424 THROUGH CENTRAL BORNEO 



medans, the aggressors feel contempt for the pork-eat- 

 ing natives, many of whom gradually give up this habit 

 to attain what they consider a higher social status, at 

 the same time adopting a new way of living, and even- 

 tually disappear. 



In this manner a change is slowly but surely being 

 wrought in the Dayaks, who regard the Malays as su- 

 perior and are influenced accordingly; but the influence 

 is not beneficial. Malays have been known to incite 

 them to head-hunting, using them as tools for their own 

 ends, and when entering upon one of their frequent revo- 

 lutions always manage to enlist the support of Dayaks 

 whom they have deceived by promises. The late comers 

 have already occupied most of the main courses of the 

 great rivers, and are constantly pressing the rightful 

 owners back into the interior. 



The Dutch officials, be it said to their credit, are 

 helping the latter against the intruders, and at times the 

 government has limited the activities of the Malays on 

 some rivers. But it is difficult, and apparently impos- 

 sible, to stop a process of absorption that began cen- 

 turies ago. The ultimate extinction of the Dayak is 

 inevitable because the Malay is not only stronger, but 

 has the additional advantage of being more prolific. 



