Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/295

Rh couple are planted. The Hadji, or priest, in pronouncing his slamat, or benediction, goes through a certain ceremony, on the conclusion of which a low brick fence, ornamented to suit the Regent's taste, is built around the trees, and they are watched and tended until they are considered old and strong enough to bear the " vicissitudes of life."

The trees, when thus married, are called Verengen Kuroong, and are henceforth regarded with almost superstitious veneration.

Between five and six miles from the town of Modjokerto are the ruins of Modjophait, in the direction of which, as soon as fresh horses were put to, we started. These ruins are situated about two miles from the post of Gema Khan. From the quantity of shells and portions of boats which have been found in various parts of the ruined city, as well as in the adjacent forest, the natives firmly believe that they cover the site of what was once a seaport town, which is said to have