Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/116

98 The next morning, at half -past six, I accompanied Capt. H to the arsenal and docks. The air was cool, and the breeze, which blew in our faces as we rowed down the river, was very refreshing and agreeable. We visited the docks first, entering them by a wide and deep passage. Men of war, as well as merchant ships, in the cradles adjoining the basin, were groaning under the blows of countless hammers, while their sides were undergoing the process of caulking and coppering.

We were next shown through the various sheds previously alluded to, which are kept scrupulously neat and clean, the first six being of brick. All the workmen are Javanese. There are also several supplementary sheds at the service of Government in case additional working room should be required, some of them being used as depots for boats.

Any one who has observed the regularity and