Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/24

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

8 LIFE IN JAVA.

their zoolo_2;ical name is Fteropus edulis. I had frequently seen this species of bat before, ilpng in the air ; but never in such clusters on a tree. They were hanging by a claw, with their heads downwards, partially concealed by extensive wings of a dark brown hue, which, as impervious to wet as a piece of oil-cloth, were folded round each like a cloak.

As it was our object to get to the woods before the sun rose, we set forth at a brisk rate, alter- nately passing through plantations of indigo, sugar-cane, and cotton, till we nearly reached our huntinii-<jround a iunijle on one of the Bancha hills. On approaching our destination, we heard loud and repeated barking. Looking in the direc- tion whence the sound proceeded, we saw to the right a large wild boar pursued by the dogs his little tail screwed up to a cus])idated point, and his ugly head inclining first to the right and then to the left, in order to ascertain the progress of his

�� �