Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/166

148 irregular ranges of hills and small mountains, one of which particularly struck us by its singular likeness to the vertebræ of some huge animal, crawling among, and mingling, as it were, with the verdure which surrounded it. At dinner our hostess made her appearance, attired in the best native fashion. She was very short, dark, and rather good-looking; and after a little conversation we found that notwithstanding her shyness she was the real major-domo, the internal economy of the house being entirely entrusted to her. She seemed to be quick and industrious, and was evidently well suited to Van Rhée.

We had potatoes and cabbages, which were to us quite delicacies. Their flavour was exactly similar to that of our European vegetables of the same description.

"Here," said mine host, uncovering a dish near him, "is a delicious vegetable—it is quite new out here, this being the first year I have ever grown it.