chap, vi.] CHARACTER. 139 



form a truer estimate of the Dyaks' character and social 

 condition. We learn thereby, that these people have passed 

 beyond that first stage of savage life in which the struggle 

 for existence absorbs the whole faculties, and in which 

 every thought and idea is connected with war or hunting, 

 or the provision for their immediate necessities. These 

 amusements indicate a capability of civilization, an apti- 

 tude to enjoy other than mere sensual pleasures, which 

 might be taken advantage of to elevate their whole intel- 

 lectual and social life. 



The moral character of the Dyaks is undoubtedly high — 

 a statement which will seem strange to those who have 

 heard of them only as head-hunters and pirates. The Hill 

 Dyaks of whom I am speaking, however, have never been 

 pirates, since they never go near the sea ; and head-hunting 

 is a custom originating in the petty wars of village with 

 village, and tribe with tribe, which no more implies a bad 

 moral character than did the custom of the slave-trade 

 a hundred years ago imply want of general morality in all 

 who participated in it. Against this one stain on their 

 character (which in the case of the Sarawak Dyaks no 

 longer exists) we have to set many good points. They are 

 truthful and honest to a remarkable degree. From this 

 cause it is very often impossible to get from them any 

 definite information, or even an opinion. They say, " If I 

 were to tell you what I don't know, I might tell a lie ; " 



