In 1821 the author saw a pit to capture rhinoceros near Radja Mendala in the Preanger Regentschappen.
The stories that the rhinoceros is never tamed are contradicted by experience.
To catch the rhinoceros, the Javanese search for the place where it comes to drink. They then dig a hole in the path to that place in the shape of a grave, but converging into a point at the lower end. They cover it with bamboos, and on top of these they put earth and reed or leaves. If the rhino falls in it, it can no longer move. Some Javanese sharp shooters will let the rhinoceros aproach p to eight paces, when they aim at the head. The animal can also be caught in heavy snares.
Among the Javanese hunters there are some who say that they have often seen a beautiful woman on the back of the rhinoceros, which they could not follow. They regard the woman as the devil, who made them so weak that they could not move, while some of their companions were eaten alive by the animal.
The horn of a rhinoceros is regarded by the locals as a talisman or Moesthiko against evil, and the Chinese find it strengthening.
