Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/124

 108 LIFE IN JAVA.

nese, Lalay. Their sting is very venomous, but they are nevertheless very good eating. Our object in coming to this tank, however, was not to see the fish, but some curious white turtles, for which the natives have a great veneration.

The Avoman who attends to the place asked us if we would try our luck, to which we readily assented. She accordingly despatched a girl for some raw meat, and on her return, fastening a lai'ge piece to the end of a long stick, she leaned over the water, and mimiljled a few words, amongst which we distinguished, " Kiaidudo amboloro coordug " meaning " the yellow virgins." Recol- lections of the lake at Gratie came before us, and expecting a similar result, we were agreeably sur- prised when we saw ere long a large white turtle, about two feet long, rise nearly to the surface, place her fore paws against the side, and raise her head high enough to reach the tempting morsel, which she seemed thoroughly to appreciate.

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