11 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



" On the habits of the orangs, as far as I have been able to 

 observe them, I may remark that they are as dull and as 

 slothful as can well be conceived, and on no occasion, when 

 pursuing them, did they move so fast as to preclude my keep- 

 ing pace with them easily through a moderately clear forest ; 

 and even when obstructions below (such as wading up to 



SIM I A. 



Satyrus (Gr. Scm.'pof, a satyr), the Orang-outan. 



the neck) allowed them to get away some distance, they were 

 sure to stop and allow us to come up. I never observed the 

 slightest attempt at defence ; and the wood, which sometimes 

 rattled about our ears, was broken by their weight, and not 

 thrown, as some persons represent. If pushed to extremity, 

 however, the pappan could not be otherwise than formidable ; 

 and one unfortunate man, who with a party was trying to 

 catch one alive, lost two of his fingers, besides being severely 

 bitten on the face, whilst the animal finally beat off his pur- 



