Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/23

Rh walls which enclosed the canal, the ground was very muddy, and partially filled up with concrete and other debris, on which some small attap huts have been erected, probably inhabited by fishermen, if we may judge from the number of nets which are exposed to dry.

In the swampy regions alligators are frequently seen, and afford some sport to Europeans.

Presently we passed the old light-house, an ugly wooden structure, which formerly marked the limits of the canal; but as, in consequence of the encroachments and accumulation of alluvium, it has been found necessary to deepen and extend the latter, a new light-house is in course of erection, about a mile further down. A little beyond this we passed a battery, or small fort, in the appearance of which there was nothing remarkable to excite our curiosity.

A few more vigorous strokes of the oar, and we reached the "boom or jetty" of the Custom-house, the