Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/31

 THE AUCTION. 15

tity he had previously purchased lasting him only a very short time, he is compelled to do without it. Vendors are bound by a strict regulation not to sell above a given measure Avhen it has to be taken beyond the precincts of their shops, an aiTangement which I feel assured has broken many a native off this pernicious habit. It would be highly interesting, as this is undoubtedly the case, were the Dutch t6 collect materials for a statistical account, the pul)lication of which might enable us to com})arc the cnsumj)tion of one year with that of anotlier. The cultivation of opium, I was told, is strictly ])rohibited throughout the island, and tlii' (iovcrnment consequently purchase it in Iiidi.i and Turkey, two-thirds being imported from the former, an(l one-third from the latter country.

The auction, the great business of the day, was held at tlu' Ivegent's house, which is situated opposite the canqiong cheena and the Pono-

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