Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/96

78 forming a singular and grotesque picture.

Leaving the Custom-house, we entered a phaeton and drove into the town. The road for some distance is embanked on either side, to protect it from being flooded during the spring tides. Trees are planted near the raised work of mud and sand, and will probably soon form a pretty and shady avenue.

A short drive brought us into the Javanese campong, the houses of which are of attap, and built in regular rows, each having its yard and outhouses behind, with not un-frequently a neat garden of vegetables in front. The small verandahs, the windows, and other conspicuous parts of each habitation, are ornamented with wood carving, an art in which the natives of Samarang are considered great proficients.' In this neighbourhood are many eating-houses, confectioners' shops, in the veritable Malayan style, and several greengrocers.

As the boom is fully a mile and a half or more