Its Length Was 2.30 Metres; The Circumference Back Of The Fore Legs 44 Centimetres.

It was with regret that I said good-bye to the Bahau peoples.

Had it been in my power, I should like to have spent years instead of months in this Mahakam region. The Dayaks here are friendly to strangers, and as the great rapids farther down the river form a natural barrier, they seldom receive visitors, therefore are little changed by outside influence. The Malays have never been able to extend their influence above the rapids, and whatever modification may be noticeable in the natives is chiefly due to their journeys to Long Iram in order to exchange the products of the utan for commodities of the outside world. The government has exerted itself to keep the Malays from coming, but no doubt in the end this will prove as unavailing as it did on the Upper Barito. A few of them now and then find their way across the range that forms a natural boundary toward the south, and although thus far Malay settlement up here is negligible, its ultimate ascendancy is probable, however long the time that may pass before it is accomplished.

CHAPTER XXVII

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY DOWN THE RIVER - GREAT KIHAMS - BATOKELAU - AT LONG IRAM - LAST STAGES OF OUR JOURNEY - ARRIVAL AT SAMARINDA - HINDU ANTIQUITIES - NATIVE'S SUPERIORITY TO CIVILISED MAN

Early in August, as soon as the river had receded sufficiently to be considered favourable for travel, we started in seven prahus with thirty-two men.

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