CONCLUSION 



In closing this account of my investigations in Borneo 

 it seems appropriate to comment briefly regarding the 

 capabilities and future prospects of the tribes in Dutch 

 Borneo comprised under the popular term Dayaks. We 

 have seen that these natives are still inclined to the re- 

 volting habit of taking heads. In their dastardly at- 

 tacks to accomplish this purpose, though moved by reli- 

 gious fanaticism, they show little courage. On the other 

 hand they exhibit traits of character of which a civilised 

 community might well be proud. 



They are honest, trustworthy, and hospitable. In 

 their kampongs a lonely stranger is safe from molestation 

 and a white man travelling with them is far safer than 

 with the Malays. They are able woodcraft smen, and 

 strikingly artistic, even their firewood being arranged 

 in orderly fashion, pleasing to the eye. Should criti- 

 cism arise regarding the unrestricted relations permitted 

 in these tribes before marriage, owing to the fact that 

 primitive conditions survive which are disapproved in 

 civilised society, to their credit it must be admitted that 

 conjugal relations are all that could be desired. A Dayak 

 does not strike his wife, as Malays may do, and in busi- 

 ness matters he takes her advice. During my travels I 

 never heard of but one instance of infidelity. If such 

 cases occur they are punished in some tribes with ex- 

 treme severity. 



In certain ways the Dayaks show more aptitude than 



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