40 TH3 NATURAL HISTORY OF 



of escaping by climbing. . . . Wben lie walks in the 

 erect posture, he turns the leg and foot outwards, which 

 occasions him to have a waddling gait and to seem bow- 

 legged." 



Dr. Burrough states of another Gibbon, the Horlack 

 or Hooluk : 



" They walk erect ; and when placed on the floor, or 

 in an open field, balance themselves very prettily by rais- 

 ing their hands over their head and slightly bending the 

 arm at the wrist and elbow, and then run tolerably fast, 

 rocking from side to side ; and, if urged to greater speed, 

 they let fall their hands to the ground, and assist them- 

 selves forward, rather jumping than running, still keeping 

 the body, however, nearly erect." 



Somewhat different evidence, however, is given by 

 Dr. Win slow Lewis :* 



" Their only manner of walking was on their posterior 

 or inferior extremities, the others being raised upwards to 

 preserve their equilibrium, as rope-dancers are assisted by 

 long poles at fairs. Their progression was not by placing 

 one foot before the other, but by simultaneously using 

 both, as in jumping." Dr. Salomon Miiller also states 

 that the Gibbons progress upon the ground by short series 

 of tottering jumps, effected only by the hind limbs, the 

 body being held altogether upright. 



But, Mr. Martin, (1. c. p. 418) who also speaks from 

 direct observation, says of the Gibbons generally : 



" Pre-eminently qualified for arboreal habits, and dis- 

 playing among the branches amazing activity, the Gib- 

 bons are not so awkward or embarrassed on a level surface 

 as might be imagined. They walk erect, with a waddling 

 or unsteady gait, but at a quick pace ; the equilibrium of 



* Boston Joui'ual of Natural History, Vol. I. 1834. 



