Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/258

242 short body—its chief distinguishing marks as a fish. About a mile and a half from this grotto are two small ones, which, the stalactites having formed themselves into shapes somewhat similar to a chair and a tomb, are respectively called the pulpit and the grave of Jacob. The tradition attached to the island of Nousa Kambungang is curious and amusing. It is said that this island was formerly a part of the Gunong Slamat, but in consequence of the encroachments of the sea on this part of Java, the waters, as the natives term it, "eating the coast," it was thought necessary to place some barrier to the rapid advances of the ocean. Accordingly some genii devoted to the service of the natives brought away a portion of the Gunong Slamat, and planted it where the island now stands, thus breaking the force of the advancing waves and preventing the gradual disappearance of the land. Soon after a wealthy Rajah came to see the place, and being delighted