Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/147

Rh Such were the joyous scenes which we passed; and other processions nearly as singular, but by no means so merry, are occasionally seen. Sometimes the three bearers of the bunday, kumkum, and toy ah appear in sight, accompanied by unfortunate law-breakers, who are forced to " plod their weary way" to Surabaya under the protection of the law. Happily murder is a crime of rare occurrence, which speaks well for the peaceful disposition of the natives.

We arrived at Passeroewan in the afternoon of a sultry day, and drove to Booth's Hotel, kept by an Englishman and his wife. A gentleman, to whom I had a letter of introduction, called for us in the evening, and we drove out with him in his carriage, taking the road to Malang. We now began sensibly to feel a slight difference in the temperature, which is cooler than that of Surabaya. The height of the banana trees also struck me as singular, the average in the low VOL. I.