TROGLODYTES GORILLA 



625 



so tmicli of the ajipcarancf to the animal upon which its reputation lor pug- 

 nacity depends. It IS true tliat the hea\ v head, short thick neck and tremeii- 

 ch)us arms create the imprt'ssion ol a |)eeiiharl\ t-lheient h<j;htm'i; machine, 



.nn,;.,i, WTi,M<r,.( Wi;.M.,n ...I •. .,< u : •:! 1 1 i.-Kity 



FIG. 2~6. LAKGE MALE GORILLA KILLED IN THE AEKICAN CONGO. 



which, howfNcr, has one great inherent weakness in thi- iinperU'ct de\c'lop- 

 ment ol the legs and feet. Tlu' animal is ahle to assume the u|)right position 

 and walks thus in an aw kward maiiiu'r, using the great arms to aid in balanc- 

 ing. In the main, howfxer, it goes upon all lours, partieularl\ when desirous 

 ol making speed through the underhrush or climbing among the trei's. It 

 rises upon its hindlegs iargelx for pur|)oses ol inspection, in order to make a 

 sur\ev ol the surrounding territory through which it may be traveling. 

 \\ hether it assumes the erect posture when charging to an attack, or sim])ly 

 stands upright in combat in order to permit tlu' freer ust' of its great 

 l^owcr in the u|)|)er extremity, is a c|uestion which has not \ ft been dccicK'd. 



