i THE GORILLA. G3 



The analogy of the Chimpanzee to the Orang, 

 in its nest-building habit and in the mode of 

 forming its nest, is exceedingly interesting; while, 

 on the other hand, the activity of this ape, and 

 its tendency to bite, are particulars in which it 

 rather resembles the Gibbons. In extent of geo- 

 graphical range, again, the Chimpanzees — which 

 are found from Sierra Leone to Congo — remind 

 one of the Gibbons, rather than of either of the 

 other man-like apes; and it seems not unlikely 

 that, as is the case with the Gibbons, there may be 

 several species spread over the geographical area 

 of the genus. 



The same excellent observer, from whom I 

 have borrowed the preceding account of the habits 

 of the adult Chimpanzee, published fifteen years 

 ago,* an account of the Gokilla, which has, in 

 its most essential points, been confirmed by subse- 

 quent observers, and to which so very little has 

 really been added, that in justice to Dr. Savage I 

 give it almost in full. 



" It should be borne in mind that my account is based 

 upon the statements of the aborigines of that region (the 

 Gaboon). In this connection, it may also be proper for 

 me to remark, that having been a missionary resident for 

 several years, studying, from habitual intercourse, the 

 African mind and character, I felt myself prepared to 

 discriminate and decide upon the probability of their 

 statements. Besides, being familiar with the history and 



* Notice of the external characters and habits of Trog- 

 lodvtes Gorilla. Boston Journal of Natural History, 



1S47. 



