422 THROUGH CENTRAL BORNEO 



either Malays or Javanese. To illustrate — the young 

 men of the latter races whom I employed as "boys" on 

 various occasions, and the Javanese soldiers who accom- 

 panied me, were satisfactory on the whole, but when 

 several work together, each one is afraid he will do more 

 than his share. Neither of them can tie knots that are 

 at once firm and readily undone, nor are they able to 

 drive a nail properly, put in screws, or rope a box, al- 

 though no doubt in time they could learn; but the Dayaks 

 are uniformly handy at such work. A well-known char- 

 acteristic of the "inlander," which he possesses in common 

 with some classes in other races, is that if he receives his 

 due, no more and no less, he accepts the payment with- 

 out question, but if a gratuity is added he will invariably 

 ask for more. The Dayaks are much easier to deal with 

 in that regard and more businesslike. 



Needless to state neither Javanese nor Malays are 

 stupid. They learn quickly to do efficient routine work 

 in office or shop, but when something new demands at- 

 tention they are at a loss and appear awkward. Their 

 intelligence, especially as regards the Javanese, is some- 

 times beyond the ordinary. Dr. J. C. Koningsberger, 

 who at the time was director of the Botanic Garden at 

 Buitenzorg, Java, told me that an "inlander" once ap- 

 plied to him for a position. He was able to read a little, 

 but the doctor said: "I cannot employ you because you 

 cannot write." A week later he returned and demon- 

 strated that he had mastered the obstacle, having been 

 taught by a friend in the evenings by lamplight. When 

 clever, the Javanese are very clever. 



