ments, more like a gigantic musical box than one of our
bands; and in order to enjoy it thoroughly it is necessary
to watch the large number of performers who are engaged
in it. The next morning, while I was waiting for the men
and horses who were to take me and my baggage to my
destination, the two lads, who were about fourteen years
old, were brought out, clothed in a sarong from the waist
downwards, and having the whole body covered with a
yellow powder, and profusely decked with white blossoms
in wreaths, necklaces, and armlets, looking at first sight
very like savage brides. They were conducted by two
priests to a bench placed in front of the house in the open
air, and the ceremony of circumcision was then performed
before the assembled crowd.
The road to Wonosalem led through a magnificent forest,
in the depths of which we passed a fine ruin of what
appeared to have been a royal tomb or mausoleum. It is
formed entirely of stone, and elaborately carved. Near
the base is a course of boldly projecting blocks, sculptured
in high relief, with a series of scenes which are probably
incidents in the life of the defunct. These are all beautifully
executed, some of the figures of animals in particular
being easily recognisable and very accurate. The general
design, as far as the ruined state of the upper part will
permit of its being seen, is very good, effect being given
by an immense number and variety of projecting or retreating
courses of squared stones in place of mouldings.
The size of this structure is about thirty feet square by
twenty high, and as the traveller comes suddenly upon it
on a small elevation by the roadside, overshadowed by
oigantic trees, overrun o O with plants and creepers, and
closely backed by the gloomy forest, he is struck by the
solemnity and picturesque beauty of the scene, and is led
to ponder on the strange law of progress, which looks so
like retrogression, and which in so many distant parts of
the world has exterminated or driven out a highly artistic
and constructive race, to make room for one which, as far
as we can judge, is very far its inferior.
Few Englishmen are aware of the number and beauty of
the architectural remains in Java; They have never been
popularly illustrated or described, and it will therefore
take most persons by surprise to learn that they far surpass
those of Central America^ perhaps even those of India..
To give some idea of these ruins, and perchance to excite
wealthy amateurs to explore them thoroughly and obtain
[by photography an accurate record of their beautiful
[sculptures before it is too late, I will enumerate the most
‘ important, as briefly described in Sir Stamford Raffles’
“ History of Java.”
Brambanam.—Near the centre of Java, between the
native capitals of Djoko-kerta and Surakerta, is the village
| of Brambanam, near which are abundance of ruins, the
M 2