companion, notwithstanding he had previously visited the moun- 
tain, missed the path, and became entirely bewildered. Night would 
probably have overtaken lis in a situation where beasts of prey are 
numerous*, but for the natural benevolence of a Javanese, who seeing 
us from a distance, guessed our embarrassment, and hastened to our 
relief. He pointed out some branches of trees which were fixed in the 
ground, and made us understand, that the inhabitants of Plassur 
Pittee, when informed of our intended visit, had planted them for our 
* Tigers abound on the island of Java. Not far from the spot where I then was, my 
companion had been obliged, some time before, to encamp for the night; when a boy 
who slept near him was carried off by one of these animals, notwithstanding the pre- 
caution of fires. I was informed by Professor Reinwardt, during my last stay in Java, that 
no less than thirty persons had been destroyed by them, in the space of two months, near 
the village of Buitenzorg. His Excellency Baron Van de Capellan, the present governor 
of Java, fell in with three tigers whilst on a shooting excursion, about a mile from his 
residence at this place. I saw the skin of one which was shot by his party. 
