68 LIFE IN JAVA.
is in Calcutta; nor do they require you, as at Cairo, to wear slippers before you can step over the threshold. The interior, like that of all Mos- lem places of worship, is entirely devoid of images, and possesses but few objects of interest and curi- osity. The apex of the roof is surmounted by a ball of gold, the weight of which is said to be a picul, an object of which the Mahomedans are very proud.
In the afternoon, accompanied by our kind friends, w^e visited the Susuhunan. On entering the Kraton, after skirting the Alown Alown, and passing through a lofty gateway, we drove along a road for some time between two high walls. Arriving at length before the entrance to the courtyard, the massive w^ooden gates were opened, and a file of the Kaiser's body-guard, composed of small men, with disproportionate-looking swords, saluted us as we entered. Passing from this into another large square, we were again saluted ; and
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