Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/308

290 have been seen; and notwithstanding the various means contrived for catching and hunting them, tigers infest many parts.

Horses, which are considered to be the finest and swiftest in all Java, are largely bred here.

Kedirie is said to be often spoken of in a Javanese tale called Döo, as one of the most ancient kingdoms of the island. The town is situated on one side of the river Kedirie, or Brantes, nearly opposite the fort. The wooden bridge across the river was undergoing repairs when we were there, and, owing to the strong currents, two men had already lost their lives while engaged in the work. u Their fate had arrived, sir," said one of the workmen who was standing by when we were looking at the bridge; " what more could be done? Besides, we have an old saying, that the Brantes never allows man to build over her without making him pay the penalty in one way or another."

The Residency being situated on the other side