hutting out completely the sun's fervid rays, we noted especially the
banians and cotton trees, the latter frequently besprinkling our heads
and shoulders with what seemed at first glance a shower of _bona fide_
snow, but on examination proved only the light, fleecy down of
sea-island cotton. Conspicuous among the trees we encountered on that
pleasant morning drive was the _Palmier du voyageur_, more generally
known as the _talipat_ or priestly palm, which was described in a recent
number of this magazine.

[Illustration: A canal in Batavia]

One characteristic feature of Javanese residences is their superb baths.
The pools are usually of marble or granite, of such huge dimensions that
one may float and flounder like fish in a pond, while the superintendent
of the bath keeps in constant play a brace of jets that send their
sparkling spray over the bather's head and shoulders with most
refreshing results. The water is clear as crystal, and sufficiently cool
for the relaxed state of the system in a tropical clime. Everybody
bathes three times a day, and one would far sooner dispense with a meal
than do without either of these stated baths.

[Illustration: THE TALAPAT PALM.]

The usual routine of European life in India is to rise at "gun-fire"
(five o'clock), go out for an airing in boat or palanquin for two full
hours, bathe and dress at eight, take breakfast at nine, lunch at one,
and siesta from two to four, when everybody retires, and, whether one
wishes to sleep or not, he is secure of interruption, and has the full
benefit of being _en deshabille_ for the two most oppressive hours of
the day. At four the second bath is taken; at five all go out in full
dress in open carriages, and after a rapid drive over some of the public
thoroughfares, the horses are walked slowly up and down the esplanade,
where all the fashionable world assemble at this hour to see and be
seen, and exchange passing courtesies or comments. At half-past six "the
course" is deserted, and brilliantly-lighted dining-rooms are thronged
with guests eager to test the quality of the rich and varied delicacies
of which an Oriental dinner consists.

[Illustration: A "GAMMELANG," OR JAVANESE CONCERT.]

This is the principal meal of the day, and, occupying often two or three
hours, it is made not merely an epicurean feast, but also an
intellectual and social banquet. Strong coffee, served in the tiniest of
porcelain cups, follows the guests on their re