Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/234

 218 LIFE IN JAVA.

seasons of the year, the effects of which would be fatal to any person who ventured too near. As the vapour was now escaping, the Wodono, to prove the truth of his statement ])y actual experience, procured some fowls to throw in. The first bird no sooner found itself at liberty, than it ran in an opposite direction, and did not stop until it reached some brushwood, under which it crept, and soon vanished from sight. The second was not so fortunate, being thrown more directly over the fatal spot. The moment, however, it regained its feet, it attempted to rush up the mountain side, as though some evil genii were at its heels. But before many seconds had elapsed, the whole neck and head seemed suddenly convulsed, and flapping its wings in agony, it rolled over and expired.

Natives, when afflicted with melancholy, ati bin- (joong, repair to this spot to try their luck. If their low spirits arise from the frustration of any desired object, they sleep near the lake a whole night, and

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