Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/76

58 live are nearly always two stories high, the spine or chief beam of the upper roof turning up at the two ends. The walls on two sides of the domicile are generally what are termed dead walls, even a single window to admit light or air being exceedingly rare. Two windows, however, are placed in a plank wall in front of the house; and immediately beneath them, lying horizontally on the portico roof, often gapes an empty flower-pot, the signification of which we found it difficult to divine. If it had been a religious emblem, there would probably have been one on each house. On inquiry we were amused to find that it was placed there as a kind of notice or advertisement, which, being interpreted, meant—"A young lady is in the house. Husband wanted." How would the young ladies of England like to be provided with a husband in this fashion? Not much, I suppose! After all, in such matters custom is everything. What would a Celestial say to some of those