144 THROUGH CENTRAL BORNEO 



other experiences during two years among the Dayaks. 

 I was greatly surprised to observe that some of the men 

 who had been loitering near our goods on the bank of the 

 river had begun to carry off a number of large empty 

 tins which had been placed there ready for shipment. 

 These are difficult to procure, and being very necessary 

 for conveying rice, salt, and other things, I had declined 

 to give them away. The natives had always been wel- 

 come to the small tin cans, also greatly in favour with 

 them. Milk and jam tins are especially in demand, and 

 after they have been thrown away the Dayaks invariably 

 ask if they may have them. As they are very dexterous 

 in wood-work they make nicely carved wooden covers 

 for the tins, in which to keep tobacco or other articles. 



Returning from one of many tours I had made back 

 to the house from where our belongings were taken, I 

 caught sight of three Murungs running as fast as they 

 could, each carrying two large tins, the kapala calmly 

 looking on. I told him that unless they were immediately 

 returned I should report the matter to the government. 

 This had the desired effect, and at his order no less than 

 sixteen large tins were j)romptly produced. 



This was surprising, but as a faithful chronicler of 

 things Bornean I feel obliged to tell the incident, the 

 explanation of which to a great extent is the fact that the 

 natives here have been tcK) susceptible to the demoralis- 

 ing Malay influence which has overcome their natural 

 scruples about stealing. It must be admitted that the 

 Dayaks wherever I have been are fond of wang (money), 

 and they are inclined to charge high prices for the articles 



