KARANG BOLONG, a district in the Resid ency of Baglan, division Ambal, on the southerly sea-coast, between the rivers Chinching Golong and Djetis. 4000 able-bodied men of this district find a livelihood by gathering edible birds' nests, as fishers, and in cultivating sawa. Their bird nesting is accompanied by various local usages, amongst others are a feast, always on a Thursday, and cleaning the cliff ; the next morning (Friday) buffaloes are killed. Two hours afterwards they take some pieces of flesh, tongue, entrails, etc., from the slaughtered animals, and place them on small bowls woven of bamboo, called Sadjen. They are then offered to Bolong Watu Tumpang, and near the watch-houses of the cliffs a he-goat is offered with incense. In the afternoon a wayang is performed in the Belong, generally a piece of seven acts, while the necessary flowers, fruits, ointments, siri, Pinang, etc., required for the offerings, are prepared by the Tukang Kern bong, and placed on the bamboo 'bowls, and in the evening are brought by a servant into the Belong near the seroot tree. A Javanese named Kaki is buried there, and the natives declare that the tree has sprung from his navel. They likewise make offerings on the burial-place, at the waringin tree, and in the overseer's house. After the
wayang players have returned from the Belong, the devil's bed (Nyai Ratu Kidul, which has existed from time immemorial) is put in order by the Tukang Gedong woman, and ornamented with silk and other cloths. Every Thursday this bed is cleaned, and offerings are made to it. Small lamps are lighted, and small bamboo bowls, with flowers, fruits, etc., are placed with particular marks of honour by the Tukang Gedong before the bed on a small couch made for the purpose. At the same time she says in high Javanese, as if addressing some distinguished person, By order of Mijiuheer, I here bring wherewithal for you alone to eat.' After this speech the Tukang Gedong herself answers, ' Yes, mother Tukang Gedong, say to father Mijinheer that I return my thanks for the food which he has sent me.' At this ceremony the Tukang Gedong further asks Nyai Ratu Kidul if it be agreeable to her that the birds' nests should be collected, and if it shall take place without mischance, to which Yes is the usual answer.—Journal of the Indian Archipelago, No. iii. p. 103.